Tone Shaping Help

MK1 · #1 06-09-2010, 08:26 AM

I'm looking to round out my pedal board. Right now I just have a tuner -> Linear Power Booster -> Bass Big Muff. I only have passive basses so I need some sort of tone shaping/EQ. I come into situations every once in a while where I can't use an amp. So what I'm wondering is should I get a DI with EQ like the MXR Bass DI? (I tried the SansAmp and do not like it) Or should I just get a pedal like the Xotic RC Booster and plug into a normal DI?

bongomania · #2 06-09-2010, 11:11 AM

While the MXR doesn't sound the same as the Sansamp, it's not so different... You'll want to try before buying. I would recommend a good EQ pedal like the Empress or the Fromel, something that gives you more potential shaping than just low and high knobs.

bassbrad · #3 06-09-2010, 11:25 AM

It all really depends on what you like. I use either an Ziebek nee Electronix Submarine or the modeling in a Zoom B2.1u in those situations where I don't have an amp or for recording To my ear both have accurate depictions of the Bassman 100 amps which are my fave.

MK1 · #4 06-09-2010, 03:45 PM

What type of sound does the Submarine do. I've read nothing but good things about it, but no one really says what it does. The main problem I had with the SansAmp was the mid-scooped and he "clacky" sound it had. I want something that will still let my mids come through.

bongomania · #5 06-09-2010, 03:50 PM

The Sub is a preamp, not really an effect per se; it does "have a sound", but the reason nobody really describes that sound is because it's very subtle and hard to put into words. It's a lot like the difference between (for example) an active Fender Jazz vs. a passive Fender Jazz. IMO it gives a clean, modern tone, and the "Designer" version has some very useful EQ controls.

Darkglass · #6 06-09-2010, 03:57 PM

Have you tried the Aguilar Tone Hammer? It does sound like it could provide what you need. I think Demeter has some clean bass preamp/eq's as well.

MK1 · #7 06-09-2010, 08:22 PM

I'm really having a hard time here... As I look more into it I may want an overdrive that stays almost clean... But I don't want one that has an inherent mid-scoop.

Ayliffe · #8 06-09-2010, 11:07 PM

with the sansamp you can boost the mids by cutting the bass and treble. (anything past noon on the knobs is cutting)

MK1 · #9 06-10-2010, 07:34 AM

I thnk I've narrowed down what I'm looking for. I know some of my choices are a little different than what I originally asked about, but I think they could be very useful. Plus they fit in my budget. I'm considering the Barber Linden EQ, Catalinbread SFT, or Xotic BB. What have been your experiences with these?

Darkglass · #10 06-10-2010, 07:58 AM

MK1, I just sent you a PM! forgot to tell you that yes, they all work the standar center negative power supply.

jibreel · #11 06-10-2010, 09:16 AM

The Empress ParaEQ with Boost is amazing.
It is not an effect by design. However, it definately has a " sound ".
I am not good with technical descriptions so what I will say is that it adds a fullness and a richness that is very noticeable. It ADDS a quality that I really like.

And the parametric eq is top notch. The Q is 3 positions only: narrow/med/wide.