Gig Tonight. No Amp. DI Help Needed!

Unrepresented · #1 06-06-2009, 11:08 AM

So, my amp (freshly retubed by the repair shop in town) blew a tube two days ago and will not be available for tonight's gig.

At this point I'm going to have to probably end up going direct.

Never done this before, and definitely will want something that duplicates the sound of my SVT-II (read: rolls off my clacking against the pick up poles).

I did a search and the consensus seems to be that both the Sansamp BDDI and the MXR-80 are both quality units, but I figure I'll see if anyone has some suggestions of stuff I can buy in town, by tonight. So no boutique stuff, just what's likely to be found in a major music store.

Any advice for using one (as I'll probably be going in cold with it) would be appreciated. Thanks.

KrisH · #2 06-06-2009, 11:12 AM

Why not . . . just replace the tube? Or am I missing something here?

Unrepresented · #3 06-06-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrisH

Why not . . . just replace the tube? Or am I missing something here?

a) In theory, it's still covered under warranty from the shop, since they've got a 30 day policy.

b) I don't know that it was the one tube that caused the problem or if it's merely a symptom.

c) Wouldn't I have to buy a matched sextet?

d) Not sure if I'd be able to find matching tube(s) even if I was willing to try replacing them myself

e) I set things on fire accidentally. Frequently.

seanm · #4 06-06-2009, 11:24 AM

You might have to go with the SansAmp. Since you won't have much time to play with it, I would recommend not using the SVT setting, use the bassman setting.

Can you not rent an amp? Cheaper than buying a SansAmp. I have never played a gig where I *only* went DI to the board, I always need my amp as a monitor. But I play only small clubs.

RickenBoogie · #5 06-06-2009, 11:30 AM

Yeah, I'd hate to play even a small bar gig without my amp, but as far as DI's go, the MXR is alot of tool for the money. I always have one handy, just in case.

Unrepresented · #6 06-06-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanm

You might have to go with the SansAmp. Since you won't have much time to play with it, I would recommend not using the SVT setting, use the bassman setting.

Can you not rent an amp? Cheaper than buying a SansAmp. I have never played a gig where I *only* went DI to the board, I always need my amp as a monitor. But I play only small clubs.

No idea where I'd rent an amp, honestly.

Tonight's gig is at a smaller club, but they have a full PA, so I'm hoping that monitor support will be sufficient.

JohnDavisNYC · #7 06-06-2009, 11:51 AM

just set up a monitor where your amp would normally be. the weirdest thing about going DI only is not having the sound coming from behind you. roll off the tone on your bass if you don't like string noise (or work on you touch)...

unless you have a particularly driven amp sound and the sound engineer usually mics the amp, any DI should do... if they have a Countryman at the club or some Radial stuff, you'll be fine.

John

I would also see if the store that is repairing your amp can get you a replacement for the gig. I would demand one, or tell them tehy have to fix it

icarussmicarus · #8 06-06-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

No idea where I'd rent an amp, honestly.

Tonight's gig is at a smaller club, but they have a full PA, so I'm hoping that monitor support will be sufficient.

Just hope you don't get an annoying sound guy. I've had a few who won't let anything but vocals through the monitors. I just wanted some kick and snare!

Unrepresented · #9 06-06-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnDavisNYC

just set up a monitor where your amp would normally be. the weirdest thing about going DI only is not having the sound coming from behind you. roll off the tone on your bass if you don't like string noise (or work on you touch)...

unless you have a particularly driven amp sound and the sound engineer usually mics the amp, any DI should do... if they have a Countryman at the club or some Radial stuff, you'll be fine.

I have a Barber Launch Pad on my board which functions as a DI, however, I've never used it as such, and it has two potential strikes against it:

a) no amp modelling.

b) no balanced out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnDavisNYC

John

I would also see if the store that is repairing your amp can get you a replacement for the gig. I would demand one, or tell them tehy have to fix it

Worthless repair shop is closed on weekends.

Quote:

Originally Posted by icarussmicarus

Just hope you don't get an annoying sound guy. I've had a few who won't let anything but vocals through the monitors. I just wanted some kick and snare!

Haven't had an issue with the soundguys denying bass through the monitors before, but maybe I've been lucky.

warwick.hoy · #10 06-06-2009, 01:11 PM

I looked at the Barber Launch Pad Manual

Quote:

DI- To use a direct interface to recording or mixing equipment (or any balanced input) set both volumes full up (this is VERY important!) then use the sensitivity control to set the output level you desire, be sure to use a 1/4 TRS plug from the (+) output jack.

So if you can find a TRS 1/4 to XLR male cable and run that to the snake....you can use the Barber.

You wouldn't have your amp modeling, but you would have a balanced output. It would work in a pinch.

