Been using this pedal at my church gig regularly for about a year and a half and overall very happy with it. 70% of the time I'm running a clean tone with just a light compression, we have a song here and there where I'll throw in some of the OD set at just below 9 o'clock on the drive. EQ I usually keep a slightly past noon on bass, same on mids and a slight cut between 11 and 12 on treble. I've been told I stand in the mix reasonably well with adequate low end. I think an excellent value for someone needing a box for a direct to the board with in ears type set up. Not a high end premium deal, but great value for the money. Cheers!
Interesting comment and review, I’ve got a Spector ns pulse 5 string with EMG pickups, I don’t want to buy an amp, and I love my heavy rock/metal stuff, BUT, as well as being a guitarist, I play bass mainly at my church, and recently I tried my bass thru a fender rumble amp, and was quite blown away by the sound, I’m not generally a fender fan, but yeah, I’m realising just having my bass plugged into the church’s sound desk etc isn’t quite enough for me, so….., will this pedal do the trick instead of buying an amp, or do I look at darkglass, I just want to amplify and improve on the already clean tone of my bass, and the fender rumble did that…….., so, this pedal or a darkglass pedal like the b7k?, cheers
Hi Jonny... I have this pedal for 2 years (by the day Fender released) It's a life saver for live situations. Before the corona sh*t I was a touring musician and seeing 2-3 different cities per week. The amps on the venues we played not always that satisfying so that I need this kind of solution. I can't say I have a favorite EQ setup but generally mids at noon and slightly boost or cut the bass and trebles. I use the comp while slapping. I set the treshold and blend really low add a little bit gain to even my thumbs and soften the plucks. I rarely use the drive on it because it changes your Eq setting dramatically. I totally agree for the need of a blend knob as you said. If you are using the drive you need to set the EQ for the drive sound so the drive section is always on or always off for me... I always send my signal from its DI out and every sound guy asked me what the thing I'm using. Generally Sound guys don't want you to post the signal you shaped but on this thing They are always positive about it. My last experience is the recording session. The producer used mostly the DI sound from Downtown Express in the mix and said he loved the clean signal. I think it's a really nice all in one pedal especially for the price.
Hey man! Great to hear its serving serving well 😁 Definitely get good value for money, would love to see a 2.0 or something. I think it just doesn't quite suit my needs and tones I want to achieve. Hopefully you can get back to gigging this year! All the best
Nice review. I've been playing around with one for a few days deciding whether to keep it. I am using it for some home recording and making bass videos. I found the compressor very sensitive and used the same setting as you liked it. My Fender Rumble has overdrive so not something I need or really am interested in using. Not sure if its a keeper or not based on my needs. But it is a great unit at a very nice price and well built.
Cheers! Yeah I found the overdrive to be super sensitive up until 9 o'clock and then its all a bit much after that! I'm sure it will suit some people down(town) to the ground, but me? Not so sure. Thanks for sharing dude 😊
I think it offers a lot for the money, especially if you need a direct out. As you say, not perfect and I wonder if a Fender will listen to the feedback and perhaps consider a few tweaks. I agree that a blend for the overdrive would make a huge difference. I liked that the overdrive did not get too fizzy (I dislike bass overdrives that lose bottom end and try to make you sound like a guitar). A few other reviews have noted that the compressor has a limited range but many bassists only use it in very subtle doses so perhaps not the biggest problem to have - but probably not a difficult fix. I do wonder why they did not add a tuner to go with the mute switch. That could really have set it apart as a potential all in one pedal for those who perhaps want minimal effects. More generally, I really like the fact that you are reviewing affordable gear which people with limited budgets may be interested in.
