Live "Rig" - portable Version

[Murphys Law]

Hello there...

As my two bands started playing shows more regulary lately I started thinking about my rig for live situations.

In about 90% of the places we play in the bass simply gets D.I.ed and runs through the PA. Amp volume is turned down to a minimum and I get my monitoring from the stage monitors. The sound I get from that setup is okay for live situations.
It's the easiest way to do it and most of the time I can consider myself a happy man when the soundguy is capable of doing THAT.
But why do I bring my amp and maybe even a cab, which both have their weight, to the show when its not even being used?

In consequence I thought of reducing weight: If i'm going to be D.I.ed anyway all i have to bring is a preamp, right?
That preamp should have:
-more than one sound, footswitchable
-amp and cab simulation
-a tuner
-headphones out, for IEM ability
-built in D.I. Box (XLR out)

So here's my question: Does anyone know such a preamp, which doesn't cost much and meets the specs?
I thought of multi-effect floorboards for bass: The Korg Toneworks, Boss and Zoom pedals have caught my attention, but everyone of them has its flaws...

Thanks for your help!

[wazzel]

Why not put together a small pedal board and use that as you "preamp". There is a pedal or small device that could be mounted on a board to do all the options you are looking for.

-more than one sound, footswitchable
effects pedals

-amp and cab simulation
Tech21 VT bass, bassdriver

-a tuner
several to choose from

-headphones out, for IEM ability
-built in D.I. Box (XLR out)
These could be covered by one DI box. XLR to house, line out to IEM

You could get buy with just three pedals to cover all your listed needs. Tuner into a Tech21 VT bass into a Radial DJ DI.

[SteveC]

I have debated what wazzel is suggesting. TU-2, some kind of preamp pedal (VT, BDDI, etc.) and DI box. Small, easy, no-nonsense. I usually have PA support, but not always monitors.

Since I can't always count on a monitor for myself, I use the DI from my combo amp. I have a preamp available and bring a TU-2 for tuning/muting. It's a Shuttle so it's like 18 pounds. Any pedal board I built would be more of a hassle and probably larger so I just use my amp as my DI and stage monitor.

[JackANSI]

I can't think of anything better (for the size anyway) than what wazzel suggested. That is a really, really good solution.

[Murphys Law]

Okay, so what with a Multieffect, say, korg Toneworks and a DI Box?

You'd have Tuner, Effects, Amp Simulation etc. onboard... less hassle with cables and power supply and i think it would even come out cheaper.
Or can anyone suggest a really nice but low priced preamp pedal?

[wazzel]

Originally Posted by Murphys Law

Okay, so what with a Multieffect, say, korg Toneworks and a DI Box?

You'd have Tuner, Effects, Amp Simulation etc. onboard... less hassle with cables and power supply and i think it would even come out cheaper.
Or can anyone suggest a really nice but low priced preamp pedal?

I think the VT bass is $150us.

Once the board is set up it is no big deal. My no amp board was just what I suggested. Boss TU-1, Barber LTD (OD pedal), Analogueman chourus, VT bass, DI box. All were mounted on a PT-mini. Unfortunatally our sound person could never get the monitor mix to be useful to me so I had to start toting my amp. Both the VT bass and the DI box came off the board.

If you want to go with an all in one multi effect unit there are lots out there to choose from.

[Jack]

There is a bass pod floorboard that meets all of your criteria in one box. I have zero experience, but I can tell you that it exists.

[73jbass]

Originally Posted by Jack

There is a bass pod floorboard that meets all of your criteria in one box. I have zero experience, but I can tell you that it exists.

I have on of these that I use at rehearsals. I also carry it to gigs as a backup in case my amp goes out. Great tones.and lots of variety. It has amp modeling only,no cabinets, with just a few effects. Reasonably priced too.

[MNAirHead]

Active Bass => Passive DI => Rolls PM351 => Headphones

I have heads with an XLR out... have found going directly into the power amp of a Crate Power Block works.. then use small cabinet if necessary...