Markbass Mark Vintage Bass Preamp

A "pedalboard" version of the Little Mark Vintage spirit

The MARK VINTAGE PRE captures the "modern vintage" DNA popularized by Markbass Vintage series amplifiers, condensing it into a pedal format designed for demanding bassists. It offers a very direct approach to tone: a 12AX7 tube at the heart of the preamp, effective EQ, and tools immediately usable in real-world conditions (boost, drive, DI, digital outputs). The result: an ideal command center to build a compact rig without sacrificing feel or output quality.

Who is this pedal for, and in which styles does it make a difference?

This pedal targets intermediate to professional bassists seeking a high-quality true "front-end" for their pedalboard, fly rig, or simple recording solution. It excels in funk (tight attack + present mids), rock (tube warmth and controllable drive), soul, and blues (warmth, roundness), while remaining credible for modern contexts thanks to precise EQ and digital outputs. Live, it can serve as the main preamp feeding a PA or power amp; in the studio, it becomes a fast, silent, and consistent recording chain from session to session.

Controls, modes, and connectivity: designed as a true pro tool

The tube preamp section is controlled by GAIN and MASTER knobs to properly shape the gain structure, whether you want a solid clean or a slight natural compression. The 4-band EQ allows fine sculpting of lows, low-mids, high-mids, and highs, complemented by a 3-position switch (FLAT / CUT / OLD) to change the sonic "philosophy" in one gesture: balanced flat, scooped curve to cut through the mix, or a more vintage attitude with softened highs.

The DRIVE section offers two types of distortion selectable via footswitch. The BLEND control is a major asset for bass: you retain the fundamental and foundation of the clean sound while adding the bite of saturation. Add to that a +6 dB BOOST footswitch for solos, thickening a verse, or compensating for a volume drop during a bass change. On the integration side, the effects loop (send/return) facilitates placing modulation, delay, or reverb after the preamp, while the transformer-balanced DI output secures the signal to the console with true output quality.

The sound

The MARK VINTAGE PRE delivers a warm, dense, and lively character with dynamics that respond well to touch. In clean mode, the tube adds a sense of depth and a slight very pleasant "glue," particularly effective for anchoring a bass in a mix. The EQ, centered on relevant frequencies, allows switching from a round and enveloping low end to a more incisive sound that cuts through without effort. In drive mode, you get saturation ranging from organic crunch to a more pronounced distortion, while maintaining clarity thanks to the BLEND. This pedal can remain "transparent" if desired but also colors the sound with a true vintage signature when pushed.

Technical specifications

LOW	+/-16 dB level (70 Hz)	Sampling frequencies	44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz
MID LOW	+/-16 dB level (400 Hz)	Auxiliary input	3.5mm mini-jack
MID HIGH	+/-16 dB level (2.5 kHz)	Headphone output	3.5mm mini-jack
HIGH	+/-16 dB level (10 kHz)	Effects loop (send/return)	2x 6.35mm Jack
3 preset EQ selector	FLAT / CUT / OLD	Dimensions	193 mm (W) x 127 mm (D) x 59 mm (H)
Controls	GAIN, MASTER, DRIVE, BLEND	Weight	840 g
Switches	ON/OFF, DRIVE, BOOST	Required power supply	12V DC
Digital outputs	RCA and Toslink	Consumption	300 mA