Palmer Bass Pocket Amp: A Feature-Packed DI Pedal for Bassists
Reviewed by Chris Dekker
Introduction
In an era of in-ear monitors, playing without amplifiers, and home recordings, an increasing number of brands are introducing comprehensive, tone-shaping DI pedals to replace or augment existing setups. These range from budget-friendly options to high-end units costing over a thousand euros. Palmer has launched an affordable series for electric and acoustic guitar and bass. We received the bass version for this review.
Design and Connectivity
The Palmer Bass Pocket Amp is a compact unit, measuring approximately 10x10 cm with a height of just over 5 cm including the raised edges. Its exterior is equipped with numerous inputs, outputs, sliders, and rotary knobs. The bottom features a compartment for quick battery changes, and the rear panel includes a 9V adapter input. Adjacent to this are a single jack for effects send and return (requiring a special TRS cable) and another jack for connecting to an amplifier. The DI-out is balanced and XLR-type. The last two outputs share a slide switch for ground lift to address potential grounding issues.
The front panel presents two main jack inputs with two mini-jacks in between. From left to right, these are the bass input (with a -12 dB slide switch for active basses), a headphone output, an MP3 player input, and a bass thru output. The bass thru can be used to connect a tuner or a second amplifier.
The top panel of the pedal is quite busy. A potential drawback of the Palmer is that the eight rotary knobs are closely spaced. This requires careful attention on a dark stage or during hurried moments to avoid accidentally turning a knob. The footswitch is also positioned close to the rotary knobs, necessitating a degree of caution. While this design prioritizes 'real estate' – the scarce space on a pedalboard – making the Palmer compact, it's worth noting that the Bass Pocket Amp is often used as an 'always-on' effect.
Controls and Features
The top panel houses several controls. Around the on/off switch are four small sliders. The first slider selects the mode: clean, overdrive, or fuzz. The second slider determines whether the DI signal sent to the mixing console is dry or includes EQ. The third slider controls whether the signal passes through the bass thru output when the pedal is switched off. This is useful for muting an extra amplifier while keeping the signal for a tuner active. The final slider engages speaker cabinet simulation, offering choices between flat (off), modern, or vintage. The 'modern' setting provides a tight sound with ample treble, while 'vintage' offers a warmer, classic tone. These simulations are particularly useful for recording or playing without an amplifier.
The top row of rotary knobs serves as the equalizer, featuring controls for treble, mid, and bass. An additional knob allows for precise adjustment of mid frequencies, enabling users to boost or cut specific mid-range tones. The row below includes controls for drive (level of overdrive), blend (ranging from completely dry on the left to fully effected on the right), saturate, and volume. The volume knob sets the final output signal. The 'saturate' control adds a tape recorder-like warmth and is also suitable for fretless basses. An LED indicates when the pedal is active, and a warning light alerts to audio peaks.
Despite the numerous inputs, knobs, and sliders, the operation is generally intuitive, although some time is needed to experiment with all the settings. As mentioned, this is not a pedal typically adjusted frequently during a performance.
Performance in Practice
When used with an amplifier, the Palmer functions well as an EQ and drive pedal. The high and low controls offer moderate range, but the mid-frequency and mid-level knobs are effective for adding presence. A Höfner bass with flatwound strings, which can sound somewhat lost in the mix, is brought forward effectively. A StingRay bass can be tempered in the mid-range for a warmer, vintage sound. With the StingRay, the drive setting already borders on fuzz, and the dedicated fuzz setting is quite extreme. The -12 dB pad helps, but even with it engaged, the StingRay's output can be very high. While not producing a classic vintage drive, it offers an endless sustain, reminiscent of pushing the tubes of an Ampeg amplifier. The Höfner, with its lower input, achieves a vintage sound with the drive engaged. The fuzz setting is so potent that it humorously evokes calls from bands like The Black Keys and Jack White wanting their sound back. While usable, dedicated overdrive or fuzz pedals might still be preferred for specific tonal requirements.
Testing the speaker simulation at home is challenging, but the reviewer, also serving as chairman of a pop venue with a PA system, found an opportunity. Basses were connected directly to the mixing console's stage block via the Palmer, yielding excellent results. The speaker cabinet simulation effectively adds character to the sound. The sound engineer was pleased with the incoming signal. The reviewer opted for the vintage speaker simulation, while the sound engineer found the modern setting more versatile. The EQ remains somewhat limited, but the drive and fuzz controls perform as described – very usable.
Conclusion
Last year, 'De Bassist' reviewed the Noble pedal, priced at €1,000, which is considered a benchmark DI and ideal for playing without an amplifier. While not everyone can afford such a unit, many excellent alternatives are available around the €300 mark. The Palmer Bass Pocket Amp, with a suggested retail price of €145, sits in the more affordable segment. Directly comparing it to the Noble would be unfair. The tone controls could be more extensive and offer a wider range, but often, a sound engineer can further shape the tone with additional EQ adjustments. The use of the drive/fuzz is convenient, but ultimately a matter of taste. Overall, the Palmer Bass Pocket Amp is a solid pedal, highly usable for any gig or as a reliable backup for temperamental tube amplifiers.
Suggested Retail Price: € 145,-
More Information:
