• 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.

Best dual channel pre-amp

Karlis Josts

Karlis Josts

Jul 30, 2019
4
5
#1
Hi, guys!

First of all, thank you for the useful recommendations and advice this community provides for all musicians out there. Whenever I'm researching anything gear-related, this is my go-to site. Thanks!
I'm looking for a dual channel pre-amp/DI box for live gigs. I'm mainly playing bass and bass synth, and I'm also planning on a setup in which the synth would be replaced by double bass. In any case I would like for both instruments to go through the same effect chain. Currently I'm using a simple ABY box for this purpose, but since I'm after a new pre-amp/DI box, I was thinking I could try to get one with two channels, thus saving space on my board. I know there are several dual channel pre-amps, which I've already read upon on this forum and elsewhere on the internet, however, I thought I would make my first post on Talkbass now (so don't be too harsh) when I'm really looking for advice :)
I'm currently down to a couple options: Radial Bassbone V2, Radial Bassbone OD, EBS Microbass III. I would not need the overdrive, so I would use the second channel on Microbass and Bassbone OD as a regular channel, however, I'm not sure if that would be ok. Are there any other pre-amps/DI boxes that I should look at instead of one of those? There is no way for me to try out any of those boxes, so I will have to depend on online reviews and other people's suggestions only. I'll gladly answer any questions.

Cheers!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Zbysek
#5
Karlis Josts said:
I guess MB III would be the same in that way, right?
Click to expand...

I guess so.

Karlis Josts said:
Are there any other significant differences between the two, apart from the built-in tuner and compressor in the MB III?
Click to expand...

There are few. Those come to my mind:

MB III has more features on every channel (EQ).

MB II has cab sim on DI out..plus can be fed by phantom power...

MB III has two DI outs and stereo FX loop. The second channel can be run in paralel or series. Overdrive has blend function.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Karlis Josts
#10
Zbysek said:
It's difficult to beat Felix as transparent tone-shaping tool. But it's probably not for those players who seek certain color in their preamp...
Click to expand...
Turn Em Loose said:
It’s pricey, but so darn good. If money isn’t an issue you can not beat the Felix.
Click to expand...
Zbysek said:
Felix from Grace Design is very popular amongst upright players...

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...

This really does look like a great piece of equipment, but it is well outside my price range, at least at the moment. The price would also explain how I had missed it while researching pre-amps. But maybe someday. One can hope :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Turn Em Loose and Zbysek
#12
Karlis Josts said:
Yes, I've also looked at Basswitch. What would be its main advantages over any of the Radial pre-amps or EBS?
Click to expand...

Sorry that I can't speak specifically -- I've not used a Basswitch, and I don't have knowledge about the EBS or Radial pre-amps mentioned. (I've used Radial passive DIs in the past, but I don't think that applies here)

But I am really curious about the Basswitch. I saw this review:



and thought it might be perfect for gigs where I'm bringing
both an EUB and a bass guitar, for example. The build quality
appears to be superb, and I really like the way they did the
footswitches.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back