Totally agree man! I think there's loads of potential for a 2.0. Would be really intered to see what Fender do next with it! Thanks very much, I always feel there's a lack of decent quality videos on affordable gear so I'm trying (nearly there 😅) to help fill that gap! 😊
I never think of Fender when it comes to pedal brands, but i really like the tones that you are able to get out of this. Awesome demo/review Mr. Dibbley! 🔥
It'll be a while before they're well known in the world of pedals, but this is a step in the right direction, would be interested to see a Downtown 2.0! Thanks dude 😁
I bought mine three weeks ago. Haven't gigged with it yet but it sounds great in rehearsal. The overdrive isn't near as gritty (to me, Ibanez SR506E thru a Markbass CMD121P) as I was hoping but the rest of the band loves it over the fuzz I used to rock. I'm gonna try scooping the mids and see if that cleans it up for me. The compression and EQ are mint. If this had octaver and fuzz, it would be everything I need. I'm gonna experiment with the Sonicake Boom Ave and see if that does the trick. You didn't mention the only major downside to this pedal: the DTE requires a 400mA current draw, so not every power supply can power it.
Great point about the power supply! Totally forgot about thats, I did run into that issue when first plugging it in! Glad it's working well for you 😊 Cheers!
Idk how but youtube somehow unsubed me from this channel, I basically missed the last week of videos, gotta say the week didn't feel right without your content. Thx for everything man :)
I'm still working with mine...I find the drive is too much and tinny sounding so I don't use it. I use a pedal separate for that. The EQ im still trying to find a setting for it that doesn't Mud up the sound. I found this pedal works really good for vocals believe it or not with the compressor and as a mic preamp into a recorder for vocals. Im not so sold on it for bass though I feel I get a better sound without it.
Hey Jonny! Another great video. I really enjoyed this demo. Detailed and sweet. By the way, congratulation on your growing sub list. Keep grooving! PS. On the other hand... I thought this time around you'd let Panda play something.
I have a TC Electronic Spectra Drive the main difference between these is that you have more control over the drive and compression settings on the Fender, however it does miss aux in and headphones... horses for courses I guess.
@@JonnyDibble I would gladly send you mine, however being in mainland EU since Brexit has made sending stuff more expensive and subject to customs etc :(
Hi Jonny! I am thorned between this Fender DTE and Hartke Bass Attack 2.. i already have the Hartke BA2 planning to replace it .. would you recommend the Fender DTE over it? Thanks!
Thats excactly whats missing a blend for the drive channel... I realy like the compressor. But all in all it sits on my shelf instead of my pedalboard...
@@PonyMonbana yeah I always go Tuner and then compressor before a preamp (so put the Downtown after the conoressor) and then distortion followed by other effects 😊
@@JonnyDibble Didn't think so! :) Far too many options on the HX. I think I might take the plunge and try out the Stomp XL at some point soon. Take care-Brent
@@JonnyDibble hey man, Hope all is well. so I have been using the Downtown Express for the last two months and I love it. but the last week or so sometimes I don't get any output from and then it just starts back working out of nowhere. I am sending it back to thomann so they can check it but what do you think might be happening? hhahah I'm probably is some lose wire connection or so but yeah hahahaha
Once again, a great review. An "all in one" pedal that I have considered buying since it was 1st released, but after watching this I don't think I'll bother. The drive is the greatest disappointment for me, there's too much overdrive/distortion EVEN with the knob turned down. Okay, it's pretty reasonably priced, but I think I'd rather stick to separate pedals, doing each effect. 😀
Agree! There's loads of change around the off-9 o'clock position and then it's all too much from there for me. I think in the long run, you're better off doing just that ☺ Cheers!
The distortion was decent in my opinion, but the slap tone was my favorite overall. You're right though. An active bass and a good compressor would probably get you there. Still a good pedal for someone who wants a minimal pedal setup.
Your mileage may vary, Gareth. Conversely to your experience, I found the distortion to be rather lacking in grit with my rig (active Ibanez SR506E thru a Markbass CMD121P) and no matter how much I saturate it I can't get grit, only, uh, fwoom. Lots and lots of fwoom. The good news is, these things are pretty popular, so if you don't like it, you should be able to flip it on reverb for almost full price. But the comp and eq are mint, and i love the way it looks.
If it's anything like the overdrive on the new Fender guitar pedals, it might simply be a case of turning the volume down on the bass. In all their demo videos for the drives their designer talks about how they behave differently at different guitar volumes, and how you can fine tune the overdrive tone by lowering the guitar volume and raising the pedal drive.
Hi Johnny, I'm still on the fence with this one. It looks really nice. I might just save more $$$ and do the hx stomp. So many to choose from. Great video Johnny. Until the next one, cheers. P.S. your channel is very much appreciated!!!!
