2 part preamp question: Eden content

xring · #1 08-05-2011, 04:24 PM

I'm recently running the Art Prochannel into a Crown Drivercore 1500. I like the tone, although it takes some tweaking to get it there. At times, I'd like more crunch for some heavier rock tunes we do.
I've never played through an Eden. After seeing a few Navigator pres come and go in the classifieds, I'm wondering if if I'm missing something? I've heard of the famous Eden tone, but haven't heard a good description of what that is! I know it won't have alot of overdrive, but will it improve overall tone - whatever that means?
Part 2: If I don't go that route, would pairing a Sans Amp RPM with the Art, be a good combo? I thought I'd kick it in for rock, and back out again for R&B...I did own an RBI at one time, but did not care for the clean tone. Just no personality. I am afraid the the RPM might not be better in that regard, though the mids are where it's at on that unit. (the RBI was my stand alone pre).
I almost sprang for a Demeter 201s acouple of times, but I was worried about not being able to cut through with that one.
I'm finding that when a sound check comes, there's not alot of time to dig around for EXACTLY the tone you want. I'd like to simplify I guess.
Is there a quality unit that gives what I need in, say the 500 (used range)?
Thanks.

**IvanMike** · #2 08-05-2011, 04:29 PM

going a bit backwards - if you're worried about not cutting through with a Demeter.....sorry, I'm still laughing...

Ah, that's better - those cut through just about anything.

Eden has had some issues with quality control (sadly), but I'm a big fan of the WT preamp section, which includes the navigator. The tone could be described as warm and fat, and the EQ section is extremely powerful and versatile. You're not going to find any overdrive there though.

I can't comment too much on the SA stuff, i use a pedal sometimes, but hate the mid suck on those.

In terms of being able to dial in a sound and go, the demeter is easier, but the eden is pretty quick too.

xring · #3 08-05-2011, 04:39 PM

That make me feel better on the Demeter. I've read a few times that the 201s has limited adjustment range, thus my comment. I'd grab the HBP, but rarely see them for sale used, and they are a bit pricey...

**IvanMike** · #4 08-05-2011, 05:00 PM

the h series has impressive and useful active EQ, although compared to the 201 and 201s I found the sound to be a bit less cool. Also, the lack of a selector switch for the bass frequency control is a big bummer (it may lack one for the presence as well, i forget). The EQ on the 201 is passive, but it has impressive range - generally you really don't need extreme boost or cut. That said, being able to dial in a problematic frequency with the H or the Eden is very useful.

**pacojas** · #5 08-05-2011, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xring

That make me feel better on the Demeter. I've read a few times that the 201s has limited adjustment range, thus my comment. I'd grab the HBP, but rarely see them for sale used, and they are a bit pricey...

Demeters cut through, but they don't do dirty. i just picked the HBP-1 up from the classified for $425. plus shipping. also, if you search, you'll notice Demeters are readily available. i've seen them for $300-$500.

so, they are here every other week or month. they don't last long so have your dunza ready! gl.

Mcrelly · #6 08-06-2011, 12:17 AM

chiming in with a.d.d. (rum) I think the "eden tone" is two fold.... the semi-parametric eq and the mosfet power amp section which can add a "heaviness" to the tone. basically flexible eq with heavy bottom end! I like it!

12bass · #7 08-06-2011, 12:46 AM

A couple points about the Eden WT series.... One is that, when set flat, the EQ section doesn't have much of an impact on the frequency response: flat on the EQ is fairly flat. There is a bit of preamp EQ built in, however, in that the circuit has a high pass and low pass filter at the input which removes some of the extreme lows (<30 Hz) and highs (>12 kHz). Some of the "Eden tone" comes from this filtering. IMO, the op amps and coupling capacitors also contribute to what might be characterized as a "warm and wooly" sound. Many other designs allow more extended highs, making the Edens sound somewhat warm relative to most amps. My WT-500 has been modded to open up the top end and clean up the signal path with better components, so it sounds noticeably clearer than stock models... still musical, but more transparent.

The Eden power amp section, at least on the WT-300/400/500/600/800 uses bipolar power transistors, not MOSFETs. I seem to recall talking to David Nordschow some years ago and hearing him say something about how he preferred the sound of the bipolars. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

bassman10096 · #8 08-06-2011, 07:15 AM

Interesting tech input on the Nav and Demeters (I didn't know that much about Demeter). I've used a Nav with a Drivecore (and a QSC PLX2402 before that) and find (after going through Alembic, Ampeg, BBE pre's) it offers a stunning array of features (mostly very useful) and has a warm, slightly middy flat tone with plenty of room to fine tune, decide how you want to punch through the mix or just tweak various parts of the range. I switch basses a lot and find the Eden gets me to exactly what I want from each bass - and pretty quickly when it counts. The onboard compression is aces - sounds right, high quality and easy to work. The Gain, Master and "Tube" controls get me every variety of clean, overdriven, slightly dirty, warmer, fat, etc that I'm looking for. Mine's an older model, so I guess I might be missing some of the problems with the newer ones.