What are the benefits of 18v vs 9v

[sonofabass]

See, I'm working on this Warmoth project which, so far is coming along BEAUTIFULLY (see exhibit A.)


Now, I'm really torn with a few things.


I know that I'm putting in a U-retro deluxe. I've heard so many incredible things that that's what I have to go with.

My main axe right now is a Lakland that I retrofitted with Aguilar opb3 with the stock bartolinis. I find the aguilar a bit "harsh" however.

I'm not sure what to go with as far as pickups are concerned though. I almost want to stay away from Barts because I want a different bass, altogether.

ok, I'm rambling. Back to my main question; what is the benefit of an 18v system over a 9v system?

What's the pup poll?

Before you begin. Me; I play gospel, jazz, neo-soul, funk, blues, pop / rock.....

vague, I know...

Help me???

[SSCBA]

All I know is that 18V allows more headroom.... but what's headroom??

[luknfur]

FWIW:

same thing it is in an amp, permits more distortion free output. In other words you can boost your frequencies with less likelihood of distortion. EMG also states it helps with transients (how fast the preamp responds to the input signal) which are particularly important in slap. I always try 9V first and see what I get. I don't like one battery let alone more. Probably have to change batteries less often as well (using two that is).

[Crabby]

I have an 18v Aquilar OBP-3 set up in my Yamaha BBN5LII bass and it was a huge improvement over the stock tone. The attack on the strings is really quick and punchy. There is no noise and set dead flat, its very impressive.

having said that, I find the bass control rediculously boosts the output volume even with t a touch of bass added. The output of the bass when any of the eq controls are boosted is almost too loud. Of course, many players will advise that the volume control is not meant to be set to full when using an active pre amp like this. And its true, I can turn down the volume on the bass and the tone remains the same.

All in all, its a good pre amp but I find the pre amp in my SR5 to be more useable, simpler to operate and not so extreme.

I wonder how my Aggy pre would sound if I re wired it to 9 volts!

[msquared]

You might consider emailing John East, the designer of the U-Retro Deluxe. He will be able to tell you if it can do 18v or not and how much difference the extra volts would have on the operation of the unit.

I know that with only 9v, the J-Retro I have does a swell job. I can't say the same about all of the previous preamps I've used.

[JimmyM]

I tried doing 18v on my bass with EMG's once and I put it back to 9v because I couldn't hear a difference.

[lug]

Originally Posted by SSCBA

.... but what's headroom??

If you don't have a lot of cash, you go to the less fancy, undecorated back of the house of ill repute, often a converted broom closet.