EBS gear on the Anagram

EBS is a Swedish company that makes only bass gear. It is known for clean, detailed heads and cabs, and for pedals such as its compressors and octavers, which are popular with session and touring players. The sound is usually described as hi-fi and articulate rather than warm and vintage.

Both EBS-inspired blocks on the Anagram are built in. Darkglass does not name the sources, so each is likely, inferred from the names and the controls. The prefix "SWE" is a nod to Sweden.

SWE TC650 draws on the TD650, a modern EBS head. SWE Nordline 4x10 lines up with an EBS 4x10 from the ProLine or NeoLine series.

The EBS approach is to keep the bass sound clear in every register. The low end is tight and deep but not boomy, and the top end shows the attack of each note without harshness. Mids are controlled, so the instrument sits neatly in a mix rather than jumping out.

That suits players who use a lot of dynamics, such as fingerstyle players with a light touch, and anyone playing extended-range basses where clarity on the low strings matters. It also takes pedals well, because it does not add much of its own colour. Put a drive block in front and you hear the drive, not the amp.

If you find the sound too polite, a little mid boost or a drive block before it gives it more push.

Try SWE TC650 into SWE Nordline 4x10 first. Start with the EQ flat and use your hands for dynamics before reaching for the knobs.