Bass Preamp/DI pedal in the effect chain

musicxfactor · #1 10-29-2009, 09:53 PM

Should this pedal be the first in the chain? I also have a Preamp/Volume booster pedal that I like to use one my passive basses. Where would the booster pedal go - before or after the preamp/DI pedal?
Thanks!

bongomania · #2 10-29-2009, 10:01 PM

Write down what each pedal does. Then ask yourself "do I want that function or sound sent to the PA, or just to my own cab?" That determines whether each pedal is before or after the DI. Then ask yourself "does the function or sound of this pedal affect the function or sound of another pedal?" If so, then write down which order they have to be in, to have the right results.

musicxfactor · #3 10-29-2009, 10:04 PM

Would running the preamp/volume booster before the preamp/DI pedal do any damage to the preamp/DI pedal - this is my main concern. Again, I would only be doing this on a passive bass.

bongomania · #4 10-29-2009, 10:10 PM

No, no damage. Worst that could happen is you might get some unpleasant-sounding distortion, and if that occurs then just turn down whichever pedal is first until the distortion goes away.

newbold · #5 10-29-2009, 10:46 PM

Well...think about it this way:

If you are using the preamp as an 'instrument' preamp then it should be first...if you want to use it as a tool to bring out certain tones of gear in your chain, then put it in more.

for example: I have a passive jazz and an active corvette (rockbass)...the corvette always engages my OD and Fuzz much more as 'distortion' pedals while I cna lay off on my J Bass' volume to make my grit add a softer growl to my tone (which I prefer).

If you always want that zing then put it first. If you want your preamp/DI to work more like an amplifier Preamp then put it at the end/after your overdrive or fuzz and let that shape the tone going to your rig.