Shape Bass Tone with Powerful API Boost, EQ, and Overdrive
API’s tone-shaping circuitry and preamps are legendary in the world of recording, and that same circuitry is now available as a powerful multi-faceted tone-shaping pedal for bass. The TranZformer LLX Bass offers a tasteful spread of boost, EQ, and overdrive options in a clean layout that’s easy to use and won’t bully your pedalboard real estate. The API TranZformer’s flagship feature is its powerful EQ section with three bass guitar-specific frequencies and up to +/- 15dB per band. With a quick turn of these knobs, you can carve out a variety of perfect tones at a moment’s notice. Sweetwater bassists enjoy pushing the lows for pulsing dub-like thump or bumping the mids and highs into a raggity, cutting overdrive. Those are just two examples — the TranZformer can easily tackle hundreds of tones in between.
Related Videos: TranZformer LLX Bass EQ/Boost Pedal with Overdrive
Boost and overdrive
The TranZformer LLX Bass features two modes: clean and overdrive. In clean mode, the TranZformer can serve as a transparent EQ, a clean boost, or both. Keep the gain at zero for transparent EQ or push the gain to use the TranZformer as an always-on tone-shaper or as a clean colored boost. In overdrive mode, the gain knob serves as a level control and will impact the overdrive’s character and level of breakup. The overdrive circuit runs on an API 2510 OpAmp which sounds warm and saturated and transparent compared to many modern bass effects. Whether you choose clean or overdrive, the API TranZformer puts a staggering +40dB of gain at your disposal and does so without adding noise, clutter, or buzz to your signal.
EQ details
Let’s talk EQ specifics. The TranZformer’s 3-band selectors (100Hz, 400Hz, and 2kHz). The lower bands have a big effect on core tone and fundamental notes while the 2kHz band effects upper-register fundamentals as well as harmonics and overtones. Each knob offers +/- 15dB with a locking indent in the center position for a neutral EQ option. The 2kHz range also features a peak/shelf toggle that alters the character of your attack somewhat like a frequency-specific compression. The peak/shelf toggle is especially useful when running the TransZformer in overdrive mode or when playing with a pick. Last but not least, the TranZformer also features a -20dB output pad toggle that’s a perfect for active pickup players or high-gain pedalboards.
API Select TranZformer LLX Bass EQ/Boost Pedal Features:
- API’s legendary EQ circuit now available in a bass-specific stompbox
- Compact design yields big tone shaping potential without crowding your pedalboard
- +/- 15dB of gain on 3 frequencies specific to the bass guitar
- Gain-stage design includes clean boost and an op-amp overdrive modes
- 4-knob design with locking notch at neutral position; 3-band EQ and gain control
- 3-band EQ: 100Hz and 400Hz with selectable peak; 2kHz with selectable shelf and peak
- 3 heavy-duty toggles with recessed housing to guard against accidental switching; mode selector, high-frequency shelf/peak selector, and output pad
- Powerful API 2510 OpAmp with API’s signature output transformer offers up to +40dB of gain, useful for overdrive or clean boost
- -20dB toggle pad for active bass pickups
- High-quality buffered bypass switching ensures an optimal signal with long cable runs
- Runs on standard 9V or 18V power supplies
