Dual channel tube preamp/amp with two inputs

szusman · #1 03-16-2011, 10:00 AM

Getting ready to purchase a dual channel preamp/amp with two independent inputs (one for P bass, one for EUB). Really love the sound of the Mesa Boogie Walkabout... so thick, tube lo-mids are a must. A footswitch between channels (with separate EQs) would be especially nice.

So far the Eden WT 1205 seems like my best option.
Eden World Tour Bass Amplifiers - WT1205

Would like to hear your favorite choices, especially considering one channel will be for an EUB.

zombywoof5050 · #2 03-16-2011, 01:36 PM

I've always loved the Alembic F-2B, but it doesn't do footswitching. I've never heard it with an EUB, but I imagine it would sound good. Also, it's just a preamp, so you'd need to get a poweramp for it.

szusman · #3 03-16-2011, 03:51 PM

This one looks promising as well from Italy: Cicognani Indy 800H

Cicognani Official Website

Dan Knowlton · #4 03-16-2011, 04:02 PM

Radial ToneBone into the amp you have now?

Dan K.

Calaverasgrande · #5 03-16-2011, 04:50 PM

nothing to offer, but I would love to know that answer to this as well. Albeit for different reasons.
I've always wanted a two channel tube head. I am never able to get a 100% clean tone and 100% dirty tone for my bass. I always end up comprimising the eq whne I run a pedal for dirty sounds. I either have to roll back the bass or it will sound too bassy when clean (if I EQ for dirty), or roll back the treble on the dirty side (if I eq-ed for clean).
Why can't boogie just make a 2 channel Bass 400 with the gainier D180 sound on the gain channel.

szusman · #6 03-16-2011, 06:27 PM

Good idea, Dan. Along those lines, the EBS MicroBass might be smart way to approach things...

EBS Sweden AB - Professional Bass Equipment

Actually, anybody know off-hand if any super-quality multi-effects pedals would do the job? How cool would it be to have a built-in tuner and effects AND two channels!

Calaverasgrande · #7 03-17-2011, 08:37 AM

the EBS is just a tube "sim". Probably a low pass filter and a fet distortion circuit.
As far as a multieffects I always find those maddening to use in a band situation. Sometimes you want the flanger to be a little tiny bit more gonky. Easy to twist the feedback knob on a pedal, PITA to edit a menu setting. Though being able to save presets is really cool.

dukeorock · #8 03-17-2011, 08:50 AM

Is there a 2 input, 2 channel amp where you can run both channels at once? Thinking for a 2 pickup system on an upright bass

dukeorock · #9 03-17-2011, 09:07 AM

That Eden looks cool...Had a WT800 like 12 or more years ago...didn't understand parametric as well back then, let alone what I was really after...the only problem is, in my memory at least, the Eden amps sounded really 'dead' or maybe sterile is a better word...no friggin' pizzaz! My memory could just be playing tricks on me though

dukeorock · #10 03-17-2011, 09:09 AM

Getting a Genz Benz SM12.0...ships out today...only one input, but 2 full channels that can be used independently or combined. Run both of your basses into an A/B box, push one button and there's your 2 channel rig...just a thought

4Mal · #11 03-17-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeorock

Is there a 2 input, 2 channel amp where you can run both channels at once? Thinking for a 2 pickup system on an upright bass

Generally the mixing is done right close to the pickups with something like the K&K here Dual Channel Pro Preamp - K&K Sound

I'm thinking about adding an undersaddle piezo to my ABG and using that K&K to mix the piezo in with the K&K pure system I had installed in it. The K&K is very warm and acoustic sounding. I'm hopeful that the piezo will allow me to blend in a bit more punch. While life is good now, maybe this would be a step closer to nirvana for me ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeorock

That Eden looks cool...Had a WT800 like 12 or more years ago...didn't understand parametric as well back then, let alone what I was really after...the only problem is, in my memory at least, the Eden amps sounded really 'dead' or maybe sterile is a better word...no friggin' pizzaz! My memory could just be playing tricks on me though

Your memory is definately playing tricks on you or you really didn't suss the WT-800. Once you *get* how the front end of the WT works it should sound amazing and not a bit sterile though it can be very clean if you want that. If you want fat and wooly or dubby, it will do that too ... Not sure I would take the plunge on a new one though. The customer service horror stories make me a little queasy. Mine is an oldie out of the 90's or early 2000's. This is the third Eden WT I've had from that period and they've all been workhorses for me. No issues at all and great sounding. The Wt400 always felt a little headroom shy - I was always runing it flat out and getting by but I hate running amps that way... the Navigator pre was amazing but ... I got tired of rack rigs... My current WT-800 seems to be the sweet spot for me with Eden.

The Bassbone is a decent thought as well. I'm moving away from mine and going with a pair of Fishman Pro Platinum EQ's as I'm often cabling two acoustic basses these days and want the dedicated acoustic friendly features. I'll run each into one side of a Korg PitchBlack + for tuning and the A/B action. Line out will go to either a GK MB2-500 and or Avalon U5 venue and FOH depending

In my rock band, I just take my old PJ warhorse and plug into the Eden with a Pitchblack and a DI out in front of it.

zombywoof5050 · #12 03-18-2011, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeorock

Is there a 2 input, 2 channel amp where you can run both channels at once? Thinking for a 2 pickup system on an upright bass

I did see that you already ordered the GB but just wanted to mention the Acoustic Image Clarus+, which I think would work very nicely for what you want:

Acoustic Image Clarus+

I didn't mention the Clarus+ to the OP before, because he specified 'tube'.