Aguilar OBP-3 users, I need you opinions

Phendyr_Loon · #1 03-24-2011, 02:29 PM

I've been looking to upgrade one of my basses with this model (though not sure which configuration yet), and I'm leaning towards running it on 18v to get the most out of the system.
How many of you OPB-3 users out there use 18v?
I'm trying to decide if the added headroom is worth the extra mods and battery.
Thanks

raphaeldc · #2 03-24-2011, 03:00 PM

I've been using the OBP-2 in the 9V configuration. I have a custom JB that I've ordered with the preamp installed that way, and it also has a bypass switch, to run the bass on passive mode.

They told me that would be no difference over the tone, but it would have more output, if I chose to run it with 18V. I chose 9V because it's only one battery to change and there'd be a little difference between the active and passive mode. I'm using SD SJB-1 pickups.

I guess you'd have the same situation with the OPB-3. If you want to use it in 18V, you'd have more output and that's all.

Hope it was helpful...

Jaco D · #3 03-24-2011, 03:20 PM

I have an OBP3 though I can't comment on how it performs in 9V as I've had my bass wired for 18V at the get go. Having said that, I'm ok with the performance though you could try it out at 9 or 18. I don't think the incremental cost of going from 9V to 18V is substantial. What kind of a bass is this thing going into? Will you be re-routing the bass for battery boxes? I was able to avoid cutting new cavities in the body by mounting the battery box on the original cavity cover (made up a replacement cover so I still have the original one intact). If I plan to sell the bass and the electronics separately, I could just take out the battery box put back the original cavity cover.

maurilio · #4 03-24-2011, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raphaeldc

I've been using the OBP-2 in the 9V configuration. I have a custom JB that I've ordered with the preamp installed that way, and it also has a bypass switch, to run the bass on passive mode.

They told me that would be no difference over the tone, but it would have more output, if I chose to run it with 18V. I chose 9V because it's only one battery to change and there'd be a little difference between the active and passive mode. I'm using SD SJB-1 pickups.

I guess you'd have the same situation with the OPB-3. If you want to use it in 18V, you'd have more output and that's all.

Hope it was helpful...

again guys, 18v doesn't mean more output. Between 9 and 18v there's no difference in level, just more headroom.

raphaeldc · #5 03-25-2011, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maurilio

again guys, 18v doesn't mean more output. Between 9 and 18v there's no difference in level, just more headroom.

I guess that's what I meant to say. Sorry for my poor english...

FunkMetalBass · #6 03-25-2011, 06:03 AM

You'll probably only notice the difference if you're one to max out your EQing. What you can do is wire the two batteries with a series/parallels switch to switch between 9V and 18V. At 9V, you'll get roughly double the life from each battery, so it'll still be replacing two at a time, but half as often.

bassgrooves2 · #7 04-09-2011, 08:37 PM

I have been Wondering about putting the obp3 into my Spector Euro 4 LX Basses. I am trying to decide which configuration I want to use, especially since I saw a wiring diagram on Aguilar's site that showed an infinitely variable mid selection with the use of a Dual 500k Linear Taper Pot http://tinyurl.com/44atyc6
Has anyone experimented with this option? I would think it would be a bit more versatile than choosing either400 or 800Hz. Also I was wondering if this preamp has the ability to set the selectable mid frequency on the preamp itself rather than having to uses either a toggle switchor P/P Pot. The description says it can be done with an internal dip switch or a mini toggle, but all the configurations I see have either a mini toggle or a P/P pot.

rojo412 · #8 04-09-2011, 11:02 PM

The variable sweep didn't work for me when I tried it. I still have some pots if you want to give it a go (but they won't fit a body, just a plate. Although, I have a fix for that).

It acted like a tone pot. I tried doing it just like they stated.

As for the OBP-3... I like it. It's a great preamp to tinker with, it's cheap (by comparison) and 18v rules. I have the Sadowsky pickups running through it (very high output) and I need that headroom.