bassgearreviews

Blog

Category: News
News

Panda Audio Unveils the Future Impact V4 VIP

Compact Powerhouse for Bass Synth Enthusiasts A new evolution in synthesizer pedal design has arrived. The VIP edition delivers all the powerful features of its larger predecessor in a significantly smaller, pedalboard-friendly format—without compromising performance. Measuring just 125 x 85 x 60 mm and weighing only 330 grams, this compact unit fits seamlessly into any setup while maintaining the full capabilities of a much larger device. Designed with versatility in mind, it covers an impressive sonic range—from classic synth basses, leads, and pads to a wide array of effects including octaver, chorus, flanger, phaser, distortion, envelope filter, wah-wah, tremolo, reverb, and more. With a built-in tuner, it has the potential to replace an entire board of dedicated pedals. This next-generation pedal features a powerful signal processor capable of replicating the architecture of classic synthesizers, including oscillators, filters, amplifiers, and envelope generators. It also includes modern processing blocks such as harmonizers, distortion, chorus, and EQ for ultimate flexibility in sound design. Key enhancements include: This pedal is more than a synthesizer—it’s a complete sound design platform, optimized for musicians seeking power, portability, and creative freedom.

June 2, 2025 No Comments
Dingwall SP1
News

Dingwall Guitars Unveils the SP1

A Modern Classic for the Studio and Stage Dingwall Guitars has officially released the SP1, a bold new addition to their Ready to Play series that merges vintage-inspired tone with cutting-edge design. Available in both 4- and 5-string configurations, the SP1 is poised to become a go-to instrument for session players and live performers alike. A Fresh Take on the PJ Formula At its core, the SP1 is a passive PJ-style bass that offers remarkable tonal flexibility without the need for onboard preamps or batteries. Its pickup configuration features a Dingwall Dual-P split-coil in the neck position and an FD3n humbucker at the bridge. These are controlled via a Quad-Tone rotary selector, which offers four distinct voicings: neck pickup solo, both pickups in series, both in parallel, and bridge pickup solo. This intuitive setup is complemented by master volume and tone controls, allowing players to dial in a wide range of sounds with ease. Multi-Scale Comfort and Precision True to Dingwall’s legacy, the SP1 employs a multi-scale (fanned fret) design, ranging from 32 inches on the treble side to 34.25 inches on the bass side for the 4-string model. This ensures balanced string tension and enhanced clarity across the fretboard. The neck is a one-piece maple bolt-on with an elliptical profile, paired with a rosewood fingerboard featuring 22 banjo-sized frets. Built for Versatility and Style The SP1’s body is crafted from alder and finished in a range of striking colors, including Vintage Burst, Ducati Pearl White, Dark Candy Green, and Metallic Black. A standout visual feature is the transparent pickguard, originally hand-painted by artist Hugh Fisher and now UV-printed to allow the body color to subtly influence its appearance. Hardware includes Dingwall’s minimalist bridge with a custom riser system for easy action adjustments, lightweight open-gear tuners, and black nickel hardware. Hybrid Craftsmanship and Pricing The SP1 is the result of a hybrid manufacturing process, combining precision work from Indonesia with final assembly and quality control in Canada. Pricing starts at $2,499 for 4-string models and $2,599 for 5-string versions. Each bass comes with a padded gig bag, making it ready for the road straight out of the box.

June 2, 2025 No Comments
EMpress Bass ParaEQ
News

Empress Effects Releases the Bass ParaEQ

Empress Effects Releases Dedicated EQ Pedal for Bass Instruments Ottawa, ON – May 21, 2025 – Empress Effects is proud to announce the release of the Bass ParaEq, the only bass specific parametric EQ pedal on the market today. Building on the success of their acclaimed ParaEq MKII series, which has already gained popularity with bassists, the Bass ParaEq offers the same studio-grade precision but with features tailored for low-end instruments. The Bass ParaEq follows the success of the Empress Bass Compressor and ParaEq MKII Deluxe, which have become some of the company’s best-reviewed and top-selling products. The Bass Compressor’s popularity confirmed what Empress had long suspected: bassists are eager for tools built with their needs in mind, not just adaptations of guitar gear. The Bass ParaEq retains the line’s powerful 3-band parametric EQ and studio-style features while introducing a bass-optimized frequency layout, a selectable 10MΩ Hi-Z input for piezo- equipped instruments, a dynamically-adjusted low shelf, and automatic balanced output detection—perfect for live and studio use alike. Whether dialing in clarity for a dense mix or compensating for an unfamiliar venue, the Bass ParaEq offers precise tonal control in a compact, road-ready form. With 27V of internal headroom to prevent clipping from even the hottest active pickups, the Bass ParaEq is the ultimate studio-style EQ designed to travel. Key features of the Bass ParaEq include:● Adjustable frequency bands tailored for bass instruments● Selectable 10MΩ Hi-Z input for upright basses and piezo pickups● Auto-detecting balanced output for long cable runs and direct recording● Three sweepable parametric bands with variable Q● High-pass, low-pass, low shelf, and high shelf filters● Transparent analog signal path with 27V of internal headroom The Bass ParaEq is now shipping worldwide. It can be purchased from the Empress Effectswebsite for $374 USD and through authorized Empress dealers globally. About Empress Effects: Founded in 2005 in Ottawa, Canada, Empress Effects designs analogand digital effects for discerning musicians who value tone and creative depth. Known for boththeir studio-grade compressors and EQs, as well as the powerhouse “modular synth in pedal-form” ZOIA, Empress’ unique and vast offerings can be seen in studios and on stages acrossthe world.

May 21, 2025 No Comments
Pino Palladino Smothie Flats
News

Ernie Ball Launches the Pino Palladino Smoothie Flats Bass Strings

The Feel of Old String, Straight Out of The Pack! Ernie Ball has officially released the highly anticipated Pino Palladino Smoothie Flats, a new set of flatwound bass strings developed in close collaboration with the legendary session bassist himself. Designed for players chasing a rich, vintage tone with ultra-smooth feel, the Smoothie Flats are crafted using a precision-polished cobalt alloy ribbon. This unique construction gives the strings lower tension and a deep, thumpy low end that flatwound fans—and especially fretless players—will appreciate. Palladino, known for his iconic fretless tone and his work with artists like D’Angelo, John Mayer, and The Who, was deeply involved in the development process. “They feel so good,” he says in Ernie Ball’s demo video. “You don’t get any string noise. They’ve got that real thump and tons of low end. It’s a different approach compared to roundwounds.” String gauge was also key to the final design. The Pino Palladino Smoothie Flats are available in two sets: Whether you’re after classic Motown warmth or a modern, articulate flatwound vibe, these strings are definitely worth a test drive.

May 12, 2025 No Comments
Flax Pack 2
News

René Flächsenhaar Releases Flax Pack 2

A New Collection of Stunning HX Stomp Presets René Flächsenhaar is back with Flax Pack 2, an inspired new selection of HX Stomp presets designed to elevate your tone. From tight, funky rhythms to expansive ambient soundscapes, this pack offers a versatile palette perfect for both hobbyists and professional musicians. Whether you’re looking to spark creativity or refine your live rig, Flax Pack 2 delivers fresh, expressive tones that stand out in any mix. Get the Flax Pack 2 Here!

May 10, 2025 No Comments

bassgearreviews

Facebook-f Twitter Youtube
Copyright © 2025 Bass Gear Reviews, All rights reserved.