Darkglass

Darkglass at Kirstein

Darkglass Electronics was founded in Helsinki in 2009 and focuses consistently on equipment for electric bass. The company started with effect pedals for modern, powerful bass sounds and developed a range that now includes preamps, distortion pedals, compressors, amplifiers, combos, cabinets and digital systems. Since 2022, Korg USA has held a majority stake in Darkglass. The brands distinctive approach remains clearly recognisable: many devices combine analog sound processing with digital functions for presets, cabinet simulation, recording or software control.

Which Darkglass products suit your setup?

The core of the range consists of effects for electric bass and bass preamps. The Microtubes family ranges from compact overdrives such as the B1K and B3K through the Vintage Microtubes to more extensively equipped B7K and X models. Depending on the model, additional equalizers, DI outputs, headphone connections, cabinet simulations or USB functions are available. This allows Darkglass gear to be used traditionally in front of a bass amp or as a central sound and recording solution.

The Alpha·Omega family takes a different approach: two independent distortion circuits can be selected or blended together. Alpha is designed for a tight, defined character, while Omega sounds rawer and more aggressive. The basic concept was developed together with bassist and producer Jon Stockman and can be found in products ranging from pedals to powerful amplifiers. For players who want to move between precise definition and heavy distortion, the concept offers extensive tone-shaping options.

Microtubes, Alpha·Omega and modern signal processing

Within the Microtubes series, it is worth choosing according to your preferred sound and required features. B3K and B7K stand for modern overdrive tones with a blended clean signal. Vintage Microtubes aims for softer, tube-like saturation. Microtubes X models split the signal into frequency ranges, allowing the low frequencies to remain controlled while higher frequencies can be distorted selectively. Depending on the model, Ultra versions add more extensive EQs, DI functions and digital cabinet simulations.

Alongside distortion pedals, Darkglass also offers solutions such as the Hyper Luminal Compressor, Duality Fuzz, Harmonic Booster and Element. This means a setup does not have to focus exclusively on high gain: compression, clean tone shaping, headphone monitoring and direct recording are also part of the Darkglass product world. The available functions vary depending on the individual device.

Darkglass bass amplifiers, combos and cabinets

For complete amplifier setups, Darkglass offers bass amplifier heads from the Microtubes, Alpha·Omega and Exponent families. Models such as the Microtubes 200/500/900 or Alpha·Omega 200/500/900 transfer their respective sound concepts into compact amplifier formats, while the Exponent 500 places particular emphasis on programmable digital signal processing. Power output, connections, presets and digital functions vary by model, so your choice should always suit the cabinet, intended application and preferred signal path.

If you prefer amplifier and speakers in a single enclosure, the bass combos include Infinity 500 models. They combine 500 watts of power with preset slots, a graphic equalizer, compressor, octaver, tuner and control via the Darkglass Suite. For modular rigs, bass cabinets such as the DG212N and DG410N are also available. A Darkglass setup can therefore grow from a compact pedalboard to a complete stage amplification system.

Digital features for stage, studio and practice

An important aspect of modern Darkglass equipment is the connection between hardware and software. On compatible products, the Darkglass Suite can be used to manage presets, impulse responses and device settings. USB audio, MIDI, headphone outputs, DI outputs and IR-based cabinet simulations are available depending on the model. This is particularly useful when the bass signal needs to be sent directly to an audio interface, mixing console or in-ear setup without sacrificing flexible tone shaping.

Why buy Darkglass at Kirstein?

Darkglass is aimed at bassists who want to shape their sound precisely, from controlled clean tones and organic overdrive to dense high-gain sounds. When choosing a product, the main considerations are sound character, required features, connection options and the role of the device in your signal chain. At Kirstein, you also benefit from competent specialist advice and a 3 Year Kirstein Warranty. This makes it easier to decide whether an individual pedal, a preamp, a combo or a complete amplifier and cabinet setup best suits your application.