Here’s all the information we gathered from NAMM
At NAMM, the global hub for musical innovation, Darkglass Electronics unveiled their latest game-changer: the Kaamos Bass Pedal. Designed in collaboration with Amos Heller, the touring bassist for Taylor Swift, this pedal is a powerful fusion of an octave divider and drive, offering bass players unparalleled flexibility and sonic depth.
With its thoughtful design and robust features, the Kaamos pedal is more than a piece of gear—it’s a creative tool for both live performances and studio sessions. Let’s dive into the features, the design process, and why this pedal deserves a spot on every bass player’s pedalboard.
A Collaboration Rooted in Trust
Amos Heller’s partnership with Darkglass Electronics began during the pandemic when he started a YouTube channel to review and showcase bass gear. Darkglass supported him by sending him nearly their entire product catalog. Through these hands-on experiences, Amos gained a deep appreciation for their attention to detail and bass-first philosophy.
“Their build quality is fantastic, and they really think about the bass player first,” Amos shared. “When we decided to work together, it was an absolute no-brainer.”
The result of this collaboration is the Kaamos, a pedal that seamlessly combines a powerful octave divider with Darkglass’s signature distortion circuits. It offers endless possibilities for shaping tone, making it a versatile addition for any bassist’s setup.
Core Features of the Kaamos Pedal
1. Octave Control
The right side of the Kaamos pedal is dedicated to its octave capabilities. It features three distinct octave voices that cater to a variety of playing styles and genres:
- Growly Mid-Focused Tone: An aggressive, sharp sound perfect for rock or funk.
- Moog-Style Subtlety: A smooth, synth-inspired tone with a rich midrange character.
- Deep Sub-Bass: A massive low-end presence that fills out the mix.
The octave filter adds another layer of control, letting you fine-tune the higher frequencies to suit your preferences. Whether you want a subtle sub-layer or a dominant low-end presence, the Kaamos adapts to your needs.
2. Distortion Control
The left side of the pedal focuses on Darkglass’s signature drive. Players can adjust the blend, drive level, and overall tone to dial in the perfect amount of grit or fuzz.
The standout feature here is the Drive Mod Knob, which allows for a seamless transition between bright, sparkly distortion and rowdy, fuzz-laden tones. “This knob is huge,” Amos emphasized, explaining how it makes the pedal adaptable to different basses and musical contexts.
3. Series and Parallel Modes
One of the most innovative features of the Kaamos is its ability to configure the octave and distortion sections in series or parallel.
- Series Mode: The octave effect feeds directly into the distortion, creating a roaring, layered tone.
- Parallel Mode: The octave and distortion run independently, preserving the clarity of the octave while the distortion adds grit.
The mode can be toggled by pressing the Octave Level Knob, with LEDs indicating the selected mode.
4. Flexible Effects Loop
The Kaamos features a highly customizable effects loop, giving players the freedom to position it at three different points in the signal chain:
- After the Octaver: The loop activates only when the octave effect is engaged.
- After the Distortion: The loop activates only when the distortion effect is engaged.
- In Parallel: The loop activates when either or both effects are engaged.
The position is selected by pressing the Blend Knob, with LEDs indicating the current configuration. Even better, the loop automatically detects if nothing is plugged in, removing itself from the signal chain to ensure seamless operation.
Additional Features
- Sub Output: The pedal includes a dedicated sub-output, allowing the sub-octave signal to be routed to a separate channel. This is invaluable for live performances or studio recordings, where engineers can isolate and mix the sub-octave independently.
- Direct Input (DI): The Kaamos doubles as a DI box, with options for wet or dry outputs, making it a versatile tool for any setup.
Technical Specifications
The Kaamos pedal is built for durability and portability, with dimensions and weight that make it ideal for both stage and studio use:
- Width: 125 mm / 5 inches
- Length: 96 mm / 3¾ inches
- Height: 57 mm / 2¼ inches
- Weight: 450 g / 0.99 lb
Why the Kaamos Stands Out
Integrated Design for Maximum Versatility
One of the most common challenges for bass players is getting octave and drive pedals to interact seamlessly. With the Kaamos, Darkglass has eliminated this issue by integrating the two effects in a way that’s both intuitive and powerful.
“When you buy separate octave and distortion pedals, you’re always guessing how they’ll interact,” Amos explained. “With the Kaamos, they’re already in the same sauce. They’re designed to complement each other perfectly.”
Tailored for Bass Players
From its bass-focused circuitry to its flexible routing options, the Kaamos is designed with bass players in mind. Whether you’re playing funk, rock, pop, or any other genre, the pedal adapts to your playing style and gear setup.
Final Thoughts
The Darkglass Kaamos Pedal is more than just a piece of gear—it’s a creative weapon for bass players looking to explore new sonic territories. With its rich octave capabilities, customizable drive, and innovative routing options, it offers endless possibilities for crafting unique tones.
Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, the Kaamos delivers reliable performance and unmatched versatility. As Amos Heller puts it, “It’s two great tastes that taste great together.”
For bass players seeking a pedal that combines power, flexibility, and ease of use, the Kaamos is an essential addition to the rig.