![The Best Guitar Amp In The World [And Tips On Using Pedals With It]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6j0hOIu6LeM/mqdefault.jpg)
Been using this pedal at my church gig regularly for about a year and a half and overall very happy with it. 70% of the time I'm running a clean tone with just a light compression, we have a song here and there where I'll throw in some of the OD set at just below 9 o'clock on the drive.
EQ I usually keep a slightly past noon on bass, same on mids and a slight cut between 11 and 12 on treble.
I've been told I stand in the mix reasonably well with adequate low end. I think an excellent value for someone needing a box for a direct to the board with in ears type set up. Not a high end premium deal, but great value for the money. Cheers!
That's awesome 😄 Glad to hear it's serving you well 😊
Interesting comment and review, I’ve got a Spector ns pulse 5 string with EMG pickups, I don’t want to buy an amp, and I love my heavy rock/metal stuff, BUT, as well as being a guitarist, I play bass mainly at my church, and recently I tried my bass thru a fender rumble amp, and was quite blown away by the sound, I’m not generally a fender fan, but yeah, I’m realising just having my bass plugged into the church’s sound desk etc isn’t quite enough for me, so….., will this pedal do the trick instead of buying an amp, or do I look at darkglass, I just want to amplify and improve on the already clean tone of my bass, and the fender rumble did that…….., so, this pedal or a darkglass pedal like the b7k?, cheers
Hi Jonny...
I have this pedal for 2 years (by the day Fender released) It's a life saver for live situations. Before the corona sh*t I was a touring musician and seeing 2-3 different cities per week. The amps on the venues we played not always that satisfying so that I need this kind of solution. I can't say I have a favorite EQ setup but generally mids at noon and slightly boost or cut the bass and trebles. I use the comp while slapping. I set the treshold and blend really low add a little bit gain to even my thumbs and soften the plucks. I rarely use the drive on it because it changes your Eq setting dramatically. I totally agree for the need of a blend knob as you said. If you are using the drive you need to set the EQ for the drive sound so the drive section is always on or always off for me... I always send my signal from its DI out and every sound guy asked me what the thing I'm using. Generally Sound guys don't want you to post the signal you shaped but on this thing They are always positive about it. My last experience is the recording session. The producer used mostly the DI sound from Downtown Express in the mix and said he loved the clean signal. I think it's a really nice all in one pedal especially for the price.
Hey man! Great to hear its serving serving well 😁 Definitely get good value for money, would love to see a 2.0 or something. I think it just doesn't quite suit my needs and tones I want to achieve. Hopefully you can get back to gigging this year! All the best
Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I loooove the heavy drive sounds from this pedal.
It does seem like a big oversight to not have a blend knob.
Nice review. I've been playing around with one for a few days deciding whether to keep it. I am using it for some home recording and making bass videos. I found the compressor very sensitive and used the same setting as you liked it. My Fender Rumble has overdrive so not something I need or really am interested in using. Not sure if its a keeper or not based on my needs. But it is a great unit at a very nice price and well built.
Cheers! Yeah I found the overdrive to be super sensitive up until 9 o'clock and then its all a bit much after that! I'm sure it will suit some people down(town) to the ground, but me? Not so sure. Thanks for sharing dude 😊
I think it offers a lot for the money, especially if you need a direct out. As you say, not perfect and I wonder if a Fender will listen to the feedback and perhaps consider a few tweaks. I agree that a blend for the overdrive would make a huge difference. I liked that the overdrive did not get too fizzy (I dislike bass overdrives that lose bottom end and try to make you sound like a guitar). A few other reviews have noted that the compressor has a limited range but many bassists only use it in very subtle doses so perhaps not the biggest problem to have - but probably not a difficult fix. I do wonder why they did not add a tuner to go with the mute switch. That could really have set it apart as a potential all in one pedal for those who perhaps want minimal effects. More generally, I really like the fact that you are reviewing affordable gear which people with limited budgets may be interested in.
