Blog

Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay II Adds Polyphonic Octave Effects to Its Darkglass-Powered StingRay Ernie Ball Music Man has officially introduced the DarkRay™ II, the next evolution of its DarkRay bass, bringing fully integrated polyphonic octave-up and octave-down effects to its already distinctive Darkglass-powered electronics. Building on the aggressive foundation of the original DarkRay, the new model expands its onboard tonal capabilities with two additional effects, giving players access to octave processing alongside the familiar Alpha and Omega distortion circuits. The result is an instrument that combines the traditional StingRay Special platform with a considerably broader range of modern bass tones, without requiring additional pedals. A New Dimension to the Darkglass Preamp At the heart of the DarkRay II is a custom Darkglass two-band active preamp, featuring master volume, bass and treble controls, and two push/push knobs responsible for its additional processing capabilities. The gain control switches between two distinct Darkglass distortion voices: Alpha, delivering a tighter, more focused distortion, and Omega, providing the heavier fuzz character for which the circuit is known. The second push/push control handles the newly integrated octave effects, allowing players to select between polyphonic octave up and octave down. Both controls feature illuminated LED rings that change colour to indicate the selected mode, providing immediate visual feedback while adjusting the instrument. A three-way lever switch provides further control over the signal, allowing players to select the core bass tone, octave-only processing, or octave combined with distortion. The polyphonic implementation is particularly interesting here. Unlike traditional monophonic octave tracking, the DarkRay II can process multiple notes simultaneously, including chords, opening up possibilities for harmonically richer textures and more experimental playing. Familiar StingRay Special Construction Beyond the expanded electronics, the DarkRay II retains the familiar StingRay Special foundation. The instrument features an ash body paired with a roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard. Its 22 stainless steel frets, neodymium-equipped humbucking pickup and black hardware maintain the distinctive aesthetic and construction associated with the StingRay family. The familiar 3+1 headstock configuration completes the design. Another welcome inclusion is a set of Ernie Ball rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, supplied with the instrument to power its active electronics. Finishes and Availability The Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay II is available in four standard finishes: Black, Showtime, Spectralite and Mean Green Burst. With the addition of integrated polyphonic octave effects, the DarkRay II takes the original concept considerably further. Combining the StingRay Special platform with Darkglass Alpha and Omega distortion and dedicated octave processing, it offers bass players an unusually comprehensive onboard sound-shaping system. For players who prefer keeping their rigs compact while still having access to more experimental and aggressive tones, the DarkRay II is certainly an interesting new addition to the Ernie Ball Music Man lineup. Frequently Asked Questions What is new in the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay II? The main addition is fully integrated polyphonic octave-up and octave-down processing, expanding the original DarkRay’s Darkglass-powered electronics. What distortion circuits does the DarkRay II feature? It includes two Darkglass distortion voices: Alpha, for tighter distortion, and Omega, for a heavier fuzz character. Can the DarkRay II play chords through its octave effect? Yes. Its polyphonic octave processing can track multiple notes simultaneously, including chords. How much does the DarkRay II cost? Its official US street price is $3,299. For more information, specifications and availability, visit the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay II official product page.