Can you run a multi-pedal as a pre to a power amp?

floatingaxe · #1 03-23-2010, 02:41 PM

My apologies if this is a duh [head-slap] question.
Can you run a multi-effects pedal as a pre to directly to a power amp without a 'real' pre in between?
If I don't need the advanced EQ features of a dedicated pre what does it do for me?

Basshappi · #2 03-23-2010, 03:45 PM

It depends on the pedal but many of them do. You will have to read the spec on the specific pedal you're interested in.

Sorry for the "some do, some don't" answer but it's the truth.

Cheers!

bongomania · #3 03-23-2010, 03:58 PM

^^^^ True. Check the FAQ linked in my sig for all the technical details and explanation.

floatingaxe · #4 03-23-2010, 04:16 PM

I have a BOSS ME-50B.
I play it thorough shared/borrowed amps, I'm looking to buy my own amp to go with the LDS cab (12/6) I just put a deposit on.
Most heads that have power to match the cab (500W, 8ohms) are too expensive and have many features I don't need. My bass sound good with very minor eq-ing.
So I was hoping to just get a decent power amp and just run my pedal into it.

happi, what am I looking for in the specs?

Thanks for the info. I'll check out the link in bongos's sig too.

Basshappi · #5 03-23-2010, 04:18 PM

Usually a DI out. The ME-50B can, I know a couple of guitar players that use the guitar version direct into the P.A.

EDIT; Looking at the specs there isn't a DI or XLR connector so I don't recall how they ran direct. You could probably use the aux send or a DI box.

floatingaxe · #6 03-23-2010, 04:36 PM

There's only a left/right out and a phones out.
I'm guessing neither will work without a DI.
If I have to buy a power amp AND a bass DI then I probably might as well just go with a head, unless anyone can recommend a cheap/good rackmount DI that would be cheaper than a pre.

bongomania · #7 03-23-2010, 05:19 PM

Actually, a DI has nothing to do with it.
http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/preamp.shtml#power

floatingaxe · #8 03-23-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Actually, a DI has nothing to do with it.
http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/preamp.shtml#power

Excellent info, thanks.
The answer on the ME is no. Bummer.
Back to searching for a decent used head.

T-Bird · #9 03-24-2010, 02:16 AM

Hi.

I have gigged quite a bit in the past with a Yamaha FX550 Guitar effect processor and a 3rd Generation (=HH IIRC) power amp.

The output(s) on that processor are in incorrect level for that particular amp, but the phones out worked like a charm.

Regards
Sam

Son of Bovril · #10 03-24-2010, 05:05 AM

my advice is to try it... have you run the pedal into the fx return on some of the borrowed amps you use? try that and if you get enough volume then it should drive a poweramp just as well (some poweramps are more sensitive than others so check that before buying as well...)

floatingaxe · #11 03-24-2010, 08:08 AM

Interesting ideas guys, thanks.