A Must-See For Bassists! Talking About the Super Cool Darkglass Electronics!

Hello! Kaoru the composer here!

Have you ever heard of Darkglass Electronics? If you're a bassist, chances are you already know the name.
But for guitarists or drummers, this brand might not be as familiar.
Despite being a relatively young company, Darkglass has quickly made a name for itself with high-quality, well-designed, and sonically outstanding gear.
Recently, they’ve even released a software version of their effects pedal in the form of the Neural DSP Darkglass Ultra (B7K Vintage) plugin, bringing their signature tone into the digital realm.

Darkglass primarily focuses on developing and manufacturing bass amps and effects, and they’ve earned the loyalty of many bassists around the world, from funk legend Bootsy Collins to Tony Levin, who’s known for his work with the Chapman Stick.

So today, I would like to introduce one of their standout products: Darkglass Electronics / MicroTubes 900 V2 Bass Amplifier Head.

Darkglass Electronics / Amp Head for MicroTubes 900 V2 Bass

This amp head is arguably the flagship product that put Darkglass Electronics on the map.
With its minimalist silver body and the Darkglass logo printed on the top, its design is clean yet striking.

The Microtubes 900 V2 combines an all-analog preamp with a Class D power amp, delivering a clear, wide-range sound.
With 900 watts of power, it’s more than capable of handling larger venues without breaking a sweat. Plus, when paired with the Super Intelligent Footswitch, it opens up new possibilities for live performance dynamics.

The control panel on the front is well thought out. On the left side, you'll find controls for COMP, DRIVE, LEVEL, TONE, BLEND, GAIN, and MASTER. On the right, it features a 6-band graphic equalizer.
One standout feature is the slider-style EQ — it allows for intuitive, visual sound shaping, making it easier to dial in your tone precisely.

On the left side of the Microtubes 900 V2, you’ll find tone-shaping tools that reflect Darkglass’s signature character. You can add tube-like saturation, rich harmonics, and natural compression, pushing your clean tone to new heights. Of course, it also allows you to craft powerful drive tones, making it perfect for aggressive, punchy modern bass styles.

A standout feature is the instant switching between two iconic drive modes: Microtubes B3K Mode delivers a sharp, aggressive, and percussive tone perfect for contemporary high-gain bass sounds. Vintage Microtubes (VMT) Mode offers a warm, vintage-inspired tone full of character, great for more classic rock or soulful vibes.

Switching between the two is as simple as pressing a single button. A mute switch is also included, which is super handy when switching basses mid-set or during live MC moments.

The amp is also packed with modern features like Impulse Response-based Virtual Cabinet Simulation, making it ideal for both stage and studio.

The included Super Intelligent Footswitch completes the package, giving you full control during performances.

Now, let’s move on to another essential in the Darkglass lineup:

Darkglass Electronics / Vintage Deluxe V3 Bass Overdrive

Since its release, the Vintage Deluxe V3 has become a staple on pedalboards of countless musicians.

Known for its warm, tube amp-like overdrive, this pedal also offers a highly flexible EQ. You can freely choose the center frequencies for both low-mid and high-mid bands, giving you incredible control over your tone and allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities.

The Vintage Deluxe V3 delivers a naturally driven sound that easily replicates the warmth and character of a tube amp, making it incredibly user-friendly and versatile for a wide range of styles.

It also functions as a DI, which means it can be used effectively in both recording sessions and live performances.

The Grunt switch allows you to boost low-end frequencies effortlessly.
Additionally, the Blend knob lets you retain the clarity and presence of your clean tone, giving your sound a solid core.

Despite its many features, the compact design ensures it fits snugly onto your pedalboard without taking up too much space.

Darkglass Electronics / Alpha·Omega Bass Preamp/Distortion

This pedal stands out with its refined color scheme and distinctive design.
It represents a significant departure from Darkglass’s previous preamps and overdrives.
At its core is a complete op-amp architecture, offering two completely different distortion circuits—ALPHA and OMEGA—that can be blended together using the MOD knob.
The control layout is quite unique even among Darkglass pedals, featuring two toggle switches and a 3-band active EQ section.

This innovative pedal allows players to manipulate a wide spectrum of distortion tones and has become a favorite among bassists looking for powerful and flexible drive options.

Darkglass Electronics / Hyper Luminal Bass Compressor

Despite its compact size, the Hyper Luminal bass compressor boasts studio-quality performance.
It offers three distinct compression styles:BUS, FET, and SYM, making it highly adaptable to various playing scenarios and bass types.
The stylish indicator lights allow you to visually monitor the compression in real time.

Additionally, using the dedicated free software Darkglass Suite, you can fine-tune and craft your sound with even greater flexibility.

That wraps up our look at Darkglass products.

Each one not only sounds fantastic but also inspires confidence and excitement when you play.

Definitely worth trying out for yourself!

The "sound & person" column is built on submissions from our readers.
[Click here for more information on how to contribute.]