Any non-rack tube devices that sound like an Alembic F-1X preamp?

jibreel · #1 10-14-2010, 07:04 AM

Just bought an Alembic F-1X preamp and man does it sound nice. And since I am pretty set on basses, the unrelenting gas can now be focused on electronics.

I have really liked having the small amp convenience of my TC 450. Do I really want to move into rack gear? And then of course I will want the Alembic super filter

I have been running a presonus tubpre into the TC and the sound is very good. I know, the presonus is not that great but it does help.

Obviously, the sound of the Alembic is in the totality of the whole unit.

So is there any tube device, non-rack that would give the sound quality of the Alembic?

Thanks

AMJBASS · #2 10-14-2010, 08:58 AM

I would just buy a small 2 space effects rack from gator or skb. Use the F1X through your TC, or buy one of those small once space power amps like a Peavey DPC.

KramerBassFan · #3 10-14-2010, 12:10 PM

A Fender Dual Showman.

bongomania · #4 10-14-2010, 12:15 PM

If you have the opportunity to check out any Effectrode brand pedals, I think you'd like them.

jibreel · #5 10-15-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

If you have the opportunity to check out any Effectrode brand pedals, I think you'd like them.

Very interesting as usual. I called about the Tube Drive pedal and they said it was very much about drive so would not be the choice for tube fullness.

How would you compare the tube fatness of Effectrode compressor to the DHA pedal?

Thanks as always.

jibreel · #6 10-16-2010, 09:49 AM

Been experimenting with running the Alembic straight into my TC 450. It sounds great. Two pre's and the compressor.
I am just going to chill with this for now and focus on playing.
Not that I won't keep looking...................

unlined4string · #7 10-16-2010, 10:17 AM

They've been discontinued for years, but if you can find one used a Hughes & Kettner BATT preamp would probably do the trick.

jibreel · #8 10-16-2010, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unlined4string

They've been discontinued for years, but if you can find one used a Hughes & Kettner BATT preamp would probably do the trick.

Amazing..... this just posted today and I got it !!!!!!!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...=1#post9855194

bongomania · #9 10-16-2010, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jibreel

How would you compare the tube fatness of Effectrode compressor to the DHA pedal?

The Effectrode is smoother, more "syrupy", and has lower noise. The DHA has more "thick fur".

jibreel · #10 10-16-2010, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

The Effectrode is smoother, more "syrupy", and has lower noise. The DHA has more "thick fur".

Thanks Bongo.

I got a DHA and then sold it. Amazing pedal but was more than I needed and the "thick fur" description fits.

gbarchus · #11 10-16-2010, 09:13 PM

"I would just buy a small 2 space effects rack from gator or skb. Use the F1X through your TC, or buy one of those small once space power amps..."

+1

That way you'll have two rigs and benefit from the sound of the Alembic straight into a power amp. You could also run the Alembic into the effects return (insert >) on the TC 450 (Is this the combo?) as a test.

GAle

jibreel · #12 10-17-2010, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbarchus

"I would just buy a small 2 space effects rack from gator or skb. Use the F1X through your TC, or buy one of those small once space power amps..."

+1

That way you'll have two rigs and benefit from the sound of the Alembic straight into a power amp. You could also run the Alembic into the effects return (insert >) on the TC 450 (Is this the combo?) as a test.

GAle

What I am doing now is running the signal from the send on the TC into the front of the Alembic and then the out on the Alembic into the return on the TC. So using both preamps.

My mag basses are passive and this is working great!

Be interesting to see how the BATT preamp I am getting will compare.

**Chef** · #13 10-17-2010, 08:24 AM

wow, that sure looks like high quality stuff!
also looks like it's designed for guitar...
it'd be nice if they did a bass version that was "more B15-ish" going from clean, to phat, and not so "three gain stages of distortion looking"

you got any pull with them to suggest such a thing?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

If you have the opportunity to check out any Effectrode brand pedals, I think you'd like them.

bongomania · #14 10-17-2010, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

it'd be nice if they did a bass version that was "more B15-ish" going from clean, to phat, and not so "three gain stages of distortion looking"

you got any pull with them to suggest such a thing?

Yes indeed. I already know that the boss/designer is swamped just filling orders for their existing line (he only has one or two employees), so it's not like he'll jump on the idea--but he's very easy to talk to, and a good guy.

**Chef** · #15 10-17-2010, 09:44 AM

I emailed him

pfschim · #16 10-17-2010, 02:13 PM

this is a great question. I don't think I saw a clear answer to the OP's question. Is there a pedal sized pre that matches or comes close to the Alembic F-1X, or ever the Dual Showman circuit that it closely emulates ?

I see the posts about Effectrode, DHA and H&K BATT, but only the BATT seems to be described as similar or close to the F-1X sound.

so, are there any small format pre's that provide the sound of the Alembic or Dual Showman ?

jock · #17 10-18-2010, 06:44 AM

I have also been after an Showman based preamp in a smaller size than 19". So far on paper the EBS Valvedrive looks good. It has the passive Fender tone stack and a 12ax7 tube. The SIB Fatdrive also looks good. I have not had the chance to try either of these. But I have used the H&K BATT and it does sound really good, but not like the Alembic/Fender Showman preamp IMO. The Alembic sounds much fatter an more 3D in some way.