Introduction
Origin Effects has emerged as a remarkable player in the effects market, hailing from Buckinghamshire, UK. This brand is renowned for its meticulously designed compressors, overdrive pedals, and preamps that are packed with features.
As its establishment in 2012, Origin has garnered a loyal following among guitarists and bassists alike, with numerous accolades highlighting the excellence of its products.
The focus of this article is the BASSRIG ‘Amp Recreation’ series, which made its debut in early 2022. These bass preamp pedals, designed in the classic pedal-and-DI-box format, draw inspiration from iconic bass amplifiers.
The series includes the Super Vintage, which mimics the Ampeg SVT, and the ’64 Black Panel, which emulates the Fender Bassman. Now, the lineup welcomes a new addition: the legendary B-15 ‘Flip-Top’, frist introduced in 1960.
Origin has expressed a long-standing desire to incorporate the B-15 into this series, and their press release for the BASSRIG Fifteen emphasizes the meticulous effort taken to ensure its authenticity.
The B-15 is not only cherished by countless bassists, but successfully replicating its sound in pedal form is no small feat.
OriginS commitment to perfecting the Fifteen reflects their dedication to detail and quality, ensuring that this product meets the high standards expected by musicians. Now that it has arrived,let’s dive into the specifics.
Specifications
- Price: $565 | £449 | €459
- type: bass preamp pedal/DI
- Controls: output, Blend, Drive, Bass, Treble, 3-way switch for DI cab emulation (permanently on/off/when FX engaged only), Amp Out EQ – LF trimmer, Lo Cut switch, Hi cut switch, HF trimmer, DI ground/lift, On/Off footswitch
- Features: Switchable B-15 cab emulation, post EQ for tuning to amp/cab, clean blend
- Connectivity: 1/4″ instrument input, 1/4″ amp output, XLR out
- Bypass: Buffered
- Power: 9v DC, minimum 200mA
- Dimensions: 146mm x 93mm x 64mm
- Weight: 846g
- Contact: Origin Effects
Construction Quality
Build Quality Rating: ★★★★★
Having tested numerous robust pedals, the BASSRIG Fifteen stands out as a true masterpiece.
This pedal is not just functional; it resembles high-end studio equipment, weighing nearly a kilogram, and showcases an obsessive attention to detail in its construction.
It exudes a luxurious feel that might make you hesitant to take it on stage, yet it’s built to withstand the rigors of live performance, feeling incredibly durable.
Ease of Use
Usability Rating: ★★★★★
As is typical with Origin’s offerings, it combines a wealth of features with extraordinary user-friendliness.
True to Origin’s reputation, the BASSRIG Fifteen is loaded with features while remaining user-friendly. Understanding that modern bassists value versatility, this pedal can be seamlessly integrated into various signal chains.
It can be connected to an amp’s effects loop as a preamp or plugged directly into the input for overdrive, allowing for a range of EQ adjustments to suit different amplifiers and cabinets-such as reducing highs for a vintage sound from a contemporary tweeter-equipped cabinet.
For this review, I primarily utilized the XLR output, connecting directly to my powered full-range Laney cabinet. This setup allowed me to take advantage of the meticulously designed B-15 cabinet emulation, which can be activated even when the preamp is turned off-a thoughtful feature.
My instruments for testing included a trusty 1983 ibanez Roadstar (essentially a passive P-bass) and a Japanese ’62 reissue Fender jazz from 1990, equipped with Seymour duncan Antiquities.
Audio Quality
Audio Quality Rating: ★★★★★
The B-15 is celebrated for its warm, rich midrange and its tight, controlled low end. While it lacks actual valves,the pedal still captures these characteristics effectively.
The control ranges are thoughtfully designed, with the interaction between the Volume and Gain controls feeling intuitive and reminiscent of a conventional amp.
Setting the Gain around 10 o’clock while increasing the Volume yields a big, warm clean tone with a hint of vintage character. Whether using a P-bass, Jazz, or even a StingRay, the sound fits beautifully within classic rock, pop, motown, and funk genres.
At higher gain settings, it delivers a fat, aggressive tone reminiscent of a tube amp in full swing.
When the Gain is set high, it produces a rich, aggressive sound that genuinely mimics a tube amp. For added clarity, the blend control allows you to mix in a clean signal alongside the powerful roar of the Flip-Top.
Final Thoughts
The craftsmanship is extraordinary, the features are well thought out, and the tones are incredibly evocative.
the Origin Effects BASSRIG Fifteen is a stunning piece of equipment that combines exceptional build quality, bright features, and rich, evocative sounds. It’s a must-have for any serious bassist looking to elevate their tone.
It comes as no surprise that Origin Effects has successfully crafted an exceptional emulation of the Ampeg B-15, a testament to their well-earned reputation in the industry.
The meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality have truly paid off. The construction is nothing short of breathtaking, the features are thoughtfully designed, and the tonal quality is remarkably expressive.
For those familiar with the BASSRIG series and eagerly anticipating Origin’s take on the Flip-Top, the BASSRIG Fifteen will undoubtedly exceed expectations-it delivers precisely what you would hope for.
Guitar World Review: Origin Effects has done it again with the BASSRIG Fifteen-a compact, expertly crafted pedal that embodies the essence of Motown, funk, and classic rock. If vintage tones are what you seek and you’re in the market for a top-tier preamp, you’re unlikely to find a better option.
|
test Criteria |
Findings |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Construction Quality |
This pedal is not just solid; it’s as robust as a bank vault door-truly exquisite craftsmanship. |
★★★★★ |
|
Ease of Use |
It performs all necessary functions exceptionally well-producing great sounds effortlessly and integrating seamlessly into your setup. |
★★★★★ |
|
Sound Quality |
If you’re after that classic Flip-Top tone, this pedal is hard to beat in terms of quality and user-friendliness. |
★★★★★ |
|
Overall Impression |
This pedal has no weaknesses whatsoever. |
★★★★★ |
Recommended alternatives
Video Demonstrations
Origin Effects
Watch On
BassTheWorld
Watch On
It’s no wonder that Origin Effects has successfully produced an outstanding emulation of the Ampeg B-15, as their reputation in the industry speaks for itself.
The dedication and meticulous effort invested in this project have truly paid off. The craftsmanship is exceptional, the features are thoughtfully designed, and the tonal quality is impressively rich.
For fans of the BASSRIG series who have been eagerly awaiting Origin’s interpretation of the Flip-Top, the BASSRIG Fifteen will not disappoint-it meets all expectations and then some.
Guitar World Review: Origin Effects has once again delivered a remarkable product with the BASSRIG Fifteen-a compact, expertly crafted pedal that captures the essence of Motown, funk, and classic rock. If you’re searching for vintage tones and need a high-quality preamp, you’re unlikely to find a superior option.
|
evaluation Criteria |
Findings |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Construction Quality |
This pedal is not just sturdy; it’s as robust as a bank vault door-truly exceptional craftsmanship. |
★★★★★ |
|
Ease of use |
It performs all necessary functions exceptionally well-producing great sounds effortlessly and integrating seamlessly into your setup. |
★★★★★ |
|
Sound Quality |
If you’re after that classic Flip-Top tone, this pedal is hard to beat in terms of quality and user-friendliness. |
★★★★★ |
|
Overall Impression |
This pedal has no weaknesses whatsoever. |
★★★★★ |
Recommended Alternatives
Video Demonstrations
origin Effects
Watch On
