Avalon U5 as a pre amp?

[ImEd_iloveBacon]

Hi all,
I'm a relative novice beginner to gear so I apologize in advance if this is a silly question.
I just got a qsc rmx2450 and am looking/considering for a pre amp. would the u5 work alone as a pre for this ? It seems like more of DI.
thanks

[Jim C]

You might try a search under Avalon for a number of threads by guys who have used these (sorry, I've never have).

[Son of Bovril]

yes you can use it as a standalone preamp. it is very clean. you are however limited to the eq presets and the knobs on your bass

[nic salsus]

Originally Posted by Son of Bovril

yes you can use it as a standalone preamp. it is very clean. you are however limited to the eq presets and the knobs on your bass

Which was OK for me when I used one a for couple of nights. I liked the presets and was extremely happy with the sound....a real pro audio quality unit. If you are inclined to use any preamp with the EQ flat the Avalon might be a good thing for you. If you like a bunch of knobs to fool with keep looking. For me the Avalon is one of the best preamps I've used.

[aledeville]

Yes, same here. The U5 is amazingly good sounding, but you have to appreciate that, otherwise the money is not worth it. The normal Ampeg player is not interested in that kind of tone, it's much more detailed. This is not meant dismissive, just a fact.
The audience probably won't hear it, but when I hat the U5, I always fell in love again. Really really nice preamp.

Try it out, then decide.

[Steve]

I have one and use it frequently as a live pre amp. I love the thing.

I don't know as I would recommend it for a "novice beginner to gear". It's fairly limited and better suited to someone that knows they want accuracy above options. Most people don't.

and the lack of an on / off switch kinda sucks...
IMHO

[ImEd_iloveBacon]

thanks for your replies, they are very helpful. and from them i think my suspicions were close. My suspicions are also that it may be more appropriate for gigging with smaller groups in more intimate settings.

[aledeville]

I wouldn't say that. It sounds very good in any context.
A friend of mine uses it as the clean sound to the PA, then adds another distorted sound (cab miked) that went through a tube poweramp.
Great live sound. They play kind of "punk".

When you have a good sounding bass that works well with amplifiers set flat, you will be very satisfied with the U5. For recording it's great. You can use it for everything, guitar, bass and especially vocals.
I hate myself for selling it.