Tone Overdrive and Distortion for Bass

BASS TOAD is more than just an overdrive pedal—it's a versatile tone-shaping tool. While it excels at delivering rich overdrive, its capabilities extend far beyond. BASS TOAD is designed specifically for the lower frequencies of bass guitar. It delivers overdriven growl without sacrificing bottom end thickness.

With the GAIN control dialled back and the appropriate TADPOLE installed, BASS TOAD can subtly sculpt your clean tone, adding clarity, warmth, or other desired characteristics. This allows you to fine-tune your clean sound for any musical context.

With these low GAIN settings, BASS TOAD can introduce just a touch of harmonic richness or a subtle bite to your signal, enhancing your tone without necessarily pushing it into overdrive. Alternatively, you can leave the gain completely untouched for a clean boost. This dynamic range makes the BASS TOAD an invaluable asset for any bassist seeking precise control over their sound, regardless of whether they're aiming for overdrive or a refined clean tone. This tonal flexibility might not be immediately obvious, so experiment and discover the BASS TOAD's full potential!

The PRE TONE control changes the high and low frequency contour of the signal before it hits any gain or distortion stages. This allows you to change the natural tone of the guitar before applying any effect.

The GAIN section has 2 stages of overdrive with the option for selecting Symmetrical (NATURAL setting) or Asymmetrical clipping (DARK setting). Symmetrical clipping exhibits similar characte ristics to tube/valve pre - amplifiers. Asymmetrical clipping is more reminiscent of vintage transistor saturation.

After the distortion stages, the POST TONE and CHOKE controls allow you to tailor the high and low frequency content of the modified signal.

The LEVEL control adjusts the final output level of your sound.

TADPOLE System

To Each Their Own Tone” is the Audile motto, and also the philosophy behind Audile effects pedals. Whilst we believe that your BASS TOAD pedal offers a very broad set of tones, we also know that some players may want to personalise  the pedal to their exact flavour.

In the past, this could only be done with an internal mod which can be difficult and ultimately void your warranty.

BASS TOAD changes all of that with the TADPOLE mod system. TADPOLEs are small interchangeable circuit boards, each of which give the BASS TOAD pedal a different tonal characteristic.

In addition to the Neutral TADPOLE that is fitted into BASS TOAD, the TADPOLEs mod system pack contains two TADPOLEs loaded for Mid Scoop and Bright tone. Three blank TADPOLEs are also included, for those users who wish to  customise them for their own unique tonal flavour.

  • Neutral

The Neutral TADPOLE is engineered for maximum versatility. This TADPOLE offers the broadest spectrum of overdrive and tonal shaping capabilities, making it idea for users who play a wide range of musical styles.

  • Bright

The Bright TADPOLE is designed to accentuate high-frequency content while attenuating low-frequency response. This configuration is optimized for applications requiring enhanced clarity and a lighter distortion characteristic, particularly suited for musical styles emphasizing an open, bright tonal profile

  • Mid Scoop

The Mid-Scoop TADPOLE is engineered to produce a frequency response characterized by significant mid-range attenuation, resulting in a darker, more aggressive tonal profile. This configuration is particularly well-suited for high-gain, heavy styles.

A note about the TADPOLE System and the BASS TOAD’s warranty.

Simply opening the BASS TOAD and interchanging TADPOLEs according to these instructions will not void your warranty. We encourage owners of Audile pedals to explore and experiment to find their own signature tone.

Even if you accidentally damage the TADPOLEs or main board while interchanging or modifying the BASS TOAD according to these instructions, we may supply you with replacement parts at no charge at our discretion. We will always do our best to take care of you.

You can confidently enhance your BASS TOAD experience with the TADPOLE  system, safe in the knowledge that you will be supported by Audile.

Specifications

Dimensions……….115 x 66 x 49 mm(4.5 x 2.6 x 1.9”)

Weight………………260g(0.6 lb)

Power……………….9V DC, Negative Tip, 15mA

3D Model