MXR Bass Synth Pedal MB301 Review & Blind Test vs Novation Bass Station II

Looking for the best synth bass pedal for live gigs, funk, or your pedalboard? You’re in the right place. In this in-depth review and blind test, I put the MXR Bass Synth Pedal MB301 head-to-head against the classic Novation Bass Station II keyboard synth. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, cover band bassist, EDM producer, or just want new sounds for your pedalboard, I’m breaking down everything you need to know.

Is the MXR Bass Synth MB301 a Real Replacement for a Keyboard Synth?

Can the MXR Bass Synth Pedal replace a keyboard synth? Is it the best bass synth pedal for funk, pedalboards, and live gigs? Here’s the truth:
MXR has never marketed the MB301 as a direct replacement for a synth keyboard. Instead, it’s a pro-level bass effects pedal designed for bassists who want fast, reliable synth sounds on stage or in the studio—without having to learn keyboard.

Blind Test: MXR Bass Synth Pedal vs Keyboard Synth (Novation Bass Station II)

One of the most common questions is: can you tell the difference between a pedal and a true keyboard synth? In my MXR Bass Synth Pedal blind test, I played the same lines using both the MB301 pedal and the Novation Bass Station II.
Can you hear the difference? This is the most honest way to compare a bass synth pedal to a keyboard synth for real-world gig use. Listen and let me know your guess in the comments!

Who Is the MXR Bass Synth Pedal For?

The MXR MB301 Bass Synth pedal is a fantastic tool for:

• Weekend warriors who need a fast, reliable synth bass option for gigs

• Social media content creators and anyone making short-form bass or gear videos

• Bassists wanting to expand their sonic palette without learning keys

• EDM and dance music creators—this pedal delivers dirty, funky, vintage, and modern synth bass sounds

• Cover band bassists, wedding and club gig players who want pro synth bass without extra gear

• Musicians with fly dates who need a travel-friendly, quick setup

• Players inspired by Ian Martin Allison’s MXR Bass Synth demos, or pros like Eric Smith (Janet Jackson) who use this pedal on their board

• Anyone who wants to explore sound design for bass guitar—envelope filter, octave, and effect pedal lovers

If you want to stand out from the crowd with new synth textures on bass guitar, or you’re looking for a top-tier funk, octaver, or effect pedal for your rig, this pedal should be on your radar.

Is the MXR Bass Synth Pedal MB301 the Best Synth Pedal for Your Pedalboard?

Let’s be real—this isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison. The MXR Bass Synth MB301 will get you amazing, usable synth bass sounds. If you use bass pedals and need synth tones for live gigs or recording, it’s a killer gig solution.
But if you want total keyboard synth flexibility and a truly “studio-perfect” synth experience, the Novation Bass Station is still the gold standard.
For me, the MB301 is a winner—it’s staying on my pedalboard, especially for funk, live gigs, bass lessons, and sound design experiments.

Free Resource: The Synth Bass Cookbook for Bass Players

Want to learn synth bass sound design, get pro synth bass tones, and start gigging right away?
Download my Synth Bass Cookbook here.
This resource is designed for pedalboard users and bass guitarists, and it covers all the essentials for building your own synth bass sounds—no keyboard skills required.

Key Takeaways

• The MXR Bass Synth MB301 is ideal for funk, EDM, live gigs, and pedalboards

• Delivers filthy funk synth sounds, envelope filter, octave effects, and more

• Not a replacement for full keyboard synths, but a must-have for gigging bassists

• Perfect for bass effects lovers, gearheads, and anyone taking bass lessons or starting out

Join the Conversation

Which bass synth pedal do you use for funk, EDM, or cover band gigs? Have you tried the MXR MB301 or the Novation Bass Station II?
Drop your thoughts, questions, or your own MXR pedal settings in the comments below!

As always: It ain’t rocket science. It’s Pocket Science.

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