Blog

Category: Reviews

Reviews

Joyo Vision Dual Modulation: Pedal Review

A Stereo Modulation Playground for the Adventurous Bassist Introduction The Joyo Vision is not your typical modulation pedal — it’s a dual-engine stereo modulation powerhouse designed for players who love to experiment and push sonic boundaries. While many modulation pedals stick to the classics, the Vision throws subtlety out the window, offering two fully independent modulation channels, nine effects per channel, and the ability to run them in series or parallel. For bassists, this opens up everything from lush, stereo choruses and shimmering vibratos to full-blown synth-like madness. It’s not a pedal for your blues trio — it’s a tool for sound explorers. TL;DR The Joyo Vision is a stereo dual-modulation pedal with two independent engines, each offering nine modulation types. It’s capable of everything from smooth chorus and phaser sounds to wild bit-crushing, ring modulation, and sample & hold effects. On bass, some modes lose low end, but pairing them with an octave pedal transforms them into rich, synth-like tones. It’s not a “set and forget” modulation pedal — it’s an experimental sound design tool for creative bassists who love ambient, electronic, or avant-garde textures. Check Price on Amazon –> Design and Controls Physically, the Vision carries Joyo’s familiar solid build quality: a sturdy metal enclosure, dual footswitches, and a clean, symmetrical layout that invites experimentation. The pedal runs in stereo, which adds dimension and depth when connected to two amps or recording channels. The Vision features two completely independent modulation engines — Channel A and Channel B. Each has its own set of controls and a dedicated footswitch, allowing you to engage them separately or stack them for complex combinations. At the heart of the pedal is a Type selector for each channel, giving access to nine modulation effects: You can route the channels in parallel (A + B side by side) or in series (A feeding into B). The routing toggle on the faceplate lets you quickly switch between the two. The knobs themselves are responsive and intuitive, with parameters typically controlling rate, depth, and level for each channel. It’s a pedal that rewards hands-on tweaking — and with stereo operation, small adjustments can dramatically alter the soundscape. Core Features What sets the Joyo Vision apart is its dual-engine architecture. Each channel can act independently, or you can blend them to create evolving, multi-layered modulation. For bass players, the core strengths lie in the more traditional modes — chorus, phaser, flanger, and vibrato — which sound lush, full, and preserve low end effectively. The stereo chorus in particular shines: deep, musical, and studio-clean. The more extreme modes — bit crusher, sample & hold, and ring modulation — can be challenging on bass, as they tend to lose low frequencies. However, when paired with an octave pedal, these modes open the door to synth bass territory. Combining octave → ring mod → stutter creates truly electronic, percussive textures reminiscent of Jojo Mayer’s Nerve or Chris Hargreaves (Submotion Orchestra). Stacking effects across both channels is where the pedal really comes alive. Feed a chorus into vibrato, or tremolo into sample & hold, and you get evolving, unpredictable modulation that shifts and pulses in stereo — ideal for ambient or experimental compositions. The Vision is not a one-sound pedal, but rather a modulation lab. It invites exploration and rewards creative routing. Pros and Cons Pros Cons FAQs Q1: Does the Joyo Vision work well on bass?Yes — the modulation-based effects like chorus, phaser, and vibrato sound excellent. Some of the more experimental modes can lose low end, but combining them with an octave pedal or EQ restores thickness. Q2: Can both channels run at once?Absolutely. You can run Channel A and B in series (A → B) or parallel (A + B), allowing for endless modulation layering possibilities. Q3: Is it stereo?Yes. The Vision is a true stereo pedal, making it ideal for recording setups, dual-amp rigs, or immersive headphone playing. Conclusion The Joyo Vision isn’t a typical modulation pedal — it’s a creative tool for sonic exploration. With its dual modulation engines, stereo operation, and mix of classic and experimental effects, it gives bass players access to a huge palette of textures, from lush and subtle to chaotic and synth-like. It’s not for everyone — traditional players may find it overkill — but for those who love ambient soundscapes, electronic grooves, or pushing their tone into new territory, the Vision is a goldmine of inspiration. If you’ve ever wished your bass could sound like a modular synth, the Joyo Vision is your ticket there. Get the Joyo Vision at the best price now! Other Joyo Gear You Might Like If you enjoyed checking out this Joyo pedal, here are more Joyo products worth exploring — all tested and reviewed here on BassGearReviews:

Reviews

Mvave Cube Baby Bass: Pedal Review 2025

A Pocket-Sized Rig for Practice and Portability Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by MVave for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information. Introduction The Mvave Cube Baby Bass is one of those curious little gadgets that blurs the line between practice tool and full-fledged effects unit. It’s tiny, rechargeable, packed with features like cabinet simulations, modulation, delay, EQ, and even doubles as an audio interface. At first glance, it seems too good to be true — a “pocket-sized studio” for bass players. But what does it really deliver? Let’s find out. TL;DR The Mvave Cube Baby Bass is a fun, portable, and incredibly affordable multi-effects unit that’s perfect for practice, studio sketching, or travel. It’s loaded with useful features — IR cabinets, modulation, delay/reverb, Bluetooth, battery operation, and a built-in tuner — all in a pedal smaller than most smartphones. However, its miniature form factor means cramped controls, a basic compressor, a not-so-precise tuner, and a lack of certain bass essentials (like overdrive or octaver). It’s not a pro-level gigging rig, but for its price, it’s a surprisingly capable and musical little box. Check Price on Amazon –> Design and Controls Physically, the Cube Baby Bass is tiny — measuring only 15.5 cm by 5.5 cm, which you can literally measure with a school ruler. This is both great and limiting: you can slip it in a pocket or gig bag with ease, but its size also makes it a little fiddly for live-stage operation. It’s clearly more of a studio or practice tool than a full-on performance unit. Controls and Interface The pedal features three footswitches (A, B, and C) and ten small knobs that handle everything from EQ to effects depth. Tuner The tuner is unconventional: Core Features Despite its size, the Cube Baby Bass is feature-packed. However, some core bass effects — notably distortion, overdrive, or octave — are missing, making it better suited for practice and ambient experimentation than for comprehensive tone sculpting. Pros and Cons Pros Cons FAQs Q1: Can it be used for live gigs? It can, but it’s not ideal. The small knobs, limited presets (three only), and modest EQ/compression make it better suited for practice, recording demos, or backup use rather than main-stage performance. Q2: Can I use it as an audio interface? Yes. This is one of its best features — it connects directly to your computer via USB and works as a simple interface for recording or streaming. Q3: How does it compare to professional pedals? It’s not in the same class as high-end units like the HX Stomp or Helix. However, as a budget-friendly entry into multi-effects and amp modeling, it punches well above its price point. Conclusion The Mvave Cube Baby Bass is a charming little tool that proves good things really do come in small packages. Its combination of portability, IR flexibility, and USB functionality makes it a fantastic practice, travel, and backup solution. Sure, it’s missing advanced bass essentials and its tuner isn’t stellar, but for the money, it’s hard to beat. If you want a compact, battery-powered rig for home or on-the-go use, the Cube Baby Bass delivers serious fun for pocket change. Get your MVAVE Cube Baby Bass on Amazon Now! If you liked this gear, make sure to also check:

