Hartke VXL Bass Attack Preamp And D.I. Does The Job Of Multiple Pedals, Is Frequently Stepped On (Vi

A greenback hundo doesn't get you as much these days as it used to - it's not even enough to bride my alderman any more - but at least it still affords you tons of tone-shaping options for your electric bass guitar. The Hartke VXL Bass Attack retails for a mere Benji, yet its sound-sculpting power has more influence on your bass than do all the adages in Poor Richard's Almanac on a wayward Son of Liberty.
Did we mention this pedal is manufactured in China? Might explain the slight confusion arising from a unit that shipped with a less-than-accurate user manual. No matter, the Hartke Bass Attack still dutifully performs its core functions - which puts it a notch above the Continental Congress AM I RIGHT?

[@greganderson7216]

This video is 10 years old, the pedal even older. I’ve been thru many, much newer, bass preamps but keep coming back to this. My only gripe is, it scoops out to much mid-range which causes my tone to disappear in a guitar mix. I’ve there were a mid knob…it’d be perfect!

[@terreseco]

Sounds really good. Also nice to hear a demo by someone who can actually play for a change.

[@Jethu262]

I have this pedal and I love it more than any other preamp i've ever demo'd. Affordable, great tube overdrive, great EQ shaping capabilites, and great output boost. I give it a 9 out of 10.

[@leonkruger6964]

Bought mine back in 2011 for 40 $ (R800) in South Africa back in the day and still jamming with it. It is an amazing preamp for the price with the versatility you get. It is one of those pedals you just simply cannot get rid of. It gives me that Dave Ellefson and Steve Harris tone that I have always wanted, and this is my signature sound on and off stage.

[@jerrycraig3615]

This is the way a proper review is done.

[@johnwbusbee]

I've had this for years and I'll never get rid of it.

[@colinstewart3699]

how does this compare to a SansAmp?

[@johnwbusbee]

It,s a different thing...I like this one more, it's more alive sounding.

[@joemills4663]

Colin Stewart Consider the Sans a highly versatile Ampeg SVT on the go which has sharp teeth if need be(amazing general DI by itself) and the Hartke is more of an overall tone shaper that gets uber THICK at a click yet u can't set it to engage the overdrive...u have to always have the pedal on at the set amount of hair u want...otherwise if u turn it off ur bass sounds very thin as it's not true bypass of ur own genuine bass tone. If u want a DI tone shaper SVT style go Dr J Sparrow, SVT w distortion go the very popular Sansamp (programmable ones u can dial in clean, dirty, fat on 3 diff channels) straight bass overdrive A Bass Big muff or modern bass drive & cut Darkglass which seems like the updated sansamp of our time yet still 2 different beasts...hope this helps. Hartke is fun for a simple set up though if u run a head to cab or combo

[@sibnay]

im already using 1 of that n i can say its simply good. its so helpful for me on studio.

[@77kappamaki]

if you want a "classic rock sound" (read Ampeg sound) this is the best choice; I own one and I'm very happy; it's even better than the sans amp BDDI in my opinion. The Eden is more flexible on the Eq side and sounds more modern.

[@Merlin97]

Just brought one home this weekend. Within the first 10 seconds I picked it up and kissed it. Solid build and exactly the type of tone variation options I was looking for. At a cost of 88 bucks I feel I have really done well with this piece of tone gear. I could say confidently, that you will not be disappointed buying this unit.

[@JohnBJr]

Given the amount of sparkle this box adds, it could pay for itself by extending the time between string changes. Short-listed and will be getting one for sure. Thanks for the deep dive into the features.

[@Animemetalguy]

Yes it can. I've powered my hartke bass attack pedal with a visual sound one spot ac adapter and it works fine with it.

[@SOswim1]

I wound up getting one of these for free from Larry himself after my LH1000 head had problems 2 days after I bought it. I exchanged the head for a new one out of the box that I tested at the store and also handed me the pedal as well, great customer service! For Rickenbacker players who play through HyDrive Cabinets and LH amps, I'd recommend the Tom Sawyer preset or Roundabout preset if you want that classic dirty Ric sound.

[@FaelonZ]

Lol that page 9 bit had me rolling.

[@Kilroyan]

I love that Tool tune you played at 3.45 ♥ Amazing!

[@erestube]

Ten years later and used ones go dirt cheap. No respect but great deals on these. Worth many times the price!

[@chenxi8633]

This is a great demo! Very helpful! Thank you

[@livinghere1972]

2.15 sold. Just what I was looking for

[@philipz794]

2:13 rhcp, oh yeah!

[@MoroccanVenom]

i just got, one. its pretty good, its a close second to a sansamp. honestly the bass vtone is still the best tone for the buck.

[@CNBLURR]

Hamid Bensalah I'm use squier vintage70s, my bass sound is very thin. i want to boost my bass and make clarity sound (my play style is blue jazz pop soul, little bit rock) will this pedal help? or what i should get ? sorry for my english.

[@dentonpergolas9107]

3:30 Mirror In The Bathroom! Great demo

[@GermWelfareNewMedia]

I use mine with a 5-string tuned a 1\2 step down and it does just fine on the low string.

