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Double Bass AI-esque pre-amp

P

Peredur

Jul 7, 2002
511
267
60
Wales
www.myspace.com
#1
I am running two amps at the moment, an AI Focus for DB and a Focusrite/Yamaha rack for Bass Guitar. I can live with this, but would be happy to find a pre-amp that behaves the same as the AI so that I only had to have one amp and I could spend the excess money on other toys. I really like how the AI makes my Full Circle equiped DB sound. Any ideas? If I have to keep two amps then it will not kill me.

TIA
 
#5
What's wrong with the AI Focus for BG? I use channel 1 for upright and channel 2 for BG with Sansamp RBI through the send-return to add this nasty edge to it. Works perfect for me.
If you like the pre-amp of your Focus you can use the effect send or the DI to lead the signal to another amp or mixing console.
Or is it that I don't understand your quest?
 
#8
I could double with the Focus and have been doing so, but prefer the sound of the Focusrite/Yamaha rack for bass guitar. I prefer the sound of the AI for Double Bass (through an NV610 - OH YES!).

I am running two heads for different gigs and was just wondering if I might buy a different pre-amp that sounded the same as the AI pre-amp and rationalise my equipment slightly. It's not a huge deal if I do not.
 
#9
Ah, now I understand.
You could try the Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum. I had great results in combination with the Realist. I guess this would also work out fine for the Full Circle.

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#10
I have a fishman pre (2 of them in fact - the 2nd was a bargain. I could not stop myself!), but the AI seems to filter out a bit of strident upper mid (what appears to ME like a metallic "boing" on the note) that seems to haunt me whatever I play through - sadly it seems as if the tone really is in your fingers :( The AI sounds closer to what I hear in my head than anything else I have managed so far.
 
#11
It will be much simpler to use the AI head for both and preamp the slab sounds than to use something else for your DB and get it to sound right.

Since you've found a DB sound you like I'd use something like the Sansamp for your electric basses and ignore that focusrite yamaha thing.

If you prefer the focusright then use it for the Electric Basses into the fx return and it will sound great.
 
#12
I use the Focus for both DB and BG. With the DB I usually use smaller cabs like the GK 112MBX or the Contra cabinet. With the BG I'll use the aforementioned cabs or 1 or 2 Epifani UL112 depending on how loud I need to get and I rarely use 2 of them. I usually use the EQ of my BG to dial in the sound I want and don't need the EQ of the amp to do that but you could easily use a Sans Amp, EBS MicroBass or other box to dial in any sound you can't get with your BG EQ.
 
#14
Another vote for the Focus and SansAmp pairing. I have three passive EBs and I really, really dig the BDDI's tone shaping capabilities for slab. I should say I have a predilection for vintage EB tone, and don't slap or tap, etc. I use it for EB even when it's not a doubling gig.

The Radial DIs and their newer PZ-Pre and Bassbone have always intrigued me too, but I've yet to try any of them. They have been endorsed by a serious set of heavyweights, hensonbass included. :)
 
#17
Which Sansamp do you guys prefer? I am thinking of getting one to use with my EB and a Focus I Series 3. Trying to decide between the Para Driver and and Bass Driver... I like the idea of the sweepable mid on the Para Driver, but I was curious if there are any reasons to select the Bass Driver.

I haven't had a chance to try either of them yet.

Cheers,

Jeff
 
#18
jweiss said:
Which Sansamp do you guys prefer? I am thinking of getting one to use with my EB and a Focus I Series 3. Trying to decide between the Para Driver and and Bass Driver... I like the idea of the sweepable mid on the Para Driver, but I was curious if there are any reasons to select the Bass Driver.
Click to expand...
Jeff, are you looking for feedback from DB players? Just asking because I didn't see upright listed in your profile.
 
#19
I'd say the Phil Jones Bass Buddy for your BG. $300, and it is a swiss army knife. DI, stereo Aux in, Headphone out, line out, actually powers a speaker to 10 watts, which is perfect for a spot monitor for the drummer, etc., 5 band graphic EQ, compressor.

The tone is great, and for the money you won't find anything better. And it runs on two 9 volt batteries if you want. Also comes in a nice padded gig bag.
 
#20
bolo said:
Jeff, are you looking for feedback from DB players? Just asking because I didn't see upright listed in your profile.
Click to expand...

Yep, that would be great!

(From those who double and use a Sansamp with the EB)

I was thinking of getting a Sansamp for use with the fretted EB and continuing to use my Rob Allen straight into the input on my AI Focus.

My impression from reading is that amplifying the Rob Allen is somewhat similar to amplifying a DB w/ piezo.

Cheers,

Jeff
 

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