New Gear: Caveman Audio BP1 Compact Bass Preamp

Caveman Audio BP1 Compact Bass Preamp…

Caveman Audio’s BP1 Bass Preamp has quickly caught the attention of bass aficionados everywhere, and now the company adds a compact version of this 1073-inspired preamp circuit to its roster of bass products.

Caveman Audio’s BP1 Compact gives bass players a fundamental bass tone that is very similar to that of the 1073-inspired BP1 Bass Preamp, but with a significantly smaller footprint. Since the goal is improving the core bass tone, its purpose is not to act as an effects pedal, but to serve as an always-on component in the signal chain.   

“I am extremely pleased that we succeeded with shrinking our bass preamp design while maintaining a true and breathtaking bass sound. In fact, more than anything BP1 Compact is all about tone,” says Steen Skrydstrup, Founder and Head Engineer of Caveman Audio. 

“In order to arrive at such a small footprint compared to the original BP1 Bass Preamp, we removed the optional wireless input and went for an external power supply, but the core connectivity such as an Amp Out, FX loop and Tuner Out remains.

Further, the internal circuit – including the input buffer – delivers a tonal bliss that is very close to the sound of the original BP1 that so many bass players have already become addicted to.

In fact, the preamp is exactly the same as the one you’ll find in the BP1 Bass Preamp and the BAS1 rack preamp, but I modified bits and pieces of the ‘surrounding’ electronics to make it fit the smaller size. Does it sound better? I guess that is up for each bass player to decide, as it is very much a matter of personal taste and preference – especially since the difference is so subtle. I think of BP1 and BP1 Compact as two slightly different flavours of sonic greatness, and therefore I definitely think there is a place for both.”

Caveman Audio recognises that the sheer preamp design is not the only component capable of enhancing the fundamental sound of a bass audio signal. Therefore, they also pay focused attention on suppressing noise and avoid impedance mismatch in the electronic design that surrounds the preamp circuit, which includes transformer-balanced DI output, onboard input buffer and unique RFI protection – all of it housed in a road-ready, zinc-plated steel enclosure.

In short, BP1 Compact delivers the bass signal any bass player’s and FOH engineer’s dreams are made of.

For more information, visit online at caveman-audio.com/bp1-compact-bass-preamp/