Anybody else not using amps?

[Kael]

Umm... The SansAmp is analog not digital...

I almost posted this then I skimmed the replies to see if anyone said something already. All the sansamps are good in lieu of an amp. Some of them have a learning curve to set and get a pleasing tone. IME the paradriver is the easiest to learn and my personal fav.

 

[Floridabwoy]

I used a Tubworks Bluetube into a Whirlwind DI recently and it sounded pretty damn good once it warmed up.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I use a Sansamp VTDI a lot and it works out great. Of course I prefer to use an amp, but when I have just a few seconds to setup, DI is the only way to go. I'd like to try a Fatboy Tube DI.

 

[Artobass]

I actually have used my Genz Benz Streamliner DI. The amp only weighs about 6.5 lbs. so using as a DI is pretty easy. Sounds great too.

 

[LiquidMidnight]

You can use any solid state amp without a cab AFAIK .

Technically, most solid-state amps don't require a load. There are a precious few that have output transformers that require a load like any tube amp.

Also, I really like the JDI and VT Deluxe for DI options. I'd love to try a REDDI.

 

[Jazzish]

Haven't used an amp live in over two years. Makes it so much easier to get in and out of jobs and IEM's keep loud drummers from killing my ears.
I love the Sadowsky outboard preamp/DI. VERY easy to dial in killer tone. Before that I used a Radial DI.

 

[basspraiser]

I play a church gig so 90% of the time it is direct....We do 2-3 gigs out of the church for which I use an amp (set up size and components depends on where we are and how big the venue is). I MAY start using a recently purchased TC Electronics amp (purchased used just so I have a practice amp at church as the sound board is in the balcony and often I have to go turn it on JUST for me when we practice ...and I am lazy ) as the leader wants to see how it sounds in the church. The built in overdrive does sound pretty good....

so...not sure if there is a "full time" amp in my future or not...

 

[decentbassbreh]

Lots of great suggestions above...my experience:

I switched from using a Sans Amp BDDI as the core of my tone, and went all digital a few years ago. My "A" rig is based around the Fractal Audio AxeFX, but in order to crop my rig down to the minimum (in order to do duo and some other very small shows with tight stages) I tried the ZOOM MS60B and eventually landed on the ZOOM B-3 as my "grab and go" modeling pedal.

Consequently, both of my Sans Amp BDDI pedals were sold off. I play hard rock metal with one band, and use the SVT amp emulation for that, and it sounds fine to me. I like a bit of grind in my tone. For more vintage tones, I've used the Bassman emulation. Really, though, you can get any tone from this box, from ultra snappy clean to heavily effected amp emulations. I'm not going to go out on a limb and say that tonally, the B-3 produces the most transparent, pristine tone, but it is a great bang-for-buck utility pedal IMO.

What are your settings on the B-3 and why is it you say that the B-3 DI is no good?

Im not really sure whats wrong with it but when I use it soundguys complain about white noise, not buzz or hum. I not sure why it has white noise but yeah

 

[Afc70]

We use IEMs/headphones at church- I either run my basses thru my Neve direct box or my Kern preamp. They both sound fat and warm- I'm loving it!! I also love the Roland electronic drums and no guitar amps on stage, it is a huge sounding studio quality mix in my headphones. Couldn't be happier.

 

[modulusman]

I bought a used Sansamp programmable bass driver DI a few months ago. Works great and I like it a lot better than the Eden WTDI it replaced. The Eden had no phantom power or battery operation so you needed the power supply.

 

[hufe]

Great thread, lots of useful information here for those of us that play in small stages or are simply tired of carrying the whole thing.

 

[chuck3]

I actually have used my Genz Benz Streamliner DI. The amp only weighs about 6.5 lbs. so using as a DI is pretty easy. Sounds great too.

That is what I do, too, in my main band. Have gone Streamliner 900 to FOH for the last two years or so. Sounds great. I do use cabs for other musical projects, though.

 

[morgansterne]

I like an amp for my bass gigs. My most frequent gigs are keys and rhythm guitar and I go direct for those. I use my zoom b3 for electric guitr -- I have a decent guitar amp but don't use it unless there's a lot of space.

 

[irbass]

The REDDI is top dog as far as DI's go.

However if you need EQ capability to then the Basswitch is the way to go.

I do some rehearsals like this and use the Basswitch mounted to my board with all my pedals and it sounds insanely good.

Hello Tony.

I did read some post of you in the past, and you know a lot of about DI.
I'm kind of purist sound. I really like the very clean sound of my bass when I'm not using any effect.

So Tell me about Radial JDV. I'm really looking to buy one.

Tks.

 

[Dominic D]

In my country band, I run a Zoom B3 direct to the board. I use a Rolls PM351 for IEM. I've had no problems with this setup and much prefer it to real amps. I fequently get compliments for my tone. Most people are shocked that what they're hearing isn't an amp.

 

[Bellbass]

I use a Basswitch (with pedalboard) or a DHA tube preamp (when I only need a "clean" tone). Both sound great!!!

 

[chuck3]

I use a Basswitch (with pedalboard) or a DHA tube preamp (when I only need a "clean" tone). Both sound great!!!

I am not familiar with the DHA tube preamps but I just looked them up and they're very interesting. Which one do you have?

Question to Tony - have you used the DHAs?

 

[elkkid2]

Hi, when I play Casinos I tend to use them. At "Gilley's" at the Nugget in Reno, they don't want to see a Bass Amp...so I use the Eden D.I. and Shure 425 In Ear Monitors...I really playing the quieter gig...I can turn down the overly LOUD Drummer and Keyboardist! It's nice and clear...like recording, except more Fun with the Audience and...well, the "Gilley Girls" dancing is always great!

 

[Bellbass]

I don't understand why David Hall's stuff is not better known or discussed here on TB. I have a VT2-Twin-EQ-Std-Bass and I couldn't be more satisfied. I bring my tuner the the DHA pre on the gig and it's all I need. I've got a Supertramp tribute and use a Valenti PJ with flats and its got an incredible tone. No need for an amp...But a good pair of IEM!!

 

[jmbjandfam]

I play in a couple of churches direct without an amp. Have done so for several years. One with IEM's, another with stage monitors. I've used a number of pre-amp / di's including the Sansamp BDDI and BDDI Deluxe, Eden WTDI and Aguilar Tonehammer, all with great success.

I just rec'd a Zoom B3 today that I am going to give a try. I wanted some noise reduction for a noisy single coil bridge pickup on one of my basses and the fact that I could have that plus compression plus tone shaping and a tuner in one box made it so I couldn't resist giving the B3 a run.

Sounds pretty good so far at home.....we'll see how the weekend goes.