RBI vs BBE 383

xring · #1 12-10-2010, 09:38 PM

I'm running my RBI into a Crown XLS 1500. I'm pretty happy with the tone, but find myself not using the tube emulation aspect much as it make all of my basses sound very similiar, and nothing near their "native" tone. Like I said, it sounds pretty good, but doesn't jump out as killer or anything. Would the 383 do a better job of sweetening the overall tone without coloring it too much? It seems to have a broader eq section. Maybe someone here has had both? I searched, and the 383 either comes back as a great pre for the cash, or fairly bland. I have a line on one for 80-100 and wonder if I should pop just to try it out...
Thanks.

newbold · #2 12-10-2010, 09:47 PM

try it.
You've nothing to lose really. You want a neutral pre with great EQ and isn't that what the BBE 383 is?

Why not send the 383 into your RBI?

JBMysteron · #3 12-10-2010, 09:58 PM

How well does this rig pump? I'm looking at getting a Crown XLS 1500 to go with my RBI to power an Ashdown ABM810 cab (1200 watt cab)

Hoping that the 1550 bridged mono at 4ohm will be enough headroom for my 1200 watt cab

xring · #4 12-10-2010, 10:09 PM

I'm running the rig stereo (not bridged obviously) into an Aggie GS212 and Aggie S410, each 4 ohm cabs. I'm pushing 525 to each and they're rated at 600 and 500. So I'm light on wattage also, but I can't get past anything close to 1/2 way up without literally knocking the pics and clock off my basement walls. I haven't used it in a band situation yet. I'd rather have 750 to each, but Aggie doesn't make 2 ohm cabs!
I think you'll be waaay loud before you spike your cab.

JBMysteron · #5 12-10-2010, 10:30 PM

True true, worth getting an XLS1000 and saving some dosh?
That runs 4ohm bridged at 1100 on a 1200 watt cab?

xring · #6 12-11-2010, 06:31 AM

I don't think the 1500 would be perceivably much (if any) louder at insane volumes. Consider the future when you buy. Are going to keep that cab forever, or is it possible that down the road you might acquire another rig and want (need in my case) to run stereo? You'll want the extra watts. As is, your cab should be very loud and clean with the 1000 IMO.

jnewmark · #7 12-11-2010, 06:44 AM

I have used the BBE 383 for many years and it is a very versatile preamp with many options, and an onboard compressor that I really like. It also features the " BBE Process " option , which is kind of like a bass boost/ presence option. It has a " punch " option which is more or less like a contour switch. Built in variable crossover in case you ever want to bi-amp. The eq is very user friendly. I have never used an RPM, but I did try the Sans Amp pedal and hated it. Bob Lee uses a 383 along with RPSands. You may want to pm them for more technical info, as that stuff is pretty much over my head. They typically go for about $100 on Ebay. I own 3 of them myself !

xring · #8 12-12-2010, 02:07 PM

Maybe I'll try the RBI into the 383. I'll leave the RBI flat, EQ with the 383, then just blend in the overdrive on the RBI when needed. That's what I see in my head anyway. No probs with pre to pre signals or voltages or anything? I guess the RBI has to be first in line since it has a -20db output pad. Looking forward to hearing the 383 tomorrow!

madmachinist · #9 12-12-2010, 03:26 PM

the 383 is ok at best . i find the BBE processor pretty useless.

it makes the bottom octave sound soggy and loose.

the crossover's decent and actually pretty quiet.

i had to pad the input by changing a resistor value ,
otherwise it would distort wildly from my active Ibanez .

if i had to do it over , i'd buy something else .

my $50 ART TUBE PROJECT MP preamp sounds much better.
i think i paid $160 for the 383 back in 1992 .

$160 buys a lot of preamp these days . i wish we had craigslist / or / ebay back then!

xring · #10 12-14-2010, 03:45 PM

Update on my choice. I got the 383 and now I remember why I have the basses I do. Because I like how they sound! The 383 looks fairly rough, but work fine. One scratchy pot. I may pull the lid and hose it with contact cleaner. The preamp immediately let me hear each instrument's voice without making them sound all the same. It hits pretty hard thru the amp, and I can dial so many sweet nuances without losing the bass' character. I don't care for the compressor, and I don't have the low contour engaged, or use the process effect. That dial alters the true tone I've observed. I tried running it thru the RBI with success. I found the settings where I could engage the RBI without altering the tone of the 383. But when I engage, then dial the blend up, I would get the subtle overdrive effect. Only problem is, I didn't like it. I took it out of the chain. I also pulled my BBE Maxcom. I've learned that the RBI does not have a good uneffected tone to my ears. If anyone wants the RBI and Maxcom (nice unit), I'm going to move them.

jnewmark · #11 12-14-2010, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xring

Update on my choice. I got the 383 and now I remember why I have the basses I do. Because I like how they sound! The 383 looks fairly rough, but work fine. One scratchy pot. I may pull the lid and hose it with contact cleaner. The preamp immediately let me here each instrument's voice without making them sound all the same. It hits pretty hard thru the amp, and I can dial so many sweet nuances without losing the bass' character. I don't care for the compressor, and I don't have the low contour engaged, or use the process effect. That dial alters the true tone I've observed. I tried running it thru the RBI with success. I found the settings where I could engage the RBI without altering the tone of the 383. But when I engage, then dial the blend up, I would get the subtle overdrive effect. Only problem is, I didn't like it. I took it out of the chain. I also pulled my BBE Maxcom. I've learned that the RBI does not have a good uneffected tone to my ears. If anyone wants the RBI and Maxcom (nice unit), I'm going to move them.

Glad you like it. i have tried many preamps over the years, and keep coming back to this one. Right now, I'm in love with an old Ashly SC-40, but the 383 is still in the rack !

Tunaman · #12 12-14-2010, 07:14 PM

I didn't like my Sansamp RBI 1U rack pre. Just sold it. It was okay while my Eden Navigator shined with the same equipment.

smoov · #13 12-26-2010, 04:07 PM

I just started using the 383 myself....still getting used to it but altogether it rocks. Did a mod to the crossover section to get it a little lower...it now goes to 75hz which is more useable in the biamp setting I'm using. Also still have a Furman PQ3....good , quiet pre..

xring · #14 12-28-2010, 09:16 AM

An update on the 383.

I've noticed it getting more noisy as the days went on. Yesterday the compressor went out. No light, and very noisy with the dial up... The 3300hz. EQ is totally unusable. Noise and static to the extreme when anything above -0-. Bummed out.
I really liked the pre, and am hoping BBE will service it. I'm waiting for a reply from them. If not, I will have to move on to the Presonus Studio Channel I've been pondering.
I've got nothing to lose by taking a look inside I guess. Someone's been in there before, I can tell.
I just sent off my RBI to a new owner the same day this crashed! Oh well.

smoov · #15 12-28-2010, 11:58 AM

The 383 is a simple unit and can easily be repaired. BBE even has schematics online...it's in their discontinued products section. sounds like it needs a good cleaning...the opamp is prob gone on the compressor curcuit.