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Audere Preamps
- Thread starter Fatbasstones
- Start date
Quite a number of years ago I borrowed a Jazz bass that had a drop-in Audere pre. I don’t know what model it was but this was when Audere was still a fairly new company and was getting a lot of attention. The control plate had a single toggle switch for “Z-mode.”
I found it to be a very nice, transparent pre that compared favorably to the other big players. Good EQ points, quiet, clean and a good blend. I didn’t really like the Z-mode, personally, but I also didn’t spend a huge amount of time trying to figure it out.
The experience didn’t make me rush out and buy an Audere pre but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a bass if it already had one. It sounded good.
I found it to be a very nice, transparent pre that compared favorably to the other big players. Good EQ points, quiet, clean and a good blend. I didn’t really like the Z-mode, personally, but I also didn’t spend a huge amount of time trying to figure it out.
The experience didn’t make me rush out and buy an Audere pre but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a bass if it already had one. It sounded good.
I installed an Audere Classic 2-band in my bass last week. It is my first experience with these preamps, and I am very pleased with the results I am getting. Three weeks ago, my East Uni-Pre (was a fantastic pre) started failing during sound check at Carnegie Hall, making terrible crackling sounds when I tapped the top of one of the pots. Fortunately, I was able to go passive but I was missing the buffered blend.
Deciding on the Audere was based on:
Deciding on the Audere was based on:
- I really became used to and prefer the results from buffered blending
- I wanted something that would be more transparent, and that would “open up” the Bartolini original splits a little
- cost! the Audere is very reasonably priced
- I wanted the option of fewer eq bands because I never used the variable mids on the Uni-pre
Attachments
In deference to the NYC Performing Arts scene as a whole, “Hie thee to a backup-bass, Ophelia!”
Seriously, though…does your Audere module preamp have an active/passive switch, in case something like that ever happens again?
No, Audere preamps do not have a bypass or passive option.In deference to the NYC Performing Arts scene as a whole, “Hie thee to a backup-bass, Ophelia!”
Seriously, though…does your Audere module preamp have an active/passive switch, in case something like that ever happens again?
Yeah, I was afraid that might be the case. I know the on-the-plate jobbies do not have a passive setting, but I wasn't sure about the module-versions.
Either way, thanks for the heads-up!
Oooh, you may need to double-check those module versions. Or ask someone else.Yeah, I was afraid that might be the case. I know the on-the-plate jobbies do not have a passive setting, but I wasn't sure about the module-versions.
Either way, thanks for the heads-up!
My Audere experience is only with the Jazz plate versions. I’d hate to steer you wrong!
Taking a quick glance at their site, it looks like the modules do not have a passive mode. Of course, those are off-the-shelf models. Who knows if they do custom jobs?
Aaaaand, I have “heard” it said around here that David is not willing to make changes like that to his preamps.
I called him 2-3 years ago about a question and he was great to talk to. As well as responding fairly quickly to emails.
Maybe worth reaching out and asking. The worst thing that can happen is for him to say no….
For what these cost, I'd be going down the diagnostics rabbit-hole on this one. The fact the anomaly can be mechanically-induced (tap-tap-tap...the Raven?) shows some promise.
Riis
at present, my only active ax has the audere 4-band "jazz series." the pickups are EMG actives, so my situation is different than what you're going for, but: FWIW (and for the benefit of a few others), the EMGs sound exactly as expected (longtime EMG active user), and the audere does a great job controlling that sound. the blend is fantastic and the EQ is useful/musical and appreciated.
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good luck with your preamp choices!
When I have an opportunity to sort out the problem with the Uni-pre, I will be passing it along to someone else, as I plan on only keeping the Audere at this point. While the Uni provides a high level of flexibility, I am able to get the results I want with less fiddling and I think that this preamp/pickup combination is an improvement.
I have a parts bass that has more sentimental value than anything else (I’ve had the body since I was 16 y/o).
When I put it together, I had an Audere JZ3 Pro (3 band) in a drawer that I decided to use along with some DiMarzio Model J’s.
I had just started playing in a punk band and the Audere really brought out the best qualities of those pickups and I especially loved the Low Z setting with a mid bump on the EQ.
Decided it was worth it to upgrade to the Pro Z module and run it at 18v.
It was a tight fit, but it sounds fantastic and I like that I can program the Z modes.
The only downside is that you can’t program a mid/high setting for the neck pickup and a low setting for the bridge pickup.
Overall though, I’m really happy with it.
When I put it together, I had an Audere JZ3 Pro (3 band) in a drawer that I decided to use along with some DiMarzio Model J’s.
I had just started playing in a punk band and the Audere really brought out the best qualities of those pickups and I especially loved the Low Z setting with a mid bump on the EQ.
Decided it was worth it to upgrade to the Pro Z module and run it at 18v.
It was a tight fit, but it sounds fantastic and I like that I can program the Z modes.
The only downside is that you can’t program a mid/high setting for the neck pickup and a low setting for the bridge pickup.
Overall though, I’m really happy with it.
