Bass Preamps

[1954bassman]

I have an ART Studio V3 that sounds really good to me. It does have a wall wart. It also has a nice sounding variable compressor, with a "bass" setting that I really like. It cost me like $75 new. Though I don't have one, I think the REDDI probably sounds a lot better @ $750, most likely.

 

[JimmyM]

I have an ART Studio V3 that sounds really good to me. It does have a wall wart. It also has a nice sounding variable compressor, with a "bass" setting that I really like. It cost me like $75 new. Though I don't have one, I think the REDDI probably sounds a lot better @ $750, most likely.

I have recorded proof that it does sound MUCH better than ART stuff I have an old ART preamp that's served me well...not that one, but a mic pre. However, I am all for anyone getting a good sound out of what they have rather than just throwing money at good sound. As always, the best way to get your sound together is to practice And if you can sound good in your ART and people like it, have fun.

 

[Joe Louvar]

You REALLY want to separate the men from the boys in preamp world? Output transformer. Good tube pres are very nice, but the output transformer makes all the difference between just sounding good and having total balls. I wouldn't even bother with one that didn't have it anymore after getting a REDDI. It's not a preamp but it's a DI with a tube and way outsized power and output transformers, and it makes all the difference in the world over similar devices that only have a few preamp tubes with no OT.

+1.

 

[1954bassman]

I figgered as much. I would love to have the funds to go for a REDDI. Maybe someday.

 

[JimmyM]

My ART is a moderately priced 2-channel starved plate number from 2000 called the Dual MP. I'll say this for starved plate...it's better than no tube at all IMHO. I've run cold sounding stuff through it before and it does warm it up a tad. Really not a bad little pre...think I paid $250 new, not a bit of trouble. Makes good sounding mic and acoustic tracks. Not great but good. Got to keep it in perspective, though. I certainly don't expect it to outperform a Neve channel strip or something like that.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Yeah baby, Neve channel strip - now we’re talking!!!

 

[Munjibunga]

If you are really looking for a recording pre, I suggest you also look at tube DIs such as the REDDI or an Avalon.

BTW, the REDDI also has a real power supply - no staved plate and no wall wart.

The U5 is solid state, so you'd have to lay out $2K+ for an Avalon with a tube.

 

[paparoof]

The U5 is solid state, so you'd have to lay out $2K+ for an Avalon with a tube.

The Sansamp RPM is $329.

 

[Bassman62]

My Ashdown RPM1 would be a right handful if it didn't have an internal power supply.
The RPM1 is virtualy an Ashdown head minus the output stage, with the added variable active crossover as a bonus.
At the other extreme I also have a Spirit FX8 desk with the most ridiculous flimsy power plug into the desk from the off board power supply, you only have to catch the plug and the power goes off.

 

[Son of Bovril]

I personally can recommend the Fender TBP-1 and Eden Navigator preamps, both tube, although the eden is much less vintage in it's tone and less "Tubey" sounding.

To be honest though you read a lot about how you HAVE to have tubes in your amp for it to sound good and fatten up the tone, but that really isn't the case at all. there are many great Solid state designs that sound fatter and better IMO than many of the tube ones. Sure if you are gonna be laying down serious dough for a top of the line piece of studio equipment then you may very well hear the difference but at the price point of gear this thread is discussing, I don't think you should limit yourself to tubes only, because in most designs preamp tubes don't really even make that much of a difference...

if you were talking about tube power sections, that is a different game. Just saying, don't look over some really great pieces of solid state gear just because you heard somewhere that tubes are better...

 

[Bassman62]

if you were talking about tube power sections, that is a different game. Just saying, don't look over some really great pieces of solid state gear just because you heard somewhere that tubes are better...

I agree there, from my experience it is the output stage where valves/tubes come into their own.
My Ashdown RPM1 preamp has a valve/tube in it which I've never realy bothered with.

 

[Bassmec]

Yeah baby, Neve channel strip - now we’re talking!!!

An Original transistor 1073 or 1081 is very good, brent averill clones are very good too, but then for me an old RCA OP-6 is to die for! in tube tone with maybe a DW Fearn as Its closest clone or cousin.
Best Ampeg pre IMHO is the old made in USA SVT iip.
Ashdown EVO pre amps can do very well in cleanish bass recording especially if you do the subtile cap mod across the master pot thing to brighten it up a bit.

