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Double Bass 2 Channel Preamp and Amp Specs

Ben Rose

Ben Rose

Supporting Member
Jan 12, 2004
1,101
922
Oakland
#1
Hey bass family,

As part of my search for a 2 channel solution for amplifying my bass, I created this spreadsheet showing the specifications of several of including input types and impedance, presence of an HPF or Notch filter, phantom power, EQ specs, dimensions, etc.

Sharing it with the TB in case it is helpful for others in their decision-making process. For one person, having 2 mic inputs may be more important, while someone else may place more value on a variable phase control.

NOTE: I'm not making any claims about how these amps or preamps sound, how reliable they are, or who endorses them. I am merely listing the manufacturers' specs in an easy format for comparison.

This information is current and correct to the best of my knowledge, but if someone has more exact specs where I simply have a Yes/No, or sees something that is blatantly wrong, let me know and I'll make an edit.

List of Products
Acoustic Image Clarus 2 Channel
Acoustic Image Flex
EBS Stanley Clarke Acoustic Preamp
Euphonic Audio Doubler
Genzler Acoustic Array Pro Gollihur Edition
Grace Design Felix 2
Headway EDB-2 H.E.
Radial PZ Pro

- Ben
 
Last edited:
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#2
Nice start Ben.

Having a 2-channel pre-amp myself, I'm struck wondering what criteria you have in mind for inclusion in your list. Mine is a K&K Dual Channel Pro ST, a clip-on battery operated pre that I'm using for blending a 2 channel piezo pickup system. Perhaps not what all folks are generally looking for, but very compact and useful for on-board use.
 
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#3
Ben Rose said:
Hey bass family,

As part of my search for a 2 channel solution for amplifying my bass, I created this spreadsheet showing the specifications of several of including input types and impedance, presence of an HPF or Notch filter, phantom power, EQ specs, dimensions, etc.

Sharing it with the TB in case it is helpful for others in their decision-making process. For one person, having 2 mic inputs may be more important, while someone else may place more value on a variable phase control.

NOTE: I'm not making any claims about how these amps or preamps sound, how reliable they are, or who endorses them. I am merely listing the manufacturers' specs in an easy format for comparison.

This information is current and correct to the best of my knowledge, but if someone has more exact specs where I simply have a Yes/No, or sees something that is blatantly wrong, let me know and I'll make an edit.

List of Products
Acoustic Image Clarus 2 Channel
Acoustic Image Flex
EBS Stanley Clarke Acoustic Preamp
Euphonic Audio Doubler
Genzler Acoustic Array Pro Gollihur Edition
Grace Design Felix 2
Headway EDB-2 H.E.
Radial PZ Pro

- Ben
Click to expand...

Consider adding "Mute Switch" as a category in your spreadsheet. You currently have mute mentioned in the "Other" category.

IMHO to double on upright bass, it's very helpful if the channels have mute switches, or if the amp is a channel switcher. If the amp uses channel switching, you can only play through one channel at a time.

My last touring rig used a rack mixer and Shure A95U line matching transformers so I could plug into the mic inputs. The A95Us were necessary because the 1/4" inputs were line level only. The Mic/Line switch on each channel of this particular mixer acted as a mute button. I switched between three instruments.


I different way to solve this problem would be to use something like a Boss LS2 or a Radial Mix Blender for switching, and then use a dedicated preamp or EQ pedal for each of two instruments. Then you could choose specific pieces of gear to optimize the performance of each instrument.
 
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#4
Ben Rose said:
Hey bass family,

As part of my search for a 2 channel solution for amplifying my bass, I created this spreadsheet showing the specifications of several of including input types and impedance, presence of an HPF or Notch filter, phantom power, EQ specs, dimensions, etc.

Sharing it with the TB in case it is helpful for others in their decision-making process. For one person, having 2 mic inputs may be more important, while someone else may place more value on a variable phase control.

NOTE: I'm not making any claims about how these amps or preamps sound, how reliable they are, or who endorses them. I am merely listing the manufacturers' specs in an easy format for comparison.

This information is current and correct to the best of my knowledge, but if someone has more exact specs where I simply have a Yes/No, or sees something that is blatantly wrong, let me know and I'll make an edit.

List of Products
Acoustic Image Clarus 2 Channel
Acoustic Image Flex
EBS Stanley Clarke Acoustic Preamp
Euphonic Audio Doubler
Genzler Acoustic Array Pro Gollihur Edition
Grace Design Felix 2
Headway EDB-2 H.E.
Radial PZ Pro

- Ben
Click to expand...

Ben, thanks for doing this! Very helpful and informative.

I have two comments (not corrections) for you. As a user, and a lover of the Genzler Acoustic Pro Gollihur model I see two things:
1. I believe there is some 'built-in' HPF, this from talking with Jeff Genzler. I don't know the specs, perhaps he could elaborate. Even though it isn't variable it does provide at least some of the benefits of an HPF: cutting down on sub-harmonics which cause cone overextension etc.
2. True, there is no 'Notch Filter'. However, I find the variable mids to be extremely useful. Though not designed to create a 'narrow notch' to take out a small frequency range, I find that by Boosting the mid and sweeping the frequency knob I can find tones that I DON'T like and then CUT the mids at that point. I find that cutting around 600 hz can really minimize any 'quack'. This actually seems helpful with both a piezo and a mic.

One thing I really appreciate about the 'Genzlihur' is that it is an all-in-one solution. Not external pre-amps, wall warts, etc. Easy-Peazy (and I think it sounds wonderful - especially with my Xlson microphone).
 
#5
Thanks, dhergert. The criteria is mainly that it has 2 channels. I started with ones that seemed to be mentioned frequently on TB. I just added the K&K.

Thanks, Rick. That's good information. I've been enjoying your videos and I just ordered a TC BAM and a Headway EDB-2 as a result. I also ordered an EBS SC Pre to compare to the Headway.
 
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#10
Ric Vice said:
Stellar job Ben, that took a long time to collate all that data. Something I think that is a valuable endeavor. Congrats
Click to expand...

Thanks, Ric! Hope it is useful for others.

shwashwa said:
Walter woods?
Click to expand...
They're great amps (at least the only one I every heard was_. Is Walter Woods still making amps? I'm having a hard time finding the specs or a website.

Cdnbassnut said:
Trickfish Trilobite.
Click to expand...
Added - input impedance still pending.
 

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