The amp thing is a side-project that started out because I was getting frustrated in testing some of the available options. Then, as I dug deeper and got more and more into it, I started getting excited about the possibilities. I'm just following through at this point. I only update on this subject when I reach my major milestones, so I'll spend the time on this one post to describe my plan (ambitious and likely not to materialize).
I will probably not be able to DIY a complex electronic device with primary focus on low cost better than a major manufacturer doing it at scale. So, if looking for a cheap, functional amp. . . right now I can't find better than Markbass Little Mark II/III and f100/f500.
If you are looking for a robust no-holds-barred studio caliber bass signal chain that can also be conveniently gigged, this is what I'm looking to do. . . and at that caliber, there is plenty of room to price compete and savings to be had from DIY. . . just take a look around at the retail options.
Phase 1 for me is simply to develop a package for currently available analog modules in the API 500 series and GroupDIY 51x standards as well as package an OEM switch mode digital power amp to go with it. Need an EQ? Find one or buy one, there are tons of GREAT options.. . ie. API 312 pre --> Neve 1084 EQ --> 1176 compressor --> power amp module or big amp.
Phase 2 will be to develop a bass-specific module that contains all the basics. DI, preamp, shelving high/low, and possibly semi-parametric EQ or simpler with switchable set frequencies. This would bring the system cost down especially if I make DIY kit available. This would not have to be a cost-no-object type design. It could simply be a good one with decent components spec'd correctly.
Phase 3 would be to go the way of amp 2.0 and move to digital signal processing.
Why go through with it? Phase 1 requires a minimum of actual development work. It is just packaging existing, proven components into an ergonomic form. I also simply need preamps for the studio so if I am not able to package these for ergonomic road use, I can still use them in studio. A robust signal chain like what's possible in this setup can be used not just for bass guitar, but for whatever you want. Also, on a more ethical slant, I see bass amps as going the way of disposable electronics which is kindof sad. Things get really cheap which is great, but they also are either not built as robustly as could be or, there are high wear parts on compact, high power amps, and in the end, people continuously cycle through amps and/or throw them away (when there's only one part broken). I traded my Alembic F-1X preamp for a Markbass f1 that I currently use which was a good move, but I was a bit sad to see the F-1X go because I knew that was a "forever" kind of pre that would last me my entire life. My feeling right now is that great quality preamps and EQ's have been around for a long time and with exceptions, have not been changing too drastically. We see lots of slight variations on the same general circuits a lot. Power amps, on the other hand have taken a drastic turn as of late and seem to wear out (particularly small ones). I hope people will be able to build up a robust system and tweak it to their own tastes. . . then, the front end is pretty much set, and as technology improves or you wear out an amplifier, you replace just the part that you need to and keep using the old preamp and EQ modules which are much less prone to failure I think if built with care from quality parts. Also, if the entire system is tweakable, if someone doesn't like the sound they are getting, they can alter the parts of the system they don't like until they do like it instead of throwing the whole thing out and starting over.
Well, anyways, I probably wrote too much, but there it is. We'll see if I make it to phase 1. . . and it'll be nice to do some testing on this. I may be completely underwhelmed with my resuilts, but I'm having fun along the way.
I will probably not be able to DIY a complex electronic device with primary focus on low cost better than a major manufacturer doing it at scale. So, if looking for a cheap, functional amp. . . right now I can't find better than Markbass Little Mark II/III and f100/f500.
If you are looking for a robust no-holds-barred studio caliber bass signal chain that can also be conveniently gigged, this is what I'm looking to do. . . and at that caliber, there is plenty of room to price compete and savings to be had from DIY. . . just take a look around at the retail options.
Phase 1 for me is simply to develop a package for currently available analog modules in the API 500 series and GroupDIY 51x standards as well as package an OEM switch mode digital power amp to go with it. Need an EQ? Find one or buy one, there are tons of GREAT options.. . ie. API 312 pre --> Neve 1084 EQ --> 1176 compressor --> power amp module or big amp.
Phase 2 will be to develop a bass-specific module that contains all the basics. DI, preamp, shelving high/low, and possibly semi-parametric EQ or simpler with switchable set frequencies. This would bring the system cost down especially if I make DIY kit available. This would not have to be a cost-no-object type design. It could simply be a good one with decent components spec'd correctly.
Phase 3 would be to go the way of amp 2.0 and move to digital signal processing.
Why go through with it? Phase 1 requires a minimum of actual development work. It is just packaging existing, proven components into an ergonomic form. I also simply need preamps for the studio so if I am not able to package these for ergonomic road use, I can still use them in studio. A robust signal chain like what's possible in this setup can be used not just for bass guitar, but for whatever you want. Also, on a more ethical slant, I see bass amps as going the way of disposable electronics which is kindof sad. Things get really cheap which is great, but they also are either not built as robustly as could be or, there are high wear parts on compact, high power amps, and in the end, people continuously cycle through amps and/or throw them away (when there's only one part broken). I traded my Alembic F-1X preamp for a Markbass f1 that I currently use which was a good move, but I was a bit sad to see the F-1X go because I knew that was a "forever" kind of pre that would last me my entire life. My feeling right now is that great quality preamps and EQ's have been around for a long time and with exceptions, have not been changing too drastically. We see lots of slight variations on the same general circuits a lot. Power amps, on the other hand have taken a drastic turn as of late and seem to wear out (particularly small ones). I hope people will be able to build up a robust system and tweak it to their own tastes. . . then, the front end is pretty much set, and as technology improves or you wear out an amplifier, you replace just the part that you need to and keep using the old preamp and EQ modules which are much less prone to failure I think if built with care from quality parts. Also, if the entire system is tweakable, if someone doesn't like the sound they are getting, they can alter the parts of the system they don't like until they do like it instead of throwing the whole thing out and starting over.
Well, anyways, I probably wrote too much, but there it is. We'll see if I make it to phase 1. . . and it'll be nice to do some testing on this. I may be completely underwhelmed with my resuilts, but I'm having fun along the way.
excellent!