 

[lowendblues]

The Sansamp RPM is $329.

*The Para-Driver is the pedal version of the RPM and sells for $209 new.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[fokof]

I really like my Summit Audio TD100
(If you don't need other controls than Gain)

-UA LA-610

There are many many choices in the Single channel recording/pre/mic/line world.

 

[Oobly]

I am happy with my Dave Hall Amps VT-2 Twin EQ Bass. 2 channel tube preamp pedal. Quality handmade unit. It has balanced XLR DI with ground lift switch (GND, float, ploat) to go straight to a mixing desk. Nice tube tone from clean to overdriven.

Another good option (although a little more pricey) is the ART Pro Channel. It has a nice EQ and tube/optical compressor. Lots of tone options. Doesn't do full on distortion, but you can get some mild overdriven sound.

The PreSonus Studio Channel is also worth a mention. Really good for the price.

 

[Jim C]

You REALLY want to separate the men from the boys in preamp world? Output transformer. Good tube pres are very nice, but the output transformer makes all the difference between just sounding good and having total balls. I wouldn't even bother with one that didn't have it anymore after getting a REDDI. It's not a preamp but it's a DI with a tube and way outsized power and output transformers, and it makes all the difference in the world over similar devices that only have a few preamp tubes with no OT.

I suppose it comes down to a definition.
The OP asked about pre-amps not DI's.
In my definition a pre-amp contains a gain stage as well as tone adjustments.
While there is truth that lb. for lb. a comparison will often times favor the better output transformer in similar designs, there are many consoles that are transformerless that when used with say a Countryman, yield a beautiful result.

 

[JimmyM]

I suppose it comes down to a definition.
The OP asked about pre-amps not DI's.
In my definition a pre-amp contains a gain stage as well as tone adjustments.
While there is truth that lb. for lb. a comparison will often times favor the better output transformer in similar designs, there are many consoles that are transformerless that when used with say a Countryman, yield a beautiful result.

You can get preamps with an output transformer, too. The REDDI's not the only thing on the market with them. Jule Amps Monique, for one. Can't argue with you otherwise, but take that same desk and plug in something with a tube/transformer design like the REDDI or Monique and forget about it.

 

[JimmyM]

I personally can recommend the Fender TBP-1 and Eden Navigator preamps, both tube, although the eden is much less vintage in it's tone and less "Tubey" sounding.

To be honest though you read a lot about how you HAVE to have tubes in your amp for it to sound good and fatten up the tone, but that really isn't the case at all. there are many great Solid state designs that sound fatter and better IMO than many of the tube ones. Sure if you are gonna be laying down serious dough for a top of the line piece of studio equipment then you may very well hear the difference but at the price point of gear this thread is discussing, I don't think you should limit yourself to tubes only, because in most designs preamp tubes don't really even make that much of a difference...

if you were talking about tube power sections, that is a different game. Just saying, don't look over some really great pieces of solid state gear just because you heard somewhere that tubes are better...

Some like solid state. I like tubes and transformers. Neither is a "wrong" or "right" answer, but the stuff I've played with tubes and transformers blows away everything made all SS as far as I'm concerned. Wish I did like SS better...it's cheaper. But alas, I am destined to live life as a tube snob, and I'm through pretending and being nice about it.

 

[scotch]

Some like solid state. I like tubes and transformers. Neither is a "wrong" or "right" answer, but the stuff I've played with tubes and transformers blows away everything made all SS as far as I'm concerned. Wish I did like SS better...it's cheaper. But alas, I am destined to live life as a tube snob, and I'm through pretending and being nice about it.

I tend to lean towards tubes too. Then, of course, theres the Neve 1073 mic pre! For me, playing through a Neve channel really opened my eyes!

(well,.. then... my Aguilar tube di into a Neve pre is even better...)

 

[Passinwind]

Some like solid state. I like tubes and transformers. Neither is a "wrong" or "right" answer, but the stuff I've played with tubes and transformers blows away everything made all SS as far as I'm concerned.

Those aren't the only options though...