Reviews

Sire Marcus Miller P6 4-String: Bass Review

The Modern Precision with Vintage Soul Disclaimer: This bass was kindly provided by Sire for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information. Introduction Sire has become one of the most trusted names among working bass players by offering professional instruments at accessible prices. The Marcus Miller P6 is their active Precision-style model, designed to deliver the familiar growl and thump of a traditional P-Bass, but with the added flexibility of a modern preamp and an extra Jazz pickup at the bridge. Sire was kind enough to send us one, and we put it through its paces to see if it really captures both worlds. TL;DR: The P6 is the epitome of a versatile Precision-style bass. Specifications The P6 we tested was the 4-string version, with a hard maple neck and rolled fingerboard edges. It comes with a 34″ scale length, 38 mm nut width, medium frets, and a satin neck finish that feels smooth and broken-in out of the box. The pickup configuration is PJ-style: Marcus Super-PJ Revolution Set Pickup set. Electronics include Sire’s Heritage-3 preamp, with a full 3-band EQ, active/passive switching, and a passive tone control.  Hardware consists of the Marcus Miller Modern-S Bass Bridge and Premium Light Weight Open Gear tuners. From the factory, the P6 comes strung with DR roundwound strings and is shipped with the Sire Official Gig Bag — a durable padded case that uses 1680D Oxford polyester fabric, Nylex tricot lining, and 18mm PE foam padding for serious protection during transport and storage. And like the rest of this new generation of Sire basses, the P6 is built with weight in mind, coming in at just around 3.6 kg. First Impressions Lightweight is the first word that comes to mind when picking up the P6. The body feels almost featherlight compared to many other P-style basses, yet it balances surprisingly well even without a strap. The neck, while slightly heavier, does not compromise overall comfort. Out of the box, the fretwork is clean, the edges are rounded, and the satin back of the neck has that fast, “broken-in” feel that players normally spend years achieving. Overall, it feels premium and gig-ready right away. Build Philosophy & Controls The P6 reflects Sire’s mission to blend traditional tone with modern flexibility. The body is mahogany with a sandblasted ash top, giving it a boutique “wooden relief” aesthetic. The C-shape maple neck is bolt-on, smooth, and ergonomic. The finish and rolled fretboard edges make it one of the most comfortable necks you’ll find in this price range. Controls are comprehensive: Master Volume/Tone Control, Pickup Blend, Bass, Mid, Treble, and an active/passive push-pull switch. Hardware design leans vintage-inspired, but sustain and stability remain excellent. Tone & Performance In passive mode, the P6 absolutely nails the traditional Precision vibe. Solo the Precision pickup, and you get that classic midrange growl. Roll off the tone and play closer to the neck, and the warm, muted thump comes alive. Switch things up with the bridge Jazz pickup, and you can blend in extra articulation and frequency content that expands the tonal range far beyond a standard P-Bass. In active mode, the 3-band EQ opens up even more possibilities. Each band is highly responsive, with even the smallest adjustments clearly audible. From vintage Motown-inspired tones to a modern, hi-fi slap sound, the P6 covers an impressive amount of ground with confidence. Comparisons Against Fender’s Player Precision, the P6 offers more tonal variety thanks to the PJ setup and the active preamp. Compared to the V6, the P6 really shines in passive mode, where it captures the essence of a traditional Precision bass more convincingly. Against Yamaha’s BB series, the P6 feels lighter and more modern, while still staying true to the P-Bass soul. Pros & Cons Pros: authentic Precision voice in passive mode; extra tonal versatility with bridge J pickup; highly responsive active EQ; featherlight body (around 3.6 kg) with solid balance; rolled edges and satin neck = immediate comfort; great value for money.Cons: neck is slightly heavier than the body; single-coil hum possible when soloing the J pickup; some players may prefer a heavier, more “traditional-feeling” P-Bass body. Q&A Q: Does the P6 sound like a true Precision bass in passive mode? A: Yes. With the P pickup soloed, it nails the classic growl and muted thump that define a Precision. It can easily hold its own against traditional P-style instruments. Q: How versatile is the PJ pickup configuration? A: Very versatile. The J pickup adds articulation and tonal complexity, allowing you to blend Precision thump with Jazz clarity. It makes the P6 a much more flexible tool than a standard P-Bass. Q: Is the P6 comfortable for long gigs? A: Absolutely. At just around 3.6 kg, it’s lightweight and balances well. The rolled neck edges and satin finish make it one of the most comfortable instruments to play, especially for extended sets. Conclusion The Sire Marcus Miller P6 4-String is a Precision-style bass that does more than just emulate the classics. It captures the unmistakable growl and thump of a traditional P-Bass in passive mode while offering modern versatility through its bridge pickup and active preamp. Lightweight, comfortable, and sonically flexible, it’s a reliable all-rounder that can adapt to almost any gig or studio session. For players who want the best of both vintage character and modern control, the P6 delivers in style. You can find more information on the new Sire P6 on Sire official website! Other bass reviews you might like: – Sire V6 5 String – Modern Active Jazz with Vintage Character – Epiphone Grabber – A modern take on a vintage classic – Ibanez TMB420B and TMB425B – Classic Elegance for everyone

