What is the MXR M81 Bass Preamp, and who is it for?

The MXR M81 Bass Preamp is a versatile pedal designed to give bass players precise control over their tone. It's perfect for anyone looking to sculpt their sound, whether you're a gigging musician needing a consistent tone, a studio player seeking pristine direct signals, or someone who wants to fine-tune their bass rig. It helps achieve clarity, punch, and definition across various musical styles.

How do the EQ controls on the M81 Bass Preamp work?

The M81 features a powerful 3-band EQ with Bass, Mid, and Treble controls, allowing you to boost or cut frequencies. A key feature is the Mid Frequency knob, which lets you sweep through the midrange to pinpoint and adjust specific frequencies. This gives you exceptional control to dial in your ideal bass tone, from warm and round to bright and articulate.

Can I use the M81 Bass Preamp for both live performance and studio recording?

Absolutely! The M81 Bass Preamp is designed for both scenarios. It includes a balanced XLR DI output, perfect for sending a clean, studio-quality signal directly to a mixing board or audio interface for live sound or recording. It also has a parallel output to send your unaffected signal to an amplifier, giving you flexibility in your setup.

What are the EBS patch cables included in this package used for?

The included EBS patch cables are high-quality, short cables designed to connect your M81 Bass Preamp to other pedals on your pedalboard. Their compact design helps keep your board tidy, while their robust construction ensures a clean and reliable signal path between your effects. They're essential for building a professional and organized pedal setup.

What kind of tonal improvements can I expect from the M81 Bass Preamp?

The M81 Bass Preamp offers significant tonal enhancements, providing a clean, transparent boost and detailed EQ shaping. You can expect improved clarity, tighter lows, more defined mids, and sparkling highs. It helps your bass cut through the mix without sounding harsh, giving your instrument a polished and professional sound that's true to its character.

Subtotal	...
Sales Tax	...
Shipping	...
Grand Total	...

MXR M81 Bass Preamp with EBS Patch Cables

Name: M81 Bass Preamp with EBS Patch Cables
Brand: MXR

Bass Preamp Pedal with XLR Direct Out, 3-band EQ, Level Controls, and (2) Flat Patch Cables

Write your review Item ID: M81BassPrePk

MXR M81 Bass Preamp with EBS Patch Cables

Power supply sold separately

$ 5 .00

Only at Sweetwater - buy together and save!

Sells separately for $ 204 .99

Your price
$ 199 .99

Backordered - More On The Way!

We expect more soon. Order today to reserve yours now, risk-free. Estimated May 15, 2026

Ask An Expert Our Expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

(800) 222-4700 Email

What is a Sales Engineer?

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

MXR M81 Bass Preamp with EBS Patch Cables

Backordered - More On The Way!

We expect more soon. Order today to reserve yours now, risk-free. Estimated May 15, 2026

– Notify Me

$ 5 .00

Only at Sweetwater - buy together and save!

Sells separately for $ 204 .99

Your price
$ 199 .99

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Save money with FREE parts and labor
Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department

Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage