• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Avalon U5!!!!!!

caesarbass

caesarbass

Sep 21, 2004
1,981
171
59
Orange County, CA
www.thebasshang.com
#1
I think I've narrowed my preamp decision down to an Avalon U5. Could you guys give me some real world, real gig info on this bad boy. I'm planning on running it with a new QSC PLX2402 bridged into an 8 ohm Avatar 212. What is the biggest difference between the EQ settings, and which ones work best for you guys? I'll be using a Sadowsky Metro 5 string, a Franken P, and a 1966 stock Fender jazz. I'm also interested in knowing how this pre stacks up or compares to other well known pre's, such as the Alembics, Demeters, Aguilars, etc. Thanks!!!!! :D
 
#4
caesarbass said:
I think I've narrowed my preamp decision down to an Avalon U5. Could you guys give me some real world, real gig info on this bad boy. I'm planning on running it with a new QSC PLX2402 bridged into an 8 ohm Avatar 212. What is the biggest difference between the EQ settings, and which ones work best for you guys? I'll be using a Sadowsky Metro 5 string, a Franken P, and a 1966 stock Fender jazz. I'm also interested in knowing how this pre stacks up or compares to other well known pre's, such as the Alembics, Demeters, Aguilars, etc. Thanks!!!!! :D
Click to expand...
You're going to love that rig. Congratulations.

I use settings #2, #4 and #5 the most. Number 2 is scooped and mellow. Number 4 boosts the mids and highs a bit, and is good for cutting through the mix. Number 5 is like #4, except with a little more bite. I haven't played those other pres, but I don't see how they could sound any better. BassTasters has some good clips of pres, including the U5. Check it out. Although I still don't know how one can make a realistic comparison on 2-inch computer speakers. Maybe I should hook up my Mackie SR-1530s. That would be awesome.
 
#5
Great info Munji!!! I think I'm going to be lucky enough to try one out on a gig next week and I'll keep the eq settings you use in mind. Also, I have my KRK ST6's hooked up to my computer and they really help with the basstasters clips. I haven't had my computer speakers hooked up in about a year, they sound like SH$T. I'm trying to sell my WT-800, am I going to regret it? I ask because I see that you have one in your profile.
 
#8
The Avalon is definitely road worthy. Get a good case for it and youll be all set. I bought a U5 and found that I could distort the unit with my passive basses at gain settings of 6 and up. I took it back because I didnt care for that at all. Tried the other one they had and it was exactly the same. I seem to be the only one in the world who has had such an experience though so take that for what its worth. As far as sound it was very similar to my Demeter VTBP-201s but maybe a little more fat in the lows and slightly smoother highs.
 
#9
Ever since I got my Metro I've been thinking about getting a higher-fi preamp. With my modulus Q5 I really needed the extra fat and juice of an Ampeg SVP Pro ... now even my SWR workingman's 10 sounds killer! The sadowsky just doesn't need any help at all.

Avalon makes my dream studio preamp, the Vt-737sp. If price was no object, I would give that a go as my live preamp. I'm sure the U5 is very good as well (though having regular EQ and a comp is a big advantage with the 737). the quality on the Avalon stuff is top notch. Absolutely roadworthy.

There are other studio style preamps out there you could try (like presonus and focusrite), but the avalon is bass-guitar specific and is a very safe bet.
 
#10
Caesar...

Do a search under Avalon and put in my name (tommixx) under member name...you will probably find all the info you would ever need including comparisons of the U5 to other pres....as a Bass player and as an Engineer I can not recommend the U5 enough......I had 3 of them up until about 2 hours ago when I shipped one off to Houston, TX!!!!! You may find these threads particularly useful......

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140415&highlight=Avalon

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74540&highlight=Avalon

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=151503&highlight=Avalon

Personally, I don't really use the EQ much but I like preset 4 for most of the time if I use it at all...I think you will find with the Sadowsky on board and the right amp/cab combo you can get most of the tones that you could ever want without any use of outside EQ.......

Peace,

T
 
#11
It's a great unit, it has found a permanent space in my rack. I have used it as my pre for the past 4 gigs and it has sounded great at all of them. I use setting 3 as my main setting, #1 for a slightly more mid scooped sound than #3, and #4 if I need more mid presence for burpy fingerstyle funk. I love the simplicity, as I used to be a chronic knob turner, and this has cured me of that.
-Jay
 
#12
metron said:
(...)As far as sound it was very similar to my Demeter VTBP-201s but maybe a little more fat in the lows and slightly smoother highs.
Click to expand...

hmm...

interesting. i thought thru my setup and basses, the Dem was a tad muddy, while the U5 was clean and clear as a whistle.

what gear were you using the U5 with Metron?

jaeman111 said:
(...) I love the simplicity, as I used to be a chronic knob turner, and this has cured me of that.
-Jay
Click to expand...

yea, its ironic that i am a chronic knob tweaker, but the U5 more than satisfies my needs. *shrug*

tommixx said:
(...)
Personally, I don't really use the EQ much but I like preset 4 for most of the time if I use it at all...I think you will find with the Sadowsky on board and the right amp/cab combo you can get most of the tones that you could ever want without any use of outside EQ.......

Peace,

T
Click to expand...

+794,732,423
 
#13
jokerjkny said:
hmm...

interesting. i thought thru my setup and basses, the Dem was a tad muddy, while the U5 was clean and clear as a whistle.

what gear were you using the U5 with Metron?
Click to expand...

pre -> QSC 2402 -> berg 210/115 I used my passive fenders. I also spent quite a bit of time listening to recordings of both through decent headphones. The only major difference on the recording was the Demeter had that high end sheen that at times can make it sound a bit clicky while the U5 had smoother highs. The difference in lows was only apparent through the amp but I bet it would also come through on the recording with some good studio monitors.
 
#16
metron said:
pre -> QSC 2402 -> berg 210/115 I used my passive fenders. I also spent quite a bit of time listening to recordings of both through decent headphones. The only major difference on the recording was the Demeter had that high end sheen that at times can make it sound a bit clicky while the U5 had smoother highs. The difference in lows was only apparent through the amp but I bet it would also come through on the recording with some good studio monitors.
Click to expand...

good stuff, metron... too bad the U5 wasnt up to par for you thru your berg stack. i'd think that combo would sound pretty darn good. :hmm:

prockenklang said:
I used to own a U-5,and really loved it until I heard the Millennia TD-1! Do yourself a favor and try a TD-1 before you buy the U-5,you will be glad you did.

John
Click to expand...

oh my freakin',

a little OT, but on Invalid Link Removed, those [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] are simply mind boggling... :eek: :help:

can only imagine what the TD-1 sounds like...
 
#17
jokerjkny said:
good stuff, metron... too bad the U5 wasnt up to par for you thru your berg stack. i'd think that combo would sound pretty darn good. :hmm:



oh my freakin',

a little OT, but on Invalid Link Removed, those [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] are simply mind boggling... :eek: :help:

can only imagine what the TD-1 sounds like...
Click to expand...

I not only own a TD-1,but I also own a STT-1!!

John
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back