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Pros:
- Multiple features
- Ease of use
- Multiband processing
Cons:
- Big in size
Source Audio is the brand that always finds ways to come up with distinctive and feature-laden devices. If we were to single out their best creation, we’d probably get lost in the collection of countless pedals, failing to choose the one that stands out the most. Just like every other brand out there they do have their flaws, but the majority of their units prove to be of top-notch quality.
The quality is expressed via durable bodies, jaw-dropping sounds or extensive feature sets. No matter what effect you choose, I’m sure you’ll find something worthy in their collection. That is why we trust them even with such peculiar devices as bass distortion. Since this instrument has a very expressive character, creating pedals that will accentuate but not overpower its essence isn’t an easy task.
In fact, it requires a lot of effort and attention to detail, otherwise, you’ll end up with a piece of crap that doesn’t do anything. Today I’ll discuss the features of their Multiwave Bass Distortion – a stompbox that belongs to the Soundblox Pro series. Though you would guess how content I’m with this one, let’s dig deep into properties and explore the features that make it stand out among the crowd. Plus, I’ll have the chance to prove my point even better. Quite a win-win situation for me, don’t you think? Okay, I’ll stop blabbering, and let’s get started already!
Features
Source Audio Soundblox Pro Multiwave Bass Distortion is no different from its siblings in the sense that it offers the same quality and versatility as we usually encounter with the brand. I would even say that this puppy redefines diversity and lets us rethink what we call a multi-faceted device. Though it might seem like it, I’m not exaggerating even a bit and if you choose to get your hands on this one, you’ll concur with me too.
The brand has taken a whole new approach when it comes to the ways in which distortion is added to your sound. That sounds a bit confusing, but let me explain: Soundblox Pro Multiwave Bass Distortion doesn’t saturate all the frequency bands simultaneously. It splits them in separate parts, distorts a specific range, and then blends them together. This way you aren’t left with mashed potatoes – you can enjoy fries with individual bites (don’t judge me for inaccurate analogy, please).
What difference all that fuss makes? – you might wonder. Well, it creates more accuracy and emphasizes various characteristics of your sound even better. More importantly, Soundblox Pro Multiwave Bass Distortion offers new types of distortion (some of them might sound familiar, but still they aren’t the same), which turns it into a unique piece. You get 23 options in total, which is more than you’d usually see in such pedals. With this puppy, you can create and save 6 presets – just a guarantee that your magical sounds won’t be lost and forgotten.
It has a 7-band graphic equalizer that nails all the frequencies to perfection. If available controls aren’t enough for you, you can always utilize an expression input for morphing presets into one another. You can also employ Hot Hand sensor for extended motion control. And finally, this fella is compatible with MIDI devices and has a dedicated input for them.
Controls
I don’t know how Source Audio managed to shove all those features into such a comprehensible control set. Though I still recommend looking over the manual for all those tiny details, generally, you’ll be able to get the hang of this one on your own. But in case you aren’t, I’ll discuss everything briefly and make sure you have the right expectations.
In the top center part of the pedal you’ll find an encoder that doesn’t have any name. It enables you to choose between different types of distortion (Normal, Foldback, Multiband…) or select Clean Boost/EQ mode, in which you can bypass distortion and use this one as a preamp. EQ Amount alters the amount of equalizer curve, Drive adds/reduces gain, Clean Mix determines how much dry signal will be fed to the output, while Distortion Mix controls the volume of distorted signal (the latter two balance the ratio of wet and dry signals).
When it comes to the EQ section, here we have two band-selectors and a knob that varies your frequencies with 1dB steps. Controls such as Preset Bank, Hot Hand Enable and Calibrate are quite self-explanatory. Lastly, the footswitches can be utilized for saving and recalling the presets.
Source Audio SA141 Sound
If I were in the Source Audio team, I would get goose bumps each time reviewers would approach the sound section. Discussing sonic capabilities of Soundblox Pro Multiwave Bass Distortion is a mere pleasure, and playing with it is nothing less than nirvana. The technology I mentioned above (i.e. splitting the bands and distorting them that way) makes a lot of sense when you get down to business.
If you like experimenting with sophisticated chords, you’ll immediately hear how distinctive and defined the effect is. It makes your sound so precise and multi-dimensional! The available types vary both in character and in uniqueness, as well. In Normal mode, you’ll find many familiar tones that you’ll come across rather frequently. But as you move on to other available options, you start to realize that you’re working with sounds that have never been heard before.
For instance, Foldback utilizes foldback curves (duh) that decrease the output when the input is increased and vice versa. This creates a pulsating effect that shifts and swings from one place to another. The EQ is a beautiful addition to the package and presets top up an already fantastic pedal.
Conclusion
It’s been one of a journey, ha? Soundblox Pro Multiwave Bass Distortion from Source Audio is an ethereal device. The only flaw I could find is that it’s big in size – bigger than its conventional siblings. Other than that there’s nothing I can personally complain about. This puppy truly has it all – new sounds that will set your performance apart from the crowd, as well as flexibility and precision we all need so much. This fella definitely deserves a chance. Good luck!
Click here to view more from 5 Best Bass Distortion Pedals.
