question for preamp/power amp users

[delta7fred]

Originally Posted by CL400Peavey

It has a 1/4" instrument input on the front. Effects loop for the compressor, and eq I believe as well.

Yes all the sections are available separately on jacks on the back so if you want them in a different order it is just a matter of patching them so, and adding others (effects loop) or using them for other signal chains, wherever you desire. (I left mine as standard).

The balanced mic pre part, XLR on the back, is bypassed when you use the 1/4" Instrument jack on the front.

I know I probably invalidated my guarantee (make that definitely) but I have built the HPF into the preamp so it picks up power internally and is inserted before the balanced and unbalanced outputs and the output level switch.

[bgavin]

Originally Posted by RhynoRock

What's a popular pre amp you guys use? I've been considering buying a crown power amp and a simple rackmount graphic EQ...Would an EQ provide enough signal straight into a power amp?

I have the SVP-Pro and SWR IOD preamps.
Neither does what the other one can do.
The SVP has the buttery tubiness, and the IOD offers grind-on-demand by footswitch control.
Both are rack mounted with a QSC PLX, and see very little use because they are overkill for our typical intimate venues.

The SWR IOD does not have sufficient output to drive the PLX to full power.
To correct this, I use a Rane ME30B equalizer to boost and tailor the signal.
All components provide balanced XLR connections for low hum.

If I were looking for my first preamp, it would be the Sansamp RPM.
It is mature, reasonably priced, quiet, flexible and still in current production.

For grind-on-demand, I would add a pedal to the Sansamp RPM rig, since it does not offer this.
I'm not a pedal guy, but I did get a Tech21 VT Bass pedal as a Christmas present.
It is yet untested, but I am hopeful it will provide grind-on-demand when I'm playing rigs without this feature.

The rackmount EQ has to have sufficient input voltage to drive it properly.
A passive bass alone will not do this.
If you have a pedal such as the VT Bass that does provide enough output, you can go directly to the power amp.
The output voltage of a rackmount EQ is matched to the power amp input requirements.

[MCS4]

I've used the BBE BMax preamp for several years and highly recommend it (solid state, note the BMax-T with the tube). It works great for what I need, which is a big, clear, hi-fi sound with a quick response and lots of headroom. It's not so good for a vintage or gritty sound (from the amp, anyway... the BBE handles distortion pedals great).

I would not recommend using an EQ only, even if you could find one with enough output. You'll find good tones much easier with a preamp that is inherently voiced for bass or at least has EQ knobs voiced for bass.

[dincz]

Originally Posted by MCS4

I would not recommend using an EQ only, even if you could find one with enough output. You'll find good tones much easier with a preamp that is inherently voiced for bass or at least has EQ knobs voiced for bass.

That may be true for a graphic eq, but a good multi-band parametric will allow you to choose pretty much any voicing you like.

I also use a mic preamp/channel strip into my power amp. There's a good compressor, expander, lo and hi shelving and 2 band parametric mids, and If you're looking for a clean sound, something like this is a great choice. Like the ART mentioned earlier, there are mic, instrument and DI inputs, and each section has its own rear panel in and out jacks allowing patching in a different order if required.

The EQ section is the key and there's any number of used preamps with suitable EQ that won't break the bank.

[Downunderwonder]

Originally Posted by RhynoRock

Because running the other pedals thru the SansAmp sounds awful, I tweaked on that for hours one day, just no way around it. Unless I grabbed the BDDI with the FX loop built into it...hmmmmmmmm

Not to necessarily say that this is the route I'm GOING to take, just a backup plan in case my Peavey Kilobass ever fries on me.

Weird. On my jazz gig I use some in front and some in the loop of my deluxe BDDI, and EQ and reverb after everything. But that goes to the mixer for preamping, we use the PA as our backline, no vocals. It should be fine using the DI but I only use it that way occasionally minus the other effects.

For a backup plan you would be carrying a lot of stuff along. A little micro amp with DI would be more convenient

[MCS4]

Originally Posted by dincz

That may be true for a graphic eq, but a good multi-band parametric will allow you to choose pretty much any voicing you like.

I agree with that statement, but the OP specifically said he was considering using a "simple rackmount graphic EQ." Also, a multi-band parametric would be great for someone who has or will obtain sufficient knowledge of EQ, but it would be harder for the average bassist to get a good tone out of it quickly (that's no insult; for myself, my BBE preamp with standard bass/mids/treble plus two-knob parametric mids is as complicated as I'll probably ever want to get).

