Funkier Than a Keyboard? MXR Bass Synth Pedal Review & Demo
Looking for the best synth bass pedal for live gigs or to expand your pedalboard? *USE HEADPHONES FOR BEST EXPERIENCE!*
In this MXR Bass Synth Pedal MB301 review and demo, I put the MXR Bass Synth Pedal head-to-head against the classic Novation Bass Station II keyboard synth.
This video is for gigging bassists, cover band players, EDM producers, and anyone serious about sound design and synth bass tones.
*Can a synth bass pedal replace a keyboard synth for live shows?
*How does the MXR MB301 compare to real synth bass?
*Which is better for your pedalboard: the MXR or a classic synth keyboard?
*Find out in this in-depth blind test, comparison, and real-world review!
GET THE ANSWERS AND THE COOKBOOK:
https://www.grooveschool.co/mxr-synth-bass-pedal-settings-presets
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*What’s Inside:*
– *Honest, real-world comparison:* MXR Bass Synth Pedal MB301 vs Novation Bass Station II
– *Blind listening test:* Can you tell pedal from keyboard synth?
– *Who the MXR Bass Synth is really for:*
Weekend warriors, gigging musicians, content creators, EDM/dance producers, cover bands
– Why MXR does NOT claim this pedal is a 1:1 replacement for a full synth rig —but why it might be a must-have on your pedalboard
– *Pros and cons:* For live shows, studio work, and sound design
– *How to get classic synth bass sounds* without a keyboard
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*Want to learn the basics of synth bass sound design, build your own signature tones, and get pro gig-ready in minutes?*
*Download The Synth Bass Cookbook:*
https://www.grooveschool.co/mxr-synth-bass-pedal-settings-presets
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*Timecodes/Chapters:*
00:00 MXR Bass Synth Pedal MB301 Review & Unboxing
00:40 Is the MXR Bass Synth Pedal a Real Replacement for a Keyboard Synth?
01:15 What This Synth Bass Comparison Video Covers
01:30 MXR Bass Synth Pedal vs Keyboard Synth – Blind Test & Sound Comparison
01:48 Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) – The Jacksons
01:59 Dance Floor – Zapp
02:18 24K Magic – Bruno Mars
02:47 Can the MXR Bass Synth Replacement Key Bass
03:18 Which Synth Bass Option Wins?
03:47 Who Should Use the MXR Bass Synth Pedal for Bass Guitar?
04:30 Best Synth Pedal for Live Gigs? MXR vs Novation Bass Station II
04:51 Final Verdict: Best Synth Bass Option for Your Pedalboard?
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If you want more honest synth bass pedal reviews, bass gear comparisons, and no-BS advice for gigging musicians—**subscribe, like, and drop your questions in the comments!**
#MXRBassSynth #MB301 #SynthBassPedal #NovationBassStation #BassPedalReview #LiveGigReady #PedalboardSynth #BestSynthBass #BlindTest #SoundDesign #BassGear #CoverBandBass #EDMBass #WeekendWarrior #BassTips
#tedtalksbass #grooveschool #funkbass #basslessons #pocketscience
*Remember:* It ain’t rocket science. It’s Pocket Science.
#Funkier #Keyboard #MXR #Bass #Synth #Pedal #Review #Demo
Originally posted by UC-BbP_62vDQDuTHhOyYYDEw at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHMOgQQb2lE
▶ *Get my Synth Bass Cookbook* for pedal and keyboard users:
https://www.grooveschool.co/mxr-synth-bass-pedal-settings-presets
???? *Blind Test Challenge:*
Could YOU tell which sound was the MXR Bass Synth Pedal and which was the Novation Bass Station? Drop your answers and why below!
???? *What do you want to see next?*
Have a synth bass question, want a full pedalboard breakdown, or looking for specific funk/EDM presets?
Let me know and I’ll cover it in an upcoming video.
*Subscribe for more honest gear reviews, blind tests, and real-world bass lessons!*
#MXRBassSynth #SynthBassPedal #NovationBassStation #BassPedalReview #SynthBass #GrooveSchool
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Bit of a glum review TBH,Ian the guy who invented it with MXR made it sound way better than the examples here which sounded so dull compared to this.
