Always On Pedal PreAmp/DI suggestions to go with existing pedals.

stflbn · #1 05-04-2009, 08:54 AM

I've been shuffling my pedals on my pedaltrain mini around lately...

Current pedals:
VT-bass (keeping)
EBS Valvedrive (keeping)
Tuner (keeping)
Boss NS-2 (Lives in my bag if needed in a specific noisy room)

Sansamp BDDI (parting company due to similar sounds as VT)
SparkleDrive Modded (using VT or Valvedrive for different subtle grit/hair tones)

So, I'd like to find a good PreAmp/EQ/DI to use as an almost always on core tone adjustment tool. However, I have some preferences that are making this choice difficult. I'd prefer it to have a mid knob, and preferrably sweepable mids. I want it to have a decent DI in it. Most important of all is for it to NOT color the core tone coming off of my bass. I want it to be able to tweak my tone coming off the bass if needed, but not 'give it's own vibe' to the tone as a BDDI or VT-bass does.

Here's what I've been contemplating...
Tonebone Bassbone
EBS Microbass II
Xotic Bass RC Booster (no mids or DI)
Xotic BB Bass PreAmp (no mids or DI)
Xotic TriLogic PreAmp (no sweep mids or DI)
Aguilar Tone Hammer (2 of my 3 basses have Aggy OBP-3 pre's in them already)
Sadowsky OutBoard Pre (No mids)
MXR M80 (Does about everything I'm asking for except the sweep mids which isn't huge)

I know I'm asking a lot. From the list I'm leaning toward the Tone Hammer as a Do-It-All always on unit with D.I., but it bothers me a bit that I have OBP-3's in a couple basses, and feel like I'm doubling up on the Aggy's sound. I could use the Valvedrive to tailor my core sound, but doing so would kind of limit how I'm using the Valvedrive's abilities. I could do the same with the VT, but I prefer to not be tied to a SVT tone direction all the time... want it when I want it, but don't want to be locked to it.

Probably leaning toward the Tone Hammer or MXR M80.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

RickenBoogie · #2 05-04-2009, 09:43 AM

I like the Microbass II and would love to try a TriLogic, but how about the MXR M-80? It doesn't have "sweepable" mids, but I think it covers the rest of yout requirements. The distortion chanel kinda sucks, but the clean side and eq are quite nice, and fairly transparent. Price is certainly right.

fishtx · #3 05-04-2009, 09:53 AM

consider the Radial Tonebone and Seymour Duncan Paranormal also...

stflbn · #4 05-04-2009, 09:55 AM

Tonebone Bassbone was already on the list... first one. :-) However, I've read in multiple reviews that it's a jack of all trades but maybe not necessarily the best at specific things.

stflbn · #5 05-04-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

I like the Microbass II and would love to try a TriLogic, but how about the MXR M-80? It doesn't have "sweepable" mids, but I think it covers the rest of yout requirements. The distortion chanel kinda sucks, but the clean side and eq are quite nice, and fairly transparent. Price is certainly right.

Ah, ya... actually the MXR M80 is fairly high on my list, but I forgot it when jotting down names. With the other OD units I have I wouldn't need it for that anyhow and the addition of the Gate would actually allow me to get rid of an NS-2 I carry around for noisy bar situations.

EskimoBassist · #6 05-04-2009, 10:45 AM

I've got an MXR M-80 and it is fantastic. Very usable, it's got all the features that you want, it's eralible, sounds great and it's not that expensive either!

So PLUS ONE to the MXR.

jmeid · #7 05-04-2009, 02:20 PM

Music Electronix Submarine is my only "always on" pedal

stflbn · #8 05-04-2009, 02:28 PM

I had a submarine and loved it, but IMHO it needed some specific controls over tone and the amount it was effecting tone.

I keep waiting for his 'To Many Knobs' version he keeps teasing about, but until it shows... it's only a tease.

.

Bassman71 · #9 06-05-2009, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

So, I'd like to find a good PreAmp/EQ/DI to use as an almost always on core tone adjustment tool. However, I have some preferences that are making this choice difficult. I'd prefer it to have a mid knob, and preferrably sweepable mids. I want it to have a decent DI in it. Most important of all is for it to NOT color the core tone coming off of my bass. I want it to be able to tweak my tone coming off the bass if needed, but not 'give it's own vibe' to the tone as a BDDI or VT-bass does.

Go the EBS Microbass II - mid control with sweepable mids, great DI, let's the sound of the bass all the way through. It use is as my "always on" preamp, direct into a Bergantino IP112ER/EX112ER rig. Let's the nuances of my bass (Lakland 4402) come all the way through - I keep the Microbass on one setting per gig, and just adjust the pots on the bass to get the tones I'm after for a particular tune.
Very transparent, and let's me get "my sound" and send it to the desk. Also find the drive and edge controls to be very usable.
My 2c worth - good luck in your search.

Matt Dean · #10 08-28-2010, 01:00 PM

I'm bring this thread back to life as I am going to buy an "always-on" pedal. I've been using the Bass BB for this, but I also use it for my main distortion pedal too, so I have to do adjustments during gigs. I would like a pre/tone shaping that I can just leave on...

So, in the second half of 2010, what are you all using for always-on and how do you like it?