[Jools4001]

Originally Posted by CL400Peavey

Very true, mine is:

EBMM stingray V HS -> ART PC II -> fDeck HPF-3 -> IPR 1600 -> 1515/66/1.

Wouldnt kick your rig outta bed for eating crackers though.

My signal chain is pretty close as well...a question though; why the separate HPF? Isn't the one on the ART enough? I have mine set at around 40Hz and it works a treat.

[CL400Peavey]

Originally Posted by Jools4001

My signal chain is pretty close as well...a question though; why the separate HPF? Isn't the one on the ART enough? I have mine set at around 40Hz and it works a treat.

The one on the art is pretty good, it is only 12 db/octive though if I remember correctly. The fDeck is 24 db/o. I frequently use my rack set up, but its not the only amp I use. I have the HPF in my signal chain for all my amps, and I like the sweepable filter frequency. Also killing everything below 35 hz before it gets to my pre is nice as well.

[GLEN18INCHSPICA]

I'm a fan of the Tech 21 Para Driver, never had the RPM rackmounted version which is basically the same device with more routing options. I've had the SVT2P as someone else suggested, it sounds great but might need a boost to work with your poweramp as its output is on the low range. I like the Para Driver as I can take it with me to practice sessions to plug into the amps effects return to get the same tone I get at home or recording sessions. It has a wide variety of useable tones that I discover on a daily basis.

[RhynoRock]

I have used an RBI before, but I hadn't run the other 3 pedals I occasionally use through it to see what it sounded like. It's just one of those deals that I'll need to shop around and play with a LOT of stuff.

[stingray69]

I used to run something very similar to what you are describing. Basically, a SansAmp device (or two) in conjunction with a 5-band parametric EQ into a QSC poweramp. Always tons of headroom & room-sculpting possibilities with this type of setup.



I also ran a PreSonus Studio Channel mic channel preamp into same rackmount mount parametric/poweramp with great results as well and used a SansAmp-similar stomp box to kick in & out as required.





I still have all this stuff in these pics, but have been traveling much lighter these days with all the wonderful micro bass heads on the market (GK MB-500) and use a Zoom B3 to cop SansAmp-similar tones and handle additional EQ & effects (if the song calls for it).

[lowmid1]

Another vote for the Eden Navigator. I like it so much that I bought 2 of them.

[RickBlair]

Nice to see all the comments on the SVP-CL. I use mine with a Crown power amp housed in a case that I built. I used to use a Stewart World 2.1 power amp but I wanted to downsize the footprint of the whole rig. The Stewart is a great amp but it needs a full-depth case.

Rick B.

[RhynoRock]

These are all some damn fine options, thanks for all the input folks!

[Shane Carter]

My rig is very similar to RickBlair's. Ampeg SVP Pro with a Crown XlS 1500, in a small effects rack. Light, portable, powerful and dependable. I can't put it in a gig bag, but then again, I don't need or want to.

[tom-g]

Originally Posted by CL400Peavey

The one on the art is pretty good, it is only 12 db/octive though if I remember correctly. The fDeck is 24 db/o. I frequently use my rack set up, but its not the only amp I use. I have the HPF in my signal chain for all my amps, and I like the sweepable filter frequency. Also killing everything below 35 hz before it gets to my pre is nice as well.

The HPF on the Art PCII is 6 DB/Octave which is better than nothing. 24 DB/Octave will work much better though for bass application.

[grendle]

Im running a ampeg SVTIIp preamp ( svt 2 non pro) and a samson 1200w class a/b power amp. Inexpensive and killer rig. svt 2 tone with 1200w available. I also run a furman , korg tuner and sonic maximizer in my rig. Never been happier with my tone. I wont go back to a head again.

[Fuzzbass]

Originally Posted by RhynoRock

I have used an RBI before, but I hadn't run the other 3 pedals I occasionally use through it to see what it sounded like. It's just one of those deals that I'll need to shop around and play with a LOT of stuff.

You like the BDDI, so I was going to suggest the RBI. I've owned a whole bunch of preamps, including some expensive boutiques, and the RBI is still one of my favorites. (So is the RPM, but it won't clone the BDDI tone: different EQ, different overdrive characteristics). Another advantage to the RBI is that it's one of the less expensive preamps available.

Like Stingray69 above, I ran my RBI and RPM preamps together. There's a parallel wiring configuration that's useful, but they also sound good in series.

The more money you're willing to spend, the more products will become available, and the more difficult your decision will become.

[delta7fred]

Originally Posted by Fuzzbass

The more money you're willing to spend, the more products will become available, and the more difficult your decision will become.

An excellent point.

[RhynoRock]

lol yeah thats very very true