DOD Launches BassTEC Effects Processor

Offering versatile tools for bass guitarists of all styles, the BassTEC's impressive digital effects list includes a Noise Gate, three-band EQ, Auto Swell, Pitch Shifter, Detune, Tremolo, Phaser, Ring Modulator, Flange, Chorus, Mono Delay, Multi-Tap Delay and Reverb, as well as several totally new effects. One such effect is the 'Pixellator', which is a digital undersampler designed to degrade the signal for an effect popularly used by industrial, techno and rap musicians. Also, the BassTEC's 'Psychobass' effects are made up of enveloped phasers and flangers. This means that they will respond to the strength of the attack, creating tones previously attainable only by synthesis.

The processor also features a warm analog compressor and two distortion types: Overdrive and Grunge. Typically, when bass players use regular distortion pedals, the low end invariably gets chopped off. However, the distortion presets on the BassTEC mix in an appropriate amount of the original signal with the distorted signal. This allows the original signal to carry the low end punch with the distortion blending in to create a very large sound.

Besides tile 30 factory-preset effect combinations, the BassTEC also has memory for 30 additional user-defined programs, allowing plenty of room to create tones all one's own.

A C/C jack enables volume, wah, tremolo speed, chorus depth and more to all be adjusted in real time via an external volume or continuous controller pedal, while an on-board chromatic tuner eliminates the need for another piece of gear in the signal chain. Sporting 1/4-inch ins and outs, the output jack may be used to feed an amplifier or power a pair of headphones. The BassTEC utilizes 18-bit A/D/A resolution and a 20-bit DSP to provide its wide frequency response and low noise. A DOD PS20OR power supply is included to power the unit.

Suggested U.S. retail price on the BassTEC is $189.95.