Schertler Pre AIII Pre Amp

[wellso74]

Hello folks- I am thinking about getting the Schertler Stat-B Vintage and was wondering if anyone had an opinion on whether or not the pre AIII was worth getting.
Also if anyone has any experience with the simpler (one knob) pre that is less expensive.
Thanks!
WG

[JtheJazzMan]

I bought the vintage + the PreAIII. Kinda regret it.

After being given 2 different preamps, both had too much white noise. The first one I had was just a joke.

The pickup itself has some issues. I have phasing problems with the dual capsule model, where if you play a lower open string and higher notes at the same time you get an awful wolfy distorted sound.

All is not lost, it looks like you can just split the 2 capsules into 2 individual connections then use a more advanced mixer to sort out that issue.

I would recommend the single capsule as the safe option, and only buy the preaiii if you can thoroughly test it to make sure it isnt noisy.

[wellso74]

Thanks Jazz Man for the input. Also- you and those reading this, my amp is an AI Focus I and an EA VL 110. If this helps

[Eric Hochberg]

I don't own the vintage, but I bought a second Stat-B and tried the two out together through one preamp. Powerful sound, but a little artificial/electronic/phasey sounding, compared to just one element. Now, I also tried an original Schertler 2 element p/u before I bought my Stat, and really liked the sound of that one, so maybe the vintage version is a different animal than using 2 Stats together...

On the preamp, I would go with the less expensive Stat Pre unless you really need another external output in your chain. I don't find the tone controls that useful on my PreAll. I haven't experienced the noise problem jazzman has, but maybe it's unique to version lll.

[wellso74]

Eric- so do you recommend trying just one element and the simple pre? Is this what you use?

[Eric Hochberg]

I have been using one element on the E side and the PreAll. I use to use the stat-pre until its volume control crapped out on me. Decided to try the PreAll as a replacement. The Stat-Pre was fine, I got 5 years out of it. I've been told it is basically a phantom power supply for the pickup. It doesn't do much for the piezo pickups I've tried it with, so I think it's not a "traditional" preamp for general use.

[wellso74]

Eric- Thanks for the quick reply!!! I also saw your website- very impressive and I really appreciate your time! Thanks!

[Eric Hochberg]

You got it!

[Monte]

Just for a counter, I love my Schertler PreA III, even when I'm not using a Schertler pickup.

Currently running it to boost the signal of my Heil PR-40 mic into an amp or small PA. I've never had the white nose problem....whisper quiet for me even though I'm running the gain full up.

[bolo]

Originally Posted by Monte

I've never had the white nose problem....

[Monte]

Originally Posted by bolo

Yeah, that is QUITE another story and another life....

[Treyzer]

Ah, the dreaded white nose problem. We use lotsa sunscreen out here!

[wellso74]

Thanks Monte-