10 Best Bass Preamps 2025 in the United States

The Darkglass Electronics Microtubes Infinity Bass Preamp & Distortion & Audio Interface is a versatile tool for bass guitar players. It offers a range of features packed into a compact design. The tone control and gain capabilities are extensive, allowing users to shape their sound effectively. The built-in effects like distortion and compression add value, providing additional sound manipulation options directly on the preamp.

The device also functions as an audio interface with USB connectivity, making it easy to record directly to a computer. Balanced stereo outputs and a headphone out are included, which are essential for both live performances and practice sessions. The aux MIDI input adds extra flexibility for integrating with other equipment. The preamp is powered by a 9-volt DC power supply, which is standard for many bass preamps.

In terms of size and portability, it is quite compact and lightweight at just 16 ounces, making it easy to transport to gigs or studio sessions. For bass players looking for a feature-rich and portable preamp with distortion and USB interface capabilities, the Darkglass Electronics Microtubes Infinity is a strong contender.

The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 is a compact and lightweight bass preamp pedal designed to shape your bass tone with ease. It features extended bass control and a selectable midrange frequency, giving you flexibility to dial in thick, punchy, or vintage tones. The Drive and Blend controls allow you to add distortion or overdrive subtly or aggressively, which makes this pedal suitable for players who want a bit of grit along with the clean tone.

It offers a parallel output, useful for sending your signal to multiple amps or recording gear. Being battery-powered and small (under 5 inches long and weighing just 15 ounces), it’s very portable and great for gigging musicians or those with limited pedalboard space. However, the plastic build might not feel as rugged as some metal pedals, so extra care might be needed during heavy use. The pedal does not list extensive built-in effects beyond its drive and tone shaping, so if you want a wide variety of effects, you'll need additional gear.

It runs on a single 9V battery, which is convenient but requires keeping spares handy. The unit is highly regarded for its sound quality and tonal versatility, making it a solid choice for bass players who want a reliable preamp and mild to moderate distortion in one compact unit.

The SONICAKE Bass Pedal offers a useful combination of features for bass players looking to shape their sound. The analog preamp and overdrive, coupled with the classic optical compression, allow for significant tone enhancement. The 3-band EQ with PRE/POST selection provides flexibility in adjusting the bass tones to one's preference. The high impedance input and XLR balanced output ensure good connectivity options, which is especially beneficial for live performances or recording sessions.

One notable strength is the specially designed buffer bypass circuit which maintains sound quality, preventing any loss of signal clarity. However, it’s important to note that the pedal requires a 9V center-negative power supply, which is not included in the package, potentially adding to the cost if you don’t already own one.

In terms of size and portability, the pedal is compact and lightweight, making it convenient to carry around. Weighing just 0.39 kilograms and with dimensions of 3.54 x 2.13 x 4.88 inches, it should fit comfortably on most pedalboards. This pedal could be a great addition for bassists seeking versatile tone control and quality sound without being overly cumbersome.