[@Skahead]

3:22 The Beat - Mirror in the bathroom! classical 2tone ska tune! nice!

[@SoundsofDecay]

Got to get one of these, its like a Bass Driver but less than half as pricey

[@jonQuest82]

I'm a bassist but I prefer to use this thing on my keyboard. The range of tones I can get out of one patch is incredible. Very versatile box.

[@thesuccessfulbarber]

works great on clean guitar tone too

[@bobomokainis]

Time to save up for this one!

[@TimElfring]

Schism!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are my hero!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jlozeroseven]

Great review! Definitely will buy one!

[@domiven7]

Guy has some serious skills

[@neonxmira]

cool review! I'm totally getting one of these.

[@robertbrors5823]

@ Ronny - did you ever try Glenn Hughes 400W Laney amp, on the "Live in Europe" this amp sounds amazing - full tube Power distorted and clean too.

[@thisisdish]

6:20 LOL!!! great review anyway!! :)

[@bkeels002]

Aguilar Tone Hammer is another one you might like to check out.

[@armanarroisi]

It's way more expensive :(

[@Aaronram78]

Great demo- trying to decide between this and Eden WTDI as a pre-amp to help colour my sound

[@discoAL]

that pedal is seriously nice on stock Fender bass.

[@Bflatest]

hey you seem very intelligent. Maybe you can help a rookie bass player out. I need a smooth jazz tone/ R&B soul. What do you recommend?

[@LeftHandedRightHanded]

Do you have a jazz bass?

[@SuperGuitarMark]

OHH YEAH!!! TOOL!!

[@g0th]

Thanks! Glad to know this. =]

[@xemuz]

thx for the review, very useful

[@1reigndown]

I do and it's awesome!

[@Kilroyan]

@beaviscommerford The song is called Schism.

[@markpahilanga9461]

try experimenting with the line or parallel output..had the same problem before. You will know if the effects are engaged..just fiddle with it

[@garymorrison4139]

This pedal puts you in control. Bottom line for a hundred bucks or less nothing else, even at many times the cost can make that claim with any justification. Hartke seems to fail at marketing and do it with the best designed and most amazingly economical gear available. I use a Hartke 3500 hybrid head, HyDrive speakers and this pedal with ANY bass and everything else is a novelty that I eventually put in a drawer and forget about.

[@TenerifeBS08]

@vileguile4 I've tried that :D It does not change the sound that much. But you can use it as an equalizer, whereby it mainly effects the lower tones...

[@kmzproton]

The unit seems to be nice, but what about mid controls? Is there a way to bring up the high mids, thus giving clarity to the bass? I would definitely need something like that, but I see no such option here... Any experiences?

[@Pabloignacioalvarez]

A bass preamp without a mid control is the stupidest thing

[@wilfredovazquez2942]

+Félix Deschambault this unit is like the famous Tech 21 SansAmp Bass driver. Is like a tube emulator. Both doesn't have mid controls but works well anyway.

[@metalzizar]

+Paradise Man Guess it all depends on you style of music, and maybe the bass you're using. I've used it only a couple times, I play heavy stuff with my band, and I can compensate the "lack of mids" directly on the amp, while the pedal gives me that steel-punchy noise I was looking for. My bass has a three-band EQ, so that also helps. And even without that, I think I wouldn't have quite a problem with the controls this pedal has.

[@NtWarlock]

Paradise Man probably the purpose of this pedal is to give a mid scooped sound. however you can adjust the mid frequencies with the SHAPE knob

[@Bodhidrop]

Anyone tried to compare this to the Sans Amp DI? Which is more versatile? Better (More "real"/natural) sounding? Features and flexibility?Need to get a Bass DI....will be the Tech 21, the Aguilar, or this one. Thanks. Videos are great, folks. Keep 'em up !

[@theshabbs1]

What bass & amp are you using mate, loving the sound, also would have been good to actually see your playing. Cheers mate from Bonny Scotland.

[@bobomokainis]

Dat schism.. *drools*

[@Popsquize]

The only weak point of this pedal is the ausence os a mechanism that control the volum difference between the "no effect" and the "full effect" modes... If u make changes live in a show the volumn is completely altered. We need a hard compressor in the out to work well live.

[@markpahilanga9461]

Hi- how would you use the parallel vs. Line output? I want to be able to connect to the amp but at the same time send my mix/signal to the house so i can control my mix. Should i use parallel or line? Also- shoud i use pre or post for the same question? thanks

[@fedecasu9880]

I think this unit give you more atack presence and definition to your tone and it's wonderful for recording or preamp using. I don't like the sans amp too much, it sucks a little of your tone, the hatke it's more versatile and it cost like 150 bucks less!! ;)

[@404no57]

Around the world

[@sdrury01]

Does the reviewer know how to frame and focus a camera? Just askin'.

[@marconeris5584]

The best

[@jheremhiya44]

i have that page 9! >.< damn!

[@moronslave]

Is this similar to Xotic RC Bass booster? I'm choosing between the two. I just need an effect that will enhance and sustain my tone.

