Compact/Pocket Gigging Solution?

[jonners98]

Hi all!
I typically gig with my TC electronic BH250 + BC208 setup, using the DI out when I need FOH support. This is great as it has the lovely spectracomp loaded to the toneprint slot, and a solid tuner too.
I would love a DI only/ampless gigging solution that isn't my large digital multi-fx (which I use for my guitars), and would love some suggestions based on the following criteria:

MUST-HAVE:
- DI out with ground lift
- Unbalanced jack out
- Built-in compression
- Option for battery power or phantom powering
- Small footprint

DESIRABLE:
- Built-in tuner
- Headphone out/aux in

All advice appreciated.

 

[Mo'Phat]

Pretty sure the EBS Microbass 3 ticks nearly all your boxes (except battery/phantom power) - depending on what you consider small footprint.

Other Options - GK Plex, Trace Elliot Transit-B, Tech 21 DP-3x Dug Pinnick signature

 

[bassbrad]

https://www.tcelectronic.com/product.html?modelCode=P0D9D

 

[InkCow]

I don't think anything out there meets your "must haves", never mind your "desirables". I agree that the Microbass or the Plex will tick the most boxes. Maybe Velcro a battery powered PSU to the bottom?

 

[crapusername]

the laney digbeth pre would seem to fit the bill
IIRC it has most of the options

 

[cultrvultr]

The EBS II and the older Fishman preamps can utilize phantom power. The Fishman platinum pro is battery powered and actually has everything on your Must Have and Desirable lists.

Have you tried just using your TC head that you love so much? It's basically the same size as some of the pedals that you'll be looking at. Not sure you need a pedal if the amp takes care of all the features on your list. (and I say that as a pedal lover!)

 

[amper]

Why focus on trying to get everything out of one box? Any good bass preamp/DI plus a good compressor and/or tuner will work and fit on a tiny pedalboard.

If it were me, I'd choose a DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier Bass Station or a Tech21NYC SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2 (or Para Driver DI v2, or VTDI, or Q\Strip), a Boss BC-1X Bass Comp, and a Peterson StroboStomp HD.

 

[amper]

Hi all!
I typically gig with my TC electronic BH250

Also, your BH250 would be perfectly fine to use without a cabinet plugged in.

 

[InkCow]

Thought of something else that meets all of the "must haves" is the Carvin BX1: BX1 Bass Preamp
Currently on sale.

 

[cultrvultr]

Thought of something else that meets all of the "must haves" is the Carvin BX1: BX1 Bass Preamp
Currently on sale.

Have you tried it? if the compressor is nice, it makes an interesting alternative to some of the other preamps. I like that it has a separate mute and preamp bypass switch.

 

[InkCow]

Have you tried it? if the compressor is nice, it makes an interesting alternative to some of the other preamps. I like that it has a separate mute and preamp bypass switch.

I haven't, no. It was just on my radar because I liked its feature set. I have a NUX NBP-5 now, so - for now - I'm not in the market for a preamp.
The compressor and effects loop definitely ticked some boxes for me.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Fishman Pro seems best bet for your request; Yes it is a Pre but can work with your Nux or replace it
You may need multiple effects pedals, and separate DI otherwise

 

[cultrvultr]

I haven't, no. It was just on my radar because I liked its feature set. I have a NUX NBP-5 now, so - for now - I'm not in the market for a preamp.
The compressor and effects loop definitely ticked some boxes for me.

That's what I'm using these days too. I love it, but really wish it had an effects loop.

 

[Pulverizor]

Hi all!
I typically gig with my TC electronic BH250 + BC208 setup, using the DI out when I need FOH support. This is great as it has the lovely spectracomp loaded to the toneprint slot, and a solid tuner too.

I'd suggest the TC SpectraDrive and a Polytune on a micro pedalboard as @amper suggested.
Load up the toneprint you like and run it off a powerbank and 9V converter.
All bases ticked.
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