Specifications

Bypass: Soft-touch relay switching with op amp buffered bypass.

Input impedance @ 1 kHz: 2.2MΩ

Output impedance @ 1 kHz: <1kΩ

Power: 9V DC, center negative, <65mA current at idle. We recommend a regulated, isolated power supply rated for 200 mA minimum. The PSU input is protected against reverse polarity and over-voltage. Our pedals do not accept batteries.

Dimensions: 6.75” x 3.5” x 2”

Weight: 1.5 lbs

0xEAE Bass Driver

The 0xEAE Bass Driver is the third and final installment of this collaborative form factor. While this iteration has been produced in a finite quantity, we intend to manufacture this circuit in a new form at a later date.

This page is retained for archival purposes.

The Obstructures x EAE Bass Driver completes a trifecta of neo-brutalist gain devices executed with precision and brawn. Built upon an homage to a beloved vintage Canadian bass amplifier, the Bass Driver delivers solid state noise rock thunder with key augmentations for the modern bassist.

With a gain control spanning a 50dB range, the Bass Driver can be restrained or rowdy. The tone controls are designed to emphasize the natural attack of a picked bass while also provisioning for down-tuned modernism. Critically, it achieves deep low frequency extension without the unnatural, disconnected feel of a traditional clean blend. In addition we included an internally switchable notch filter, useful for tailoring the midrange response to work either in front of an amplifier or as a dedicated preamp with a power amp or DI.

Controls

  • Volume - overall volume level, capable of extremely high output

  • Drive - signal gain, from clean to moderate to extreme. Approximately 50dB maximum passband gain.

  • Bass - post-clipping low frequency shelf boost, up to +14db at 100Hz and below

  • Attack - adjusts frequencies above 1kHz, tailors the overall clipping response and sharpness of pick attack

  • Notch (internal switch) - use to activate a notch filter centered at 750Hz. Disabled by default, but can be useful for ampless setups or when running direct into a power amp.

  • Footswitch: Effect activator.

Changelog

  • V1 (April 2025): initial release