Do All Darkglass Pedals Sound The Same? (Small Drive Pedal Shootout)

0:00 Beguiling Logo Reveal
0:05 Intro Song
1:21 Opening Lecture
2:45 Meet The Gang
4:30 Fender Jazz 5 And Squirrels
5:39 Alpher Mako Prime V2 (No Squirrels)
6:54 Singray Special HH (Squirrels TBD)
7:59 Reflections and We Meet Mabel
Well? DO THEY?
We get pretty scientific today as we investigate the avatars of Darkglass's 4 approaches to bass distortion. The B3K, Vintage Microtubes, Alpha Omicron and X duke it out for your entertainment.
They enter the arena to square off against an active Fender 5, a curious Alpher creation, and the mighty Stingray Special HH to strut their distorted stuff and see which approach works best in each musical situaton.
Who wins? Who loses? Did we even come up with a system to evaluate them based on standard criteria? (we did not).
**If you have been sufficiently swayed by this video and decide to purchase and of these fantastic items, please do me a solid and go here:
B3K:
www.thomannmusic.com/darkglas...
X:
www.thomannmusic.com/darkglas...
VMT:
www.thomannmusic.com/darkglas...
Alpha Omicron:
www.thomannmusic.com/darkglas...
It won't cost you anything extra, but it will help me keep making these exhaustively researched, painstakingly edited and creatively...created videos.
Sound off in these here comments! Which was your favorite? Which ones do you use the most? How cute is Mabel?
Thanks, and as always, you've been amazing.

[@bass08053]

THIS is the video Darkglass users and possible buyers need to see.

[@mrclarksix]

came here to say the same! I currently have the Alpha Omicron but need a little more tone sculpting and wanted to see how it compares to the X.

[@user-br3xe5bw5c]

Sure.

[@HonchoHundo]

I agree but what got me into wanting to get some darkglass gear in the first place was hearing that Toby Peterson, Clay Gober, Matt Fack kind of tone but I didn’t really see it here

[@candidoescuela5644]

I agree… the other videos on KZbin are just metal heads with drop D basses thinking that’s the only situation where a distorsión would fit in.

[@yuichituba]

GREAT review! It was so informative and yet straight to the point. I love the humor element you put throughout your video as well :D

[@andreprado3038]

Excellent analysis, Amos. Keep up this incredible work. Your videos are amazing.

[@patricktoth-meyers5044]

Great pedal shootout, thanks! Love the production quality and tight playing too. The VMT is still my favourite by a lot, but they all have something good to offer.

[@ralf6300]

Thanks for the video, Amos. Looks like fun making it and its fun watching. You helped me choosing the right pedal. Seems the B3K will be my next. Thanks from Germany.

[@Astral_Wave]

Excellent video. Production, elocution, and playing. 👌 Alpha and vintage were my favorites

[@mikewolfe9458]

The CFH Mabel cut was epic 😂 Awesome review, Amos. Thanks for creating this.

[@mrclarksix]

The cut to Mabel with CFH playing fantastic! I love the fun you have with these videos. I currently have the AO and wanted to see how they all compare. I was recently looking at the X to replace/work alongside of my AO, but after these I believe if I were to get another it would be the B3K. I like the ability to maintain low end and get that sizzly/glassy top end, but then to have a slightly subdues low-mi growl rather than boom. And of course, thanks for the content.

[@wreckoningday]

Best most informative shootout. I liked the AO and VMT. Thanks for a great video with nice tracks!

[@cyziodyzio]

Man, these are some best bass videos I’ve seen. Super informative and also pleasure to listen and watch. Congrats!

[@AmosHeller]

Aw shucks. Thanks!

[@santibass]

awesome video, superb bass playing and amazing tones, subscribed instantly

[@TristImpala]

I got my Vintage Deluxe a few years back and I never needed to buy another Darkglass pedal after. Playing through a '78 P Bass and an Ampeg amp, the pedal drives and shapes the sound so nicely. I really really dig it.

[@moverofobjects]

Love your humor! And the playing was quite nice as well.

[@the_bassiah]

This was the most informative video comparing these pedals ive seen on youtube. I really was able to see for myself where each of these pedals would shine depending on which context they are put in, and overall a very well done video.

[@AmosHeller]

Thank you!

[@REXBROWNOFFICIAL]

Love Mabel & the straight Charvel/Jackson bass sound of that old LP…lol I love your channel man, keep it up & yes, this is the one & “only” Rex Brown!!

[@AmosHeller]

Well if this is a troll then I’m falling for it. Thanks for checking it out. I’m a huge fan.

[@Farewelltokingz]

If this is really Rex then I need to ask you something. Is there a wah pedal on the bass track of By Demons be driven? It sounds like it during the verses but I’m not sure.

[@arihannula3944]

Excellent video again Amos! Best in the class. This is the first time to hear properly each pedal characteristics. Helps a lot to choose the most favorite one. Well, two: VMT and AO.

[@AmosHeller]

All depends what you want! They’re both great picks.

[@grapejuice2589]

This is honestly exactly the comparison video I needed man u rock.

[@BassManlll]

I appreciate you playing all of them with different basses and different settings. Really gives you a perspective on the range sounds you can get

[@RowanAldridge]

This is a really helpful (and enjoyable) video. Subbed 👍🏻

[@somedudefromohio365]

It was great to hear all these in one video, thank you! I love my 10+ year old B3K, I use it mostly as an always-on preamp and it really brings my sound to life.

[@GeorgeVrachliotis]

Darkglass shaped the whole modern bass scene and also gave some other effect companies the fuel to experiment on more modern bass sounds. However I literally got sick of all those players with Darkglass and Dingwalls sounding exactly the same. For my taste, I prefer Tech21 bass effects, they sound more natural, both clear and distorted.

[@anonymus8760]

The BBDI is literally the sound of the 90s and 00s. While everyone sounds the same with DG nowadays, it was Tech21 that made everyone sound the same back then.

[@ObeseChess]

Yeah, one of the reasons I sold my B7K is “everyone else sounds like this now” which is so hipster piece of shit of me to have done

[@JT-ow3hq]

@@ObeseChess thats hilarious, well done

[@coveryourears3851]

@@ObeseChess hello Obese, we debated in a darkglass talkbass thread a while back. good to see this light hearted response here and I understand why you would sell it/think like that.

[@ileutur6863]

@@ObeseChess ngl it really is. Darkglass is the only real bass innovation we've had since the sansamp and there's no reason to give up on it

[@stonemileryan]

That Paul Hollywood quote fully killed me off 🤣 as someone who's only been a bassist for the past few months, you gear demos have helped tremendously when looking at new gear. I actually purchased a B3K on Wednesday and its definitely the sound I've been chasing after. Thanks for all you do Amos!!!

[@AmosHeller]

Heck yeah! I’m glad to be of help. Lots of resources out there for getting your theory together, technique exercises etc. bassists need to concentrate on tone as well! Your playing could be great but if your tone isn’t right it won’t get you the gig!

[@dasdrewski7505]

Love the dry humor and straight-to-the-point-ness. Subbed!

[@AmosHeller]

Thanks!!

[@roberts1918]

Amos, I love watching your videos because your wit, which is often self-deprecating, always makes me laugh. You do a great demo while not taking yourself too seriously. I would love to see some videos with some useful combinations of these awesome pedals, such as the use of the Vintage Microtubes with the B3k and perhaps the DG compression pedal.

[@andersjeppsson8499]

As always I leave with a big smile on my face. Keep being amazing Amos!

[@karlpohl6406]

This is super helpful! Thanks for posting!

[@lunacy_bass]

Love your videos, dude! The OG Alpha Omega is one of my favorites. I've never tried the smaller one.

[@CastToVoid]

This is a great comparison! Not just a loop of music, but a playing style, a backing track (bass drives never sound good outside of a mix imnsho) and a fun presentation to boot!

[@egbertsouse8487]

Excellent comprehensive review! I’ve had the AO for 3 years and I am always finding different tones. No bad choice really, expensive yes but worth it.

[@bangpow00]

Great video. Informative. Funny :-) All around awesome. Thanks!

[@christopherphinney9585]

After watching this video I bought the A/O and couldn’t be happier! Thanks for the buses showing what it could do and not just piercing metal!

[@AmosHeller]

Congrats on the purchase! The AO is a great box!

[@RobertoGarcia-ml2eq]

Oh...man...Amos...!!! a great vídeo for this pedals... thanks for your incredible job...!!! 👍🤘

[@Ultima2876]

Liked and subscribed. Great content and great editing!

[@AmosHeller]

Thanks!

[@Galathorn]

New subscriber here who recently started playing bass again after on-and-off for 9 years. Your videos are funny yet helpful so keep it up!

[@AmosHeller]

Thanks so much! Everyone say hi to Tilemachos!

[@philipmatsick9274]

Awesome vid as usual. I use the B3k (love the tone I’m getting out of it) through a fender 4x10 setup currently and want to upgrade to a full darkglass amp setup. So it would be lovely if you could do this same type of video with the darkglass heads and cabs 😉 keep up the great work!

[@lukasohlsson4120]

Amazing video! The A&O-line of pedals is in my opinion the best pedals, especially when they upped the game with A&O Ultra. Every other bass pedal maker had to step up when the A&O Ultra entered the chat.

[@arsenije_wav8620]

Right now I'm running my stingray into a vintage ultra, going into a B3K. I'm not a fan of the vintage drive on its own, its wooly and undefined, but when used as a slightly dirty preamp with the top end boosted it really shines. I gig mostly with rented solid state heads and it really helps shape my tone upfront and simulate tube warmth and response. The B3K also loves to sit behind it and it really gives me a balanced and responsive drive tone. I've also had the X for a while and I wasn't a fan. The tone shaping was amazing for my low end, but I found that the high end responded differently and my bright bass tone made it sound shrill and unpleasant, especially when I would dig in or slap. The B3K doesn't have this issue, with the tone rolled down to 9 o'clock it still had plenty of brightness and cut with none of the "glass"

[@seansbrew]

Great video, I like your reviews.

[@brentheathersimons7042]

Nicely done Amos! :) Really enjoying the channel! Subscribed. Stay healthy!-Brent,VT

[@AmosHeller]

Thanks Brent!

[@kjaze]

Awesome demo comparison! Liked subscribed

[@AmosHeller]

Thanks!!

[@sharnoldpapa7339]

Great review. I got an original B3K and I really want the AO. Appreciate your videos!

[@AmosHeller]

Thank you!

[@simaojoseph]

First off; nice find of this “new” channel. Always good to have more bass dedicated content on here. The style is fluid and articulate, with few of those sad interjections like “sorry X”. The only complaint, is one common thing with many bass dedicated channels, not all, but even the “the Bass Cannel” do; which is EQuing the treble out. I don’t know why you people do that? Although we can hear the tonal differences, it feels like you put a blanket over your rig. Just let the treble pass through, it’s a bass instrument, there’s plenty of bass content anyway.

[@joelspaulding5964]

A year late- one can see a fair amount of tone-crossover amongst the units, but what we see here is great tones from every unit. Edit: You played to the tone of each pedal, and that, makes all the difference. Nice.

[@200909will]

Brilliant, I could use any of them.🙂 I wish someone would do a similar shootout with the various MXR bass overdrive, fuzz and distortion pedals 🤔

[@reugen87]

Amazing content, probably the best comparison of DG pedals for non metal heart bass players.

[@stuntman221]

Definitely getting the vintage microtubes for that classic rock and country sets on Broadway!

[@implayingsomebass4753]

Awesome video Amos! Your playing is a superb test to comparing all of these. I have a B7K Ultra and and Alpha Omicron so I'm a little biased but the X and Vintage definitely have their place. The AO is a beast but I find the B series the most musical as well. It's so good for pop music and country as well as heavy genres. I liked the X least but that one would take a lot more tweaking in general than any of the others. The Vintage is the one I've been most interested in lately since I've never tried it: Your demos surprised me and I totally agree it's the most differentest of them all!

[@Tvaroh]

I have the X Ultra and also the ADAM which I love the most. Very nice comparison and fantastic sound/playing. Sub'd.

