Preamp/Boost Suggestions

buffalobillh · #1 12-01-2010, 08:40 AM

I've read some boost threads, but I'm still not sure what I want to do.

I use a Fishman BII for a preamp on upright and NS, but I would like something to fit in a Boss 3 slot or 6 slot pedal board. I'm tired of carrying lots of crap with individual power cables, patch cables, etc.

Is there anything out there that will do the trick and not modify my sound? I need signal boost, not change in sound.

I would be adding it to a Boss TU 3 tuner and a Boss GEB 7 eq. Later on, I also want to add compressor and maybe an octave for electric bass. I use Boss effects because I need gear that is tough and road-worthy.

For the record, this will be used for NS electric upright, upright bass, and occasionally electric bass and running to a bass amp (Peavey Tour 700, SWR SM-400, or Eden Nemesis 112).

Thanks for your help!

Bill

TL5 · #2 12-01-2010, 09:22 AM

Did you say what you will be sending the preamped signal to?
PA? Bass amp? Power amp?

It's not a pedal, but I put a M-Audio Audio Buddy in my rack with my poweramp.
It's two independent channels can take instrument or mic level inputs and send line level out.
I use it to simultaneously provide the boost my pedal board need to drive a Yamaha poweramp, AND the condenser mic/phantom power I use to mic the cabinet and send that to FOH.

It works great with minimal (not noticeable) coloration of tone.

buffalobillh · #3 12-01-2010, 10:00 AM

Sorry about that.

I will be running into a bass amp. Most often, it will be a Peavey Tour 700, although I also use an original SWR SM-400 and an Eden Nemesis 112.

Thanks!

bigchiefbc · #4 12-01-2010, 11:43 AM

The Catalinbread Serrano Picoso and Super Chili Picoso are both clean boosts that have gotten some love around here. Also, the EHX LPB-1 and MXR Micro Amp are pretty clean, with minimal coloration. Any of those are small enough to fit into a boss-pedal sized spot on your pedalboard.

On the more expensive end of things, you could take a look at the Holy Fire

bongomania · #5 12-01-2010, 07:57 PM

The EHX LBP-1, as well as all other MXR-sized pedals (which is the size of most boost pedals on the market), will fit in a Boss pedalboard slot.

buffalobillh · #6 12-01-2010, 11:01 PM

Thanks for all suggestions so far. Yeah, Bongo... I've been looking at the EHX LBP-1, and thanks for the answer about size.

I have considered the Super Chili, but I don't know enough about it to know if it's really worth the extra $100. I just want nice, clean boost and not need an external preamp in addition to my pedal board. Also, the boost pedal doesn't have to be expensive or complicated - just let me up my decibels without funking up my tone to the point I can't eq it out. I want to use the pedal board only, and streamline the crap I have to drag to the job and wires I have to fight onstage. One-stop shopping, so to speak.

BTW, I never used effects in my career until lately (never needed them), so thanks to everyone for the education.

Bill