Submarine SubSix Pickups Review
Submarine SubSix Pickups Review: A Game-Changer for Creative Guitarists
As a sound engineer and guitarist, I’m always on the lookout for innovative tools that can expand the creative possibilities of music production. The Submarine SubSix pickup, a hexaphonic guitar pickup designed to isolate each string’s signal into its own discrete output, caught my attention for its promise of unparalleled control over sound manipulation. After spending some time with the SubSix in my studio, I’m excited to share my thoughts on its design, performance, and potential for guitarists and producers alike. Let’s dive into this review and explore whether the SubSix lives up to its hype.
What Is the Submarine SubSix?
The SubSix, developed by Submarine Pickups, is a hexaphonic pickup that provides six separate audio channels—one for each string of your guitar. Unlike traditional pickups that combine all string signals into a single output, the SubSix allows you to process each string individually, opening up a world of creative possibilities. It’s a passive, analog pickup, meaning no batteries or MIDI conversion are required—just pure, full-range audio that you can route through pedals, a DAW, or guitar amps. It’s designed to be non-invasive, requiring no permanent modifications to your guitar, and can be used on both electric and acoustic guitars thanks to its adjustable mounting system.
Design and Installation
The SubSix is impressively compact, measuring just a few millimeters thick (9.3 mm with the base plate, 6.3 mm without under the E strings), making it easy to slide under the strings of most guitars. The die-cast body is chrome-plated and houses 12 custom-made N42 neodymium magnets and six microminiature copper coils, which act as transducers to isolate each string’s signal. The pickup includes small sliders on the rear to adjust for string spacing (45.5 to 51.5 mm), ensuring compatibility with a wide range of guitars.
Installation is straightforward and non-destructive. The SubSix attaches using reusable micro-suction pads or acid-free 3M adhesive, and its height can be fine-tuned with an included Allen key. I mounted it on my electric guitar between the existing pickups (as recommended, rather than near the bridge) and also tested it on an acoustic by clamping it across the soundhole. The process took less than 10 minutes, and the included instructions were clear. The two TRRS mini-jack cables (each splitting into three 1/4-inch jacks) allow the six channels to be routed cleanly, either to the side of the neck or the rear of the body, keeping them out of the way during playing.
One minor critique: the adhesive, while effective, can lose stickiness over time if not maintained properly. Some users on forums have suggested using a stronger adhesive for a more secure fit, especially for frequent gigging.
Sound Quality and Performance
The SubSix delivers a clean and neutral sound, which is exactly what you want from a pickup designed for processing. Its impedance is around 2.4kΩ per output—lower than most conventional pickups—but the powerful neodymium magnets ensure adequate output levels. On my acoustic guitar, I noticed the high frequencies sounded more natural compared to typical magnetic pickups, likely due to this lower impedance.
Hexaphonic Processing
The real magic of the SubSix lies in its ability to isolate each string. I routed the six outputs into my audio interface and applied different effects to each string using my DAW. Here are some of the setups I experimented with:
Stereo Panning: I spread the strings across the stereo field, panning the low E and A strings hard left, the D and G strings center, and the B and high E strings hard right. This created an immersive, panoramic sound that made my guitar feel like an ensemble, perfect for ambient tracks.
Hexaphonic Fuzz: Applying a fuzz effect to each string individually resulted in cleaner note definition compared to a standard pickup, where intermodulation can muddy chords. I added a touch of chorus and reverb, and the result sounded reminiscent of a vintage string machine—an unexpected but delightful effect.
Pitch Shifting: I pitch-shifted the low E string down an octave to emulate a bass guitar while keeping the other strings clean. This worked seamlessly, with minimal crosstalk between strings (though I did notice a slight bleed, which didn’t significantly affect the pitch-shifter’s performance).
Immersive Audio: For a Dolby Atmos mix, I applied layered effects like delay and reverb to just the G and B strings, creating a sense of depth that translated beautifully in a binaural headphone mix. This kind of control is a dream for producers working in immersive audio formats.
Recording and Production Benefits
The SubSix shines in the studio. Being able to record each string to its own track made comping and editing a breeze. I flubbed a note on the D string during a take, but instead of re-recording the entire part, I punched in just that string’s signal—something that’s impossible with a standard pickup. This alone can save hours in post-production, especially for complex fingerstyle pieces. [
The separation also allows for creative experimentation. I quantized individual strings to tighten up a rhythm part, then applied microtonal tunings to the high E string for an experimental effect. The SubSix’s open-source nature means it’s compatible with modular synths, sample triggering, and even guitar synth setups, making it a versatile tool for avant-garde musicians.
Practical Applications
The SubSix is particularly appealing for experimental and ambient music, but it has practical uses for more traditional players too. Fingerstyle guitarists can layer effects on specific strings to add “aural candy” to their mixes, while producers can use it to create unique textures in the studio. For live performances, routing the low strings to a bass amp and the high strings to a guitar amp (as some users have done with octave effects) can make a single guitar sound like a full band—perfect for solo performers.
However, the SubSix might be overkill for players who prefer a simple setup. As one forum user noted, the complexity of managing six outputs can feel daunting if you’re not tech-savvy or don’t need such granular control.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Unmatched Creative Control: Six discrete outputs allow for endless sound design possibilities, from stereo panning to hexaphonic effects.
Clean and Neutral Sound: The pickup provides a transparent starting point for processing, with natural highs on acoustics.
Easy Installation: No permanent modifications needed, and the height adjustment system works well for both electric and acoustic guitars.
Studio Efficiency: Individual string recording simplifies comping, editing, and experimentation.
Quality Build: The chrome-plated, die-cast body feels durable, and the one-year warranty adds peace of mind.
Cons
Slight Crosstalk: There’s minimal bleed between strings, which might affect some effects like pitch-shifting in rare cases.
Adhesive Concerns: The micro-suction pads can lose stickiness over time, requiring occasional maintenance or a stronger adhesive for gigging.
Learning Curve: Managing six outputs can be overwhelming for players used to a simpler signal chain.
Price Point: At £225 (down from £299), it’s an investment, though the creative potential justifies the cost for experimental musicians.
Who Is the SubSix For?
The SubSix is ideal for experimental guitarists, ambient producers, and sound designers who want to push the boundaries of what a guitar can do. It’s also a valuable tool for studio producers looking to streamline their workflow with individual string recording. However, if you’re a traditional player who prefers a straightforward setup or doesn’t need such detailed control, a simpler pickup might suffice.
Conclusion
The Submarine SubSix is a revolutionary pickup that delivers on its promise of creative freedom. Its ability to isolate each string’s signal opens up new frontiers in music production, from immersive audio to hexaphonic effects, making it a must-have for adventurous guitarists and producers. While it has a slight learning curve and minor crosstalk, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for those willing to explore its potential. Whether you’re crafting ambient soundscapes or recording intricate fingerstyle pieces, the SubSix can transform your guitar into a sonic playground. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to take their sound design to the next level.