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Best bass preamp?

#101
As a player who prefers passive pickups, I find the key spec on amps and pres is the input impedance. My GK amps have a 1 MOhm spec, which makes my pickups lively and musical.

The EHX Battalion that arrived with my TB classifieds pedalboard sounded really good on a gig. When I looked at the spec, sure enough it was 2 MOhm.

So while I may not have much to add to the conversation in terms of a wide range of experience with pres, the input impedance spec seems worth looking at if you’re in the market.
 
#102
Kipp Harrington said:
Hey JRA... I am looking for a solid preamp. Nothing crazy, just for mostly 70s/Classic Rock. And maybe one that provides a smidgen more overdrive. I was looking at the Ampeg Classic Analog Preamp and it sounded good on clips. Some people were complaining of a popping noise when you engage/disengage it. Also when the Ultra Low button is engaged (a pop noise). Do you think this preamp is solidly built or on the "cheap" side. Thanks.
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Chiming in uninvited. Mesa speakingly very happy with my
MESA Boogie Subway Bass DI Preamp Pedal D800. Nice
strong output and clean signal. Not an overdrive guy so
can't speak as I didn't buy it for that in mind. Best to go
higher end tube preamp for that. It doesn't sound like my
'70's Blue Line SVT but then I haven't heard any offering
since that would faithfully reproduce that incredible tone.
Holy Grail. But still good investment. I alternate between
it and a GK PLEX which does a great "Hittin' the Rails" tone.

MESA/Boogie Subway Bass DI Preamp Pedal D800
 
#103
bassmike2010 said:
Chiming in uninvited. Mesa speakingly very happy with my
MESA Boogie Subway Bass DI Preamp Pedal D800. Nice
strong output and clean signal. Not an overdrive guy so
can't speak as I didn't buy it for that in mind. Best to go
higher end tube preamp for that. It doesn't sound like my
'70's Blue Line SVT but then I haven't heard any offering
since that would faithfully reproduce that incredible tone.
Holy Grail. But still good investment. I alternate between
it and a GK PLEX which does a great "Hittin' the Rails" tone.

MESA/Boogie Subway Bass DI Preamp Pedal D800
Click to expand...
Thanks bassmike2010... you are always "invited"
 
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#107
I just recently switched to a Tronographic Rusty Box, going out from the line out through a Broughton HPF/di and into a power amp. I dig it, it’s very clear and emphasizes just the right low frequencies for a really powerful sound without a ton of mud or wasted power. I keep the highs and gain at about 9 o’clock and the bass and mids dimed.
 
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#108
Hi there

I am using a Ampeg Classic analog Preamp and like it so far. Far from neutral, it gives character to my sound, a mid grit i love. I bought it to make the most with the small crappy orange combo i have at disposal in the reharsal studio. Then end up using it to bring my signature sound anywhere.

Here the thing. I like it much but sometimes it is too agressive. And also, it's a bit noisey too. I'd like to find an upgrade, in the same spirit. I'll use it as a life savior for reheasal, and into an IR cab simulator to feed the FOH on stage.

Any advice ?
 
#109
jefbyos said:
Hi there

I am using a Ampeg Classic analog Preamp and like it so far. Far from neutral, it gives character to my sound, a mid grit i love. I bought it to make the most with the small crappy orange combo i have at disposal in the reharsal studio. Then end up using it to bring my signature sound anywhere.

Here the thing. I like it much but sometimes it is too agressive. And also, it's a bit noisey too. I'd like to find an upgrade, in the same spirit. I'll use it as a life savior for reheasal, and into an IR cab simulator to feed the FOH on stage.

Any advice ?
Click to expand...
Yep...
Screenshot_20200211-121655_Chrome.jpg
 
#110
Well i was considering the VT bass DI (i have no use for programmation, it would be an always on device). Could match my expectations.

I would even don't need an IR cab sim and just use the T21 one, if only the defeat cab sim button was acting only on XLR and not on the jack. I see there are people doing mods (Putnam guitars) but i cannot find any DIY page about doing mods. I'd love to replace the on/off by a switchable effect loop too.
 