Reviews

Sire Marcus Miller V6 5-String – Bass Review

Modern Active Jazz with Vintage Character Disclaimer: This bass was kindly provided by Sire for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information. Introduction Sire has built a reputation for delivering professional-level instruments at prices that appeal to working musicians. The Marcus Miller V6 is their new active Jazz Bass model, positioned just above the more traditional passive V5. Sire was cool enough to send us a unit so we could see whether the V6 could combine the vibe of a vintage Jazz with the flexibility of a modern preamp, and if the extended low B string would hold up in live and studio contexts. TL;DR: The V6 is, in every sense, a workhorse bass. Specifications The V6 we tested was the 5-string version, with a hard maple neck and rolled fingerboard edges. It comes with a 34″ scale length, 46 mm nut width, medium frets, and a satin neck finish that feels broken-in straight out of the case. The electronics are really where this model stands apart: the Marcus Super-J Revolution pickups are paired with Sire’s Heritage-3 active preamp. This offers a 3-band EQ, active/passive switching, master volume, pickup blend, and a passive tone control. Hardware includes the Marcus Miller Modern-S Bass Bridge, a classic J-Bass style bridge and the Premium Light Weight Open Gear tuners, both solid, stable and super light. From the factory, the V6 ships with DR roundwound strings, ensuring brightness, clarity, and long life. It also comes with the Sire Official Gig Bag, a padded and durable case designed to keep the instrument protected during transport and storage — far more protective than typical entry-level gig bags. And as part of Sire’s lightweight philosophy, the bass tips the scales at just around 3.7 kg, making it especially gig-friendly. First Impressions Out of the box, the bass feels premium. The fretwork is clean, the rolled edges make the neck extremely comfortable, and the satin finish on the back of the neck encourages fast movement. It feels like a broken-in instrument from day one. One of the first issues we noticed was the balance. This new Sire series is clearly focused on being lightweight, and while that’s great for comfort, the lighter body does create a touch of neck-dive on the 5-string. It’s not a dealbreaker — with a strap it almost disappears — but it is there. Once you get used to it, the V6 is a breeze to play, and I’d happily take it through a 3-hour gig without breaking a sweat. Build Philosophy & Controls The V6 reflects Sire’s design philosophy: lightweight comfort with professional-level flexibility. The body is mahogany with a sandblasted ash top, giving it a boutique wooden look and texture. The C-shape maple neck is bolt-on, smooth, and extremely comfortable. The finish makes it feel like a broken-in neck from day one. Hardware leans vintage-inspired, but sustain and tuning stability are a given. And true to Sire’s style, you get a lot of control options: Master Volume/Tone Control, Pickup Blend, Mid and Treble, Bass control with active/passive push-pull. Tone & Performance In a 5-string, the first thing most players check is how well the low B balances with the other strings. On the V6, the low B is tight and articulate. It can sometimes feel a little hotter than the rest, but the difference is subtle and not disruptive. The active mode is where the V6 really shines. The bass feels super balanced, articulate, and robust. The 3-band EQ seems tailor-made for this bass, enhancing all the natural qualities of a Jazz-style instrument — punchy lows, articulate mids, and crystal-clear highs. In passive mode, the V6 is still very usable but feels more sterile compared to the P6’s passive voice or the V6’s own active character. It won’t disappoint, but it doesn’t reach the same level of personality. Comparisons Compared to the V5, the V6 is more versatile thanks to the preamp, and it’s better suited for players who need a wide tonal range. The V5 has the advantage in simplicity and pure vintage vibe. Against Fender’s Player Plus Jazz 5, the V6 holds its own — offering a sweepable mid EQ and a similarly tight B string, but lighter and at a more approachable price. It’s also a strong alternative to Yamaha’s BB735A, though the V6 captures a more authentic Jazz character. Pros & Cons Pros: super versatile and articulate in active mode; tight, usable low B string; wide tonal palette with Heritage-3 preamp; rolled fretboard edges and satin neck = immediate comfort; great value compared to competitors; ultra-lightweight at just around 3.7 kg. Cons: slight neck-dive due to lightweight body; passive mode feels less inspiring than active; single-coil hum possible in passive. Q&A Q: How does the low B string perform on the V6 compared to other 5-strings in this price range? A: The low B is impressively tight and articulate, with only a slight tendency to be hotter than the other strings. It holds up very well against competitors like the Fender Player Plus Jazz 5 and Yamaha BB735A. Q: Is the V6 too heavy for long gigs? A: Not at all. At just around 3.7 kg, the V6 is ultra-lightweight. There is a bit of neck-dive due to the lighter body, but with a strap it’s barely noticeable. Overall, it’s a very comfortable bass for long sets. Q: How versatile is the preamp and EQ section? A: Extremely versatile. The Heritage-3 preamp offers a 3-band EQ, giving you everything from classic Jazz growl to modern active clarity. Even small tweaks are very audible, making it a flexible tool for live and studio use. Conclusion The Sire Marcus Miller V6 5-String is a versatile and robust instrument that easily adapts to different genres. It truly shines in active mode, offering clarity, articulation, and power, while still maintaining a

