With more bass preamp and DI options on the market than ever before, low-enders now have the freedom to dial in their desired tone for every gig regardless of the backline or room. The convenience of having a tone-sculpting tool in a stompbox-sized package has greatly reduced the number of players who lug around large cabinets and high wattage amplifiers from venue to venue.

I’ve tried out a number of these preamps in recent years from companies like Noble, Markbass, Bergantino, Aguilar, Ampeg, and Jad Freer, with each one presenting unique features and a different approach to customization. However my attention was instantly piqued when I saw the release of the PE-2 from longtime bass amplification institution Phil Jones Bass. Having tested a number of PJB amps before, I knew that their new BOOSTEROOSTER would cater to the working bassist in bringing the right sonic qualities to a preamp.

How It Sounds 

Compared to similar pedals, the PE-2 is super compact and can fit on any pedalboard, sizing in at 2” x 4.4” x 2.3”. Powered by a 9V DC power cable, it’s easy to set up an even easier to dial in. Containing four large knobs that control the 2-band EQ (Bass & Treble), Gain, and Level, there is one button that switches the unit from MG to P2, which shifts it from magnetic to piezo sources. This is ideal for players who alternate between the typical magnetic pickups of an electric bass or the piezo-mounted pickups of an upright or acoustic bass guitar. Additionally, the 2-band EQ allows up to 12dB of cut or boost for a wide range of dynamics regardless of what bass you’re playing.

Adjusting the Treble to 12 o’clock, rolling up the bass to two o’clock, and keeping the Level and Gain at 12 o’clock, I plugged in my Fender Mod Sop Precision Bass through my Bergantino Forté amp. With the capability of adding +18dB clean gain, I was curious about the added headroom. I always use amps onstage, but on rare occasion have had to plug directly into PAs and house systems, so this feature is what I was most interested in. The clarity of PE-2 was noticeable, as was the added boost. When I cranked the Gain up to three o’clock, there was no distortion or bottoming out from the amp. This is ideal for compensation signal loss through lesser amps and speaker systems.

Raising both the Treble and the Level to three o’clock, the tone greatly brightened, without any outside coloration from the pedal. The P-Bass tone that I’m used to through my trusted amp was perfectly intact and had a whole presence and clarity. Deciding that I should try this through a less pristine amp option, I plugged it into an old SWR Workingman’s 15 combo that has been battered and tossed around for about 20 years. Sure enough, leaving the setting the same, I got a similar signal that boosted the amp beyond its usual power output.

The final test was switching from the MG mode to the P2 mode, which required me to reach for an acoustic bass guitar and an upright bass. Using both my Fender Kingman and German upright, I plugged in sticking with the SWR combo. The Kingman, which typically has a quiet, mid-range heavy sound when amplified, got a whole new life once I boosted the gain and lowered the bass control. To be honest, this was the best I’ve ever heard this bass sound. Similarly, my upright had more body than ever using the same settings, and the articulation and punchiness of the notes was drastically enhanced as I slowly increased the Level knob. With both basses, there was no distortion or bottoming out, which is surprising given how common that is when cranking any piezo pickup.

What’s Hot 

-The PE-2 allows you to keep your tone regardless of what you’re plugged into

-The 2-band EQ keeps dialing in your tone easy

-This is among the most compact of all portable preamps

-The extra 18dB of gain gives you headroom beyond your rig

-One of the cleanest preamps that doesn’t color your bass

What’s Not 

-The 4-knob controls might not allow as much customization as some tech-forward players might be looking for

Buy This If…

•You find yourself playing through PAs, boards, or questionable backline

•You want a simple interface that allows you to dial in on the fly

•You’re looking for more clean headroom for your set up

With all of the options for preamps out there, the PE-2 was a breath of fresh air with its simple interface, spacious headroom, and tonal clarity. Its compact design fits right into your gig bag pocket, and it’s truly a no frills, powerful tool to insure that your sound remains your sound regardless of the amp you’re using.

Phil Jones Bass PE-2 BOOSTEROOSTER 

Price: $159

Philjonesbass.com