Bass Preamp Pedal

[jtemple]

The other night at rehearsal my Line 6 Bass Pod XT Live began showing me that it's not long for this world. Cutting in and out, distorting, etc. I bought it used a few years back and it's served me well since.

It's time to start thinking about a replacement and to be honest, I used 1-2 of the amp emulations from the XT at best. I don't use an amp on stage so I'm looking for something portable with an XLR out and gives me a decent sound through FOH. I started researching this topic and realize there's quite a few options out there. I wondered if anyone would like to help create a list of the various offerings that are available. If you want to contribute, I'm wanting to keep the scope fairly narrow. I want compile a list of pedals that:

• Doesn't require an amp
• Can be placed on the floor
• Gives a decent tone with flexibility to tailor the sound
• Doesn't require other pedals to work (can be used standalone)
• Doesn't break the bank

I'd like to make this list available as a reference here for other bassists that are considering using a pedal only or are looking to replace an older product. I realize products come and go and the list will be outdated at some point but if we collectively keep the list updated we'll have a common reference for new products as well as used alternatives. I've purposefully not listed any feature so far as pro/con because that is always subjective. For example, I like having a tuner built in, others may not. Let's also resist the urge to bash a pedal just because it emulates an amp or produces a tone that is not to our personal tastes.

I would definitely be interested in comments about a particular device's "user friendliness". For example, I've never used any of these and I love GK equipment but just from the review videos I found online the GK Plex looks very confusing and difficult to adjust.

Feel free to add any pedals or correct any information that I've presented. If you have a great review video feel free to post that as well.

Here's the list I have created thus far. Note that the prices listed are as of the time of this posting and for simplicity sake I've listed the Sweetwater list price from their website.

• Tech 21 Sans Amp DI - $209
  • No mid eq dial
  • No tuner
• Tech 21 Sans Amp VT Bass DI - $209
• Tech 21 Sans Amp Blass Fly Rig - $299
  • Built in tuner
• EBS MicroBass - $499
• Trace Elliot Transit B - $299
• GK Plex - $359
  • DI interface is on top, not on side or bottom
  • Effects loop
  • Tuner
  • USB for recording
  • Classic GK sound
• Darkglass Microtubes - $299 - $429
• Mesa Subway DI - $349 - $399
• Ampeg SCR-DI - $203
  • No tuner
• Fender Downtown Express - $249
  • No tuner
• MXR Bass Preamp - $139
• Line 6 HX Stomp - $649
  • No XLR Out
• Aguillar Tone Hammer DI - $259 - $289
• Eden WTDI - $149

 

[FDR Jones]

Nice list. I would add Tech 21 Q Strip.

 

[Spectre1966]

I use the first 2 on your list (the Sansamp BDDI V2 has mid control). Both work very well.
Also have MXR M80 Bass DI+ which is also a great pedal.

 

[thumbslapper]

add the Broughton Messenger. Hard to get (it only for sale once every month or so, and sells out quick), but great EQ, easy to use as a stand alone preamp (with different outputs for amp, DI, etc), very transparent sound, really well built. Oh, and it has built in HP/LP as well.

 

[jtemple]

Also going to add Radial Bassbone V2 - $289