Advice on finding a Pre-amp

calmb4tehpwn · #1 01-07-2011, 11:08 PM

So! I'm focusing on a few things currently. I have my bass where I want her, I'm getting the cab I want, and I know the Power amp I'd like.

So a bit about who I am and what I need: Metal! I just joined a metal band that plays in G# drop, so I'm expected to rock the hell out of the lows. So what do I do? I get an Acme Cab. Now, that means my pretty little SWR 350x wont cut it any longer, so I'm taking this opportunity to switch to a modular pre-amp / power amp rig. I already know what I need for a power amp, a qsc 1450 or 2450. Anything that can push upward of 800w, really. So, what are my options for Preamps? I've never really looked, and I don't know where to start.

Suggestions?
Brands or models to simply stay away from?

I really enjoy supporting the... less known business. I have an Eden 210XLT, I'm getting an Acme B4, I play a Lotus Steinberger style bass. I'd really like to get a Pre-amp from someone who makes them himself, or a company that's known for quality, but hasn't made a huge name for themselves yet.

Failing all of that, though, I'd like a Pre-amp that can give me what I'm looking for.

Thanks in advance for all the great support I'm about to receive. (Seriously, love you guys)

johnk_10 · #2 01-07-2011, 11:16 PM

this one seems to meet your criteria perfectly:

JGR's custom built rock bass tube preamp is done!

Son of Bovril · #3 01-08-2011, 12:44 AM

if you are buying that poweramp new, maybe have a look at some of the light weight options that companies are offering now, they are both powerful and affordable and your back will thank you

On the preamp side... hmm if you can test some out and see what is available to you that is a good start.

That Acme cab is supposed to be pretty neutral sounding and requires a fair amount of power to push it hard, so you should consider that in your case, your tone is gonna come from either your bass (if you get a neutral sounding pre) or from your pre if you aren't totally happy with just the sound your bass...

Are you gonna be playing clean or overdriven, do you like a modern, clean or vintage tube tone?

LongHairFreak · #4 01-08-2011, 02:08 AM

You might want to look at [SFX] (w.sfxsound.com). The build I got from Max is compact, clean and sleek. It can drive any poweramp while still holding onto a noise floor that is virtually unmeasurable. Also, the EQ is absolutely one of the sweetest I've ever heard.

calmb4tehpwn · #5 01-08-2011, 07:24 AM

Well. I'm not entirely sure. I would really enjoy hearing how a vintage sound would fit into a metal band, but I'm not entirely willing to drop the money to find out. I would say a modern sound, not that I could tell you what a modern sound is.

Zooberwerx · #6 01-08-2011, 07:30 AM

Here's what Michael will be using this afternoon:

*Presonus Studio Channel

*SansAmp RPM

*Gallien-Krueger 2001RBP

*Ashly BP41

We'll see what trips his trigger and go from there in terms of tone control, features, etc.

Riis

calmb4tehpwn · #7 01-08-2011, 07:44 AM

Okay, good to know I'll be able to get a few Pre-amp brands under my belt.

Re: longhair. What build did you get from SFX?
I'm actually looking for something a little more substantial. I'd like to build a rack, and I can't imaging putting that m:B4 in a rack.

Weight isn't a major issue. In fact, I almost want something with some more weight to it. I feel like when something gets too light, I'm consistently on the verge of destroying it.

**jlepre** · #8 01-08-2011, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Here's what Michael will be using this afternoon:

Who's Michael??

calmb4tehpwn · #9 01-08-2011, 07:54 AM

OP. Zoober and I are neighbors.

Zooberwerx · #10 01-08-2011, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlepre

Who's Michael??

Sorry for the confusion....OP (Michael) sounds a bit impersonal sometimes. I'm also the joker with the Acme B-4 mentioned earlier in the thread.

Riis

smoov · #11 01-08-2011, 09:38 AM

BBE 383
Furman PQ3
both work very well

depalm · #12 01-08-2011, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnk_10

this one seems to meet your criteria perfectly:

JGR's custom built rock bass tube preamp is done!

This!

That preamp sounds veeeeery promising.

LongHairFreak · #13 01-08-2011, 11:48 AM

Re: longhair. What build did you get from SFX?

Sorry, I can't view pics to tell what the M:B4 looks like, but mine was a custom build. Though it is sturdily built and quite substantial for it's size, it is only a half-rack unit.
My New Preamp/DI From [SFX]

Zooberwerx · #14 01-08-2011, 03:06 PM

Michael dropped by this afternoon with his SWR 350X and Eden 210 XLT to A/B the rig with my Acme B-4 and various pre's. The results were interesting although we did have to contend with a couple of obstacles:

*Minor - Michael's Steinberger clone is equipped with active EMG's and no volume control...the output is hot, hot, hot. We kicked in the 15 dB pad where available.

*Major - his latest project require him to tune down to G#. The Steinie is strung B-E-A-D but then down-tuned to G#-C#-F#-B. This was and remains a challenge.

The Eden cab had a more pronounced character in the mids and highs but the Acme trounced it in the low end. Together, they complemented each other nicely although the Acme was more prominent. The pre's we liked were:

#1 - Gallien Krueger 2001RBP...hands down winner. Couldn't coax a bad sound out of it no matter how hard we tried.

#2 - SansAmp RPM....close second. Took more finagling to find "the" tone. Still a respectable showing and always a best buy in my book.

#3 - SWR 350X...preamp / FX send only. Takes on a whole new character when driving a power amp / Acme rig. Michael really digs the "subwave" octave-down effect.

#4 - Ashly BP41...discontinued years ago but still a contender. Somewhat harsh but, then again, we didn't spend a lot of time with it.

#5 - Presonus Studio Channel...tube pre, compressor, and para EQ. Again, we didn't spend much time with it. Once you read the manual and spend some time with the console, you'll find it to be a tremendous tone-shaping tool.

And now the pics from the laboratory...

Riis

calmb4tehpwn · #15 01-08-2011, 03:14 PM

That Gallien Krueger knocked me on my ass.

The Sans wasn't bad either, but as you said, Riis, there was no way to get that Gallien to sound bad. We tried a lot of stuff, but the mix with those two cabs just... was perfect. Plus the embedded 15Db pad was a nice touch, considering my Bass.

I'm really excited about how well the Acme and the Eden played well together. I can't even contain myself.