Source Audio After Shock Bass

A modern benchmark in the Source Audio One Series lineup

The AfterShock Bass Distortion SA246 follows the tradition of Source Audio pedals known for their processing precision and huge customization potential. The idea is simple: to offer a bass distortion pedal that is immediately effective "out of the box," while providing access to a much broader universe through app editing. The result: saturation that can remain musical and defined, even when pushing the gain, with a true "studio" logic in pedal format.

For bassists who want grit, control, and a bass that stays clear

The AfterShock targets bassists who navigate between rock, metal, funk, fusion, and all styles where the bass must hold the mix with character. It suits both intermediate musicians wanting a simple pedal to dial in (Drive, Clean, Tone, Level) and advanced users seeking more refined sounds (blends, algorithm stacks, routings). On stage, it secures multiple saturation levels; in the studio, it becomes a formidable sound design tool to sculpt attack and low-end.

Controls, presets, and routing: a bass distortion designed for modern setups

On the front panel, the pedal offers immediate handling with Drive (gain), Clean (blend of clean signal), Tone (spectral balance), and Level (output volume). The 3 distortion types are selectable from the pedal, and 3 presets remain accessible via the dedicated switch to quickly toggle between different tones.

Going further with Neuro Mobile, you can manage up to 128 presets, combine algorithms in series or parallel, and even assign distinct processing to each output. The selectable bypass (true bypass or buffered) facilitates integration into any pedalboard, and the Control In input opens the door to control via expression pedal, Tap Tempo, Hot Hand 3, or wireless controllers (TRS connection).

The sound

The AfterShock stands out with distortion that can remain clean in the low end and precise in attack, thanks to the very useful Clean control to preserve the fundamental and dynamics. Depending on the chosen engine, you go from a warm and organic tone (ideal for making a bass line "breathe") to a more aggressive and modern saturation with solid lows, up to thick and gritty fuzz textures. It responds well to playing dynamics (finger attack, pick, slap) and allows easy finding of the right balance between presence, impact, and clarity in the mix.

Technical specifications

Effects	Distortion / Overdrive / Fuzz, Bass, Distortion	Type	sector
Technology	Digital	Use	electric bass
Format	Pedal	Color	Orange
EQ	Tone

Adjustments	Drive, Clean, Tone, Level	Power supply	not included
Bypass mode	True Bypass or Buffered Bypass	Required power supply	9V DC (center negative)
Configurable stereo inputs and outputs	mono, mono-stereo, or external effects loop	Consumption	150 mA