Double Bass 2 channel amp with phantom and useable DI

[koricancowboy]

Hoping to get opinions on a two channel amp with phantom power and a good DI. I have a DI but want to keep as many things home as possible. My needs are as follows:

1. DB with Realist Lifeline and AMT Mic (auditioning new mics) blended. Pickup for volume

2. Doubling on DB and BG

That sums it up. It needs to be useable for BG but really shine on DB as that’s 90% of my uses.

I thought I found it with the GR Bass Acoustic but no dice. The one I got was rife with problems. I worked with my dealer, and the manufacturer but I guess the issue doesn’t fall within their warranty so I’m returning it.

They were nice but it felt like they were gaslighting me into trying to make me believe it was my fault. 4 different piezo pickups, two mics, and 3 BGs later, there was an awful hum that wouldn’t go away. I sent over a dozen videos. Rather than replacing it, I was told to return it to my dealer and that, I guess it’s not for you.

So any help would be appreciated. Preferably a manufacturer with authorized repair shops in the US. $1500 max. I am not opposed to a preamp/powered cab duo and would pay more for that. Felix with a powered cab.

Thanks!

 

[MuseChaser]

Genzler Acoustic Array Pro.

Recent post

Has everything you mentioned and a wonderful sound. If you need a bit more depth to the very lowest bottom end, you could stack it on a Genzler BA10-2-S2, but unless you're playing louder than usual acoustic jazz levels or larger venues, you won't need it.

/thread

 

[Wasnex]

Take a look at the Gollihur exclusive Genzler Bass Acoustic Array Pro.

Gollihur Series Bass Acoustic Array Pro Amplification (Exclusive)

GOLLIHUR EXCLUSIVE - This two-channel amp offers high-impedance instrument AND phantom-powered mic inputs, multi-band EQ, and a bass-centric speaker design based on the Bass Array 110. Just for upright and acoustic basses - and made specially for my customers. Also check out the matching 1x10...

gollihurmusic.com

This has a different woofer than the regular Acoustic Array Pro.

Other than that, you are probably looking at an acoustic preamp such as the Headway EDB-2 HE or Grace Designs Alix or Felix 2.

AFAIK of the four, only the Felix 2 has 48V phantom. The others have 12V phantom.

 

[MuseChaser]

Take a look at the Gollihur exclusive Genzler Bass Acoustic Array Pro.

Gollihur Series Bass Acoustic Array Pro Amplification (Exclusive)

GOLLIHUR EXCLUSIVE - This two-channel amp offers high-impedance instrument AND phantom-powered mic inputs, multi-band EQ, and a bass-centric speaker design based on the Bass Array 110. Just for upright and acoustic basses - and made specially for my customers. Also check out the matching 1x10...

gollihurmusic.com

This has a different woofer than the regular Acoustic Array Pro.

Other than that, you are probably looking at an acoustic preamp such as the Headway EDB-2 HE or Grace Designs Alix or Felix 2.

AFAIK of the four, only the Felix 2 has 48V phantom. The others have 12V phantom.

FWIW, I've tried both versions of the Acoustic Array Pro (stock and the Gollihur bass version), and didn't think the very slight gain in bottom end tilt came close to outweighing the beautiful balanced sound of the stock version. There's plenty of bottom end available, and the mid-range and top end just sing without a trace of harness or nasality on upright.

 

[koricancowboy]

Thanks @Wasnex and @MuseChaser

Has anyone used the Genzler with EB?

 

[MuseChaser]

Thanks @Wasnex and @MuseChaser

Has anyone used the Genzler with EB?

Yes, but still in jazz settings with fretless basses, and I'm just as enthusiastic about it there. I admit I can't speak to how it would fare in rock situations or where thump and impact take higher priorities. I do also have the BA10 cab I mentioned earlier, and THAT pair would be more than up to that task, unless we're talking massive venues and volumes.

 

[Wasnex]

FWIW, I've tried both versions of the Acoustic Array Pro (stock and the Gollihur bass version), and didn't think the very slight gain in bottom end tilt came close to outweighing the beautiful balanced sound of the stock version. There's plenty of bottom end available, and the mid-range and top end just sing without a trace of harness or nasality on upright.

I think the difference in low frequency capabilities would probably become more apparent when the amp is pushed to it's limit. However, I haven't played either version so this is a guess.

 

[koricancowboy]

Yes, but still in jazz settings with fretless basses, and I'm just as enthusiastic about it there. I admit I can't speak to how it would fare in rock situations or where thump and impact take higher priorities. I do also have the BA10 cab I mentioned earlier, and THAT pair would be more than up to that task, unless we're talking massive venues and volumes.

I don’t find myself in rock situations too much and when I do it’s definitely not crazy loud like metal. For me it’s more fusion, jazz with a fretless, funk, r&b, and the like. Thanks for the suggestion, I’ve seen the name around for a bit and know about Genz-Benz stuff and always thought it was solid. Gollihur is a great shop so I’ll give it a shot. It seems as though there aren’t a whole lot of amps that meet my criteria for under 2k.