[@InvictusBananman]

I wanted to have an Alpha Omega when it first came out, then the AO Ultra was released and i was absolutely blown away, and now, when i have enough money saved up, the Photon is released and i can't decide between Photon and Ultra. Just gotta love Darkglass

[@rentiscrawl]

cool video! you should do it again with all knobs set at 5 o'clock.. Thanks for making this. its perfect!!

[@johangericke1492]

I'm going to second that Alpha Omega being the winner. The drive seems a bit fuller compared to the rest.

[@samosaarts]

Just built a b3k clone. What an awesome pedal, listened to the demo "blind" and looked only when the sound felt the best, it was the B3. Cool.

[@jonbas6]

I love the possibility of splitting the signal and distorting lows or highs separately, imo it really makes a lot of sense! But the B3K has the best distorion of all four.

[@jamesbanadera4737]

Thank you for doing this video. This is my preference VMT -> B3k -> Alpha Omicron -> X

[@user-jq4fg6wm1j]

Thank you very much brother !

[@glennbergevin7726]

Generally agree all around. BxK is my personal favorite, any variation... Easy to get great tones out of, from super gross and clanky to just sort of a nice spicy drive. Vintage is similar, but muted top end... The Vintage series are the ones I keep selling, because I'm looking for more high mid content, but they're a great compliment to a jazz bass or a Ray... Anything already pretty aggressive will get nicely rounded out. X pedals are definitely tougher to use, and I've gone hot and cold on them... But I'm really digging my X7 lately. It's like a BxK with a more studio flavor, goes even further down the modern path but can still do lots besides mega clank. The flavor most worth spending more to get the preamp format... Compression on the lows, individual channel level knobs AND the more detailed EQ all go along way to getting more and more interesting sounds. Playing with different mid bands and the high filter position is a really good trick... The pedal I'd least recommend for someone new to pedals/dirt. AO... very distinct baked in tones, and a lot of ROAR. A true distortion bordering on fuzz, more gain than the others... Not my favorite for always on, but a great pedal to stomp on for effect. I cascade mine into a BxK to get a pretty sweet take on Failure's Heliotropic tone...

[@AmosHeller]

That’s a great way to think about the X, and maybe another way it stands apart from these pedals-they give you a great return on investment if you upgrade.

[@chrismorris3897]

Very informative!

[@seppoinnanen5577]

Great comparison 🤘

[@HondoFelder]

Killer video brotha!

[@MrPrincebass99]

I have had an original B7K on my board for years now. It seems to make my amp sound better. Recently picked up an Alpha Omega. Really liking it, as well. Aiming for a Dusty Hill/Chris Squire tone, DH being a bit more distorted. It's all fun. (Also got an EBS Ultimate overdrive. Billy's new weapon of demolition, and a different animal in several ways.) Another great vid, Amos. Echo R. Ratner's thoughts.

[@skmaritime_5]

excellent showcase

[@AmosHeller]

Thank you!

[@thepedalarchive2]

Oh man it gets me every time. The pep talk to the X pedal. Okay, I can’t pick a favorite but the X is my least fav simply because of the lack of compressor. And it by no means sounds bad. I’ve played all but the Vintage (unless you count the plug-in). They’re like different flavors. Each has its own distinctiveness. But they’re all high high quality distortion. My Darkglass addiction persists. As well as my addiction to your excellent reviews. I think you still owe us a B7K ultra review? Or maybe I missed that one. God bless you, Amos. Hope you’re well.

[@AmosHeller]

I may owe you indeed! The x was last on the list for me in this one, but the later iterations of that line are pretty great.

[@thepedalarchive2]

@@AmosHeller awesome. I am a happy owner of the Squid B7K ultra. And I agree, The X was the weakest in this particular line up. I do have an X7 and it’s pretty awesome. But I think I prefer the Alpha Omega and B7K.

[@esposoman]

More than a year ago I borrowed my Vintage Microtubes to a friend and I got it back to me last Sunday. I've been using my B3K and a B7K all these months...and the first minute I plugged my VMT again I remembered why I love this pedal more than the others. My B7K does a good job too but it's not my first choice

[@AmosHeller]

It’s pretty great!

