Xotic BB preamp vs Koko boost?

[Omega1397]

Hey guys,

I have a Xotic BB preamp pedal that I absolutely love. I was wondering if anyone had experience with both the BB preamp and the Suhr koko boost, and would be able to explain how they compare.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[motorboy1]

Yo. I recently owned both, not at the same though. From what I can remember the Koko boost had a nice mid-boost setting that I really liked. Very dynamic and transparent sound to it. Only used that one setting, didn't care for any others with the 3 way switch. I did think that the pedal was a little noisy because of the 30db boost that's available. Very high quality built. I liked to pair it with another OD that had more of a high and low boost thing going on, the 2 sounded great together. I eventually sold it for what I paid, didn't think it was worth the $150 for 1 setting that I used. I've owned the BB preamp on 3 different occasions with different amps and there's just something artificial about the sound that I don't care for. I have a Mesa Mark 4 thats already mid heavy and I think the BB just adds more mids and compression that I don't need. I just bought a Rockbox boiling point from a member here and that pedal kills. For now

 

[fek]

Have not had a BB but the original Koko has been my #1 boost for years now. Rarely do I hear anything negative about it.

I actually think that it is more versatile that what you see at first glance. Example, how the Boost knob interacts with the Mid side even when not using the Boost side. Set the Boost knob higher and, to me anyway, more low end and push is heard on the Mid side. Playing with both levels can cover a lot of ground.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Depends on the amp and the gain you get from the amp. Moreover, volume plays a huge role. for example, if I turn the master up to 5 or 6 on my JCM800, even 11 o clock on the koko mid side is enough for lead playing because the power tubes have kicked in. When i play at room volume, I use an OD-1 type or tube screamer based pedal for more push. The BB is no different in that at lower volumes it will give you the gain you want. I tend to kick on the KoKo boost clean side for lead on top of a ts type when the master is low. So, my answer is that the koko is non redundant here and you will use it in both scenarios. Both are great pedals ( I had a BB before) and they will compliment one another.

PS- I moved the BB because i also heard a sort of artificial glaze or tone on top of my core tone which i wasn't crazy about. I rarely run the Koko balls out, gets too thick for me. I like to add less gain in stages to keep things tight and less noisy.

 

[overthemountain]

I preferred the Koko as well but could certainly see room for both

 

[MrFlexx]

I've had both for years but still have the Koko Boost. The BB Preamp sounded good on my Cornford MK50 Blackface and great on my Elmwood M90. Didn't care for it much on my Mesa's, Marshall's or Diezel though. The Koko Boost sounds amazing on all amps I've tried it on...and that's a ton of them
You can't go wrong with the Koko Boost! The only pedal I never found a replacement for.

 

[Omega1397]

I really appreciate the input guys. I love my BB, don't get me wrong. I also have a Maxon OD808 and OD-9 that I'm considering getting modified by Analog man.

I basically want a boost/OD that doesn't give too much of that creamy/midboost. I don't mind a mid boost, but I want something that'll give more tightness and that is rather transparent.

 

[mixn4him]

Different monsters for sure, the Koko is supposed to be used to push an already distorted amp over the top , the BB is literally a preamp designed to be used into a clean amp and act as the OD channel.

 

[harsh59]

If you want a boost that adds tightness , maybe the Friedman Buxon Boost .

 

[RedB4Black]

I really appreciate the input guys. I love my BB, don't get me wrong. I also have a Maxon OD808 and OD-9 that I'm considering getting modified by Analog man.

I basically want a boost/OD that doesn't give too much of that creamy/midboost. I don't mind a mid boost, but I want something that'll give more tightness and that is rather transparent.

You may want to consider the BB with the Mid-boost knob. I loved the BB as well and I thought the mid-boost version was a big improvement over the regular. Though I did sell the one I had when I go the Koko boost. So just buy the koko (not the reloaded version - get the original - sounds better IMO)

 

[maddnotez]

I love the Koko. Its pretty transparent imo but not 100%.

More transparent than the Buxom to me. The Koko is more grainy sounding and the Buxom has more of a low mid throaty type sound if my descriptions make any sense.

Never tried the BB but the Koko is an amazing pedal.

 

[Badronald]

I have them both. Dig them both.
As mentioned the BB is a great overdrive for clean amps. I tend to use it as a solo lead pedal. Sustains for days on top of gain and cuts.
The Koko is amazing on top of gain as a boost. Killer pedal.

 

[fek]

I love the Koko. Its pretty transparent imo but not 100%.

More transparent than the Buxom to me. The Koko is more grainy sounding and the Buxom has more of a low mid throaty type sound if my descriptions make any sense.

Never tried the BB but the Koko is an amazing pedal.

I have a Buxom incoming today. Will give it a proper run through this weekend in front of a Koko.

 

[Omega1397]

Hmmm...has anyone had experience with the koko boost RELOADED?

 

[Omega1397]

I love the Koko. Its pretty transparent imo but not 100%.

More transparent than the Buxom to me. The Koko is more grainy sounding and the Buxom has more of a low mid throaty type sound if my descriptions make any sense.

Never tried the BB but the Koko is an amazing pedal.

I have a Buxom incoming today. Will give it a proper run through this weekend in front of a Koko.

Nice man, keep us updated.

 

[fek]

Hmmm...has anyone had experience with the koko boost RELOADED?

I believe that the general reviews are that the original sounds better but the Reloaded is a more tweakable.

 

[Omega1397]

Hmmm...has anyone had experience with the koko boost RELOADED?

I believe that the general reviews are that the original sounds better but the Reloaded is a more tweakable.

I appreciate the input

 

[Ventura]

Have both.

I use the Xotic BB Pre (Special Edition) more than the Koko.

But i'm not huge into pedals - I use them VERY sparingly...but the BB Pre does what I want it to do.

If it's pure boost you're looking for with no coloration, the CAL Mk.4:23 (Pro if you can find it) will outshine anything else on the market. And is destined to be the next Klon in another decade or two. Mark my words on that one

 

[Omega1397]

Have both.

I use the Xotic BB Pre (Special Edition) more than the Koko.

But i'm not huge into pedals - I use them VERY sparingly...but the BB Pre does what I want it to do.

If it's pure boost you're looking for with no coloration, the CAL Mk.4:23 (Pro if you can find it) will outshine anything else on the market. And is destined to be the next Klon in another decade or two. Mark my words on that one

I appreciate the input. I'll look into the CAL Mk.4:23 since I can't seem to find the pro anywhere.

 

[Ventura]

Have both.

I use the Xotic BB Pre (Special Edition) more than the Koko.

But i'm not huge into pedals - I use them VERY sparingly...but the BB Pre does what I want it to do.

If it's pure boost you're looking for with no coloration, the CAL Mk.4:23 (Pro if you can find it) will outshine anything else on the market. And is destined to be the next Klon in another decade or two. Mark my words on that one

I appreciate the input. I'll look into the CAL Mk.4:23 since I can't seem to find the pro anywhere.

Ya, the 48V Pro model has already reached "unobtanium" status. I know a few cats tried rallying together to put a bulk order in with CAL, unsure where that went. I've got the 48V version and it's stunning. I'm sure the regular version is excellent as well - it is, just a boost - lest we forget.

(But there is something to have THAT much additional headroom!!)