Avalon U5 for Live Use

[paulerip]

I've used an Avalon U5 in the studio a ton and am thinking about adding it to my live rig. Just wanted to get some comments from others that are doing or have done the same about sound quality in a live setting & how road worthy they are - thanks.

 

[Bassflute]

I've used an Avalon U5 in the studio a ton and am thinking about adding it to my live rig. Just wanted to get some comments from others that are doing or have done the same about sound quality in a live setting & how road worthy they are - thanks.

you should do a search. Generally, they sound really good, but are limited by lack of eq, which can be problematic in some acoustics.

Cheers,
Cameron

 

[Jeremy Allen]

I've actually never used mine in a studio; I only use it live. It sounds amazing and makes me throw rocks at other preamps. Being stuck with only six EQ presets would seem to be a drag, but I seem to get by using only three of them. Then again, I also was able to get only about three distinct EQ settings that I like out of my Demeter vtbp201 as well, so it works fine for someone like me.

As for roadworthiness, it's quite rugged. I have mine racked, but it really doesn't need to be.

 

[rosstanium]

Every time I've heard one being used by a bassist live it's sounded like a million bucks. Whether you attribute that to the tool, or the person using it, or both, is up to you.

 

[brotherbassj]

I agree with Jeremy Allen above......I use mine almost exclusively live (I have yet to record with it). I actually bought it to use as a live rig pre amp! I have a rack with my qsc rmx 2450, a tuner, and it happens to have an ampeg svp-pro in there too.......but I keep that as a back up. Anytime I stray from the U5 my bandmates make negative comments/wish I was using it. I also get alot of questions about it at live shows from other bassists and guitarists. I have never had to use more than 2 of the settings in any venue......hope this helps!

 

[MuzikMan]

Yes Yes Yes! Just do it. All of the fears about lack of EQ will be quickly forgotten once you us it on stage. Many amps are only equipped with tone shaping EQ, not precision room fixing knobs anyway. The U5 sounds so darn good it doesn't need any tone shaping. I've played about 20 gigs with mine in a rack and have had no reliability issues. I take care of my stuff so FWIW.

 

[coolrunner989]

Every time I've heard one being used by a bassist live it's sounded like a million bucks. Whether you attribute that to the tool, or the person using it, or both, is up to you.

+1 - A bassist for a local band around here uses it with a Fender Jazz and an Ampeg 410HLF and his sound is so sweet every time I see them. I have to say that it's gotta be between his fingers and the U5 - the jazz is standard stock and it's an ampeg cab...