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Electro-Harmonix Bass Metaphors Pedal Review

The Bass Metaphors is an all-purpose channel strip and distortion in one box made from lightweight aluminum.

Electro-Harmonix Bass Metaphors
Download example 1
Clean
Download example 2
Dirty
Recorded with US Masters EP41PJ straight into Nuendo
Electro Harmonix has recently released a number of dedicated bass offerings, including the Bass Metaphors. The Bass Metaphors is an all-purpose channel strip and distortion in one box made from lightweight aluminum. It features separate Gain controls for clean and distorted settings, as well as a two-band EQ with dedicated EQ level. There is also a blend knob for mixing the effected signal with your dry bass tone, and a mini toggle that switches on a preset compressor. The pedal has an XLR Direct out as well as dedicated 1/4” outputs for effected or non-effected signal.

The Metaphors was tested as a DI on a master session, with the tone controls and blend set at twelve o’clock. It immediately sounded warm and round with a Tobias Classic six-string. Notes over the entire tonal spectrum were thick, and the Metaphors handled the B string well. There was a bit of top end hiss at first, but it was controlled easily after rolling off some treble. Engaging the distortion yielded a great, tube-like grind that any rock bassists would enjoy. Adding the Metaphors compressor immediately tightened up the overdrive’s definition, making it more articulate. Switching back to clean with an NS Design electric upright offered a huge amount of growl fretless players will love.

Bassists are utilitarian by nature, and this box does it all. If you are into doing the job with one pedal in your gig bag this might just be it. – SS
Buy If...
you need an all-purpose DI with distortion.
Skip If...

you need a fully adjustable compressor.
Rating...
4.0
MSRP $158 - Electro Harmonix - ehx.com