What are the advantages of using an onboard preamp

Headless Llama · #1 01-26-2010, 05:38 PM

I just don't get it. Or maybe I haven't used a good one. I would really like to know what the big deal is. Thanks.

Marton · #2 01-26-2010, 05:41 PM

More knobs = cooler bass.

Headless Llama · #3 01-26-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marton

More knobs = cooler bass.

I know that this is a post that is definitely flame worthy, but I really want to know.

pandathe3 · #4 01-26-2010, 05:55 PM

^^ HAHA!! I do partially agree

Well, i used to be in your boat on this and yes, you just have to find a decent one to use, and also use it live. It gives you alot more control over your sound without fiddling with you amp, which is handy while playing live. You can also 'boost' from your pre aswel.

However i only use 2 band EQ, which i use as my 'shelving' for my EQ. The rest is done on my amp. I find it impossible to get a good sound when trying to control the 'mids' via one knob, so i leave that to my parametric EQ on my amp.

It is very handy to have bass/treble on your bass. Its just a bitch worrying about batteries all the time

G00D+~VIBES · #5 01-26-2010, 05:56 PM

I find an on board pre advantageous because it allows me to alter my tone on the fly, as the situation demands. At times this means a drastic change, while other times it is more subtle. For example, when playing a reggae tune I might boost bass an roll off treble while favoring the neck pu and add a little volume to give the over-all sound that bass prominence. And the next song might have a rock-ish flavor, so I'll balance the pu's closer to even and add some treble to cut through. Get it?

Headless Llama · #6 01-26-2010, 06:00 PM

yeah, thanks. Sometimes it seems like they are put on there just so the builder can say that it has one. I guess other times, it is actually helpful.

**line6man** · #7 01-26-2010, 06:04 PM

Lower output impedance and more onboard tone shaping options.
Some also like preamps that have the capability to increase the output volume.

Rickett Customs · #8 01-26-2010, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by line6man

Lower output impedance and more onboard tone shaping options.
Some also like preamps that have the capability to increase the output volume.

^^^ +1000

I use a 3 band in both of my gigging basses, keeps me from going back and forth to the amp to readjust too.

Headless Llama · #9 01-26-2010, 06:27 PM

Thanks alot. Which one do you guys use?

Drunk Heffalump · #10 01-26-2010, 06:28 PM

Warmth, IMHO comes from a good preamp. It's not something that's really identifiable until you can run a fair head to head competition. If you look to your left you'll see a small picture of 2 Olivios. Both have Bartolini's and both had preamps on board until some 'tard tore one out, long before I owned it. It's here you can sense/feel the difference. The active comes off as a, well as my guitarist described it, a big old woolly sweater, the other is a tad drier. Not a tremendous difference, but it is one you can hear. Also the tone sweep on the active is far more precise.

SteveC · #11 01-26-2010, 06:30 PM

I like the tone to come from my bass, not my amp. My amp is a monitor. I use that EQ for room/stage adjustments. My onboard is for "my" sound.

G00D+~VIBES · #12 01-26-2010, 06:36 PM

+1 w/ SteveC

My bass and my VT (sometimes), let's me take my sound wherever I go. Very helpful when you're playing different rigs all the time. Instead of having a general idea of what freq's you boost or reduce and then trying to figure out each amp when you get there.