Aguilar OBP-3 vs. EMG BTC

mmbongo · #1 07-31-2011, 07:40 AM

I'm torn between these two preamps!

If you have direct experience with both, tell me your thoughts.

I currently use the EMG. I have acquired a brand new Aguilar in a trade. If the Aguilar is a major upgrade, I will use it. Otherwise, I'm happy with the EMG. I just don't want to go buy all the pots for the Aguilar just to see what it sounds like, so I hope someone has done this for me already

If it matters, I like a modern, in your face, mid heavy sound. I'm as far from vintage as you can get.

Bassmickeyd · #2 07-31-2011, 07:45 AM

Bump for interest in the out come, because I have JV & BTC combo and quite enjoy it.

ahollowhd · #3 07-31-2011, 07:50 AM

I really like the Aguilar OBP-3 in my Elrick. Lot of boost/cut in bass, mid, and treble, plus the switchable mid-frequency range. I can also go passive if my battery dies or I want to be more traditional. Sounds pretty good with everything flat, too.

Bassmickeyd · #4 07-31-2011, 07:52 AM

Being able to go passive is a plus.

mmbongo · #5 07-31-2011, 08:10 AM

Switchable mid-frequency is nice....but the EMG has sweepable mids

With the Aguilar, if you go passive do the tone controls still work?

walterw · #6 07-31-2011, 03:10 PM

no, because those are EQ controls, not tone controls.

the EMG, like any other preamp, can be wired up for bypass, by using a DPDT switch, like say a toggle or a push-pull.

having installed lots of both, they're both really good. if the aggie is a little better than the EMG, the difference is not enough to warrant removing one in favor of the other, IMO. (just be sure to run that EMG at 18V to get the best performance out of it.)