EQ or Preamp?

yaksonator · #1 12-14-2012, 03:42 PM

I've been doing a lot of research lately on finding the right preamp eq pedal for my setup. If I buy a preamp pedal like the Tone hammer, instead of a pedal like the empress paraeq, am I getting something "better" because the word preamp is associated with it?? I know the tone hammer has the ags circuit and an xlr out but is that all thats different? Any help would be great.

**mjac28** · #2 12-14-2012, 03:47 PM

It depends on what you are looking for?if you want to be very surgical with your sound then the Para EQ is the way to go with the Tone Hammer you could take that to a gig by itself and use the DI and be set with the Empress you could not. I am a preamp freak and have way more than I need I would be glad to help you choose one.

yaksonator · #3 12-14-2012, 03:58 PM

I like the way my pbass sounds now. Which preamp type pedals would be good for enhancing that pbass sound? I've looked into most but have no hands on with any...

tekdiver500ft · #4 12-14-2012, 04:02 PM

I'd suggest the BDDI or ToneHammer. There are other options (for instance, I use a ParaEQ into a Countryman Type 85 as my DI), but most of them are more expensive.

musicxfactor · #5 12-14-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaksonator

I like the way my pbass sounds now. Which preamp type pedals would be good for enhancing that pbass sound? I've looked into most but have no hands on with any...

Definitely check out the Sadowsky preamp/DI pedal.

newbold · #6 12-15-2012, 07:07 AM

I like my Eden WTDI and the bypass is great. Preamp with DI, great EQ, compressor, and 'enhance'...or a great sounding bypass.

You may dig the Fulltone Fat Boost with a countryman 85.

JonnyAngle · #7 12-15-2012, 07:18 AM

A lot of preamp pedals try to emulate X amp. If you want an un colored sound, get the eq into a di box. If you want to sound like an ampeg, get the sans amp. If you want to sound like A traynor, get a rusty box. I believe the tone hammer is the preamp of the aguilar amps

DeltaPhoenix · #8 12-15-2012, 07:19 AM

I don't know what your gigs are like, does a DI matter to you? Do you really like the sound of your amp but need a bit more EQ to cut through?
I used to be into preamps but now, I don't need/want them. I really just like the sound of my bass and amp (and effects of course) and have found EQs to be an awesome tool.

Bassist30 · #9 12-15-2012, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaksonator

I like the way my pbass sounds now. Which preamp type pedals would be good for enhancing that pbass sound? I've looked into most but have no hands on with any...

I agree with XFactor. Sadowsky pre would help as the P had a treble roll off. The high was around a 4 K where the sadowsky pre boost the 4 k.

Groove Doctor · #10 12-15-2012, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaksonator

I've been doing a lot of research lately on finding the right preamp eq pedal for my setup.

Also consider band, PA, Mix, Sound Guy, and venue. I've tried a lot of them and sometimes the factors above mess with them.

I'm not a fan of ParaDriver tone in bedroom but works great in a live mix thru a very clean system.

BDDI made weak subs in a bad room sound amazing - tightened lows, scoops 800Hz which helps guitars be more audible.

VT took too much low end (HPF 80Hz) out of my Tobias 5 string, but makes my Jazz bass with EMG's a monster.

I often play clean into tube DI (Agi DB900) - slight compression of peaks, more detailed so character of each bass shines thru.

I wasn't a fan of Tone Hammer - harder to hear bass in the mix, mids were boost/OD only iirc.

I play with a Thunderfunk amp live - it has 4 band semi parametric, plus B&T shelf EQ.

I'd recommend the Empress ParaEQ - BUT - you've gotta put in effort to learn how to drive it. It'll do what nearly every other pedal does and more (except OD).

Groove Doctor · #11 12-15-2012, 09:04 AM

Preamp often means a colored, amp simulator. Handy for small size, simple setup: bass -> pre -> desk.

EQ is clean & transparent. You can use it anytime anywhere.

yaksonator · #12 12-15-2012, 12:40 PM

Do any of you guys have experience with the darkglass b7k? I figure Ill ask all the questions I can about these products.

bongomania · #13 12-15-2012, 01:36 PM

There are threads about it. Search and read.

yaksonator · #14 12-15-2012, 02:08 PM

Ok thanks.

caeman · #15 12-15-2012, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaksonator

I like the way my pbass sounds now. Which preamp type pedals would be good for enhancing that pbass sound? I've looked into most but have no hands on with any...

If you like the way it sounds now, why do you wish to "enhanced" it?

yaksonator · #16 12-15-2012, 03:59 PM

I guess the same reason why I started getting into effects in the first place. Options! No its not needed, but having the ability to engage an effect, or in this case a preamp/eq to enhance my tone for certain things is always a plus.

musicxfactor · #17 12-15-2012, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaksonator

I guess the same reason why I started getting into effects in the first place. Options! No its not needed, but having the ability to engage an effect, or in this case a preamp/eq to enhance my tone for certain things is always a plus.

Check out some YouTube demos of the Sadowsky preamp/DI. I think this is exactly what you're looking for.