[@alvin.sozidatel]

I use VMT Deluxe as my always on clean-ish preamp and AO as a dedicated distortion pedal. They are just amazing!

[@JALNIN66]

I'm trying to decide what to buy and this sounds like the right combo. I'll start with the VMT as I can already get high end dist with My SansAmp Fuzz or ODB-3.

[@DeadlyFredXXX]

They do actually sound the same, they all sound pretty awesome. I feel like the X would be a really cool idea, and it sounds like it has a lot of potential but it seemed a little too scooped out maybe? Not sure if you can dial that out. Omicron is probably going to be my goto when I get around to buying one. Cool video and I loved that intro song.

[@makidiaz3894]

When I bought a b3k several years ago, I just used it to boost my tone for presence and clarity in a live gig setting going up against a drummer and two guitarist, I never, ever messed with the distortion, because I can never get it to sound right. I assume the distortion would kick ass for recording heavy metal. But yeah even if you are a bedroom bassist, a darkglass pedal will definitely “boost” your tone even if it’s a cheap combo amp. The real beauty of these pedals is finding an “always on” setting for it

[@prsman84]

I also use the b3k flavor for my country gigs. It fits so well even with the gain higher. I'm a guitarist first in my own rock band but play bass in all of my cover gigs and Im purely a pick player. The b3k lets me palm mute my pbass to give it that round finger sound while still opening up and reacting to my picking when i need it to - all without ever touching the gain.

[@AmosHeller]

Hell yeah

[@57precision]

Great shootout Amos! I use an X Ultra for the modern drive tone, it has so many features and so many interactions among them that I'm sure there are some great tones I'm leaving on the table no matter how much I play with it. However, I couldn't get a real convincing subtle tube breakup sound out of it (I'm probably just a noob), so like you my always-on is a SansAmp VT bass. Surprised that you pulled out a Mako, would love to see a deep dive review playing with the 3 single coil P pickups. Gorgeous finish on that bass too, gold seems to be having a real moment.

[@AmosHeller]

Hey BB- X Ultra is such a powerful pedal. Easy to end up with some tonal surprises in a good way. I feel like there are plenty of cool tones waiting to be discovered. I agree that it’s not great at the “subtle breakup” thing; that’s more the VMT’s game.

[@AmosHeller]

And stand by for that Mako review…

[@chunkuswumpus3515]

I've always thought of darkglass as more of the modern metal bass company but after seeing this I'm thinking about getting the vintage microtubes. Sounds pretty close to what I want in my signal chain

[@compucorder64]

Really helpful shootout, thanks. By the end, you sold me on the Alpha - Omicron. I went in interested in the Microtubes X, but in the end that was my least favourite by far. I felt like the processing made the high end brittle and like broken glass, and then the seperation of the highs from the bass seemed to split the coherance of the sound. Sucking out the tuneful mid range, and just leaving this clean but non-melodic subiness, with that sandy glassy highend. Whereas the Omicron, and B3K to a lesser extend brought out that mid-range tunefulness at the same time as bringing a chewy crunchy dirt. Of the two I felt the Omicron had a funkier sound. I'm thinking of getting one to pair with my Darkglass Hyperliminal, a KMA Queequeeg 2 octave pedal and Green Russian Fuzz, for dirty fat synthy funk type basslines. I actually liked the Vintage too, but I feel it's a different type of pedal. To my mind it's more of a tube preamp like, or nice fat boost type pedal, reminds me a bit of old tube amps but also my MXR Timmy. Think it would be nice in front of my Ampeg MOSFET MicroVR to get more of a fat cranked tube sound going. So, for me Mustang bass on La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass flatwounds into Vintage Microtubes->Hyperluminal comp->Queequeg2->Green Russian->Alpha Omicron.

[@studioxmusic]

Great job Amos!

[@Biaxident86]

Really interesting to see how these all shine in different contexts. I think the Vintage Microtubes will fit my style best, but I could see a use for all of them.

[@AmosHeller]

They all definitely have their spot!

[@ts4gv]

great video

[@carlolambertini9883]

Great video! I have a EH Big Muff Deluxe that I use for the most extreme sounds, so probably the Vintage Microtube is the best choice for me, since it fits the gap between the clean sound of the bass and the sonic madness of the Big Muff.

