Cleanest, most transparent preamp to pair with a power amp

[Johnboch]

I've been posting a bunch of threads on this site trying to find a way to get the most transparent, uncolored amplification possible. As of now, I want to run a qsc Plx 1104 or Qsc rmx 1450 through two acme low b-2's. Now I need a preamp that only colors the tone at frequencies I want. Bassically, I want the sound I would get from a studio monitor at a larger scale, but I need the ability to tweak frequencies depending on the gig, the room, etc.

[silky smoove]

So you want something that's transparent, but also has a powerful EQ? Those seem counterintuitive to me.

[Jeff Scott]

This should be a contender:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TD1/

[bongomania]

If it were truly transparent, it would not sound all that great. I have some "fairly" transparent preamps that I use for reference listening comparisons, and I would not say any of them is flattering to the bass guitar. What really does flatter the bass is a subtle coloration from FET gain stages or an output transformer, or other elements that "sound transparent" in their clarity and depth and lack of mud, but which are in fact altering the signal slightly.

So when asking for transparency, be sure to specify whether you are looking for a "clinical" reference amplification that literally does nothing for your tone, or a preamp that sounds really clear and articulate, such that you'd say it "sounds transparent", but that has a positive effect on your tone.

[Johnboch]

Originally Posted by silky smoove

So you want something that's transparent, but also has a powerful EQ? Those seem counterintuitive to me.

I'd probably run it flat most of the time. I just want a pre where, when I run it flat, it really is FLAT...no coloration. But if I need to, I want to be able to boost and cut where necessary

[bongomania]

If you want the only noticeable effect to come from EQ adjustments, then I would recommend a setup that I have used very successfully: a Countryman DI into an Ashly parametric EQ (that happens to include a clean mic pre stage).

[Johnboch]

If it adds clarity, I'm all for that. But I know some pre's inherently tend to boost or cut mids, or they add warmth, or some are considered "dark". I want A versatile, clean sounding pre where I can make those decisions for myself.

[Johnboch]

To add to that last post, I don't want a preamp that negates the individual character of my basses.

[d sage]

I have an HBP-1 from Demeter that resembles your description. Normally I run it flat but the parametric EQ is great for those troublesome rooms with frequency hot and dead spots. You can dial the frequency right in, adjust the width and then boost or attenuate it. Sweet. I run it into a QSC PLX 2402 and two AccuGroove cabs.

[iualum]

...an Epifani Quest II would sure be a very good candidate...

[I Forget]

Avalon U5. No eq but when you've used it you probably won't care.

[Johnboch]

Originally Posted by Jeff Scott

This should be a contender:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TD1/

I've heard great things about that brand, but that's a hefty price tag. Do you have any suggestions that won't run up such a high price tag?

[projectMalamute]

Grace M101, can be had for about 500 bucks.

[pedroims]

Originally Posted by d sage

I have an HBP-1 from Demeter that resembles your description. Normally I run it flat but the parametric EQ is great for those troublesome rooms with frequency hot and dead spots. You can dial the frequency right in, adjust the width and then boost or attenuate it. Sweet. I run it into a QSC PLX 2402 and two AccuGroove cabs.

+ 1 on Demeter

[MNAirHead]

dumb question..

Why not go Countryman 85 DI => Aural Exciter => Graphic EQ => Power Amp

This "should" negate impedeence issues.. and allow you to strip out an XLR before your cabs color the sound.

I'd be starting with flattening out your cabs.. this would take a bunch of math.

I have a sterile digital biamp set.. not confident you wouldn't be asking about stomp pedals next.

Tim

[MNAirHead]

Oh yea.. ditto on demeter.

[Jeff Scott]

Originally Posted by Johnboch

I've heard great things about that brand, but that's a hefty price tag. Do you have any suggestions that won't run up such a high price tag?

Well, the qualities you seek and $$$$$$$ go hand in hand.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

Why not go Countryman 85 DI => Aural Exciter => Graphic EQ => Power Amp

IMO because Aural Exciter = fake clarity caused by bogus EQ settings. It works to make a small or muddy amp sound more clear, by hyping the highs, but is very much NOT what somebody wants in their rig if they are looking for uncolored, un-EQ'ed flat/transparent sound.

[Jeff Scott]

Originally Posted by d sage

I have an HBP-1 from Demeter that resembles your description. Normally I run it flat but the parametric EQ is great for those troublesome rooms with frequency hot and dead spots.

If the "flat" EQ is anything like the original 1 1/2 rackspace Demeter bass preamp, than it is not flat by a longshot. I did some frequency runs on that Demeter and needed to make some drastic changes from "noon" on the EQ controls to get it anywhere near a flat response. Have you tried any tests to verify that the current crop of Demeter bass preamps are flat when the tone controls are set to noon?

[silky smoove]

Originally Posted by Johnboch

I'd probably run it flat most of the time. I just want a pre where, when I run it flat, it really is FLAT...no coloration. But if I need to, I want to be able to boost and cut where necessary

Gotcha. I misinterpreted your first post.