[quote name='Left Foot' timestamp='1428410046' post='2740988']
Well, I went for the Xotic BB bass preamp, its kinda like (just) a REALLY good pedal because it doesn't have a DI out, so yeah: tonally, these seem to be better pedals and effects, if I could make that assertion. I'm very impressed with it so far through the mini rig at home and a GK backline 600 at the rehearsal studio. this needs a DI though to be a true preamp IMHO and not just the king of bass overdrives.
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The BB is more of an overdrive pedal as far as I'm concerned, it's basically a bass friendly tubescreamer. There's lots of similar sounding pedals out there that don't label themselves as preamps.
But then again, anything that can amplify your signal and provide some form of shaping is technically a preamp, so if we're calling the BB one then so are all overdrive pedals!