The Tone Capsule, by Darkglass, is a compact onboard bass preamplifier designed to enhance and expand the tonal capabilities of your instrument while maintaining its inherent character. It offers a unique approach to onboard preamplifiers by providing a nuanced and expansive sound-shaping tool for bass players who wish to enrich their tonal palette without losing the authentic voice of their instrument.
The Tone Capsule includes three controls to adjust different frequency ranges: bass, mids, and high mids. The bass control, adjustable by a potentiometer included with the preamp, allows for a boost or cut of ±12dB at 70Hz. The mid control operates in the mid-frequency range, providing ±12dB of adjustment at 500Hz. Finally, the high mids control offers the same ±12dB range at 2.8kHz, allowing precise shaping of the upper-mid frequencies.
Technically, the Tone Capsule has an input impedance of 500k and an output impedance of 1k. It operates at a current consumption of approximately 2.4mA, making it an efficient addition to any bass guitar. The preamp can run on either a 9V or 18V power supply, depending on whether the user opts to use one or two batteries (battery clips are not included). The flexible voltage options ensure that players can fine-tune the headroom and dynamics of the preamp based on their specific requirements.
The Tone Capsule’s dimensions reflect its compact design: it measures 42mm in width, 25mm in length, and 12.5mm in height. The cable length is approximately 10cm, and the potentiometer type used is a 50 KB, which ensures consistent performance and reliability. The small size allows for easy integration into the control cavities of most bass guitars without significant modifications.
The Tone Capsule preamplifier is a robust, flexible, and innovative tool that significantly enhances a bass player’s ability to sculpt their tone. The preamplifier is available for purchase through various music retailers and distributors, providing bassists with a versatile solution to enhance their instrument’s sound without losing its unique character.
