Is the Electro-Harmonix Bass Mono Synth polyphonic?

No, it is a monophonic pedal. It is designed to track and process one note at a time, so playing chords may result in glitches or unpredictable tracking.

How many synth voices are available?

The pedal features 11 different voices, ranging from vintage-style emulations to deep, modern bass tones.

Can I save my own settings on the pedal?

Yes, you can save one user preset for each of the 11 synth types. This allows you to store your preferred 'Control' and 'Sensitivity' settings for every voice.

Does the pedal require a special pickup?

No, it works with standard 1/4-inch jack inputs from any regular bass guitar. It does not require a MIDI pickup or hexaphonic system.

How does the 'Dry' control affect the sound?

The Dry knob controls the volume of your original bass signal. Mixing this in is useful for maintaining the natural punch and clarity of your instrument alongside the synth effect.

What is the purpose of the 'Control' knob?

The 'Control' knob is a variable parameter that changes its function based on the selected synth voice. It typically adjusts filters, envelopes, or modulation speeds.

Can this pedal be used with a guitar?

While it is technically possible to plug a guitar into it, the pedal is specifically voiced and tuned for the lower frequencies of a bass guitar. Electro-Harmonix produces a separate 'Mono Synth' specifically for guitarists.

Does it have a dedicated output for the clean signal?

Yes, it features a 'Dry Out' jack. This allows you to send your unaffected bass signal to a different signal path or amplifier while the 'Synth Out' carries the effect.

What is the typical price for this pedal?

The Bass Mono Synth typically retails for approximately £120, making it an affordable entry point into bass synthesis.

How should I position this in my pedal chain?

It is generally recommended to place the Bass Mono Synth near the beginning of your signal chain to ensure the cleanest possible tracking. You can then add reverb, delay, or modulation after it.

Does it come with a power supply?

Electro-Harmonix typically includes a 9.6DC-200BI power supply with their digital pedals, as they require consistent power for digital processing.

Is the pedal suitable for live performance?

Yes, its rugged design and ability to store presets for each voice make it highly suitable for live use. The intuitive layout allows for quick adjustments on stage.

Gear article

Electro-Harmonix Bass Mono Synth

The Electro-Harmonix Bass Mono Synth is a compact monophonic synthesizer pedal designed to transform a standard bass guitar signal into a variety of electronic textures. It features 11 distinct synth voices ranging from vintage emulations to modern, deep sub-tones, housed in a standard pedalboard-friendly chassis.

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Overview

The Electro-Harmonix Bass Mono Synth is a dedicated utility for bassists seeking to expand their sonic palette beyond traditional string tones. It utilizes sophisticated tracking technology to convert the pitch and dynamics of a bass guitar into synthetic waveforms. Unlike polyphonic units, this pedal is strictly monophonic, meaning it is designed to track one note at a time, ensuring clarity and stability in the lower frequency registers typically occupied by bass instruments.

History and Background

Electro-Harmonix has a long history of developing synthesis tools for guitarists and bassists, following the success of their larger-format pedals. The Bass Mono Synth was released as a counterpart to the Mono Synth (Guitar) to cater specifically to the frequency range and tracking requirements of the bass guitar. It was designed to provide an accessible, 'plug-and-play' alternative to complex modular setups or expensive MIDI conversion systems.

Key Features and Operation

The pedal is built around an intuitive interface featuring a 11-position rotary dial to select between different synth engines. Key controls include:

Dry/Synth Mix: Independent knobs for 'Dry' and 'Synth' levels allow users to blend the original bass signal with the synthesized effect, maintaining low-end definition.
Sensitivity: Adjusts how the pedal reacts to the player's dynamics and input gain.
Control Knob: A multi-functional parameter control that changes its behaviour depending on which of the 11 synth types is selected.
Preset Function: Users can save one custom preset for each of the 11 voices, allowing for quick recall during performances.

Sound Character

The sonic identity of the Bass Mono Synth is defined by its 11 voices, which include emulations of classic analogue synthesisers, percussive 'stabs', and thick sub-bass oscillators. The sounds range from 'vintage' styles that evoke 1970s funk to 'beefy' modern tones suitable for electronic and industrial music. Because the pedal reacts to the input dynamics of the bass, the sound character remains expressive rather than static.

Integration and Comparisons

The Bass Mono Synth is designed to function well within a larger pedal chain. It includes a dedicated 'Dry Out' jack, which allows for parallel processing where the unaffected bass signal can be sent to a separate amplifier or recording channel.

Compared to alternatives like the Behringer Neutron or Oberheim OB-X8, the EHX unit is specifically a signal processor for bassists rather than a standalone keyboard or semi-modular synth. While a Roland Boutique TR-08 or Yamaha MX49 II provides a wider range of general production sounds, the Bass Mono Synth is purpose-built for real-time bass guitar performance.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Electro-Harmonix Bass Mono Synth polyphonic?: No, it is a monophonic pedal. It is designed to track and process one note at a time, so playing chords may result in glitches or unpredictable tracking.
How many synth voices are available?: The pedal features 11 different voices, ranging from vintage-style emulations to deep, modern bass tones.
Can I save my own settings on the pedal?: Yes, you can save one user preset for each of the 11 synth types. This allows you to store your preferred 'Control' and 'Sensitivity' settings for every voice.
Does the pedal require a special pickup?: No, it works with standard 1/4-inch jack inputs from any regular bass guitar. It does not require a MIDI pickup or hexaphonic system.
How does the 'Dry' control affect the sound?: The Dry knob controls the volume of your original bass signal. Mixing this in is useful for maintaining the natural punch and clarity of your instrument alongside the synth effect.
What is the purpose of the 'Control' knob?: The 'Control' knob is a variable parameter that changes its function based on the selected synth voice. It typically adjusts filters, envelopes, or modulation speeds.
Can this pedal be used with a guitar?: While it is technically possible to plug a guitar into it, the pedal is specifically voiced and tuned for the lower frequencies of a bass guitar. Electro-Harmonix produces a separate 'Mono Synth' specifically for guitarists.
Does it have a dedicated output for the clean signal?: Yes, it features a 'Dry Out' jack. This allows you to send your unaffected bass signal to a different signal path or amplifier while the 'Synth Out' carries the effect.
What is the typical price for this pedal?: The Bass Mono Synth typically retails for approximately £120, making it an affordable entry point into bass synthesis.
How should I position this in my pedal chain?: It is generally recommended to place the Bass Mono Synth near the beginning of your signal chain to ensure the cleanest possible tracking. You can then add reverb, delay, or modulation after it.
Does it come with a power supply?: Electro-Harmonix typically includes a 9.6DC-200BI power supply with their digital pedals, as they require consistent power for digital processing.
Is the pedal suitable for live performance?: Yes, its rugged design and ability to store presets for each voice make it highly suitable for live use. The intuitive layout allows for quick adjustments on stage.