[@NikitaCrushedJeff]

Do you not use the crossover function on the EHX BM Deluxe to get that 'in between' sound?

[@carlolambertini9883]

​@@NikitaCrushedJeff I try to, because it is very weird and interesting. But honestly, when we went to the studio to record, we found the "normal" sound more consistent. I still have to find the correct setting, because it is easy to lose bottom end or make a mess with it. In my experience, it need some time to find a nice result.

[@JohnBJr]

Nice, comparison and conclusion. I went from no DG pedals straight to the 900W v2 version of the VMT/B3K head. It's either/or, no stacking but VMT is my default for P-bass with the B3K engine to enhance the agro EMG pickups on my 5-er. Putting the Ultra-X in front of either of those chains might be fun.

[@AmosHeller]

Sounds like a killer chain!

[@Maxischupp93]

i love going alpha omicron with drive almost off and blend low into a x ultra stepping on the x drive only to give an extra push when its needed. it warms up the tone a bit and thus making it more useful for things other than metal :)

[@WilDBeestMF]

I love them all for different things, which makes me want to collect the rest and combine them. VMT and B7K? It goes off. B3K and B7K? All the creamy tube like goodness, all the clank! X and B7K? Freakin insane grit.

[@angusbarrs1109]

Sir! I have the Microtubes 10, I LOVE the sound you got from it using your jazz style bass. PLEASE share settings? I can see the regular knobs but the little ones are impossible to make out.

[@larsetom1]

Fantastic presentation! I have a DK Apha Omega. I find that I don't fiddle that much with my pedals on my pedal board that much once I find a good sound. Maybe having a few - less expensive - pedals might be more useful than having one pedal that can do a lot.

[@javierherrera8782]

Then you're like me! I prefer my Alpha-Omicron, a MXR Bass Preamp AND the tuner AND thats It 😍 I had a line 6 Helix Stomp XL AND It was just tooo complex for me

[@christopherphinney9585]

Great vid thanks! This is a great way to see what the pedals can do with out just full Gnar! I play a Stingray Special 5 HH. The A/O did seem to fit well in the vid. Can you dial in just some warmth with it or is it always full distorted, whether fuzz or distortion? Lastly, more control with B3k? Thanks.

[@jdmarino]

Yep. VMT is my sound. Old school blues and rock.

[@steveng6721]

You can easily do modern metal on it as well

[@duncanrobjohns422]

I love my vintage microtubes pedal I use it for staccato style playing and a progressive building run. I find it great to cut through the mix. I play a Fender Japanese Jaguar bass through an ashdown ABM500 amp.

[@AmosHeller]

It’s such a great piece. Fits well with a lot of styles.

[@mattrudybass]

I really liked the AO. Gotta try one out for myself.

[@Ricardo96092]

Agree on the D3K. what a sound!

[@crocholiday]

I have the Alpha Omega and The X and love them for different things. I'm really digging that Vintage Microtubes pedal though. Adds a really nice little growl without being too much. I may need one of those now too lol. Thumbs up for the Paul Hollywood reference. Even though I'm a shade disappointed there was no "all on" Darkglass pedal anarchy tone, this video was still a good bake *extends hand for the shake*...

[@AmosHeller]

Some missed chaos opportunities there for sure…

[@4fit816]

Way to go and make sure you compare these pedals at all the same settings. lmao.

[@JimijaymesProductions]

The Vintage was my favourite just wish it had more high, It sounds like an old SVT without the ultra low and ultra hi buttons (which I love) ran through a cab without a horn. That character but with the ability to add high end and a low mid cut would be awesome.

[@alexskibicki2262]

If you ask me, that depends on the settings and what pedals they are. I own the vintage microtubes and the microtubes x and x7. They sound a little different from each other and they can sound similar, but again it depends on the settings on the pedals themselves. Other than that, great sounding pedals.

[@adamwhatley4710]

I play the VMT with a mxr bass comp thru GK rig.....its always on...minimal drive...gives the amp a tube feel. Great pedal.

