MXR Bass Preampchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

The semi-parametric mid sweep is repeatedly singled out as a killer feature, with some buyers saying a preamp is useless to them without it and citing it as their deciding factor for purchase.

@Perseus-t8u

I'm gonna purchase this. That mid semi-parametric EQ is a must for me.launch

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October 3, 2024

@Perseus-t8u

A bass preamp without a semi-parametric mid EQ is useless to me. That’s why I’m here someone suggested this pedal. This or the Thumper.launch

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September 26, 2024

@GodsTruthMinistries

On my GAS list! Great versatility and transparency. The mid sweep seems to make that range come alive. MXR makes great gear.launch

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January 16, 2020

@bryanallenguitar6714

this is a GREAT demo man!!! not only great, realistic playing...but you take it through the sounds too! I hear SO MANY HATERS about not only THIS pedal... but ALL bass preamp pedals! Honestly guys... a bass preamp pedal is a VERY specific thing that you either need... or you dont... Just please... dont spread hate or misinformation if you dont know what it does or dont need it.... However...if you are like me...and a preamp pedal is the HEART of your RIG... this pedal is KILLER!!!! Absolutely pristine EQ... The parametric Mids are simply to die for... can dial in any settiing i need... this is a cant live without type pedal... the last bass pedal i would ever part with. If anyone is curious about all the possiblities with this pedal... hit me up i will go through them all... this is an ELITE stompbox pedal... no doubtlaunch

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January 10, 2019

Multiple users describe the onboard EQ as musical, transparent, and subtle rather than exaggerated, making it easy to dial in a wide range of usable tones without sounding artificial.

@MacReviewzOnline

GREAT Demo. Love how subtle teh changes are, not some insane grotesque changes. Thanks for doing this. DONT BUY it? Good question. I'd say, if you want something radical, don't. But something clean, and professional, this the perfect DI/PRE for you. FOR THOSE WHO CANT HEAR A CHANGE, YOU NEED TO GET YOUR EARS CHECKED, LOLlaunch

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August 10, 2020

@GodsTruthMinistries

On my GAS list! Great versatility and transparency. The mid sweep seems to make that range come alive. MXR makes great gear.launch

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January 16, 2020

@SonoranRedheadGuitar

Great demo of this pedal. Sounds just as good as other preamps that cost much more.launch

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August 18, 2018

@catboyzee

Nice demo. The eq on this pedal is very musical and transparent.launch

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July 5, 2016

Commenters note the M81 can fully replace a bass amp on stage by sending a clean DI signal via XLR to the sound engineer while relying on in-house monitors. This eliminates the need to carry heavy cabinets to gigs.

@JulesNoir820

I get alot of use out of this pedal! I have it right at the end of my pedalboard. That way I can go ampless if the need ever comes up! Otherwise, just acts as a nice end of chain EQ going into my amp ☮️launch

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October 27, 2024

@benchambers1173

Not too much mention of the main purpose of this pedal. It's main function is to replace your amp. You can forget about lugging around big ass cabinets the size of a refrigerator. The xlr out goes to the sound guy, and you can use whatever in house monitors for stage sound.\n\nThe reason for the separate input and output level knobs is so you can create more gain by simulating driving an amp harder.launch

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November 1, 2021

Owners appreciate that the pedal takes up little space on a pedalboard while still delivering preamp-quality tone, making it practical for gigging setups.

@RootMcRodent

I own one of these.  Great pedal!  I use it with my Fender P-bass.  I like it because it does not take a lot of space on my pedal board.  Buy it.  You will not be disappointed.launch

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April 29, 2015

@RootMcRodent

Bought the MXR M81 last year to use with my Fender P-Bass, and it kills.  Buy it!  You will not be disappointed.launch

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April 15, 2015

Several reviewers directly compare the M81 to more expensive units, noting it sounds just as good as preamps costing significantly more, including one costing roughly 3x as much.

@SeanEdwinEcclestone

Ace little bass pre amp just recently got the origin effects dcx bass preamp and literally not a lot of difference and costs 3x the pricelaunch

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January 18, 2026

@SonoranRedheadGuitar

Great demo of this pedal. Sounds just as good as other preamps that cost much more.launch

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August 18, 2018

The ability to run the pedal off phantom power directly from an audio interface is called a cool and rare feature, simplifying desktop or studio setups to a single cable.

@reynhart66

Ability to be powered by phantom power is a so cool feature and too rare ( EBS Microbaass II but not the III : / ) You just have your preamp on your desk with just one cable plugged into your soundcard and just have to activate the 48v on the soundcard to use it 👍launch

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August 19, 2026

A commenter compares the M81's XLR output favorably to the MXR M80, saying it sounds clearer and lacks the slight hiss present on the M80.

@burningkarma

The XLR on this just sounds better than M80. More clear and it doesn’t have a slight hiss to it like the M80.launch

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April 28, 2021

One user says the pedal has saved gigs in venues with bad amps, consistently delivering a great sound even in less-than-ideal backline conditions.

@bonesinjustice2839

This is my favorite preamp pedal: simple, efficient, and great quality. It has saved me several times, especially in places where I had to use horrible amps. With this pedal, I always achieved a great sound, even in those situations.\n\nCongratulations on the video!launch

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January 11, 2025