Bass effects

Created by a small and usually simple electronic circuit, fuzz bass tended to be a "warmer", "smoother", and "softer" overdrive-type sound caused by soft, symmetrical clipping of the audio signal which "round[ed] off the signal peaks"[1] them and filtered out the harsher high harmonics.

Overdriving a bass signal significantly changes the timbre, adds overtones (harmonics), and increases the sustain.

"[2] Since the late 1980s, manufacturers have produced overdrive pedals specifically designed for the electric bass, which often maintain the fundamental "dry" signal mixed with the overdriven tone.

Fundamentally the same as chorus pedals used on guitar, these circuits are optimized to suit a lower tonal range.

Some models also offer equalization controls, a compressor, and a DI box connection, which allows the signal to be plugged directly into a PA system or mixing board with an XLR cable.

A selection of bass effect pedals at a music store.
Demonstration of the overdrive effect on a 6 string bass with a Darkglass pedal.
Eden bass chorus pedal I-90.