[@whitegriffin92093]

I have the X and it works awesomely with drop tuning (We're talking Drop A, Ab, G, F#, and F!) . AO, I plan on getting too.

[@andrewcavallo1877]

I don’t have a bass, might get one soon, and I like how darkglass pedals sounds. I’ve known about the VMT for a little bit and always really like its sound, but this makes me also strongly consider the AO in addition. I might have to get both when I become not broke

[@palesama]

My go to small drive pedal might be the B3K but my favorite is X so far as it stands out from the common vintage and modern distortions which makes this one not a cup of tea for everyone but essential once you find out its potential in comparison to its little most well-known brothers.

[@AmosHeller]

The X is the most polarizing of these for sure. I love the higher-powered X pedals, but I would need to know they were the right thing for the gig

[@scotkaeff7456]

I've got a MicroTubes X and an Alpha-Omicron on my board. The X gets use as a sizzly, aggro, mean distortion when I need it and the AO gets the dirtier, meatier sounds covered. This shootout was fantastic, though, in showing the high points for each one - they do a lot similarly, but depending on what you're doing, one of them...um...or two...is going to probably be more "right" for you.

[@iggyhop]

Thanks for this vid. Been contemplating splurging on either a VMT or AO. I still have no idea which one I should get but, uh... it was a helpful video nonetheless. Mabel can shred btw.

[@AmosHeller]

Mabel Is Fire

[@nostromoalien2]

I just got the X. Taken some getting used to but i love what you can achieve on it. My microtubes500 is now set for VMT channel for when i want that punchy warmer sound

[@AmosHeller]

Brilliant combo! I agree the X is less instinctive than the others but lets you get very creative with the tone

[@kanz7329]

Owned the very first B3K, switched to the B7K Ultra V1, V2 & now finally have the X ultra. Out of all these, my first impressions with the B3K will always stick that it was the best bass drive pedal made, the Ultra while doesn't have the same style of tube grit to it that the B3K somehow virtually presents, the ability to dial in clean lows with distorted highs makes the most sense in a band mix.

[@esposoman]

I have several drive pedals and I find that my B3K V1 is the best of them...including a Vintage Microtubes and a B7K V2

[@TheProgGuy]

it's funny you point this out as it's exactly what I needed to know. I have the B7K Ultra v2 and it looks like the B3K gets more gritty, like it's the thing I need. I already have a vintage microtubes running into my B7K Ultra, and when I dime both gains, it doesn't get me to that super distorted tone I want (think Hysteria by Muse)...although it sounds incredibly redundant to have both a B3K and a B7K Ultra on the same board (I already feel weird having two Darkglass pedals, I feel like a 3rd DG overdrive will make me look brand bias-ed). Also planning on getting the DG Element (the standalone cab sim/headphone amp).

[@marcelalapeche]

@@TheProgGuy I have also the VMT running into a B7K ultra v2 and when i activate the 2 i lose a lot of definition.

[@christophbresch]

​@@marcelalapeche have you tried pushing the b7ku with low gain and blend settings on the vmt (around 10)? works fine for me.

[@christophbresch]

@@TheProgGuy try lower gain on the vmt, and low blend. otherwise it's too much distortion for the b7k's gain stage and you get muddy compression

[@ALtheDoctorWho]

I am looking to add bass to my Bass six. I know naturally more bass would come to mind. I like the omicron. Thanks for sharing c];-)

[@idolbass]

That VMT gave that Stingray a nice Gene Simmons vibe. I picked up an almost new B7K for $100. Cheap as chips!

[@unclebass5]

They all sound great. I'm playing a F5_string Jazz bass, fingers only. Looking for the vintage Acoustic 360 Fuzz that came with the amp, that I don't have any more. Which pedal do you suggest? Playing Jazz Rock. Thanks

[@darinz7182]

Great comparison. I do electronic music (dnb predominantly) and like to play in some live bass (been playing guitar for 30+ years now - how did that happen????) and this comparison REALLY helps finding a sound that will enhance the bass. I just watched another comparo between the Darkglass pedals and Vintage just stands out to me for the intelligent electronic scene. BTW, I detest that term, I wish they would call it melodic.