The Hartke VXL Bass Attack Pedal and Direct Box came highly recommended to me by a bassist friend, and I'm so glad I picked it up! This sounds even better than the expensive SansAmp that I demoed! The Hartke VXL is an excellent direct box, with switchable EQ and a switchable harmonics effect for excellent tone shaping. This is the only drive and EQ unit I need in my bass effects chain! It's built like a tank, too!
I do wish that it had a dedicated effects loop, but it does allow one to be rigged up in D.I. box mode. This uses the 1/4" output as the loop send, making it impossible to use the loop and send the signal to a bass amp.
Powering the VXL can be done by 9v battery, DC adapter, or phantom power; giving plenty of options. This feature-packed pedal is so versatile, making it a welcome addition to a bassist's pedalboard! This is the perfect tone-shaper for bass!
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Best D.I. Box for Bass!
Strengths: Sturdy and loaded with features!
Weakness: No dedicated effects loop.
The Hartke VXL Bass Attack Pedal and Direct Box came highly recommended to me by a bassist friend, and I'm so glad I picked it up! This sounds even better than the expensive SansAmp that I demoed! The Hartke VXL is an excellent direct box, with switchable EQ and a switchable harmonics effect for excellent tone shaping. This is the only drive and EQ unit I need in my bass effects chain! It's built like a tank, too!
I do wish that it had a dedicated effects loop, but it does allow one to be rigged up in D.I. box mode. This uses the 1/4" output as the loop send, making it impossible to use the loop and send the signal to a bass amp.
Powering the VXL can be done by 9v battery, DC adapter, or phantom power; giving plenty of options. This feature-packed pedal is so versatile, making it a welcome addition to a bassist's pedalboard! This is the perfect tone-shaper for bass!
100% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?