Source Audio Introduces the ZIO Bass Preamp

Source Audio has expanded its offering of bass-specific pedals with the ZIO, which is an analog bass preamp and DI. Designed by the company’s lead engineer Jesse Remignanti and Christopher Venter of SHOE Pedals, the ZIO utilizes Burr-Brown Op-Amps that they explain offer maximum headroom and a “simple yet powerful set of equalization, gain, and tone coloring controls.”

“When used in tandem, the BASS and FOCUS knobs offer tremendous depth and power,” Source Audio writes. “The BASS knob provides a substantial low-end boost at around 100Hz, while also gently reducing muddy low-mids to retain clarity. The FOCUS knob sweeps the cut-off point of a high-pass filter to tame excessive sub-bass frequencies, creating extra headroom for a concise and punchy bass tone. The TREBLE knob boosts or cuts the highs to either enhance articulation without adding harshness, or smooth attack transients for a softer sound.”

In addition to the knobs, the ZIP has Grit and Scoop switches. Grit, as you can imagine, emulates the tone of pushing a vintage tube amp into overdrive. The amount of Grit is determined by a Gain trim knob tucked into the side of the pedal. Scoop activates a low-mid cut and an upper midrange boost to add clarity and articulation. The filter is based on the “Pultec Trick” utilized by studio engineers.

Finally, the ZIO has a headphone output, an XLR direct output, and a 1/4-inch output. This allows for accommodating any playing situation from practice to gigging to recording.

The Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + DI is available for $249.

Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + DI Features: