Boosting, shaping options... (Xotic RC ?)

[scullum]

Hey
Basically I cant decide whether to get a clean boost, or a dirty clean boost.
Ive read a lot of posts but still cant decide what would be best for me.

Im trying to choose between:
Fulltone Fatboost
Barber LTD SR
Xotic BB Preamp
Xotic RC Booster
Catalinbread Varioboost

Here's my current pedals:
Bottom Feeder
BBE Opto Stomp
Boss NS2
MXR El Grande
Boss ODB3
VT Bass
Stereo Electric Mistress
Catalinbread Valcoder
MXR Carbon Copy
Into a LMII

Im in the process of getting an Earthbound Supercollider, which may or may not replace the El Grande and the ODB3.

I want a versitile clean pedal i can leave on all the time that can shape my tone, and i want a smooth warm overdrive pedal to use when needed. I should only need to buy one cause ive already got a VT Bass.

So I kinda have two options, (1) use the VT Bass as my 'always on' clean sound and buy a smooth overdrive pedal, or (2) buy a clean boost for my 'always on' sound, and use my VT Bass as my overdriven sound.
I wouldnt mind a booster pedal for solos either.

Im leaning towards the RC as my clean sound, and use the VT for more dirt.
I cant try any of them out where i live so any suggestions would be great, thanks!

Also i cant imagine the Varioboost being any good for bass if its range is 70Hz to 1.4kHz, when open bass string frequencies are: E - 44Hz, A - 55Hz, D - 73Hz, G - 97Hz. It wont be able to shape anything lower than the D string will it?

[tigerbass]

I had a VariOboost, and it took a while to get it dialed in, but ultimately sold it shortly after, bought an RC Boost and never looked back! Works perfectly as boost, always on, tone shaper, hell it might even make you coffee in the morning! haha!

[stflbn]

For an always on Bass EQ you might want to look at the Barber Linden Bass EQ. I'd been using one for that, but after buying an EBS Valvedrive I ended up having the VD on all the time anyhow so just sold the Linden.


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[Crabby]

The Fatboost is supposed to be great on bass but I havn't tried one yet.

[Aurel]

The RC is really great, because it's very clean and transparent, unless you don't want it to be, thanks to the Bass/treble controls.

But it also has enough headroom to push a preamp or a tube amp into overdrive.

[RickenBoogie]

Originally Posted by stflbn

For an always on Bass EQ you might want to look at the Barber Linden Bass EQ. I'd been using one for that, but after buying an EBS Valvedrive I ended up having the VD on all the time anyhow so just sold the Linden.


.

+1 for the Barber Linden. Quite a fat little eq pedal, and capable of some boost as well. I also use a Valve Drive, and sometimes both at the same time, though the Linden gets switched off if I run heavier o/d or distortion, (too much bass).

[scullum]

Thanks for the input.

Ive decided its between the RC and the Linden!
Trouble is I dont think the Linden will fit on my board
Its a shame cause it seems to be what i need. Cheaper as well.
That said, the RC seems to be what I need too.
I wish i could try them out!!

But I think the RC might be the go, especially if it makes me coffees in the morning

Better double check my board measurements first.