Preamps for grinding tones into a power amp

[louderthangod]

I'm usually a guitar player but I've joined a band playing bass. I've got a couple of slave amps around and I've been using a SansAmp Bass Driver as my preamp. I like the tone but I'd like to explore more options. I like my tone dirty with some depth so no, super flat, modern fusion tone for me. What are some other options I should look at. I'm happy with my sound but I'd like to explore some options out there. Thanks.

[dukeisdog]

darkglass b3k or b7k

[bongomania]

Tronographic Rusty Box. (Search here on "rusty" for posts about it)

[bassboysam]

Another vote for the Rusty Box.

[BassmanPaul]

You could consider one of JGR's pre-amps. PM him, he might have just what you are looking for.

[walterw]

you already have one of the better choices in the sansamp.

[louderthangod]

I'm wondering if the RBI, RPM, or VT rack units would be better options.

[rpsands]

DHA has some nice stuff that's capable of driving some power amps.

[5 Wire]

I have been using a Bmax for 10 years. Love it.

[Baer]

If you have no price limitations you could try a Rupert Neve Portico II channel strip which is also excellent for recording bass and vocals. It is magical, but $$$$$.

[Ray man]

Originally Posted by louderthangod

I'm wondering if the RBI, RPM, or VT rack units would be better options.

I think the RBI is the best for edgy dirty grindy tones, (although the bass driver is the same, I hear do hear a slight difference).
RPM is more flexable and has a harder fuller distortion when driven, but it just doesn't get that same edge and dirt.

I have the VT(v1). It has a nice svt omph, pretty sweet but not my first choice.

And finaly, don't cast aside that bass driver.
You can pair it up with the paradriver, split the signal between them and run 2 seperate amps.

[AngusHasMoxie]

http://www.verellenamplifiers.com/products.html

^That^

[srxplayer]

The Sansamp rack mount preamps are a good bet. I saw someone post a BMax. I run a BMax-T and used the SS version before my tube version and they are not big on over drive at all. Really nice warm tube tone but you won't get a really edgy or grindy tone out of them. When I want that tone I run my Sansamp BDDI into the front end of my BMax.

[blindrabbit]

Aguilar Tone Hammer pedal

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by Baer

If you have no price limitations you could try a Rupert Neve Portico II channel strip which is also excellent for recording bass and vocals. It is magical, but $$$$$.

Hah, totally relevant to OP's request.