What is the benefit of using a Bass Preamp (e.g. TECH 21 SAnsamp RBI) ?

[anarchipur]

Hi I just read that some bassists use bass preamps, especially about a guy using TECH 21 SAnsamp RBI in combination with a Galien Krueger RB700II.

Since I am relativeli new to bass equoment, please help me:

What is the benefit of using such a bass preamp?
If I play live directly through the PA or I have a very small bass amp, does it make sense to use a bass preamp to improve the sound?

many thanks!

[scottbass]

If the preamp integrated into a combo or head isn't giving the desired sound, many bassists use an external preamp which will give the desired sound. In that case, the external preamp is either connected directly to the poweramp of the combo or head (usually through a back panel jack), bypassing the integrated preamp, or else the two preamps are run in series, with the EQ of the combo or head preamp set flat.

SOME people actually use the EQ controls on BOTH preamps simultaneously to give them a greater range of sound options. I have never felt the need to do that.

BTW, I really like the sound of an RBI. It can be set to closely emulate the traditional Ampeg sound. My rig used to consist of just an RBI, Crown power amp and cabinet(s). Now I'm running a real Ampeg. I've been thinking of selling my RBI...PM me if you're interested. (Mods: It's OK, I'm a supporting member!)

[jeff7bass]

The Sansamp has a variety of great tones plus it works well as a dynamite direct out box and stereo splitter, due to its dual outputs (one affected signal, and one clean or unaffected).
Thinks of the possibilities this one small unit gives you.
One bass plugged into the Sansamp, output to AMP1 (affected) and AMP2 (unaffected). Now you have a killer stereo rig.
You can MIC each amp for live gigs and/or recording. The run the Direct Out from each amp AND the Sansamp for a TOTAL of 5 good signals to mix your bass!
Geddy Lee would be jealous! Ok he already does this (and more) but…
Oh yeah, if your amp blows onstage you have a decent amount of direct out options even without an amp. Gig saved.

[anarchipur]

Thanks guys!
So if I just buy a bass pream such as the TECH 21 SAnsamp RBI I can use it with my weak old bass amp (beehringer 1x15'' combo..) or send its ouput directly to the PA and it will kind of save my sound on the gig?

[icks]

Originally Posted by anarchipur

Thanks guys!
So if I just buy a bass pream such as the TECH 21 SAnsamp RBI I can use it with my weak old bass amp (beehringer 1x15'' combo..) AND send its ouput directly to the PA and it will kind of save my sound on the gig?

I use a Fender Combo that as no DI output and bad 'preamp out' connection. I use a MXR DI+ plus onstage, I run my signal to the board with the mxr and to the bass-in combo.

[cableguy]

Originally Posted by anarchipur

Thanks guys!
So if I just buy a bass pream such as the TECH 21 SAnsamp RBI I can use it with my weak old bass amp (beehringer 1x15'' combo..) or send its ouput directly to the PA and it will kind of save my sound on the gig?

Yes,

I've run a sansamp Bass DI into the effects return of an old Carvin Amp and sent the signal to the board off the sansamp. Works great.

[Downunderwonder]

Originally Posted by anarchipur

Thanks guys!
So if I just buy a bass pream such as the TECH 21 SAnsamp RBI I can use it with my weak old bass amp (beehringer 1x15'' combo..) or send its ouput directly to the PA and it will kind of save my sound on the gig?

It will send to both the PA and your amp at the same time, with a choice of blended or unaffected signals.

[Mcrelly]

I used an RBI in the past to improve the sound of my bass "head" sound. recently I prefer the tech21 VT bass pedal especially if you want some overdrive or distortion sometimes too.