[@erkundfx]

What ic chip hartke use for hartke bass attack ?

[@rafito1280]

Hartke should reissue that pedal the Version 2 doesn't cut it.

[@ervzman]

//Hello! Does this have some sort of dynamics processor built-in? I'm looking for a basic DI box that has basic compression or limiting capability. How does this compare to tech21-bassDI (sansamp)? Thanks!

[@jheremhiya44]

yes, using the xlr out of the di box..

[@robertbrors5823]

It's no use comparing Hartke with Ampeg - Ampeg costs 2400€ - Hartke Kilo 700€ for that price it's great amp - Billy Sheehan uses two of them!

[@robertbrors5823]

Ronny OnBass I have to admit, that I did own and play SVT'S but the HartkeKilo was tested by other people, not by myself - we should ask billy if he really uses "out of the store" ;-) You probably know what answer we would get!

[@garymorrison4139]

+Robert Brors Considering how many famous competitors are pushing amps for the bass market, it is surprising how many guys I have come across using a Hartke 3500 daily for the past 25 or so years. I got tired of re-tubing and replacing speakers in my SVT and finally wised up. Hartke's gear is top's for tone shaping in my opinion, reliable and can be had often for a fraction of the price of many competitors. It took me a while to put all this together but I get it now.

[@fremadse]

I bought it but I am certainly confused about how to connect it with the rest of my other pedals, I have a tuner, a compressor, an octave, chorus... etc. Can someone help me to get this done? I will really appreciate it.

[@groovegyan4131]

Can you make video review of hartke bass attack 2? It will be helpful

[@CNBLURR]

I'm use squier vintage70s, my bass sound is very thin. i want to boost my bass and make clarity sound (my play style is blue jazz pop soul, little bit rock) will this pedal help? or what i should get ? sorry for my english.

[@Trump-rn6dq]

Arnon Nitzsche Eden wtdi

[@NtWarlock]

Yes, this pedal can do this

[@workersandpoets]

Is this an active pre-amp right? So I guess it fits with my passive fender j-bass.

[@Slaymeding]

Im going to play thrash metal and i need some clanky,heavy,modern tone. Is there a better choice or does Hartke do the job?

[@vileguile4]

lmao

[@MoveOverCasanova]

does it also have that typical dry punchy sound of hartke amps and cabinets?

[@alvarogoza]

200ma will be enough for it, that's how the optional part is listed

[@Skraboing649]

06.20 - Dramatic Page 9! :)

[@moronslave]

so being a "DI", this thing is placed after the amp before going to mixer (live setting)? Thanks!

[@basje224]

can this be used for recording purposes? like using this to an audio interface to record in garageband? i have an audio interface but no money for a real bass amp

[@mizigazer]

i love u brooo!!!

[@KerryonBass]

Can the unbalanced line out be recorded directly into computer?

[@1964danielito]

what kind of equipment do you use?

[@rcabrera2956]

Does it work like a direct box too?

[@NtWarlock]

Yes

[@beaviscommerford]

@Kilroyan what tool song is this riff from?

[@Abreu135]

I just got one, but it won't change the effects on my bass! What am I doing wrong? lol

[@g0th]

Can this be powered by visual sound one spot?

[@metalehead95]

would that petal work good with an ampeg BA 110?

[@joemills4663]

one thing I wish this pedal had....True Bypass:( other than that it's a preamp and a powerful one at that that can get super THICK or Ballsy & gritty if u so please

[@AhmadYahyaIraqiBassPlayer]

oui

[@cpettyii]

Lol I heard about the loop your telling me it doesn't work?

[@TheWizardofGore]

So does this thing use tubes?

[@MusicMath123]

240p ???

[@Vsko478]

Do I sense some Chilli Peppness and Toolness? hahah

[@goodbassfishin]

this or the tech 21 bass driver?

[@TheMegaMrMe]

does it have compreession?

[@ElrayJackson]

Mirror in the Bathroom 3:24 ?? Amirate?

[@jamesclark131]

LOL LOL bro, nice description. LOL. I'll stick with my fender amp.

[@legniak1]

Is this better than the sansamp? I think the sans is way overpriced

[@popitn2nd]

No compressor?

[@candybelle]

Howly crap! 3:56 is the booomb!!

[@ferrero8]

Mirror in the Bathroom by The English Beat @3:30

[@ОлегИванов-х1р9с]

100 $ ? Where ?

[@Trollfacepokemon]

mpx 500 meteoro the best from sepultura

[@Brian215w]

9v?

[@TerryRomanio]

I've owned this unit, and I won't recommend it if you want to keep the character of your bass..

[@ocoborjas]

...this pedal IS WAAAAYYYY BETTER that may hear on this review, i got one, is the best tone shaper you can find, every time i plug this thing on stage, studio or recording session everyone come and ask for it... its a demon, go get one, ..sorry bro but this review doesnt made it honor to the pedal... plus try it with the line output, I mean, I dont Care about the amp you are using, IT WILL GET BETTER!

[@berzerker9516]

schism !!!