Electro Harmonix Nano Bass Preacher

An EHX Compressor Dedicated to Bassists, Pedalboard Format

The Bass Preacher follows Electro-Harmonix's tradition of effective, straightforward pedals tailored for both stage and studio. Here, the goal is clear: tame the wide dynamic range of the bass and maintain solid lows without complicating the musician's life. With a minimalist approach (Volume, Sustain, and an Attack selector), it aims for quick adjustment and immediate results, whether you simply want to "glue" a line in the mix or achieve a pronounced, assertive compression.

For Whom, Which Styles, and In What Situations?

The Bass Preacher is aimed at bassists of all levels who want reliable dynamic control: beginners seeking more consistent notes, band musicians wanting to stabilize levels between fingerstyle and pick playing, or studio bassists looking for a clearer foundation in the arrangement.

It particularly shines in funk (slap/pop), rock, pop, punk, and metal, whenever impact needs to be preserved while avoiding overly harsh peaks. Live, it helps achieve consistency from song to song; in recording, it facilitates a bass that "sits" better in the track, with more controlled presence and easier-to-use sustain.

Settings and Features: Getting to the Essentials, but with Real Controls

The VOL knob adjusts the output level and serves as make-up gain to compensate for volume reduction caused by compression. The SUSTAIN knob determines the amount of compression and sustain extension: low settings gently even out the sound; higher settings thicken the playing and can emphasize the "squeeze" effect.

The ATTACK selector (Fast / Medium / Slow) is the heart of the feel: a fast attack captures more of the transient (useful for controlling aggressive playing), while a slower attack lets more snap and natural attack through at the start of the note. The whole is foot-controlled via a footswitch with a status LED, and the true bypass preserves signal integrity when the effect is off.

The Sound

The Bass Preacher can be subtle and "studio-like," leveling playing without altering your bass's identity: notes come out more consistent, ghost notes become clearer, and the low end stays tighter. Increasing the Sustain results in more obvious compression, with a sense of density and hold that favors staccato lines, pick parts, and very consistent grooves.

The attack selector allows adapting the response to your playing: let the attack breathe more to keep snap in slap playing, or tighten the response to tame peaks and achieve a more compact sound. In terms of inspiration, it embodies the "simple and effective compressor" spirit appreciated on performance-oriented pedalboards; the effect is notably used by Bella Podpadec.

Technical specifications

Effects	Compressor / Sustainer, Bass	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric bass
Format	Pedal	Color	Black
Number of tracks	1

Circuit	analog	Input	6.35mm Jack (instrument)
Bypass	true bypass	Output	6.35mm Jack (to amp)
Audio	mono	Power input	DC (optional adapter)
VOL control	output level / make-up gain	Input sensitivity	from -10 dBu to +2 dBu
SUSTAIN control	amount of compression and sustain	Maximum gain reduction	21 dB
ATTACK switch	Fast / Medium / Slow	Current draw	33 mA
Footswitch	effect activation	Power supply	9V battery included
LED	on/off status	Optional adapter	9.6 VDC, 200 mA (not included)