The Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI is a Source Audio preamp pedal, currently around $249. Close alternatives include the Source Audio AfterShock and the Suhr Thump Bass Preamp. It pairs well with the Xotic RC Booster and the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver.
Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI
Source Audio · pedal
The Source Audio ZIO is an analog bass preamp and DI pedal from Source Audio (Boston, Massachusetts), delivering warm analog bass preamp character with MIDI control and Neuro app programmability for professional bass players who need MIDI-capable bass preamp in a pedalboard format. The ZIO provides studio-quality bass preamp and DI with Source Audio connectivity.
What stands out
“The Source Audio ZIO is an analog bass preamp and DI pedal from Source Audio (Boston, Massachusetts), delivering warm analog bass preamp character with MIDI control and Neuro app programmability for professional bass players who need MIDI-c…”
— from the listing
“The Source Audio ZIO delivers analog bass preamp and DI at Source Audio quality for professional bass players who want MIDI-capable bass preamp and DI from a respected manufacturer”
— from the community notes
“The ZIO provides studio-quality bass preamp and DI with Source Audio connectivity”
— from the listing
“Limitations: Source Audio professional pricing”
— from the reviews
“Preamp-specific application”
— from the reviews
- bass
- midi
- analog
- di
- studio
- professional bass players
Good for
- Live
- Silent Recording
- Studio
Price updated Oct 25, 2026
Pedals that stack with the Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI
Xotic RC Booster
Xotic
7% matchXotic RC Booster's own transparent character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes earlier in the signal chain
Boss BD-2 Blues Driver
Boss
7% matchBoss BD-2 Blues Driver's own full character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes earlier in the signal chain
Caroline Guitar Company Somersault
Caroline Guitar Company
6% matchCaroline Guitar Company Somersault's modulated voice goes after Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI in the signal chain — it's not there to compete with Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI's own analog warmth character
Comes earlier 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 Headroom
Carl Martin
4% matchCarl Martin Headroom's spring voice goes after Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI in the signal chain — it's not there to compete with Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI's own analog warmth character — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Comes later in the signal chain
Catalinbread Belle Epoch
Catalinbread
4% matchPut Catalinbread Belle Epoch after Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI in the signal chain, clear of Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI'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
One Control Sonic Silver PEG Bass Pre-amp
One Control
55% similarityShared character: bass
Laney Digbeth Series Bass
Laney
51% similarityShared character: bass
Sadowsky SBP-1 Bass Preamp/DI
Sadowsky
48% similarityShared character: bass, studio
Sadowsky SBP-2 Bass Preamp
Sadowsky
43% similarityShared character: bass, studio
Electro-Harmonix Battalion Bass Preamp/DI
Electro-Harmonix
41% similarityShared character: bass, studio
Demon FX Bear PAW Analog Bass Preamp
Demon Fx
90% similaritysimilar tone character
Boutique & premium upgrades
ISP Technologies Beta Bass Preamp
Isp Technologies
50% similarityShared character: bass, studio
Origin Effects BassRig Fifteen
Origin Effects
48% similarityShared character: bass, studio
Walrus Audio Mantle Analog Bass Pre-Amp/DI
Walrus Audio
44% similarityShared character: analog, bass
Similar character
Source Audio AfterShock
Source Audio
56% similarityShared character: bass, studio
Suhr Thump Bass Preamp
Suhr
55% similarityShared character: bass, studio
Tech 21 GED-2112 Bass
Tech 21
49% similarityShared character: bass
Markbass MB Instrument PRE
Markbass
47% similarityShared character: bass
Ortega MagusPRO/B
Ortega
45% similarityShared character: bass, studio
Ampeg SCR-DI
Ampeg
45% similarityShared character: analog, bass, studio
See all alternatives to the Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI?+
The closest matches in character are the Source Audio AfterShock, the Suhr Thump Bass Preamp, the Tech 21 GED-2112 Bass. Budget picks: One Control Sonic Silver PEG Bass Pre-amp, Laney Digbeth Series Bass, Sadowsky SBP-1 Bass Preamp/DI. Boutique upgrades: ISP Technologies Beta Bass Preamp, Origin Effects BassRig Fifteen, Walrus Audio Mantle Analog Bass Pre-Amp/DI.
What pairs well with the Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: Xotic RC Booster, Boss BD-2 Blues Driver, Caroline Guitar Company Somersault — Xotic RC Booster's own transparent character is the real reason this is worth trying.
How much does the Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI cost?+
Around $249 (live listing price, updated Oct 25, 2026).