Radial BONE

A "control center" designed for bassists who alternate instruments

On stage, switching from a vintage passive bass to a modern active one (or from a 4-string fretted to a fretless) almost always involves a difference in level and tonal balance. The Bassbone was designed to eliminate these compromises: you prepare two distinct settings, switch instantly, and your sound remains consistent in the mix.

Positioned as a true pedalboard preamp with DI, the Bassbone fits into Radial's approach: intelligent routing, comfortable headroom reserve, and live-friendly ergonomics where every control serves a practical purpose.

For which bassists, styles, and contexts?

The Bassbone is primarily aimed at bassists who play live and want to maintain control in all circumstances: instrument changes between songs, sets with different tunings, basses with pickups and preamps very far apart, or the need for a "dry" and clear sound without relying on backline settings.

It is also very suitable for studio and direct recording: the built-in DI allows sending a clean and controlled output, while the two channels offer two "personalities" (for example, a round soul/blues tone and a punchier sound for funk, rock, or modern metal).

Finally, if you use only one bass, the Bassbone becomes a two-channel preamp: you can create two gain/EQ scenes and switch between them with your foot, convenient for alternating pick playing, slap, or forward passages in the mix.

Controls, routing, and key functions: everything for a stress-free stage

Channel 1 offers a direct path to your amp, with a Level 1 to set the volume and a Contour Switch that applies two voicing curves (ideal for regaining a solid low end and clear presence without "over-EQing" the amp). This is the perfect path if you like your amp sound and just want to optimize it according to the instrument.

Channel 2 features a separate Level 2 and a powerful active 3-band EQ (Low, Mid, High). This is the "corrective" channel when a bass comes out too loud, lacks bass, or conversely boosts the low spectrum. With a few adjustments, you align your instruments and secure your balance on stage.

For moments when you need to cut through the mix (solo, break, pick passage), the Bassbone integrates a fully adjustable boost, assignable via a Boost Assign Switch. Add to that an effects loop designed to insert your pedals "on demand," and you get a cleaner pedalboard, faster to operate, and more consistent from gig to gig.

The balanced XLR output of the built-in DI is post EQ, volume, and effects loop : you send the sound you have crafted to the sound engineer and remain in control of your sonic identity. An XLR Ground Lift helps eliminate ground hum depending on the setup.

The sound

The Bassbone favors a clean, precise, and dynamic foundation: it respects attack, bass definition, and playing feel, while offering very musical sculpting tools. Channel 1, with its contours, quickly delivers a "mix-ready" sound (tight bass, controlled mids, presence) without turning your bass into something else.

Channel 2 allows for more "surgical" equalization: perfect for fixing a too muddy acoustic, adding bite to a fretless, or taming harsh highs on an active bass. On stage as well as direct to console, you get a stable and easy-to-place sound, with a boost that adds relief without crushing dynamics.

Regarding references, the "control center" philosophy appeals to both stage and studio bassists: the Bassbone is found on rigs focused on performance, where switching reliability, level consistency, and a solid DI are non-negotiable.

Technical specifications