I don't need no stinkin' preamp...

jsm81 · #1 03-27-2010, 11:48 AM

Ok, so maybe I do, but I'm thinking DI pedal straight into poweramp.

What I have: Sansamp BDDI & QSC PLX1602 into 2 Ampeg BXT210M's

So here's are the questions. How many of you guys out there use this type of setup, completely bypassing the traditional preamp route? What other pedals do I need or should add to my setup to make up for what I might be lacking from a traditional preamp? Right off the bat, I do want to add a good compressor/limiter. Any suggestions for a good pedal version?

I've also been looking at something like the Radial Bassbone or the EBS Microbass. I know these are packed with goodies, but do you think I'll just be duplicating what I have in the Sansamp?

Btw, I mostly play contemporary style praise & worship music at my church. I also play a lot of jazz/funk style improv as well.

bassfool24421 · #2 03-27-2010, 11:55 AM

Hi, Sans amp and Bassbone are different for sure as far as gain/overdrive is concerned...not sure about ebs pedal..but all thier products are great IMO....find an ampeg SVTDI I use it with any and all my bass rigs...

oggdawg · #3 03-27-2010, 11:59 AM

I actually just sold my VT bass and am running straight into my power amp. It's a tube power amp, but I like the sound better than when I was running VT Bass > power amp. I do have a Boss limiter between bass and power amp.

bongomania · #4 03-27-2010, 03:27 PM

For the record, the Sansamp is a preamp. Yes, Tech21 calls it a DI, and yes, it has a DI, but in fact it performs the exact same functions as what the OP is thinking of as a "preamp". See the article about preamps in the FAQ linked in my sig for more info on that subject.

jsm81 · #5 03-27-2010, 07:09 PM

Thanks, bongo. I do understand that the BDDI is a preamp. I was just trying to distinguish between a pedal-style and rack-mountable version of a preamp. It seems like if you show up to a rehearsal or gig with a poweramp and BDDI, the first question you get is "Where's your amp?" Like your FAQ suggests, there are many levels of preamps out there. Some are all-inclusive and seem to have every feature you can think of, like the SWR Marcus Miller preamp, and then others that give you the bare-bone necessities, like the BDDI (except for it's drive function).
What I would like to try to do is build a feature rich preamp, but in a modular fashion through other pedals. The only thing I may have in my rack is the poweramp itself. Everything else would be on the pedalboard.

BTW, what an informative page you got there, Bongo. Definitely a must read for those hungering for tech info.