When it comes to bass, there is no one more respected than Nathan East!

We were excited to release our first Nathan East signature product, the DB-EAST, in 2025. Nathan is a busy bass player – continuously in demand! So, for Nathan to have a compact portable solution to get his ‘BIG RIG’ sound but in a small, portable package is amazing.

Introducing the DB-EAST-PRE, our and Nathan’s first signature bass pre-amplifier.

Features:

Gain Type & Range

The DB-EAST-PRE enhanced tube channel features selectable gain characteristics, giving players three distinct gain options:

• (I) Mild gain with light asymmetric clipping.
• (II) Increased asymmetrical clipping for added drive.
• (III) Aggressive distortion with more pronounced odd harmonics for a modern, high-gain tone.

The Range control works in conjunction with the selected gain mode and adjusts the amount of low-end signal before distortion. This allows you to fine-tune how punchy or extended the low-frequency response feels.

Powerful EQ

The DB-EAST-PRE features a powerful EQ section with selectable mid pre-shapes.

The dedicated Tilt control allows you to quickly dial in the desired tonal balance at any volume level.

Master volume

Precisely control the main output level using the Master Volume control.

The D.I. output and FX loop levels are not affected.

Dual inputs

Two independent inputs allow you to connect multiple basses and switch between them using the input selector.

Input 2 includes an individual trim control for matching the output levels of different instruments.

LA·IR

The D.I. output is equipped with LA·IR and comes pre-loaded with Nathan’s personally selected cabinet impulse responses.

FX loop

An ultra-transparent effects loop capable of handling everything from vintage pedals to high-end rack-mount processors.

USB type-C

The DB-EAST-PRE features a USB Type-C connection for use with the LA·IR app.

It also supports post-IR audio input and output, allowing direct recording into your favorite DAW for silent recording.

Specifications:

• Channels: FET and Tube (footswitchable).
• EQ: Bass, Lo-Mid (with switchable Q and operating frequency), Hi-Mid, Treble, and Tilt control, all with ± level.
• Controls: FET volume, Tube range, Tube drive level with mode switch, Tube volume, Bass, Lo-Mid with toggle switch, Hi-Mid, Treble, Tilt, Master volume, Bypass/Mute footswitch with mode toggle switch, FET/Tube channel footswitch with mode toggle switch, Input 1/2 footswitch.
• Indicators: LEDs for Bypass/Mute, Input 1/2, and FET/Tube channels.
• Inputs: 2 × 6.3 mm (1/4") mono instrument jacks, 6.3 mm (1/4") FX return jack, 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo AUX in.
• Input impedance: 10 MΩ.
• Outputs: 6.3 mm (1/4") tuner out, FX send, main output, 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo headphone jack, balanced male XLR DI out with switchable ground lift and source mode (Pre, Post, and LA-IR).
• Other features: USB-C for class-compliant audio streaming at 48 kHz (emulated and un-emulated main out) and access to the LA-IR app.
• Power supply: Regulated 12 V DC PSU (not included), centre-negative, 2.1 × 5.5 × 12 mm connector.
• Power consumption: 6 W.
• Dimensions: 67 × 199 × 143 mm (2.6" × 7.8" × 5.6").
• Weight: 1.1 kg (2.4 lb).
• Made in: UK.