FS, an ISP Beta Bass preamp. There have been many mentions of this pre in the Amps forum, but here's the thread with the most useful info about it:
ISP Technologies Beta Bass Preamplifier????
...and here is the manufacturer's page:
http://www.isptechnologies.com/index...d=49&Itemid=60
...and here it is on Musician's Friend:
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ier?sku=481421
All in all, a great-sounding and very useful preamp. Articulate, high-fidelity (but not sterile), and quite full-sounding.
Something to note: with the EQ set flat, the output can be a bit low for power amps with an input sensitivity higher than 1.0V. This can be solved by boosting a bit with the EQ; also I got great results using high-output basses, or boosting the signal of a lower-output bass with a gain pedal. Of course if your power amp has a 1.0V or lower input sensitivity rating, it's a non-issue.
The compressor onboard is actually quite good! There's only one control, for the threshold, but even so it has a useful, musical, and unobtrusive functionality, with no added noise.
The two semi-parametric mid EQ bands allow dialing in a wide range of tones and corrective EQ, and the low shelving band has a nice big "authoritative" tone, clear and clean. The "exciter" function is good for bringing a little more high end "presence" into your sound. The array of outputs, and controls over the output, are quite useful and more comprehensive than with most typical preamps. The DI can be run pre or post EQ, and it has an independent level control. It has an effects loop which also has an independent level control.
I paid $450 for it just a few weeks ago;
PRICE DROP to $420 shipped in the CONUS. I'm definitely open to trades--pretty much the only things I won't consider trading for right now are amps, cabs, or SX/Rogue/similar budget Chinese basses.
Let me know if you have any questions, thanks!
