Barber Linden EQ vs. Sansamp BDDI

musickbox · #1 10-13-2007, 11:01 AM

I have searched past threads for these two different pedals. Just wondering, on a tonal basis not features, what do you think would be better for my situation. I got a Fender 51 P-bass RI, and I use a Barber Tone Press for compression. I usually just record at home. Forgive me in describing bass tones, I have been a guitarist for about 10 years and now am venturing into bass. Having said that I like the vintage tones from bands like Air, Radiohead, Dap kings, Pink Floyd, etc. So if you guys can compare which would be useful for my needs. I know the Linden EQ is still rather new. I also checked out the flipster,but I think I rather stick to these two pedals. Thanks guys.

-Yannick

bongomania · #2 10-13-2007, 01:40 PM

Note that the Linden is just an EQ, whereas the BDDI is supposed to emulate a miked SVT.

musickbox · #3 10-13-2007, 03:41 PM

I didn't know that. So the EQ wouldn't emulate that "tube" type flavor? Thanks, anyone else?

bongomania · #4 10-13-2007, 03:47 PM

If you search on "Linden" here, there was a thread where I reported back in detail after a lengthy phone conversation with Dave Barber. In essence, the selling point of the Linden is that it provides EQ curves which are the same as the EQ curves associated with the old fliptop Ampegs. For anyone looking for that one function, it's probably near perfect; and it may be that just adjusting the EQ appropriately is enough to create the tonal shape that our ears/minds want to hear when we're looking for a particular vintage tone.

But it does not emulate tubes at all. And again, the BDDI circuit is supposed to include emulation of not only preamp tubes and power amp tubes, but also a sealed 810 cab and a mic. Pretty different beast.

musickbox · #5 10-13-2007, 03:50 PM

Yea, I read that thread. Again, I don't know what does what. On guitar I don't use EQ's or emulators. It's usually a "NO NO" for the guitar world. So I don't know what works.

bongomania · #6 10-13-2007, 04:18 PM

While some guitarists are all about the guitar straight into a little tube amp, even they have some EQ on the amp; and external EQ pedals are very common for guitarists. Beyond that, guitarists are constantly, obsessively, and near-universally users of "tubescreamer" type fx pedals and other OD/dirt boxes which are designed to emulate a high-gain tube amp being driven hard. Also, every guitarist I know personally has a digital modeling amp at home for practice.

But OTOH it's OK to say you haven't tried any of it out yet- we all had to start sometime.

Best bet would be to get to a shop or a friend's house that has some fx pedals and try them out to see what sounds like what, and what you like. Until you've actually heard some of these things in person, all the text on the computer screen is pretty much like telling a born-blind person about different shades of green.

musickbox · #7 10-13-2007, 05:09 PM

Yea, I am not saying guitarists don't use it. But Whatever EQ you got on your guitar, it's going through an amp. As far as digital modeling goes, I just don't like it. I know it's hard to describe these things on a board. I guess I am just narrowing down the choices and which to try first. Like getting the BDDI is a lot easier than say the Barber Linden. Just wondering which would be better in situation. Most of my bass buddies, either don't have a sound I want to emulate or never record. Even with guitar it was a lot of trial and error with gear.

The BurgerMeister · #8 10-14-2007, 12:04 AM

get both! they'll both emulate a classic Ampeg rig. one models a miked SVT going through an 8x10 cab, the other emulates the tonal character of the old Ampeg flip-tops.

basadam · #9 10-14-2007, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musickbox

As far as digital modeling goes, I just don't like it

Just to clarify (and I know you probably didn't mean it but); Sansamp does not do digital modeling, it's all analog.

And to answer your original question; I'm not familiar with Linden stuff, but I am a big advocate of Sansamp technology and I think your situation (recoring direct) is perfect fit for Sansamp if you're into tube warmth and don't want the hassle of real tubes.