The Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass is a Source Audio distortion pedal, currently around $249. Close alternatives include the Source Audio AfterShock and the Source Audio SA250-US. It pairs well with the Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 Combo Bass Amp and the Phil Jones Bass Compact Plus BG-450.
Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass
Source Audio · pedal
The Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass is a high-technology, multi-algorithm bass effects processor from Source Audio providing diverse bass processing effects with deep programmability and MIDI control. Source Audio's Ultra Wave offers comprehensive bass effects in premium digital format.
What stands out
“The Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass is a high-technology, multi-algorithm bass effects processor from Source Audio providing diverse bass processing effects with deep programmability and MIDI control”
— from the listing
“Build quality is excellent”
— from the community notes
“s ultra wave offers comprehensive bass effects in premium digital format”
— from the listing
“Bass players who want programmable multi-effects with premium digital quality find the Ultra Wave an excellent option”
— from the community notes
“Extensive processing suits studio and live bass performance”
— from the reviews
- digital
- studio
- midi
- source audio
- comprehensive bass effects
- diverse bass processing effects
Price updated Oct 24, 2026
Amps that pair well with the Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 Combo Bass Amp
Ampeg
10% matchAmpeg Rocket Bass RB-115 Combo Bass Amp's own warm character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes later in the signal chain
Phil Jones Bass Compact Plus BG-450
Phil Jones
10% matchWhat Phil Jones Bass Compact Plus BG-450 brings here leans toward high headroom — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Pedals that stack with the Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass
Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive
Mad Professor
8% matchMad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive leans toward dynamic, and that's a real, usable character to pair with
Comes earlier in the signal chain
One Control Lingonberry Overdrive
One Control
8% matchOne Control Lingonberry Overdrive's own dynamic character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes earlier in the signal chain
Walrus Audio Julia
Walrus Audio
6% matchWalrus Audio Julia's analog warmth voice goes after Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass in the signal chain — it's not there to compete with Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass's own pristine character
Comes later in the signal chain
Ashdown Macchiato Compressor Guy Pratt Signature
Ashdown
6% matchAshdown Macchiato Compressor Guy Pratt Signature's own compressed character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes earlier in the signal chain
Carl Martin DeLayla XL
Carl Martin
5% matchKeep Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass's pristine voice out front: Carl Martin DeLayla XL goes after Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass in the signal chain so its analog warmth voice doesn't muddy it — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Comes later in the signal chain
Carl Martin Headroom
Carl Martin
5% matchPut Carl Martin Headroom after Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass in the signal chain, clear of Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass's own gain stage — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Comes later in the signal chain
Cheaper alternatives
Boutique & premium upgrades
Similar character
See all alternatives to the Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass?+
The closest matches in character are the Source Audio AfterShock, the Source Audio SA250-US, the Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI. Budget picks: Palmer Pocket AMP Bass. Boutique upgrades: Origin Effects BassRig Fifteen.
What pairs well with the Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 Combo Bass Amp, Phil Jones Bass Compact Plus BG-450, Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive — Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 Combo Bass Amp's own warm character is the real reason this is worth trying.
How much does the Source Audio SA251 Ultra Wave Bass cost?+
Around $249 (live listing price, updated Oct 24, 2026).