Totally agree man! I think there's loads of potential for a 2.0. Would be really intered to see what Fender do next with it! Thanks very much, I always feel there's a lack of decent quality videos on affordable gear so I'm trying (nearly there 😅) to help fill that gap! 😊
This thing seems totally awesome. Trying to decide between it and the Aguilar tone hammer
Glad you like it! 🙂 As a standalone preamp, I would personally choose the Tone Hammer. But that's just me 😊
I never think of Fender when it comes to pedal brands, but i really like the tones that you are able to get out of this. Awesome demo/review Mr. Dibbley! 🔥
It'll be a while before they're well known in the world of pedals, but this is a step in the right direction, would be interested to see a Downtown 2.0! Thanks dude 😁
@@JonnyDibble glad to see you are already putting the Yamaha too good use. Sounds great man. 👍 👌
@@t.j.meechan682 can't put it down!
Love the channel Jonny, keep the videos coming.
Thank you so much for the support! 😁
Sweet pedal, lovin the bass content here in northern end of California. Cheers Jonny!
My man! Thanks very much 😄
Alex Aguilar helped Fender with the development of this pedal for all you Aguilar fans.
I bought mine three weeks ago. Haven't gigged with it yet but it sounds great in rehearsal. The overdrive isn't near as gritty (to me, Ibanez SR506E thru a Markbass CMD121P) as I was hoping but the rest of the band loves it over the fuzz I used to rock. I'm gonna try scooping the mids and see if that cleans it up for me.
The compression and EQ are mint.
If this had octaver and fuzz, it would be everything I need. I'm gonna experiment with the Sonicake Boom Ave and see if that does the trick.
You didn't mention the only major downside to this pedal: the DTE requires a 400mA current draw, so not every power supply can power it.
Great point about the power supply! Totally forgot about thats, I did run into that issue when first plugging it in! Glad it's working well for you 😊 Cheers!
You save me with that 400mA!
Idk how but youtube somehow unsubed me from this channel, I basically missed the last week of videos, gotta say the week didn't feel right without your content. Thx for everything man :)
Oh no! Glad to have you back on board 😎 Thank-YOU! 😁
Awesome !! Haha I was just debating whether to pick this pedal up. Another great demo review Jonny!
Cheers dude! For a Fender product it's great value, but not perfect. I'm hoping they'll do a 2.0 someday!
I'm still working with mine...I find the drive is too much and tinny sounding so I don't use it. I use a pedal separate for that. The EQ im still trying to find a setting for it that doesn't Mud up the sound. I found this pedal works really good for vocals believe it or not with the compressor and as a mic preamp into a recorder for vocals. Im not so sold on it for bass though I feel I get a better sound without it.
Interesting using it for vocals! Yeah I'm not huge on this pedal either. Shame!
Awesome video, and love the podcast!
Thanks so much!
Thank you for making a video on this pedal, I’ve been considering it for about a year. I think I need to pick one up. Cheers ,
No worries dude! Thanks very much for checking it out 😄
Hey Jonny! Another great video. I really enjoyed this demo. Detailed and sweet.
By the way, congratulation on your growing sub list. Keep grooving!
PS. On the other hand... I thought this time around you'd let Panda play something.
Ah thanks very much man! 😄 I'm afraid she was too busy pestering the rabbits this week 😿
I have a TC Electronic Spectra Drive the main difference between these is that you have more control over the drive and compression settings on the Fender, however it does miss aux in and headphones... horses for courses I guess.
Both have their merits! I'd love to check out the Spectra drive
@@JonnyDibble I would gladly send you mine, however being in mainland EU since Brexit has made sending stuff more expensive and subject to customs etc :(
@@dm4728 makes me so sad 😔 thanks though man!
Hi Jonny! I am thorned between this Fender DTE and Hartke Bass Attack 2.. i already have the Hartke BA2 planning to replace it .. would you recommend the Fender DTE over it? Thanks!
Thats excactly whats missing a blend for the drive channel... I realy like the compressor. But all in all it sits on my shelf instead of my pedalboard...
Hopefully they make a 2.0 to incorporate! Thanks for checking out the video ☺
Can i use this with my head and cab
Can this be powered by phantom power or does it require an external power supply?
The editing in this is hilarious.
Thx for the vid!
