NBP-5 Melvin Lee Davis Bass Preamp + DI Pedal

Melvin Lee Davis signature dual-switch pedal is:

A bass guitar preamp, DI box, impulse response (IR) loader and audio interface.
Yes, everything you need for practicing, gigging and recording is in the box!

Closer Look

MLD signature Bass Preamp + DI features fully sweepable mid-range frequencies in addition to Bass and Treble controls. Melvin L. Davis is proficient at 4, 5, 6 and 7 string basses, so MLD Bass Preamp has a wide range of frequency control.

Volume Knob
Adjusts the overall output volume of the pedal. Ideal for fine-tuning the output on clean tone, it also controls the DI output volume.

Blend Knob
Adjusts to blend between the clean signal and overdrive signal. The clean signal remains as unity gain, allowing for fine control of the blend ration.

Drive Knob
Adjusts the Gain level and sets the saturation level in the overdriven signal.

3-Band Equalizer with Middle Frequency Selector
Bass: +/- 12dB @40Hz
Middle: +/- 17dB @160Hz to 1000Hz
Freq.: 160Hz ~ 1000Hz
Treble: +/- 12dB @8000Hz

DI Output
Balanced XLR Output carrying the mic-level output signal, either affected or unaffected depending on the Pre-Post switch.

GND LFT (Ground / Lift) Toggle Switch
Disconnects the signal ground on the DI out to break any ground loops. Toggle the switch to the LESS noisy position; it can be either GND or LFT depending on the room, stage or studio condition. Switch does not effect the 1/4-inch (6.5mm) output.

Impulse Response (IR) Toggle Switches
You can activate/deactivate the IR cabinet simulation for both DI out and 1/4-inch (6.5mm) out separately. Use the appropriate IR toggle switch to turn ON/OFF the emulation for the output you choose

Input/Output and USB Connections

Main OUT and Through

You can use the main "OUT" and "THROUGH" output to get the dry signal for bass amplifier connection.

When you activate the "OUT IR" cabinet simulation, you can connect the pedal to any FRFR speaker, directly to a mixer or audio interface. "THROUGH" output will remain bypassed either the "OUT IR" is activated or deactivated.

DI Out, Auxiliary Input and Headphone Output

On the LEFT SIDE of the PEDAL, you can access the XLR output for a mixer and/or audio interface connection, and you have the option of activating the IR cabinet simulation.

There is a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) auxiliary input to connect a music player, and headphones output for silent practicing or monitoring (please check the USB connection).

Headphone output is related to DI out, when you activate the DI IR simulation, headphones output will be simulated.

Firmware V3 & NBP-5 Edit Software
You can connect the pedal to your Windows / MAC computer to use the edit software: load your own IR files and control various other settings.

Supported IR file: 48 kHz / 24-bit, 1024 Samples

Bass Amplifier Models

MLD Bass Preamp + DI pedal comes with 3 amplifier models (Firmware V3), you can select and control the amps and the Noise Reduction on the software easily. There will be more amp models released . . . stay tuned !

Speaker Cabinet Models (IR)

There are 16 IR slots (8 factory / 8 user) in the Melvin Lee Davis Bass Preamp + DI(Firmware V3), and the pedal comes with the selection of speaker cabinet IR files created by NUX. Also there is an independent volume control for the cabinet simulation to adjust the IR level.

Drum & Loop on Edit Software:

For bassists, drum & loop is a great practice tool, so we add it into Firmware V3 with Edit Software. You can choose the Rhythm Style, use 🔼/🔽 to increase/decrease TEMPO, or TAP TEMPO. The Loop is auto-recording, it means while you engage the REC, it’s waiting for the input signal to start RECORDING.

Signal Routing

There are 3 ROUTING OPTIONS for the USB audio streaming:

NORMAL: You can create your tone by using the pedal, and it will send the processed signal to the recording software.
DRY OUT: You can record your bass guitar without any preamp effect and IR simulation. This option is useful for re-amping.
REAMP: You can playback a recorded track on the recording software, and send it to another track. MLD Preamp will process the signal while recording to a new track. (see: Re-amp Routing)

Recording With Melvin Lee Davis Bass Preamp

You can record your bass guitar without using any audio interface. MLD Bass Preamp + DI has a built-in audio streaming function, so you can connect the pedal directly to your computer with a Micro B USB cable, and it is ready to play and record. A driver-free* solution helps you produce music with direct connection. You can use the headphones output for monitoring, you will hear both your guitar and the audio from your computer.

Specifications

24-bit, 48KHz
Impulse Response: 1024 length (20.33ms)
Latency: 1ms
3-band EQ with Middle-frequency selector
Drive with blend control
Built-in noise reduction
Impulse Response loader, speaker cabinet simulation
1/4" instrument input
1/4" through output and main output
XLR DI output
1/8" headphone output
1/8" Auxillary in for music player connection
Micro B USB input for firmware update, software control, IR loading, and audio stream