 

[MuseChaser]

I don’t find myself in rock situations too much and when I do it’s definitely not crazy loud like metal. For me it’s more fusion, jazz with a fretless, funk, r&b, and the like. Thanks for the suggestion, I’ve seen the name around for a bit and know about Genz-Benz stuff and always thought it was solid. Gollihur is a great shop so I’ll give it a shot. It seems as though there aren’t a whole lot of amps that meet my criteria for under 2k.

Jeff Genzler is a frequent contributor to this site. If you'd like, you could contact him directly with any questions or to make a purchase. He's incredibly responsive and helpful. I bought my Acoustic Array Pro from a third party, but everything else and since directly from Jeff.

I have no affiliation other than being an incredibly happy customer.

 

[Wasnex]

Thanks @Wasnex and @MuseChaser

Has anyone used the Genzler with EB?

I haven't played either. If you like more of a HiFi, flat response type of sound (as I do) I think it will work well.

There is a matching cab available. Per the Gollihur site, it's essentially a Genzler BA10-2, bit it has cosmetics that match the Bass Acoustic Array Pro.

The Bass Acoustic Array Pro should be good for about 118dB by itself. With the extension, it should make about 124dB. I would require the extension cab (YMMV of course).

 

[koricancowboy]

I haven't played either. If you like more of a HiFi, flat response type of sound (as I do) I think it will work well.

There is a matching cab available. Per the Gollihur site, it's essentially a Genzler BA10-2, bit it has cosmetics that match the Bass Acoustic Array Pro.

The Bass Acoustic Array Pro should be good for about 118dB by itself. With the extension, it should make about 124dB. I would require the extension cab (YMMV of course).

thanks a bunch I’ll give it a go. I rarely need more than one cab but a second is always a safe bet when I cosplay that I’m in Tony Williams’ Lifetime

 

[koricancowboy]

Jeff Genzler is a frequent contributor to this site. If you'd like, you could contact him directly with any questions or to make a purchase. He's incredibly responsive and helpful. I bought my Acoustic Array Pro from a third party, but everything else and since directly from Jeff.

I have no affiliation other than being an incredibly happy customer.

Awesome! Do you have a contact for him?

 

[Wasnex]

Awesome! Do you have a contact for him?

@Jeff Genzler

 

[koricancowboy]

@Jeff Genzler

Thanks

 

[neddyrow]

I’d look into a used Acoustic Image. I have 2. Both are 2-channel, have phantom power, onboard hpf, and DI out. I use one for gigging with my upright and one in the basement to plunk on my electric with. Sounds great for both.

 

[koricancowboy]

I’d look into a used Acoustic Image. I have 2. Both are 2-channel, have phantom power, onboard hpf, and DI out. I use one for gigging with my upright and one in the basement to plunk on my electric with. Sounds great for both.

Thanks I have a focus series iii and I’m not really a fan of the electric bass tone. I also dislike the speakers that Ric engineered, and would like a combo. Thank you though, I agree they are quite great with the proper cab. I may yet go with a top notch cab for my focus but we’ll see.

 

[MuseChaser]

Thanks I have a focus series iii and I’m not really a fan of the electric bass tone. I also dislike the speakers that Ric engineered, and would like a combo. Thank you though, I agree they are quite great with the proper cab. I may yet go with a top notch cab for my focus but we’ll see.

I concur. I've got a first series AI Coda, and it's very nice for upright at typical acoustic jazz levels, and a nice flexible studio/practice amp with the second and third (aux) channels, but I never found it useful for BG, big band, or large venues.

 

[LSM07]

I’d look into a used Acoustic Image. I have 2. Both are 2-channel, have phantom power, onboard hpf, and DI out. I use one for gigging with my upright and one in the basement to plunk on my electric with. Sounds great for both.

I second this. I have a Clarus+ and it's a very versatile amp. I've also had GREAT success with my PJB BG-400 and an amp tilt (but it has no phantom power).

 

[Wasnex]

I concur. I've got a first series AI Coda, and it's very nice for upright at typical acoustic jazz levels, and a nice flexible studio/practice amp with the second and third (aux) channels, but I never found it useful for BG, big band, or large venues.

One of my peers used a stereo AI Clarus head driving an EA NL210. I thought it worked really well with upright, bass guitar, and Kala U-Bass. This rig was used for concert band, big band, jazz combo, cover band, etc.

However since AI and EA are out of business, I don't recommend them .

 

[Jeff Genzler]

Awesome! Do you have a contact for him?

Here I am and thank you for your interest in our AA-PRO and AA-PRO-GOL version. For both UB and EB I would recommend the AA-PRO-GOL version which does have our bass 10" Neo driver. It would be more solid and powefor your moderate EB needs.
Also, saw your PM and will respond there too. Thanks again.