Does this kind of pedal can mix well with other stuff? Like chorus or fuzz pedal
Hi! I don't see why not 😄
@@JonnyDibble Music teacher of mine tells me that the Comp must be set in first.
So were did you put other pedals, before or after that one?
Thx
@@PonyMonbana yeah I always go Tuner and then compressor before a preamp (so put the Downtown after the conoressor) and then distortion followed by other effects 😊
@@JonnyDibble thx a lot, you're awesome !
Can I use this device directly in the system? Or do you need an amp simulation?
What do you think Jonny? Will this replace your HX Stomp? :) Great demo as usual! Best wishes from across the pond!- Brent
Thanks Brent! Won't be replacing the HX with this one ☺
@@JonnyDibble Didn't think so! :) Far too many options on the HX. I think I might take the plunge and try out the Stomp XL at some point soon. Take care-Brent
I choo choo choose you!
Happy late valentines day 💕
I am on the fence between this and the Tech 21 programmable....
This has a lot more features, but the Texh 21 has a better tone I think
@@JonnyDibble yeah. Exactly what I am thinking. And 3 pre-sets.
@@JonnyDibble hey man, Hope all is well. so I have been using the Downtown Express for the last two months and I love it. but the last week or so sometimes I don't get any output from and then it just starts back working out of nowhere. I am sending it back to thomann so they can check it but what do you think might be happening? hhahah I'm probably is some lose wire connection or so but yeah hahahaha
Hey Jonny is this use guitar pedal ?
Hey! You could, but I don't think it would sound great
Three way....switch. Nice
Always got time for a 3 way (switch)
🥳
I think I'd be better off saving up the extra and getting a bass butler.
I reckon so, I havent tried one but I REALLY want to!
Once again, a great review. An "all in one" pedal that I have considered buying since it was 1st released, but after watching this I don't think I'll bother. The drive is the greatest disappointment for me, there's too much overdrive/distortion EVEN with the knob turned down. Okay, it's pretty reasonably priced, but I think I'd rather stick to separate pedals, doing each effect. 😀
Agree! There's loads of change around the off-9 o'clock position and then it's all too much from there for me. I think in the long run, you're better off doing just that ☺ Cheers!
The distortion was decent in my opinion, but the slap tone was my favorite overall. You're right though. An active bass and a good compressor would probably get you there. Still a good pedal for someone who wants a minimal pedal setup.
Your mileage may vary, Gareth. Conversely to your experience, I found the distortion to be rather lacking in grit with my rig (active Ibanez SR506E thru a Markbass CMD121P) and no matter how much I saturate it I can't get grit, only, uh, fwoom. Lots and lots of fwoom. The good news is, these things are pretty popular, so if you don't like it, you should be able to flip it on reverb for almost full price.
But the comp and eq are mint, and i love the way it looks.
Just comp is at least $2oo.. this pedal pre amp + overdrive + comp . It is worth
I bought it and it is not that bad. Overpriced according to me.
Brand and build quality is there, just missing some features that would take it to the next level I think 😊
The LEDs in the pots are cool but the drive is way too fierce
Anything above 9 o'clock was too much for me! It's super sensitive before that too. Hoping they'll bring out a V2 with more functions!
If it's anything like the overdrive on the new Fender guitar pedals, it might simply be a case of turning the volume down on the bass. In all their demo videos for the drives their designer talks about how they behave differently at different guitar volumes, and how you can fine tune the overdrive tone by lowering the guitar volume and raising the pedal drive.
Reminds me of the valentine's episode of the Simpsons 😂
Ralph is my hero 😆😆
@@JonnyDibble I bent my wookie
@@4stringz. The leprechaun tells me to burn things
@@JonnyDibble LOLOL
Call me fickle but I like a lot the illuminated knobs
Handy feature to turn them off then! 😊
@@JonnyDibble You don't like them? I like them
@@dm4728 Sorry I misread! I'm a big fan
@@JonnyDibble misunderstood... story of my life lol
Hi Johnny, I'm still on the fence with this one. It looks really nice. I might just save more $$$ and do the hx stomp. So many to choose from. Great video Johnny. Until the next one, cheers. P.S. your channel is very much appreciated!!!!
I think that is definitely a good choice man 👍 Thank you very much! 😄