boxing an Aguilar OBP

air_leech · #1 02-10-2008, 06:13 PM

hey,

I got two Aguilar onboard preamps - an OBP3 and a OBP2.

I decided I like passive tone better but I want to retain the ability to add some of that active hi-fi sound when its needed.

I was thinking of just putting it in a stompbox.

anyone tried that?

got any tips/tricks/hints/warnings?

bongomania · #2 02-10-2008, 06:19 PM

It should be pretty straightforward. Just look up proper connection of a good-quality bypass switch with a pulldown resistor, and maybe also add a jack for an external power supply. Should work out fine!

Unrepresented · #3 02-10-2008, 06:59 PM

Call me ignorant, but wouldn't it be easier to just adapt the pre to be bypassed by the volume knob on the bass? I would think a luthier should be able to mod that fairly easily...

kringle77 · #4 02-10-2008, 07:12 PM

I'd be interested to see where this goes. I thought of doing that a long time ago but never did it. Make it happen!

NKUSigEp · #5 02-10-2008, 07:24 PM

Or sell the two preamps you got there and opt for the Aguilar DB924 or new Tone Hammer that's coming out soon.

Hookus · #6 02-10-2008, 07:35 PM

Usually if you have apre with a pull out bypass, your tone control no longer works when bypassed. Having a pre-amp stompbox allows full use of passive bass tone control, while having a seperate pre-amp.

Alowishus · #7 02-10-2008, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hookus

Usually if you have apre with a pull out bypass, your tone control no longer works when bypassed. Having a pre-amp stompbox allows full use of passive bass tone control, while having a seperate pre-amp.

Really? I could have sworn I've seen setups before that allowed for passive tone control when in passive mode.

SuperDuck · #8 02-10-2008, 07:47 PM

Hmm... that's actually a really good idea.

bongomania · #9 02-10-2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alowishus

Really? I could have sworn I've seen setups before that allowed for passive tone control when in passive mode.

The ones that I have seen that have a "passive tone control" in both active and passive modes are not actually using the same circuit for tone control in both active and passive mode. In active mode, they use an active EQ circuit which performs a similar sonic function to the passive tone knob. It is much easier to have it set up so the passive tone control is only enabled in passive mode.

Unrepresented · #10 02-10-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hookus

Usually if you have apre with a pull out bypass, your tone control no longer works when bypassed. Having a pre-amp stompbox allows full use of passive bass tone control, while having a seperate pre-amp.

Fair enough. My $$ has a passive pickup blend control instead of a tone knob, so I just roll up towards the bridge if I need to drop some highs. If you're limited to an active tone knob I suppose there's an issue, but again I'm sure a luthier could work something up that's self contained in your bass.

TaySte_2000 · #11 02-11-2008, 03:05 AM

You can haz Tone Hammer?

wiro · #12 02-11-2008, 03:28 AM

Don't put it in a box. The distance with your pu's needs to be as small as possible to prevent too much loss of signal.

In my Rikkers bass there's an OBP-3 and a 3 position switch: passive-mute-active. Very simple to build in en so convenient to have everything always within reach no matter how you jump on or off the stage.

And in this way you get the best possible signal-to-noise ratio.

Most of the time it's in passive mode because the tone is natural. At the moment I only use the active mode when playing RHCP.

Swift713 · #13 02-11-2008, 05:21 AM

Yeah, I was wishing my bass can haz tone hammer, I've already got a 3 band but a little drive, xlr, and phantom power instead of batteries would be sweet.

spc · #14 04-05-2008, 09:03 AM

[quote=air_leech;5288727]hey,

I got two Aguilar onboard preamps - an OBP3 and a OBP2.

I was thinking of just putting it in a stompbox.

QUOTE]

That sounds like a great idea. I have an Aguilar db924 that I love, but I would like to look into making an enclosure for an obp-2.
Where would I start for enclosures? How about a site for some real basics for diy pedals? I did search and look around a bit, and haven't had much luck.
Any help?

thanks
shawn

OptimusPrime · #15 04-05-2008, 09:50 AM

http://www.bestbassgear.com/aguilar-...mer-preamp.htm

Of course if you already have the preamp this would be a waste of money. And of course it's already been suggested.

air_leech · #16 04-05-2008, 10:21 AM

[quote=spc;5552880]

Quote:

Originally Posted by air_leech

Where would I start for enclosures? How about a site for some real basics for diy pedals? I did search and look around a bit, and haven't had much luck.
Any help?

thanks
shawn

frankly, the whole thing is on the back burner at the moment but I was thinking of this:
http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=50

no much use for DIY pedal info here as you basically solder it the same as if it went into a bass and mount it in the box.

bassbrad · #17 04-05-2008, 02:15 PM

One of Aguilar's new products is Tone Hammer a boxed version of the OBP3, looks pretty cool.

jefkebass · #18 04-29-2008, 06:12 AM

+1 on the tonehammer. i really want one of those.

grace & groove · #19 04-29-2008, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbrad

One of Aguilar's new products is Tone Hammer a boxed version of the OBP3, looks pretty cool.

Someone tried one out at LA Bass Exchange, and apparently this is not so.

air_leech · #20 04-29-2008, 02:09 PM

did he mention why he thought so?