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Can I achieve this tone with another amp?

WarBeer

WarBeer

Dec 29, 2015
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#1
I've been Jonesing over this tone for a while now. Robin used the Ashdown ABM600 both on this studio recording and the other live tune; he used it with a 1x15 and a 2x10 in the live show. I believe the ABM600 is class A/B...with big old transformers.


Tone starts @ 4:02/4:03...


Picks up @ 3:15

One of the things I really dig about this sound is that it's not just fat, but it seems like the focal point of every note is wide. It's a real rounded, buttery tone, but it still maintains clarity. So, the question I have is...can I get this tone from a class D amp? Now, I admit that most of my listening experience is on YouTube...but most of the class D amps sound like the "Q" of each note is narrower...less weight. (I know that could be due to a number of factors, EQ, micing, player, etc.) Can I get this kind of tone with a lighter, more "modest" priced rig? Currently, I'm using a Rumble 200 combo (a P-bass with custom shop '62s)...and it doesn't even come close. One of the things I noticed with that studio tune "Somersault", is that there's a real "touch-sensitive, glassy" aspect to it as well, while still being very full/fat.

Any of you guys get a tone like this? If so, what are you using?
 
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#2
Short answer: of course you can!

Long answer: We will never know how much processing went into that tone for the studio or live. In the studio, sounds like a good amount of compression and not roundwound strings. Mic position and type will play a factor too. Perhaps your Fender Rumble 200 is not for you.

Be careful with dissecting bass tones. You can convince yourself that you need to buy LOTS of gear to achieve it. If I was going after that tone, I would upgrade the rig (head and cab), and mess with the EQ. You probably don't need a compressor, but it would likely get you what you are looking for. String type might also get you there, but I don't know what to recommend.
 
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#3
Gearhead17 said:
Short answer: of course you can!

Long answer: We will never know how much processing went into that tone for the studio or live. In the studio, sounds like a good amount of compression and not roundwound strings. Mic position and type will play a factor too. Perhaps your Fender Rumble 200 is not for you.

Be careful with dissecting bass tones. You can convince yourself that you need to buy LOTS of gear to achieve it. If I was going after that tone, I would upgrade the rig (head and cab), and mess with the EQ. You probably don't need a compressor, but it would likely get you what you are looking for. String type might also get you there, but I don't know what to recommend.
Click to expand...

I definitely hear you...which is why I've really been taking my time. I've got Flatwound (Ernie Ball Cobalts) on it now, and I'm really liking them. Certainly got me closer. I've also got a SansAmp VT bass DI (for direct recording), that I occasionally use as a preamp into the Rumble. I wonder how much of that glassy touch in the studio mix is from the tube/preamp of that ABM600...and how much is from an outboard compressor? It's so syrupy on the glass that it feels LA-2Aish! Any class Ds that you think could be a good starting point?
 
#4
The ABM600 has an extremely flexible EQ section plus compressor, octaver and blendable tube preamp drive sections. If you know how to use an EQ to get your sound you will be able to get it with this amp. The only potential downside to this head is its size and weight. However, it's still no where near an SVT size and weight so should be manageable for most able bodied players.
 
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#6
Gearhead17 said:
Mesa WD800. Thicker tube tone right away. Maybe a Demeter Compulator to get your LA-2A fix. (I am selling the Demeter pedal, by the way).
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads-up...I just listened to a demo of the WD800...granted, just a video, but I see what you're saying...it really did sound thick and sweet!

@Sparky Mark ...the ABM600 is certainly feature-rich, and I've also heard from others that it has a really useable EQ. My problem is that I'm in a wheelchair, and an awkward 33 lbs will be a nightmare...lol
 
#8
WarBeer said:
@Sparky Mark ...the ABM600 is certainly feature-rich, and I've also heard from others that it has a really useable EQ. My problem is that I'm in a wheelchair, and an awkward 33 lbs will be a nightmare...lol
Click to expand...
Ah, in that case the ABM600 is not an option. As the class of amp is irrelevant to what sounds you can get out of it I'd recommend that you choose one that has the most featured and flexible EQ section that you can afford. The Mesa D800+ gets a lot of praise, as does the Bergantino B amp but are quite expensive. An amp with 2 or three bands of semi-parametric mid EQ should allow you to experiment much more than an amp with fixed mids frequency control.
 
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#10
WarBeer said:
I remember hearing a Nobles demo a while back, and thinking that it sounded really killer. After your comment, I went and looked them up...HOLY poopie they're definitely not giving those boxes away! Yikes!
Click to expand...
Yeah pricey. I’m pretty happy with my Mesa WD800. It gets a thick sound pretty easily. I think the live tone of the second video is killer. Probably some extra magic goin on besides just the amp… there usually is.
 
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#12
How much do you think a tube pre helps round/warm a tone vs just EQing it? Do you think that a tube (providing it's a good preamp design and not just a light-bulb) helps maintain some clarity and dimension when you start rounding your tone out?
 

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