Sweepable mid

BassLow · #1 04-19-2007, 02:26 PM

I'm planning to replace my preamp which is a 3-band with sweepable mid. It's a little more complicated than I expected.

The preamp I'm thinking to replace is an Aguilar OBP-3. For the sweepable mid, it requires a dual 500K linear taper pot which is virtually impossible to find according different sources I talked to - even with those website that actutally list the item.

FYI, the bass I'm planning to mod is an Ibaneze BTB 405QM which has concentric mid knobs (inner for boost/cut & outer for frequency center). The stock pot has a totally difference physical shape & prongs configuration than those commonly available pots. Which will make modifiying it to meet the Aguilar requirement challenging, I think.

Anyone wants to share your experience?

cybersnyder · #2 04-19-2007, 02:56 PM

I really wish Aguilar would get a batch of these made and sell them. I'd love a sweepable mid on my OBP-3, but like you said, the part is impossible to find.

BassLow · #3 04-19-2007, 05:16 PM

Let me add that I'm not limiting my choice to the Aguilar, even though it's one of my first choices.

Anybody can think of some other brand/model to make to mod easier?

luknfur · #4 04-19-2007, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassLow

Let me add that I'm not limiting my choice to the Aguilar, even though it's one of my first choices.

Anybody can think of some other brand/model to make to mod easier?

FWIW:

I did the OBP-3 variable and thought it sucked. If I ever found a tone I couldn't get back to it. Even worse it actually took 3 knobs: a dual concentric (2) for frequencies and another for boost/cut. The best thing about it to me was it was optional so could be eliminated. Unlike the EMG BQC (not BQS) which you're stuck with the variable mid with no option but you didn't need 3 controls to adjust it, just a dual concentric. Together they taught me I had no interest in a variable mid.

If you want that kind of fine tuning, I'd go outside the bass with full parametric cause either way, at least for me, it was going to be set it and forget it. There was no advantage to having it onboard.

You can get a Presonus EQ3B that's 3 band parametric, wieghs 2 lbs. and no bigger than the palms of your hands together face up - for around $70. And it's plug/unplug and play without touching the bass.

PilbaraBass · #5 04-19-2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luknfur

FWIW:

I did the OBP-3 variable and thought it sucked. If I ever found a tone I couldn't get back to it. Even worse it actually took 3 knobs: a dual concentric (2) for frequencies and another for boost/cut. The best thing about it to me was it was optional so could be eliminated. Unlike the EMG BQC (not BQS) which you're stuck with the variable mid with no option but you didn't need 3 controls to adjust it, just a dual concentric. Together they taught me I had no interest in a variable mid.

If you want that kind of fine tuning, I'd go outside the bass with full parametric cause either way, at least for me, it was going to be set it and forget it. There was no advantage to having it onboard.

+1...the only tone control I really want on a bass is a passive treble roll-off, for quickly elimination of harsh popping or excessive string noise...even if the bass is active, I'd like to just dial in a good "flat" response from the onboard pre and leave it...
I leave 95% of the tone shaping to my outboard gear (zoom b2.1u and my amplifier).

When I'm busy playing, I've really got too much going on than to worry about 1/2 dozen knobs...3 MAX is all that I can handle...

BassLow · #6 04-19-2007, 06:22 PM

Very good point luknfur & PilbaraBass. And I totally agree. In fact, I thought about it before I even posted & I was wondering why I should bother to mod the preamp.

Well, the answer is I don't mind at least in some occasions I can do some on-the-fly adjustment, if I choose to. And I was also hoping that whatever preamp I put in will give me some tone that I didn't have before. Moreover, everyone seems to rave about how nice & fat the tone of the OBP-3, Audere, or whatever is.

But let me ask you guys with the onboard pre modified/upgraded: what's the point if you can simply get the tone you want from your outboard amp/pre/EQ (well other than the obvious point just mentioned above)?

luknfur · #7 04-19-2007, 07:07 PM

FWIW:

first that's just my take - obviously everyone won't see it that way including maybe you.

The only point of onboard controls is for on the fly adjustments. Singers/frontmen in particular. If you stand by your rig like I do, then there's no point at all.

Should add that onboard preamp with passive pups (moot if active pups) markly enhances quality of signal for long cable runs.

m.oreilly · #8 04-19-2007, 09:38 PM

i find the onboard pre to make or break a playable tone, and i have to say the acguitars/east unit is really fantastic. east has the stand alone mid sweep also, but really, the acguitars kit has it all. super stuff.

Jaco D · #9 04-20-2007, 04:56 AM

I had the same config as yours, except that I tried using the more common dual audio blend pots instead of linear tapers. The change in tone from one end of the sweep to the other was very minute due to the tapers. You're right - 500 dual linears are hard to find. Tried something different - 500 linear concentrics, wiring one in reverse. This was the closest I got to simulating the 500 linear blenders, without the synchronized movement of the two pots of course. Too many options both usable and not usable to worry about. Ended up disengaging the sweep completely till I find a real dual linear 500. Been happy with the basic tone controls. OBP-3's are one darn good preamp so keep it. If you really have to swap it out try the Audere. Replaced the SD preamp on my JB-24. It was a wise choice.