ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + DI

ZIO ANALOG BASS PREAMP + DI

Expertly engineered with a deep passion for monster bass tones, the ZIO Analog Bass Preamp+DI packs massive punch and flexibility in a compact and easy-to-dial-in pedal. This ultra-low noise, all-analog tone shaping tool works equally well in front of your amplifier or as a preamp/direct box via its balanced XLR output. High-quality Burr-Brown Op-Amps and a straightforward yet versatile control panel deliver rich and dynamic tones with ample headroom and maximum tweakability. From warm, vintage tones to modern low-end thump, ZIO is the first and final step in elevating your bass to its rightful place in the mix.

TOTAL TONE CONTROL

The ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + DI features a perfectly executed and intuitive set of tone controls to take your bass sound wherever it needs to go. When used in tandem, the BASS and FOCUS knobs offer tremendous depth and power. The BASS knob provides colossal low-end boost at around 100Hz, while also gently reducing muddy low-mids to retain clarity. The FOCUS knob sweeps the cut-off point of a high-pass filter to tame excessive sub bass and low bass frequencies, providing extra headroom for a concise and punchy sound. Boost or cut the highs with the TREBLE knob to either enhance articulation without adding harshness, or smooth attack transients for a softer approach. The OUTPUT knob offers up to +16db of overall boost above unity gain or up to -6db of cut. Whatever your bass model or musical genre, ZIO offers tremendous tonal range..

The Official Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + DI Demo Video

MORE EPIC ZIO DEMOS!

The GRIT toggle on the ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + Delay adds transformer-style breakup to your bass tone.

NATURAL DRIVE

The GRIT toggle captures the magic of transformer-style breakup, the tone that occurs when a vintage tube amp gets pushed to overdrive. Adjust the amount of grit with a "set-it-and-forget-it” GAIN control located on the side of the pedal. It's not a fuzz, it's a natural crunch that adds just enough overdrive to lift your bass tone to a new level of aggression.

PUNCH & CLARITY

Based on a time-honored studio maneuver, the SCOOP toggle enhances clarity by engaging an EQ curve based on the famous "Pultec Trick" (used by studio engineers from the 1950s right through today). Activating SCOOP mode triggers a low-mid cut to remove "mud" frequencies, a gentle presence boost in the upper midrange, and a natural-sounding high pass filter, to reduce low frequency rumble. It's a more "polished" sound to establish your bass more clearly in the mix.

DIRECT IMPACT

Enjoy the natural characteristics of a high-end bass amplifier when connected directly to a front-of-house mixer or audio interface. ZIO's DIRECT OUT is a balanced XLR output with a ground LIFT switch that delivers a low-noise, yet amp-like signal, equally effective in the studio or on stage. The inclusion of a standard 1/4 output allows for a parallel signal running directly to a pedalboard or the front of your bass amp.

A HIGHER QUALITY OP-AMP

After bench-testing about half a dozen popular op-amp chips spanning back to the 1970s, we selected the Burr Brown OPA1656 for its pure tonality, dynamic range, frequency response, and overall feel. Its rail to rail output with a higher current capability delivers unmatched transparency and headroom. This 8-legged OPA chip was the perfect match for the ZIO's mission of delivering supreme amp-like bass tone in a compact housing.

BASSISTS ARE TALKING ABOUT ZIO...

"I loved my sound before, but ZIO gives so much body to my tone whilst keeping it the same. I really like what the SCOOP switch does and how it works with the BASS & FOCUS controls. The controls look simple, but they are very clever and well designed in their execution, enabling great sounds to be achieved very quickly.."
- _Tay_ on TalkBass.com

"I’ve found it hard to sound bad when using the Bass ZIO. It sounds great either straight into the effects return, or the power amp. I like keeping stuff simple and this does most everything I need."
- lowendrv on TalkBass.com

"Nice natural feel to the GAIN. I like that the GRIT switch adds some tube-y drive without being overpowering or messing with the other knobs’ EQ-ing. The BASS knob is really nice for adding punch without getting muddy."
- LSMFT6 on TalkBass.com

"For me Bass ZIO adds detail and punch to all of my basses even with very subtle tonal tweaks. I also like using the GRIT switch and have the side trim-pot on a pretty low setting."
- johnk_10 on TalkBass.com

"I've bought and sold more preamp pedals than I want to remember. All left me with a very lukewarm feeling or just ambivalence about them. Zio on the other hand sounds like a bass preamp to me. Low end fundamentals really shine. This is a keeper."
- BadMonk on TalkBass.com