I have one of these pedals coming my way. I want to use this with a fuzz pedal; would it be better to have the fuzz before or after this pedal in the sound chain?
I have to say, I've had hundreds of bass-focused pedals over the years. I've had the original Akai Deep Impact and other digital synths. I've had plenty of analog octavers, fuzzes, chorus pedals, envelope filters from budget to boutique (my main synth sounds coming from 3Leaf audio).
This pedal is a game changer. More consistent than analog, tracks better and faster than anything digital I've used, and is EXTREMELY easy to dial in. I actually cannot get over how good it is.
Can you get Gap Band , Party train, you dropped a bomb on me ,burn rubber bass tone from this pedal or would you recommend an envelope filter for that or? What r your thoughts thanx Ron
This looks like the most honest review of this pedal at far. I'm curious to see how it compares to the future impact. I've ordered one. The tracking is the selling point for me. If it tracks as well as people say. Then I'm sold. Would like another video of you sitting down playing it and going through settings/sounds ECT. Anyways great content as always Ted!
I can tell a difference
A B B is pedal?
Actual synth has much more snap.
At the end of the day, It is and will ALWAYS in the hands. I just finished a 2 month tour with a very well known artist who's music requires a lot of keybass, and no one could believe the authenticity of the sounds. Take it from someone that's used this pedal in an actual gametime environment, the presets are great. But, the greatest thing about this pedal is that you can actually edit the waveforms, oscillation, envelope, modulation, resonance, blend, and sub mix. Just like keyboards like Moog etc, there's a learning curve. The word among some the top players that I know is that this pedal is a revelation…
This is a fantastic pedal, and I really appreciate your review, no one else is covering it with this kind of insight. Props! ???????? That said, I haven't heard you mention any cons yet? Tone-wise, if you're going for sub-bass sustain, I noticed that when the volume dips too low, the sound cuts out entirely, which isn’t ideal for live performance. Also, part of the fun with synths is having room to tweak those big filter knobs. On this pedal, the knobs are packed so tightly (and they're pretty chunky), I can't even fit a pinky between them. It makes filter sweeps and sound shaping feel a bit cramped. Still loving the sound overall though!
It too easy to tell the difference
I am not a big MXR fan, but I have to own this one. Fabulous.
Wait, what were the answers to the blind test?
You interest me, friend! You have an interest in electronic music similar to mine. You ALSO have a Dean A/E bass and Fender Jazz bass similar to mine (though mine are both fretless!), colors and all.
Keep talking—I’m listening!
How os it vs a EHX Micro Bass Synth?
The second I saw this pedal, my first thought is that it's too late for me as I've gotten into synths and don't play bass any better than keys to benefit from it.
My plan for this is to bring it to smaller gigs where stage room is tight. I don’t have to find room for my bass station, just use the bass the whole gig. But larger gigs I would still like the sound of the real synth.
Even if it won’t replace a Mini Moog I don’t need it to because for one I don’t have a Mini Moog???? Two, I can’t play keys or desire to! But I do have a bass and can play it, so having a pedal like this that’s close to a keyboard synth is a win in my opinion!
Both win. We need both!
Seriously……whether it's A or B……they both sound great. You just had the pedal for a few hours. The sounds could have been better dialed in.
I enjoy key bass but this will help on the road. Ain’t no one wanna lug more than they need ????
B is lagging a bit – latency / tracking ?
Quick question & U probably have addressed it b4 I want to set up a pedal board using maybe 5/6 pedals Something compact , which board do U recommend thx for any info U provide Njoy ur Day
Will be grabbing one for when I am playing less than 3 keybass tunes or when on a small stage or a hit and run gig. Great review Ted. Gonna be interesting to see who wins pedal of the year, this or the Anagram. Great productions on all of your MXR synth pedal videos.
B is the pedal
Blue #2 is so useful
From what I've seen and heard, this pedal really delivers.
Game Changer!
A is the pedal, B is the keys. The biggest clue is the tiny bit of fret buzz or string noise at the end of the MJ clip. I thank you for your efforts sir!
Great take on this Ted!