Specific Preamp Question

shadowmac · #1 06-14-2010, 09:40 AM

Okay, I've researched older threads but have not found an answer to this very specific question (so PLEASE help me out):

WHAT IS THE MOST COMPARABLE, READILY AVAILABLE RACK-MOUNT PREAMP (IN TERMS OF TONE) TO AN EBS1 OR EBS-1V2 PREAMP?

The EBS strikes me as having a "hi-fi" tone, but it's a "full" hi-fi tone - similar to the SWR Grand Prix to my ear, but better because it sounds even more "full" and less synthetic from bottom to top. This is the type of tone that I'm looking for.

I can't seem to find an EBS v1 or v2 / classic for sale anywhere. For the sake of this discussion, let's say that price has no bearing; what's my best alternative based on the above tone description?

I have been to basstasters - several times - but the samples are somewhat limiting.

I've found that many TB-ers have much more extensive experience with and knowledge of preamps than I do, so I'm asking for your help and insights.

Thanks in advance TB-ers. You are the best!

Mac

tombowlus · #2 06-14-2010, 12:28 PM

Wow, that is a good question! I'd have to spend some time A/Bing a lot of preamps to really answer it as best I can, but off the top of my head, I'd say that you should check out the following pres:

Kern IP-777
Millennia TD-1
Aguilar DB680
Phil Jones P-1

As I recall, the EBS-1 Classic is somewhere in the middle of that mix. I'll try to break it out and do some comparisons when I get the chance.

Tom.

BassmanPaul · #3 06-14-2010, 01:12 PM

If technology ever needs the equivalent of a Noah's Ark all we have to do is mention Tom's name! He's got at least one of everything!

Paul

shadowmac · #4 06-14-2010, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Wow, that is a good question! I'd have to spend some time A/Bing a lot of preamps to really answer it as best I can, but off the top of my head, I'd say that you should check out the following pres:

Kern IP-777
Millennia TD-1
Aguilar DB680
Phil Jones P-1

As I recall, the EBS-1 Classic is somewhere in the middle of that mix. I'll try to break it out and do some comparisons when I get the chance.

Tom.

Thanks for the info, Tom. I'll check them out and I hope to hear more from you.

Mac

pablomigraine · #5 06-15-2010, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Wow, that is a good question! I'd have to spend some time A/Bing a lot of preamps to really answer it as best I can, but off the top of my head, I'd say that you should check out the following pres:

Kern IP-777
Millennia TD-1
Aguilar DB680
Phil Jones P-1

As I recall, the EBS-1 Classic is somewhere in the middle of that mix. I'll try to break it out and do some comparisons when I get the chance.

Tom.

+1. You can also get the EBS tone out of the Eden WP1000 Navigator with a little tweaking.

tombowlus · #6 06-15-2010, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pablomigraine

+1. You can also get the EBS tone out of the Eden WP1000 Navigator with a little tweaking.

You know, I was thinking about adding the Navigator to that list. The only thing that's hard to dial in in that bit of extra sweetness in the high end that the EBS has. But yes, the Navigator can get fairly close, with some tweaking.

Son of Bovril · #7 06-15-2010, 08:50 AM

I know you are asking specifically for a rackmount pre, but putting an EBS Microbass II in your signal chain would probably get you most of the way there...

shadowmac · #8 06-16-2010, 01:02 PM

I have thought about doing just that, with the EBS or SansAmp, and I may go that route, but I generally like using all rack stuff with a midi controller foot board (i.e. Behringer FCB1010, ART X-12) as there are a handful of slightly modified sounds all based upon "my tone" that I like to use during a show - old habits die hard.

In answer to the previous posts on the Navigator: I have the Eden Metro (currently for sale) which utilizes the Navigator Pre section and I have indeed come close to the sound I'm after. It's the best combo I've ever played through and I have considered a Nav. pre for that reason.
I auditioned the SansAmp RPM last year - before going with the Grand Prix - and it was a decent second runner-up, not quite as full or clear as the others, but nice none-the-less.

Man, I just wish that I could get my hands on an EBS-1v2 and lay my need to know if it is THE one to rest!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Son of Bovril

I know you are asking specifically for a rackmount pre, but putting an EBS Microbass II in your signal chain would probably get you most of the way there...

shadowmac · #9 06-16-2010, 02:03 PM

How about Mike Pope's MPP-2? I've read a lot about this pre, and everyone screams its praises - I've never heard one - is hi-fi, un-colored, etc.? I am seriously intrigued by this preamp.

Is this one I should try to get based on my OP tone description?

Foz · #10 06-16-2010, 04:19 PM

Aguilar DB680... or maybe try an Avalon 737... both very "full hi-fi" to my ears.

unlined4string · #11 06-16-2010, 06:57 PM

You have excellent taste in preamps! IMO the EBS rackmount preamps are exceptional. Unfortunately, I don't know of anything else that sounds like that, including other EBS products.

The active filter section gives EBS rackmount preamps a unique quality that I am hard pressed to describe. It just has a kind of live and bouncy feel when you're playing, which I like a lot. People often describe it as having a very fast response.

The three bands of active filter (plus bright filter) are boost only, no cut. This can take some getting used to, much like an Alembic SF-2. Until you learn how to use it, you may be tweaking a lot on stage when you play a bad sounding room.

I can only think of two things I would change in the design. 1) The only balanced output is the DI. I wish it had another balanced output for the power amp. 2) The bypass/mix/active switch for the filter section is a three way switch (no filter, 50% filter, all filter). If that switch was a continuously variable knob it would provide really fine control over the dry/filter mix.

Hope you are able to find a used one. There really is no substitute.

muddycreek · #12 06-16-2010, 07:00 PM

If memory serves, I might add the Avalon VT737.

*edit*

Foz beat me to it.

shadowmac · #13 06-17-2010, 11:03 AM

Thanks unlined4string for the detailed info on the EBS. That is my first choice, but seemingly almost impossible to find - I will keep looking!

Also thanks Foz and Muddy; The Aguilar DB680 keeps coming up. I've only heard it on basstasters. But I'll continue to research as much as possible and see if I can find one to play through.

As an aside for anyone investigating preamps, The SWR Grand Prix is a great hi-fi pre and I do recommend trying it out, I simply want a different pre in the new rig.

I'll check into the Avalon VT737 as well.

Thanks for all the help and please keep it coming.

Anybody have experience with the MPP-2? If so, what is the closest comparison.