AN INTENSIVE LISTENING SESSION WITH BASS ZIO (No Drums)

Let's take a deep-dive into the tones of the ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + DI. We recorded these tracks during production of the official Source Audio demo video. Every clip features the spectacular playing of our friend Jesse Williams who plays bass with (among many others) North Mississippi Allstars, The Jimmy Vivino Band, and Julien Kasper. These are the extended takes from the session. We have removed the drum tracks, so that you can really listen closely to the effect ZIO has on the tone. We don't normally like to say this, but the more subtle tonal qualities will be lost through iPhone or computer speakers, so we HIGHLY RECOMMEND using headphones or quality speakers. You will also need to listen closely for when the pedal is bypassed vs. engaged. Every clip starts with the ZIO bypassed, then switches back and forth between being engaged then bypassed. We purposely mixed in the click of the footswitch, so that you can hear when the change occurs. If you have additional questions regarding Bass ZIO, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

Motown Bass

This clip features a Fender Precision with both the GRIT and SCOOP Toggles turned on. When the pedal is engaged you will hear a healthy amount of transformer style breakup (the GAIN knob is set to around 1 o'clock) and a cut in the mid frequencies to add clarity and remove mudiness.

ZIO Settings (GAIN set to 1 o'clock)

Reggae BASS

Great reggae/dub tone here. You're going to want to listen to this clip with headphones. The BASS knob is heavily boosted and SCOOP is turned on. When engaged you're going to hear some serious low-end with a heavy punch and definition. It is a sound that consumes and surrounds your ears, just as a reggae bass line should.

ZIO Settings

HIGH GAIN

This clip features the extreme side of the GRIT toggles's overdrive capabilities. The GAIN knob is set to around 4 o'clock, and you can hear it. The TREBLE knob is also turned up fairly high to add some hi-end sizzle.

ZIO Settings (GAIN set to 4 o'clock)

SLAP BASS

The SCOOP toggle sounds great with slap bass. It is quite obvious when ZIO is engaged - the bass tone really comes to life. Conversely, the tone sounds noticeably flat when the pedal is bypassed. The SCOOP toggle's EQ curve is based on the "Pultec Trick" a go-to sound in professional studios. It adds a mild boost in the low frequencies, cuts the mids, and boosts the upper-mids for a very articulate sound.

ZIO Settings

FLATWOUND STRINGS

ZIO does beautiful things to flatwound strings. This clip features a vintage Harmony bass with flatwounds. We set the GRIT toggle with just a touch of drive (GAIN set to about 10 o'clock), and turned up the TREBLE knob. Dialing up some high-frequency content adds some much-needed presence in the attack for some serious McCartney-esque bass tones.

ZIO Settings (GAIN set to 10 o'clock)

MEDIUM GAIN

This clip demonstrates most accurately ZIO's ability to replicate the sound of a cranked up SVT amplifier. The GRIT toggle is on with the GAIN control set to around 12 o'clock. It's just enough natural sounding drive to add some aggression and pop through the mix.

ZIO Settings (GAIN set to 12 o'clock)

FRETLESS BASS

The effect is quite subtle in this clip, but turning up both the FOCUS and the BASS knobs is a great way to remove excessive floppy lows, while still maintaining a deep punch. to a fretless bass. When ZIO is engaged, you will hear a clear boost in the low-end punch, but the FOCUS control's sweepable hi-pass filter removes al the "tubby-ness."

ZIO Settings

Six StRING BASS

We took a very similar approach with the 6-string bass as we did with the fretless. Boosting both the FOCUS and BASS knobs adds a lot of low-end punch, without the tubby bottom that comes from excessive lows. We also turned up the TREBLE knob create some additional articulation. This is a great setting for "lead bass" playing.

ZIO Settings

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Ultra-low noise and distortion preamp
+/- 12V high voltage internal rails for active and passive basses (note: Bass ZIO runs on a 9V power supply)
Full tone-shaping control set with FOCUS high-pass filter
GRIT and SCOOP modes for added tonal character options
XLR Direct Output with optional ground lift
True Bypass
Headphone output for direct monitoring
Output Power consumption: 200mA
Brushed anodized aluminum housing
Includes 9V power supply
Dimensions: L: 4 in./10.15 cm x W: 3 in./7.6 cm x H: 2.25 in./5.7cm (including knobs)
Weight: 0.75 lb./0.35 kg.