Best 1U rack tube preamp

[JBMysteron]

Seriously folks, I like tubey warmth but I only have 1U of space left in my rack.

[SactoBass]

Originally Posted by JBMysteron

Seriously folks, I like tubey warmth but I only have 1U of space left in my rack.

Kern IP-777
BBE BMax-T
Alembic F-1X

(IMO of course!)

Those single rack space tube pres have high voltage circuits which is why they sound so good.

[JBMysteron]

Cheers! Definitely looking into the Alembic F-1X, the BBE preamps have the power chord coming straight out of the unit so I wouldn't be able to use a power conditioner with I don't think?
Thoughts on the Fender TBP-1 or Demeter HBP-1 anybody?

[NKBassman]

I know I really like the Amplitube Fender TBP-1 plugin. I'm assuming the real thing would be even better.

[JBMysteron]

Originally Posted by NKBassman

I know I really like the Amplitube Fender TBP-1 plugin. I'm assuming the real thing would be even better.

I've been making the same assumption and it is tempting me to buy the real deal!

I would love to get an Ampeg SVP preamp of some sort but they're impossible to find!

[johnk_10]

i've owned ALOT of them.
IMO, an alembic f1-x or a demeter HPB-1J.

[rockstarbassist]

Demeter VTBP-201S is my all time 1U fave.
The Aguilar DB-659 is a close 2nd place. Different voicing, but still very awesome.

[JBMysteron]

the Demeter is about $500 cheaper where I live, is the difference between the F1X and HPB-1 worth that much?

[mysteryclock]

Demeter HBP-1 is very nice, especially the Jensen transformer version if you require such for recording, etc. Not as fat & tubey as you might suspect, but a very interesting and flexible EQ section and good effects loop (with send/receive level controls) make it a contender.

[JBMysteron]

I'm definitely after very fat and warm tubey tones, I've got my Sansamp RBI for a bunch of tones but it just doesn't hit that warm spot I'm longing for!

[garmenteros]

Originally Posted by NKBassman

I know I really like the Amplitube Fender TBP-1 plugin. I'm assuming the real thing would be even better.

+1 on that being one of my favorite amplitube models. I usually use that and the gk about 90% of the time.

[steve_rolfeca]

It's always tricky when you start talking about "tube warmth". Does the OP mean a bit of subtle tube compression, a touch of tube "grind", a swampy, early John Paul Jones tone, or ???

In my brief period with an F-1X, I didn't find it particularly warm or tubey. My vote would be for the Demeter or the Aguilar.

[Fretless5verfan]

I have a Kern IP777 arriving tomorrow, but in the past I've used the Ampeg SVP pro and the actual Fender TPB-1 and they were both great pres. The Fender had more of a fatness to it, but the Ampeg had an edge that the fender didn't have.

[Nev375]

+1 on the Kern 777

[synaesthesia]

I have and use in rotation the VTBP 201 and the F -1X, had the Trace V type and various SWRs... Fattest sounding one of all for me is the Read Purity, also in current rotation.

[Growly Lytes]

I wish the Sansamps were in the running !!

[brendanbassist]

The Demeter is an AWESOME pre, but I wouldn't use it for "tubey warmth".

[johnk_10]

Originally Posted by brendanbassist

The Demeter is an AWESOME pre, but I wouldn't use it for "tubey warmth".

i have to disagree. i find the HPB-1J to be very warm. it's also very clear on the top end and mids, but it's low end is extremely fat.

[greenboy]

Everybody seems to have their own definitions. Go figure ; }

[igrok]

I like the Alembic F-1x for its ooomph ratio. I wouldn't describe it as fatty tubey because that description makes me think of flabby, but instead I'd call it rich, full, and strong -- everything just jumps out very alive. Just my two cents.

Mark