Reviews

Flamma FB200 Bass Multi-Effects – Portable & Affordable: Pedal Review

Portable, Affordable & Feature-Packed Multi Effects Processor for Bass Players Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Flamma Innovation for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information. Introduction Bass players increasingly want compact, all-in-one tools that work at home, in the studio and on a small stage. The Flamma FB200 attempts to be exactly that: amp and cab sims, effects, IR support, drum machine, rechargeable battery, Bluetooth streaming — all squeezed into a pocketable pedalboard unit. It’s affordable, portable and surprisingly capable. This review digs into the features, sound and workflow, and corrects earlier confusion about the two operating modes so you can plan exactly how to use the unit in rehearsal and onstage. TL;DR The FB200 packs a lot for the money: 20 amp/cab models, 9 user IR slots, 19 effects, 40 presets, a drum machine, Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. Great for practice, travel and small gigs; not a substitute for top-tier modelers if you require studio-grade amp fidelity. Check Price on Amazon –> Design & Controls Dimensions: 311 × 67.5 × 49.7 mm. Weight: ~578 g. The FB200 is compact but laid out with 16 dedicated knobs, four multi-purpose footswitches and a three-character display. The chassis feels solid for its class and an ambient LED strip is included (can be muted). Inputs/outputs are straightforward: ¼″ in, headphone out, USB-C for power/data and Bluetooth 5.0 for streaming backing tracks. Core features Working modes This is important for workflow planning: Why this matters: use Live Mode to craft and refine tones (and save them), then switch to Preset Mode for stage reliability and fast preset recall. Sound & performance Amp sims are practical and musical: cleans are articulate, drives are usable and respond well to attack and dynamics. On their own they’re practical rather than hyper-authentic; loading IRs is the quickest way to lift cabinet realism. Effects are solid for the price — compressors and EQ are particularly useful for bass duties; modulation and reverb are competent and tasteful. No problematic latency was heard; changes and saved patches behave predictably. Usability & workflow The 16 knobs mean you can often avoid menus entirely — great for Live Mode tweaking. The small display keeps things simple in Preset Mode (preset number/name) but won’t replace a large editor screen for deep patch management. The combination of Live and Preset modes lets you adopt a studio→stage workflow: design in Live Mode, save, then switch to Preset Mode for the gig. Battery, portability & recording The internal battery makes the FB200 ideal for busking, travel and home practice. USB-C charging and OTG recording make it easy to capture DI takes without extra gear. For extended multi-set nights you’ll want external power as backup. Pros & Cons Pros Cons FAQs Q: Which mode should I use onstage?A: Use Preset Mode for onstage performance — it’s designed for fast, reliable preset switching. Use Live Mode during soundcheck or when you need to tweak parameters and save new presets. Q: Can I create and save a new preset on the fly?A: Yes — switch to Live Mode, tweak parameters, then save the changes as a new preset. After saving, switch back to Preset Mode for recall during performance. Q: How good are the IRs and how many can I store?A: IR support is a major strength; you can store 9 user IRs. Quality depends on the source IRs you load — high-quality third-party IRs significantly improve realism. Q: Is the FB200 suitable for recording DI bass?A: Yes. USB-C OTG allows direct recording to a computer or compatible mobile device, making the FB200 a good DI solution for demos and home recordings. Q: Will the battery change the tone?A: No audible tone change was noted between battery and USB-powered use in routine testing. Keep the battery charged for consistent performance. Conclusion The Flamma FB200 is a practical, well-thought-out multi-effects solution for bassists who need portability, hands-on control and a broad feature set without a pro-level price tag. The corrected mode behavior — Preset Mode for fast switching and Live Mode for full parameter access and saving — gives you both the stage reliability and the creative flexibility many players want. If you’re a student, commuter, gigging musician needing a compact rig, or someone who likes to tweak sounds and store the best ones for performance, the FB200 is an excellent value. For more information: Official product page — Flamma FB200 Product PageFor international availability and shipping details: Flamma Worldwide Shipping Get your Flamma FB200 today on Amazon!