A collaboration between EarthQuaker Devices and Kentaro Nakao. Scrolls Bass Odyssey is a sonic pilgrimage through the entire universe of electric bass tone. From Motown to Metal and everywhere between and beyond. With a tube amp-like drive channel, an active EQ channel with three push-button switches for one-click tone sculpting, buffered parallel out, onboard effects loop, and balanced XLR out featuring just a splash of analog filtering to emulate a speaker cabinet, Scrolls is a powerful, modern tool that’s compact and versatile enough to be the only thing you need to play a session or show other than a bass. More Design Notes - Kentaro Nakao The Scrolls Bass Odyssey was born from a partnership with Japanese bassist and longtime EarthQuaker Devices friend Kentaro Nakao (Number Girl, Crypt City). His vision was to consolidate vintage and modern bass tones into a single, highly portable unit. In Japan’s densely populated cities, gigging can become a logistical hurdle. Venues are often tucked away at the very top or bottom of steep staircases and musicians are frequently at the mercy of whatever backline equipment happens to be available. "I am constantly playing shows in every type of venue you can imagine," Kentaro explained, "so having my sound in a portable rig is a must—that’s why I’ve been a big believer in preamps for a long time." For Kentaro, the two most important foundational elements of the design were a full-range of EQ control and the ability to shape overdriven tones. The EQ channel is designed to be completely transparent when the knobs are set to noon, ensuring the bass retains its inherent tone. Three push buttons offer quick tone sculpting: Deep boosts 80 Hz for booming lows, Process scoops mids for a punchy modern tone, and Bright activates a 5 kHz boost for attack. Inspired by a rare overdrive in Kentaro’s collection, the Drive channel delivers versatile, tube amp-like distortion with precise low-end command. To maximize the pedal’s tone-shaping capacilities, Vari-Freq control was added to the EQ channel and Bandwidth control to the Drive channel. "These two knobs have enabled me to fine-tune my sound to fit each specific playing situation more than ever before," Kentaro noted. Designed to serve as the brains of your signal chain, Scrolls includes an effects loop right between the Drive and EQ channels, a buffered parallel out for sending a pristine clean signal to an external destination, and a balanced XLR out featuring a 100% analog speaker cabinet simulation. "Most XLR outs tend to have a harsh top end that sounds nothing like what is coming out of the amp, especially when dirt is involved," EarthQuaker Devices Founder/President Jamie Stillman said. "I thought it would be useful to add a bit of natural filtering so what is sent to front-of-house is much closer to what is coming out of the amp." Scrolls began as a friend's request for the ultimate portable rig. Now, it’s a universally indispensable tool for every bassist. Features EQ Channel Active 3-Band EQ: Audiophile-quality Bass, Middle, and Treble controls. Variable Frequency Control: Cut or boost frequencies from ~20 Hz to 10 kHz. Tone Sculpting Switches: Three push-button switches for instant tone shaping. Drive Channel Versatile Distortion: Tube amp-like overdrive and clipping. Blend Knob: Mixes your clean and overdriven signals. Bandwidth Knob: Adjusts where clipping is most prevalent (low frequencies counterclockwise, high frequencies clockwise) to retain low-end fullness. Routing & Connectivity Three Simultaneous Outputs: Buffered Parallel Out: For sending a clean signal to an amp, tuner, or DI. Balanced XLR Out: For running directly to front-of-house (FOH) or a recording interface. Standard ¼" Out: Standard output for your signal chain. Effects Loop: Positioned directly between the Drive and EQ channels, allowing you to insert other effects after your dirt but before your final EQ shaping. Specs Dimensions: 4.75" x 4.50" x 2.25" (121 × 114 × 57 mm) including knobs Power Requirements: Standard 9V DC, 2.1 mm negative center (Isolated supply recommended; Do not exceed 9V) Current Draw: 70 mA Artwork: Geoffrey Crowe Switching Type: Relay-based true bypass (requires power to pass signal) EQ Channel: Standard on/off Drive Channel: Flexi-Switch® Technology Impedance EQ Channel: Input: 10 MΩ Output:
