PreAmp to replace/simplify/improve on BassPod

stflbn · #1 10-24-2007, 08:55 AM

I find that I'm keep moving away from effects in my BassPod and keep wanting more of a better overall sound rather then the majority of what it offers. I'm looking to simplify while improving my core sound. The only effects I find myself using are potentially Chorus, Compressor, and possibly a touch of drive.

So...

If anyone could be so kind as to offer up possible suggestions to suit my needs?

Right now I'm tracking and researching the following:

SansAmp BassDriver Programmable (To swap between 3 settings which realistically is all I ever need)

BBE Bmax

EBS Microbass II

SADOWSKY BASS pre amp - D I Box

Aphex Bass Xciter

Baird6869 · #2 10-24-2007, 09:35 AM

I sold my BassPODxt a few months ago as I hated the sound of it on gigs.

I now use a SansAmp RBI (similar to the stomp version), a Boss Chorus Ensemble (very light effect setting) and a Sadowsky Pre/DI. This setup through my Ampeg or Markbass amps sounds perfect to me. I get overdrive when I want it, all notes cut through the mix and a touch of chorus gives me a bit of a fuller sound.

superbassman2000 · #3 10-24-2007, 10:12 AM

how about an ADA MB-1? it is a 1u rackmount preamp with built-in tube overdrive, compression and chorus plus 128 presets for eq

Jumbotron · #4 10-24-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

how about an ADA MB-1? it is a 1u rackmount preamp with built-in tube overdrive, compression and chorus plus 128 presets for eq

Good idea. I liked my MB1 a lot when I had it. The only real problem was that it's fairly noisy--I had to use it in conjunction with a Hush Super C.

stflbn · #5 10-24-2007, 10:30 AM

SansAmp RBI vs Prog BDDI: Sound Benefits other then Mid control?

gillento · #6 10-24-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

SansAmp RBI vs Prog BDDI: Sound Benefits other then Mid control?

RBI has:
effect loop (serial / 50-50)
clean outputs (1/4" and XLR)
"sansamped" outputs (1/4" and XLR)
Line Input

Jazzdogg · #7 10-24-2007, 10:53 AM

I'm in the same boat, so to speak, and in addition to the units you're considering, I've been looking at:

MXR/Dunlop M-80 Bass DI+ (no mute or tuner out)

Radial Tonebone Bassbone preamp/DI (no mute, DI is post EQ & Effects)

Radial PZ-Pre - looks almost perfect for my needs

Swift713 · #8 10-24-2007, 11:09 AM

I know what you mean. I go through phases of being quite happy with my Zoom B2 and thinking I want a real tube pre. This past week I've been using it with a band for the first time and I'm pretty happy with the results so far. I've only got one or two patches that I'm likely to use with a band. I think I'll probably have days when I'm unsatisfied with my gear no matter what it is.

basadam · #9 10-24-2007, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

Right now I'm tracking and researching the following:

SansAmp BassDriver Programmable (To swap between 3 settings which realistically is all I ever need)

BBE Bmax

EBS Microbass II

SADOWSKY BASS pre amp - D I Box

Aphex Bass Xciter

I don't know anything about BBE Bmax (although I am a fan of their Maximizer), EBS and Aphex but I am using both Sadowsky and Sansamp (RBI&PBDR) and I am a fan of both. Most people think that Sansamp and Sadowsky are the same in purpose but IMHO they are not. In fact I am using bot at the same time. Apart from bells and whistles, Sadowsky is an ultra-clean preamp with a 2-band eq, while Sansamp is a tube emulator. Sadowsky's bass boost is at 40Hz while Sansamp's (in RBI case) at 80Hz and they complement each other nicely. I slightly boost both at the same time and it's heaven IMHO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

SansAmp RBI vs Prog BDDI: Sound Benefits other then Mid control?

Please see: Sansamp RBI is a LOT better than BDDI
Llloyd of Tech 21 talks about how the two differ. Mainly eq points are different and RBI has better headroom.

Andy V. · #10 10-24-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

I'm in the same boat, so to speak, and in addition to the units you're considering, I've been looking at:

MXR/Dunlop M-80 Bass DI+ (no mute or tuner out)

Radial Tonebone Bassbone preamp/DI (no mute, DI is post EQ & Effects)

Radial PZ-Pre - looks almost perfect for my needs

The MXR has a parallel output that you can use to feed a tuner.

the low one · #11 10-25-2007, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy V.

The MXR has a parallel output that you can use to feed a tuner.

That's what I use the parallel output for

**BFunk** · #12 10-25-2007, 09:15 AM

Are you planning to feed a bass amp or pre-amp or DI, or is this going to feed a power amp directly? You should check that the output and impedence matches with whatever is next in line.

stflbn · #13 11-07-2007, 02:59 PM

I just picked up a BBE Maxcom from skiscem here. I'll be using it for my Gate, Compressor, Maximizer needs.

So that will simplify the rest of my needs overall. I'm still tracking down what Pre I want to get, but other then that my options are very open now.

four2oh · #14 11-08-2007, 11:45 AM

i like the combination of the SansAmp BDDI + Aphex Bass Xciter..

SteveC · #15 11-08-2007, 01:58 PM

What do you have for amp/cab? Do you run into a PA often?

I tried to go pre/power cab, ultra light and small, etc., and ended up just getting a good sounding head and cab. I don't use effects much - some chorus when I do jazz for a quasi-fretless tone and that's it. Most gigs are right into my Genz Benz Neo-Pak and NeoX212 cab. The DI on the GB is nice. I also have a Radial JDI if necesary. I use a Boss Chorus, an MXR Phaser (rarely) and sometimes a Boss TU-2. Lately my Korg CA-30 in the tuner out.