Sure, it's not just parts that push the bill. JHS have done a very good video regarding that. How much does a pedal need to be? A Rangemaster? A Tonebender? How many usecases need to be covered? How many threads are there requesting additional features vs reducing features? I would need to pin down a percentage or something like that to decide if a stripper down version would be worth it. Then I'd consider DIY and pay with my time instead of my money.
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Bass preamp pedals without DI's
- Thread starter garfoid
- Start date
Sure, it's not just parts that push the bill. JHS have done a very good video regarding that. How much does a pedal need to be? A Rangemaster? A Tonebender? How many usecases need to be covered? How many threads are there requesting additional features vs reducing features? I would need to pin down a percentage or something like that to decide if a stripper down version would be worth it. Then I'd consider DIY and pay with my time instead of my money.
I like to mix and match preamps with DIs to capture different tones so my preference it to have separate boxes for each function, I have a collection of both. I am enamored with the various offerings from @Sushi Box FX for both guitar and bass but have several other preamps and overdrives that see regular duty.
If I do need a DI, the increase in cost to the PreAmp pedal is likely to be less than the cost of a separate DI (and any associated costs that come with it - a larger pedal board, patch cable).
From a manufacturing perspective, the lost sales due to the increase in cost may be more than offset by the increase in sales by having the integrated DI. Bigger manufactures will have folks who specialize in doing this analysis - I bet Fender did a lot of analysis to decide to include the DI on the Downtown Express, and the same analysis said to include a Mute switch (genius) but not to include a tuner (the one feature I find missing on it).
The two PreAmp Pedals I have (Downtown Express and a SansAmp Programmable BDDI) both have DIs. I've used them both, and I've also used the line-out on them to go to a DI. The flexibility of not needing to carry an extra DI (which I don't have) is worth it to me on both of them.
Back then, the only pedal I used was a SansAmp BDDI which I ran direct into the PA. The DI out was a must, not only as a DI but also (mostly) for phantom power, no need for a separate power supply.
When the BDDI failed I bought a VT bass, the first version without an XLR out, and it made me aware how much the need for external power makes things more complex.
When the BDDI failed I bought a VT bass, the first version without an XLR out, and it made me aware how much the need for external power makes things more complex.
Because you may want to put the preamp somewhere other than last in the chain?
I own and use both. On my large pedalboard, I prefer to have preamp and Di box as separate devices. In case there is a malfunction anywhere in the signal chain, I will plug my bass directly into the passive DI box. That’s my backup plan.
While I don't think it's a DI per se, I treat my Sushibox Underground accelerator as one for the Alembic FX-1 like tone stack. It's either that or lightly overdriven (Genzler 4 on the Floor OD) for my 2 tones. UA is fat and warm, the OD is, well...lightly overdriven with HP/LPF. I also have a dedicated HP/LP/Boost in the red Broughton (which is amazing for taking the boom out of certain rooms).
Been running this live board for going on 3 years and it's so rock solid. I find EQs and filters to be indispensable in the venues I play (small bars and clubs)
Been running this live board for going on 3 years and it's so rock solid. I find EQs and filters to be indispensable in the venues I play (small bars and clubs)
That pre-empts designing in XLR as a functional option? Every bass amplification system I have (combos, rackmounts, ampless pedal setups) or have tried out have XLR out.... somewhere. In a modern context, it just doesn't make sense, to go ALL the way of designing a product but miss that specification and common use for modern context.
But people like all kinds of things. You do you! Enjoy!
If you’re using an amp, sure. But if you’re using the DI out on the amp, then why do you want the DI out on the preamp? It’s horses for courses. I’ve done all of the above and my current setup sounds great and works great. Like you said, everyone needs to do what works best for them.
Someone else already mentioned that some amps have DIs that are post EQ and sometimes post master volume (Rumble V3 for example), so the only way to get a pre-EQ DI is use an external box.
I've only just started using pedals after 30 years of playing bass.
Recently bought a SansAmp Programmable Preamp/DI for my 55th birthday. Used it twice at home but yet to use it at a show. It's more of a "just in case" purchase than a "absolute go to" requirement, purchase, as I'm still using my amp and cab 99.8% of the time.
All the other pedals (Boss tuner, GE-7B, ODB-3, GEB-7 NS-2, Tech '21 Bass Boost Chorus) don't have a DI.
So, ultimately, No; not having a DI, is not a deal breaker.
Recently bought a SansAmp Programmable Preamp/DI for my 55th birthday. Used it twice at home but yet to use it at a show. It's more of a "just in case" purchase than a "absolute go to" requirement, purchase, as I'm still using my amp and cab 99.8% of the time.
All the other pedals (Boss tuner, GE-7B, ODB-3, GEB-7 NS-2, Tech '21 Bass Boost Chorus) don't have a DI.
So, ultimately, No; not having a DI, is not a deal breaker.
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Right now I'm using the full size version of the TC Sparkboost (for gritty tubey sounds) and the Joyo Monomyth (a Darkglass clone, for high gain). In the category of non XLR preamps, the former is a nice, cheap option.
I use the DI out on my Mesa D350. Otherwise I use a Tech 21 Para Driver as an amp emulator. I don't expect an EQ, boost, or dirt pedal to have a DI out. I would ask what the intent of the pedal is and take it from there.
Regarding the Monomyth in my last post - that's a darkglass copy with a graphic EQ (that can be used independently of the drive) AND switchable analog cabinet emulations that can work EVEN IN BYPASS, exclusively on the XLR out.
For $60 (demo model on Amazon),
Sometimes, price wise, it's a wash. Just get the good deal, regardless of whether it has a DI or not. Don't worry about it.
For $60 (demo model on Amazon),
Sometimes, price wise, it's a wash. Just get the good deal, regardless of whether it has a DI or not. Don't worry about it.
Yep. I was responding to a specific question. That’s why there are so many different options!
I dig my Darkglass Harmonic Booster Clean Bass Preamp. If the info I've picked up is correct, it was the very first Darkglass product.
No distortion, just kind of a magic boost pedal with a "Character" knob.
It went out of production, but there have been rumors of it coming back.
The only thing I don't like about it is the blinding light that indicates when the boost is engaged.
No distortion, just kind of a magic boost pedal with a "Character" knob.
It went out of production, but there have been rumors of it coming back.
The only thing I don't like about it is the blinding light that indicates when the boost is engaged.
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songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
I couldn't care less that my trusty Zoom MS60B has no DI. I just use an equally trusty and affordable Whirlwind DI.
Ok, since I didn’t exactly answer this question before, here goes…
The only times I ever wanted a pre without a DI is when I was switching between unlike basses in order to keep them the same basic volume and a similar EQ. But it’s definitely a selling point for me to have a DI on a pre as I don’t like a DI that doesn’t cut the sub lows and the tweeter frequencies, and I very rarely switch basses that sound way different anymore, so these days the likelihood I buy one without a DI is nil.
