The Microtubes X7 series brings the studio method producers have been using the years to cover the whole bass distortion spectrum: from articulate high gain to punchy mild overdrive, raw and gnarly fuzz and everything in between. You now have absolute control in constructing your vision of what the perfect bass distortion texture, definition, and size should have.

Front Features

High Pass Frequency

Controls the cutoff frequency to be distorted, ranging from 100Hz (for thicker, fuzzier saturation) or 1kHz for ultra-sharp definition.

High Drive

Sets the amount of distortion for the high pass side.

High Level

Sets the output volume of the distorted high-pass signal.

Low Pass Frequency

Controls the cutoff frequency to be mixed back to the high-pass side. Ranging from 50Hz (for only sub-bass) and 500Hz to preserve some clean mids.

Low Comp

Sets the amount of compression for the low-pass signal.

Low Level

Sets the output volume of the low-pass signal.

Master

Sets the overall volume of the unit.

Low shelf

+-12dB @ 80 Hz

500 Hz

+-12dB

1 kHz

+-12dB

High shelf

+-12dB @ 5 kHz

Input & Outputs

Output

Connect from the ¼” Output jack to the input of your amplifier or another effects pedal. 

Ground Lift

Use this control to lift the ground of the XLR output. If you are experiencing ground noise in your DI signal, try changing this control.

Direct Output

A balanced version of the ¼” output, useful for running into PA’s or studio mixing consoles. 

Input

Connect your instrument or output from your pedal board to the ¼” mono jack.

9V DC

Only use a regulated 9V DC adapter with a center-negative plug.

Parallel Output

A passthrough for your input signal, useful for parallel processing.

• Unique Split-Band Distortion: Separates low and high frequencies, providing tight, clear low-end with intense, focused high-gain distortion for an articulate, punchy sound.
• Advanced Tone Shaping with 4-Band EQ: Features a 4-band graphic EQ (low, low mids, high mids, and treble) for precision control over your sound, perfect for dialing in unique tones for different genres.
• Compression for Perfect Low-End Response: Onboard low-frequency compressor maintains clarity and punch in the lows, ensuring a balanced tone even with high-gain settings.
• Crossover Control for Distortion Focus: Adjustable low-pass and high-pass filters allow you to fine-tune where the distortion and clean signals split, so you can emphasize attack or warmth as desired.
• Blend Control for Ideal Tone Mix: Balances the clean and distorted signals, preserving clarity while adding intense character to your tone.
• Direct Out for Versatile Connectivity: XLR direct output enables easy connection to PAs, audio interfaces, and recording gear, making it a versatile tool for both live and studio use.
• Built for the Demands of Modern Bassists: Ideal for players seeking precise tone control and aggressive, versatile distortion that works across different music styles.

Video Review: Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Multiband Bass Distortion