Empress The Bass ParaEq

Studio-grade equalization and tone control, purpose-built for bassists and low-end instruments.

The Empress Bass ParaEq brings the full control and transparency of the ParaEq MKII Deluxe to a pedal designed specifically for bassists. With bass-tuned frequencies, a dynamic low shelf, and features built for both electric and upright players, it offers the kind of tone-shaping flexibility usually reserved for studio racks.

Following the success of the Empress Bass Compressor—and the popularity of the ParaEq MKII Deluxe among bassists—Empress recognized the need for an EQ pedal made specifically for low-end instruments. The Bass ParaEq adapts everything that made the Deluxe great, but optimizes the experience for bass. The result is an EQ/boost pedal that feels less like an adaptation and more like an essential part of a bassist’s rig.

“It’s an amazing pedal that shapes not only bass but anything you wanna seriously pinpoint frequencies with. 10/10.”

– Tim Lefebvre, Grammy-winning session bassist (David Bowie, Tedeschi Trucks Band)

Studio-Quality EQ in a Pedal

Three bands of parametric EQ, each with fully sweepable Q controls, allow for broad tone shaping or surgical precision. A newly designed dynamic low shelf adjusts its range depending on how much boost or cut is applied, offering intuitive control over the foundation of a bass tone. The high- and low-pass filters help remove unwanted low-end rumble or harsh upper frequencies, while the clean boost section delivers up to +30dB of gain—ideal for solos, makeup gain, or hitting the front end of an amp harder.

The 10MΩ high-impedance input makes the Bass ParaEq a great match for upright basses with piezo pickups, maintaining clarity and low-end response. An auto-detecting balanced output makes it easy to send a clean signal over long cable runs without tone loss or extra gear.

With 27V of internal headroom, a low-noise signal path, and Empress’s signature transparent EQ circuitry, the Bass ParaEq brings studio-quality tone shaping to the pedalboard—purpose-built for bass.

Features

• All-Analog Signal Path – Preserves your instrument’s natural character with rich, organic tone.
• Tailored for Bass – Frequency ranges and filter behavior engineered specifically for low-end instruments.
• Ultra Transparent, Sweet-Sounding EQ – Shapes your tone without masking the details of your sound.
• Tons of Control – With sweepable frequency, variable Q, and ±15dB of cut and boost across 3 bands.
• Dynamic Low Shelf – A responsive shelf that adjusts its range based on how much you boost or cut.
• 10MΩ Hi-Z Input – Perfect for upright basses and piezo pickups that lose low end with standard inputs.
• Balanced Output – Auto-detecting TRS output for clean signal over long cable runs or straight to DI.
• Ultra Quiet – Low-noise design keeps your signal clean, even when boosting.
• +30dB of Clean Boost – Push your signal hard for solos, makeup gain, or amp-driving punch.
• 27V Internal Headroom – High-voltage operation like studio rack gear—nearly impossible to clip.
• Buffered Bypass – Maintains signal integrity across your pedalboard and cable runs.
• Compact Size – Enclosure measures approx. 2.5” x 4.8” x 2.6” with top jacks to fit any board.

Dial in Clarity Without Losing Depth

Your bass tone is nearly there—but it’s just a bit too boomy or gets buried in the mix. The Bass ParaEq lets you make precise, musical adjustments that preserve your low end while adding clarity and punch. It’s more transparent and accurate than a typical graphic EQ.

Control Feedback Without Killing Tone

Upright basses and piezo-loaded acoustics can be feedback magnets, especially on loud stages. The Bass ParaEq gives you the pinpoint control to notch out problem frequencies without neutering your sound—so your tone stays rich, full, and present, even in tough rooms.

Consistency on the Road

Touring without your usual rig? The Bass ParaEq helps you quickly adapt to unfamiliar amps or DIs, keeping your tone consistent whether you’re on a festival stage, in a club, or going straight into FOH.