If all else fails...just get yourself an inexpensive DI box or use the house DI box...if one is available. I would worry too much about having "your sound" since sound guys usually walk all over that in the mains anyway.

bluewine · #11 06-06-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Yeah, I'd hate to play even a small bar gig without my amp, but as far as DI's go, the MXR is alot of tool for the money. I always have one handy, just in case.

Yeah, I am going to have to get one of those Sans Amps, just seems like something every bass player should have.

seanm · #12 06-06-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

I have a Barber Launch Pad on my board which functions as a DI, however, I've never used it as such, and it has two potential strikes against it:

a) no amp modelling.

b) no balanced out.

How can it be a DI with no balanced out?

Do you really *need* amp modeling?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

Worthless repair shop is closed on weekends.

Haven't had an issue with the soundguys denying bass through the monitors before, but maybe I've been lucky.

You have been very lucky! I don't think I have ever had a soundguy who would put the bass through the monitors

Or at least not at any usable volume

JazzyJames · #13 06-06-2009, 01:18 PM

Go into a local music store asking to rent an amp for a gig. Itlll probably cost you around $50.

spideyjg · #14 06-06-2009, 01:20 PM

Call Apex on El Cajon because they rent gear.

Can't you borrow one from a trusted local buddy?

In this situation you really can't be too picky about what you get.

Jim

warwick.hoy · #15 06-06-2009, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanm

How can it be a DI with no balanced out?

I does...refer to my post shortly before yours.

@ Unrepresented. I looked at your profile...I'd use your $$ tonight since it will give you more control over your tone than your Jazz.

Also....are there other bands playing??? Ask to use one of their amps. Bassist usually stick together and are always helpful in such situations. Take the good and the bad and roll with it man.

seanm · #16 06-06-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

I does...refer to my post shortly before yours.

Don't know how I missed that, so it is balanced, just not XLR.

Unrepresented · #17 06-06-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanm

How can it be a DI with no balanced out?

Do you really *need* amp modeling?

You have been very lucky! I don't think I have ever had a soundguy who would put the bass through the monitors

Or at least not at any usable volume

I don't need amp modeling, but I do use effects and do have a heavy right hand. My experience with direct recording has been that modeling reduces the issues I have with those two items.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazzyJames

Go into a local music store asking to rent an amp for a gig. Itlll probably cost you around $50.

Called around to a couple places. Not much available on short notice, and honestly, I'd rather drop $200 on a piece of equipment that I'll own and use than $50 on a beater rental that I'll get a single use from.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spideyjg

Call Apex on El Cajon because they rent gear.

Can't you borrow one from a trusted local buddy?

In this situation you really can't be too picky about what you get.

Jim

Apex doesn't list any bass backline stuff on their website. Buddies so far have been all misses.

Quote:

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

I does...refer to my post shortly before yours.

@ Unrepresented. I looked at your profile...I'd use your $$ tonight since it will give you more control over your tone than your Jazz.

Also....are there other bands playing??? Ask to use one of their amps. Bassist usually stick together and are always helpful in such situations. Take the good and the bad and roll with it man.

Asking other bassists at the venue was going to be plan C, but I wanted to have a contingency plan worked out in case they don't feel comfortable lending their stuff (which I can understand).

warwick.hoy · #18 06-06-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

Asking other bassists at the venue was going to be plan C, but I wanted to have a contingency plan worked out in case they don't feel comfortable lending their stuff (which I can understand).

Did you read my post before the one you quoted?

The Launch Pad is balanced...you just have to source the proper cable (1/4 to male XLR TRS) If you can; try to contact the sound man and see if you can work something out. He would be appreciative if he was aware of the situation ahead of time. Most soundmen love it if there is no bass backline. If the PA is decent the audience won't know a difference. Hopefully the monitors can handle it.

It can be done,...but you might have to "get through" the night. Be prepared for that,...again,...take the good with bad and roll with it.

pbass62 · #19 06-06-2009, 02:26 PM

Absolutely love my MXR. Used a sans amp and they are also a very good unit. Good fortune with the gig

Honk'n_down-low · #20 06-06-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

So, my amp (freshly retubed by the repair shop in town) blew a tube two days ago and will not be available for tonight's gig.

At this point I'm going to have to probably end up going direct.

Never done this before, and definitely will want something that duplicates the sound of my SVT-II (read: rolls off my clacking against the pick up poles).

I did a search and the consensus seems to be that both the Sansamp BDDI and the MXR-80 are both quality units, but I figure I'll see if anyone has some suggestions of stuff I can buy in town, by tonight. So no boutique stuff, just what's likely to be found in a major music store.

Any advice for using one (as I'll probably be going in cold with it) would be appreciated. Thanks.

Dude go here and get an Amp - problem solved - I will send you my bill. Took me 2 seconds to find this place.

http://www.backstagerentals.com/bsr_012.htm