[Latest for 2025!] Best-Selling Bass Preamps Ranking!

Just the other day, I happened to come across an old issue of Guitar Magazine from February 2018 at work.
It featured a special article titled “Distortion Effects Buyers Guide” that introduced a ton of effect pedals-

Even as a bassist, I found it to be an enjoyable read.
As I kept reading through the article, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.

“I wanna see a bass effects buyers guide too…”

There are tons of feature articles about guitar effects, but you don’t really see any on bass effects, do you?

As I kept thinking, “A bass effects buyers guide would definitely be interesting...”
one particular phrase suddenly flashed through my mind...

“You know what, I’ll just write one myself!☆”

And so, based on the best-sellers at Sound House, I’ll be introducing bass effect pedals one by one in a ranking format!

This time is the Preamp Edition, which most bassists have probably relied on at some point!
Let’s start from No.10—!

No.10 AGUILAR / TONEHAMMERV2

When it comes to Aguilar’s classic preamps, the Tone Hammer is it!
This model features the circuit from the well-known onboard preamp OBP-3, with added DI functionality.
It has the image of being noiseless and faithful to the original tone.
If you're a bassist who values your raw sound, you won’t regret getting this!

No.9 EBS / MICROBASSIII

This bass preamp is the perfect "all-in-one" honor student.
Centered around the clear and high-quality sound unique to EBS, it features a natural compressor, versatile EQ for broad tone shaping, and even a usable drive section.
From home recording to live gigs, this single unit solves your pedalboard worries!
If you want to bring out the true sound of your bass, I recommend this with confidence.

No.8 NUX / MLDBASSPREAMPDI

A preamp equipped with a headphone out and IR loader that’s perfect for home practice.
Using a Micro-B USB cable, it can also function as a USB audio interface.
Co-developed by NUX and renowned bassist Melvin Davis, who plays for many top artists, this is a powerhouse multi-preamp built for serious players.

No.7 AMPEG / SSGTDI

Experience the legendary Ampeg sound that’s been loved for generations, all in one unit.
With its newly added IR function, it delivers a realistic, powerful sound that feels just like playing through a real cabinet—even at home or in the studio.
A next-gen DI/preamp that fuses traditional tone with cutting-edge technology.
A true gem I highly recommend to all bassists who care deeply about their tone.

No.6 Darkglass Electronics / MXU

The pinnacle of multi-functional bass preamps from Darkglass!
It allows complete separation and control of clean low end and aggressive distortion.
Equipped with a 6-band EQ for detailed tone shaping, it lets you pursue your ideal sound to the fullest.
Not just for djent and metal; this ultimate unit is perfect for bassists across all genres who demand the very best tone.

No.5 PROVIDENCE / BDI1

The BRICK DRIVE BDI-1 by Providence is trusted by professionals on the front lines!
With its proprietary VITALIZER B buffer circuit, just turning it on enhances note definition and delivers excellent clarity in the mix.
This is a must-have for serious bassists who value their original tone. I highly recommend this one with confidence!

No.4 Darkglass Electronics / B7KV2

Darkglass makes another appearance in the rankings, and they have really gained recognition very quickly!
Once I experienced its clear low end, I was instantly hooked.
If you're into aggressive distortion and scooped tones, this is exactly what you're looking for.
The easy-to-handle tone and thick, sharp distortion make it a perfect match for modern music genres.
Lately, the company is constantly releasing updated models and innovative new gear—there's never a dull moment!

So, I’ve introduced entries from No.10 to No.4 in one go!
Was there a preamp that caught your attention?
Since these are all popular models, maybe some of you are already using one of them.

From here on out—it’s time to reveal the TOP 3!

No.3 MXR / M80

When it comes to the “go-to classic” in bass preamps, I’m sure many of you will think of this one—
the M80 Bass D.I.+ from MXR!
With just one unit, you can switch between a clear clean tone and powerful distortion using two channels.
That COLOR switch gives you a perfectly dialed-in scooped sound with a single press—
it’s nothing short of a secret weapon for rock bassists!

No.2 TECH21 / BSDRV2

Even if you’ve never actually used a SansAmp, I bet many of you have seen or heard of it.
I personally used the older version for many years.
As for the sound—well, it’s that unmistakable SansAmp tone.
It’s got that distinctive punch in both the low and high ends (what you'd call a scooped tone), and that sound works with any bass. Once you try it, you’ll definitely become hooked!
Personally, I like setting the BLEND knob around 9 o’clock to keep the original tone intact while getting that growly, beefy sound I love.

No.1 BOSS / BB1X

Taking the top spot is the BB-1X from BOSS, which made its debut back in 2015!
You’ll understand the clarity of the tone the moment you plug it in.
With the DRIVE and BLEND knobs, you can dial in a thick, punchy tone—and there’s no signal loss, so you can tweak freely to your taste.
Plus, that metallic look is absolutely worthy of a special edition—it just looks awesome.
Even years after its release, it’s still loved by many. Truly a modern classic worthy of the title “legend.”

So, what did you think?
I put this ranking together based on best-sellers from Sound House.
Since these are popular items, maybe you’re already using some of them?
Or on the flip side, maybe something you use didn’t make the list...
If that’s the case, just whisper to yourself:
“I’ve got an effect pedal nobody else has... I’m kinda cool, huh.”

Compared to the past, so many different bass preamps are being released by all kinds of manufacturers lately.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.
I’ll be happy if this ranking helps even a little in guiding you!

[Bonus]
By the way, this is the preamp I’m using!

Tronographic / Rusty Box

Despite its cute appearance, it delivers a CRASH! of a sound—like the insides of a box being dumped out! (lol)
It feels amazing when you dig in with a pick and let it rip!!
At first, it might seem like a wild beast of a pedal, but in a band mix, it actually sits in just the right spot.
It even comes with a handy boost switch for solos, making it a versatile unit that shines in all kinds of situations!

MARKBASS / Mark Vintage Pre

Since its release in 2021, this legendary preamp from Markbass, the Mark Vintage Pre, was so popular at one point that it left other companies' preamps in the dust!
Inside, it packs the exact preamp section from the equally legendary amp head, the Little Mark Vintage.
With incredible clean tones and tube-powered drive, it takes your bass sound to a whole new level!