Origin Effects have released the DCX Boost and DCX Bass, a pair of new effects pedals inspired by Universal Audio’s iconic 610 preamp. Individually catering to both guitar and bass players, the company’s latest offerings offer a mix of vintage-inspired drive and EQ that helps to introduce everything from subtle boosts through to fuzz-like “cranked console” saturation.
Both the Boost and Bass units sport an identical set of controls, but have been specifically tuned and optimised for use with guitar and bass respectively. Level and Drive knobs are joined by LF and HF EQ controls, and each pedal’s operation mode and voicing settings can be controlled via a pair of toggle switches in the centre of the top panel.
With the first switch set to EQ mode, the pedals use the same Active Circuitry feature found in the company’s Halcyon Green Overdrive and M-EQ Driver pedals, allowing the high-frequency response of the effect to remain flat with the pedal set to clean, and exhibiting a subtle roll-off that gradually increases as the pedal is pushed into overdrive.
The feature responds to playing dynamics and volume knob changes, which the company say allows for seamless transitions between clean and overdriven and clean tones. When the switch is set to OD mode, the roll-off remains remains present regardless of playing dynamics or signal level. The second toggle switch then offers three voicing settings which allow users to fine-tune the response of the pedal by applying different amounts of high-frequency roll off.
The LF and HF parameters provide precise EQ control over the high- and low-frequency content of the signal, with each pedal’s controls set to frequencies that have been specifically chosen for the intended instrument. Origin Effects say that the section is perfect for tweaking clean boost sounds, balancing out different instruments or creating unique overdriven tones, and can be used to apply significant boosts to the high- and low-end without the overall sound becoming muddy or harsh.
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 124 × 58 × 64 mm (Length x Width x Height)
- Weight: 500g
- Input Impedance: 1MΩ
- Output Impedance: 1kΩ
- Current Draw: 90 mA
- Power Supply: 9V DC 2.1mm centre-negative
Pricing & Availability
Both the DCX Boost and DCX Bass are available now from Origin Effects dealers worldwide, priced at $319£259 including VAT / €259.
