Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp and DI Guitar Pedal

Crafted through a collaboration between Source Audio engineer Jesse Remignanti and Christopher Venter of SHOE Pedals, the ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + DI represents a pinnacle of analog bass tone shaping technology. This ultra-low noise preamp utilises premium Burr-Brown Op-Amps to provide maximum headroom alongside an intuitive control set that covers an expansive range of tonal possibilities. The compact housing belies its professional capabilities, offering bass players a first-rate preamp/DI solution that excels in both studio and live applications.

The control layout centres around practical tone shaping with the OUTPUT knob providing +16dB of boost above unity gain or -6dB of cut. The BASS and FOCUS controls work in tandem to dial in powerful low-end response – the BASS knob delivers significant boost around 100Hz while the FOCUS control sweeps a high-pass filter’s cut-off point to eliminate unwanted floppiness. The TREBLE control shapes high frequencies for enhanced articulation without harshness, and two toggle switches add professional character: GRIT engages natural transformer-style breakup distortion with adjustable gain via a side-mounted control, while SCOOP applies the legendary “Pultec Trick” midrange cut based on the classic 1950s EQP-1A Equaliser.

Three independent outputs provide maximum flexibility for any setup. The standard ¼” output connects to amplifiers or pedalboards, while the balanced XLR direct output includes a ground lift switch and carries the amplifier character for direct connection to mixers or audio interfaces. A dedicated headphone jack features a high dynamic range, low-noise amplifier capable of driving low impedance studio headphones, making the ZIO equally suited for silent practice, recording, and live performance applications.