How to improve sound under "DI" conditions?

Fine Cut · #1 08-15-2008, 11:42 AM

ok, i say "DI" because that's basically what i do, even tho i use a rig. see, my rig consists of a Hartke 115 and a BiAmp 400W PA head. it works great, loud, great EQ on it, but it sounds like a PA. raw, no coloration or general "amp' sound you'd get from a normal bass head. anyone have any suggestions as to how i could actually get it sounding like a bass amp, instead of a raw, DI'd bass signal? i thought about a preamp, but for the price of most of the preamps i've seen, i could just buy a friggin' head, but i wanna keep my 400W lol.

bongomania · #2 08-15-2008, 12:33 PM

Just kidding- there are loads of tone-shaping pedals on the market. Sansamps, amp-modeling digital units, the Submarine, MXR DI, the forthcoming Aguilar Tone Hammer, Barber Linden, on and on.

CElton · #3 08-15-2008, 01:05 PM

This is somewhat ironic as there are several guys in the "Amps" forum looking for transparency...

dannybuoy · #4 08-15-2008, 05:08 PM

Tech21 VT Bass, Flipster, Linden EQ, DHA VT1 EQ-Drive, EBS Microbass, MXR-M80, Sansamp BDDDI, Aguilar Tone Hammer... lots to try out!

markjazzbassist · #5 08-15-2008, 05:26 PM

buy a great DI. look for a tube unit aka Summit TD-100, A-designs Reddi, universal audio 610, avalon u5, etc.

Nikoubis · #6 08-15-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

buy a great DI. look for a tube unit aka Summit TD-100, A-designs Reddi, universal audio 610, avalon u5, etc.

The U5 is about as hi-fi SS as it gets, methinks.

Psychicpet · #7 08-15-2008, 05:49 PM

roll your tone knob back about half way and start there. then reaslly try to explore with where you're plucking. if you're using roundwound strings maybe try out some ground wounds or flats.

4Mal · #8 08-15-2008, 06:35 PM

That pa head probably has great EQ - for vocals and really well voiced channels - for vocals ... and .. you get the idea - it's not a bass amp - but you knew that already...

I have 3 tools I use for rhat sort of thing - small venue / coffee house / wine bar,

Sans Amp BDDI if you're looking for the Ampeg family. Even wihthe EQ flat - it's pretty scooped and usper warm. You can dial in a bit of grit, which if not over done can be pleasing.

OR
a Radial Bass bone - 3 band EQ on one channel, pre-shaped scoops (chose 1 of 2 shapes IIRC) on the other. 2 basses to 1 channel or 1 bass with 2 EQ settings - tuner out, effects loop with a boost on it. An emminently useful device for me.

OR
A good stompable EQ. I keep a Trace Ellioit SM-7 around for this as well. The SM-7 has a 7 band graphic voiced for bass guitar, and a selectable scoop 'pre-shape'. You get 3 sounds from it, plus your flat sound. Pre-shaped, EQ'd, Pre-Shaped and EQ'd.

You will probably like the Sans Amp best. Many people do.

After that lose the Hartke ...

Psychicpet · #9 08-15-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Mal

After that lose the Hartke ...

seriously though, don't be afraid of trying more cost effective options first.

more creatively fulfilling

also, remember with PA's... after your bass goes through a DI or "bass amp" and hits the audience, it goes through a PA, so they are voiced for bass, just a little more work to massage.