#111
After trying many and selling many I've come to the conclusion that the Nordstrand Starlifter and Noble Tube Preamp is the best I've tried. The Noble is head and shoulders better than anything I've used it you have a good soundman that can dial you in right. For times when your not so lucky to have a good soundman then the Starlifter is the next best as it gives me more control over my tone. The Noble though is like nothing I've tried for IEM, Live and Recording when it's zeroed in though.

IMG_4847.jpg
Nordstrand Starlifer.jpg
s-l1600 (1).jpg
 
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#113
Avalon5 said:
Just received the Nordstrand Starlifter. Love the vintage, flat, modern switch.
Very punchy! Let’s the basses sonic character come through.

I wonder if Carries onboard Pre would sound as good as The Starlifter
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I've owned many basses using Carrie's Nordstrand 3 band preamp and it is just as good and IMO the best onboard preamp out there. I also love the Nordstrand Starlifter and one reason why I like it so well also as it is similar to his 3 band onboard preamp.
 
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#115
Bassworship1 said:
After trying many and selling many I've come to the conclusion that the Nordstrand Starlifter and Noble Tube Preamp is the best I've tried. The Noble is head and shoulders better than anything I've used it you have a good soundman that can dial you in right. For times when your not so lucky to have a good soundman then the Starlifter is the next best as it gives me more control over my tone. The Noble though is like nothing I've tried for IEM, Live and Recording when it's zeroed in though.

View attachment 3966869 View attachment 3966870 View attachment 3966871
Click to expand...

Sorry for replying to an old comment, but are you using 15v or 12v? Does it make any difference soundwise?

I'm considering the starlifter or the truck fish minnow. The starlifter sounds slightly better from what I've heard and is much more straightforward, but the minnow is not far behind and is easier to get in the netherlands and more pedalboard friendly
 
#116
montiavi said:
Sorry for replying to an old comment, but are you using 15v or 12v? Does it make any difference soundwise?

I'm considering the starlifter or the truck fish minnow. The starlifter sounds slightly better from what I've heard and is much more straightforward, but the minnow is not far behind and is easier to get in the netherlands and more pedalboard friendly
Click to expand...

I used a T-Rex Chameleon Power Supply and run it 12V. It was really good and always sounded great no matter the venue. I never had a chance to run it 15V so I can't comment on that.
 
#118
David Lakin said:
Currently I’m using a MXR M81 Bass Preamp (and I love it). I’m using it on my pedalboard. But, I’m looking at picking up either another M81 to carry in my gig bag (when I’m not using my pedalboard) or maybe trying a different preamp/di. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Just ordered that very pedal yesterday will be in on the 25th of this month. also have the boss bass flanger as well. I play in a cover band play most anything quiet with COVID happening right now. Any suggestions on another good pedal you have in your set-up would be appreciated.
 
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#119
Surprised I haven't seen the Fender Downtown out here. I only use the EQ (always on) and the Comp. The overdrive doesn't do anything for me, but for a clean pre-amp DI, this one allows me to dial in the tone I want for recording. Many times I feed through a barbershop and then into the Downtown as the only pedal chain (Tuner of course).
 
#120
David Lakin said:
Currently I’m using a MXR M81 Bass Preamp (and I love it). I’m using it on my pedalboard. But, I’m looking at picking up either another M81 to carry in my gig bag (when I’m not using my pedalboard) or maybe trying a different preamp/di. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

There is no “best”. There might be a “best for you”, but there might not be.
Pedalboard preamp/DIs that are on my list of “things to buy” are:

DSM/Humboldt Simplifier Bass Station and/or OmniCabSim Deluxe
Tech21NYC Q\Strip (and the other SansAmps, BDDI v2, VTDI v2, PDDI v2)
Fishman Platinum Pro

others that I’ve liked:

Darkglass Microtubes B7K Ultra
Mesa/Boogie Subway

And what’s on my bass pedalboard right now:

Boss BB-1X Bass Driver and AD-2 Acoustic Preamp, both of which have 1/4” TRS DI outs.
 
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