DCX Bass + RNDI vs Q\Strip

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Hey there, awesome people of the forum! I'm on a quest for the holy grail of a high quality console-ish preamp DI signal for live shows (instead of an amp simulation), and I'd love to hear your laid-back opinions on this!

I'm able to narrow the alternatives down to two distinct options at this time:

1. The Origin Effects DCX Bass, paired with the Neve RNDI.
2. Flying solo with the Tech 21 Q\Strip.

Theoretically, both options should deliver similar results. But hey, theory is one thing, and real-life experience is another, right? So, I'm turning to you, my fellow gear enthusiasts, for some practical insight!

Have you tried something like this before? I'd be thrilled to hear your tales of triumphs and misadventures! Success and failure stories are equally welcome.

Let the gear talk begin!

 

[Mr. voodoobass]

Havn’t tried the dcx i would still think the dcx+q/strip being a perfect combo as the q is all clean and dcx can add some dirt. Q having a great eq plus hpf/lpf in a way the dcx don’t.

 

[Solude]

The options listed are wildly different in sound and price.

For that money, option 1 should be the OE Bass Rig and option 2 should be the T21 2112 to be a fair fight

 

[Luke the Fluke]

I had a hellborg preamp and have been chasing that “console” sound ever since I sold it.

currently use a JHS colourbox v2 at the end of my chain, kept clean.

of the two options the OE and Neve I imagine would be far higher quality than tech21

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

The options listed are wildly different in sound and price.

For that money, option 1 should be the OE Bass Rig and option 2 should be the T21 2112 to be a fair fight

My pre-mentioned options are already available to me. I also have a Bass Rig but it sounds like an amp, not a clean console. I never tried the DI-2112 but it looks like an amp-sim-oriented gear as well. Is that so?

 

[Mister_argentum]

If you are interested in console sounds, check out also the API pedals (the old LX and the new ones). These days I run two API pedals into a telefunken DI and go ampless or use an amp for monitor. I do not have experience with the Qstrip but it looks like a sweet pedal.

 

[Solude]

Are you going direct to front of house without effects? I'm not understanding the goal here. What would the entire chain look like?

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Are you going direct to front of house without effects? I'm not understanding the goal here. What would the entire chain look like?

Yes, going direct to the front of the house. Cali76 Compressor - Aguilar Grape Phaser - DarkGlass Vintage Deluxe before the DI/Preamp. Effects used on occasion.

 

[JRMK]

If you look for console sound and can choose an option with Neve name on it I wouldn't look any further.

 

[prndltech]

I feel like I have a console vibe goin on with the cali76 cb, DCX bass and khan vtdi.

but I also agree that the 2 options are totally different.

 

[CatOnTheBass]

I love my RNDI but I don't think it's what you're looking for: It is not a 'tone shaping' effect, and it doesn't sound like a Neve console. RNDI is the neutral-sounding 'dongle' you use to connect your bass to a Neve console or channel strip (which is what gives that Neve sound).

I agree with @Mr. voodoobass that DCX + Q-strip sounds like a much better option for you than DCX + RNDI.

 

[Solude]

Wouldn't the out of the DG VD do what you want even when "off"? If you have to have a "console strip" between your pre and the "console strip" at FOH, then I'd go with the Neve for transparency or Q/Strip for colour.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Wouldn't the out of the DG VD do what you want even when "off"? If you have to have a "console strip" between your pre and the "console strip" at FOH, then I'd go with the Neve for transparency or Q/Strip for colour.

Tried that. For some (possibly subjective) reason, my ears like the dry sound of the DG VD less than the alternatives. Not sure if the difference significant in a live mix though.

 

[vivaknoxvegas]

My always on currently is DCX Bass > ME Super Three Hundred > Broughton Ominicomp > Broughton Studio One

Probably the best - sweetest my clean tone has ever been.

So like the OP's option 1, I am getting the DCX - Neve combo. No experience with option 2.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Havn’t tried the dcx i would still think the dcx+q/strip being a perfect combo as the q is all clean and dcx can add some dirt. Q having a great eq plus hpf/lpf in a way the dcx don’t.

I love my RNDI but I don't think it's what you're looking for: It is not a 'tone shaping' effect, and it doesn't sound like a Neve console. RNDI is the neutral-sounding 'dongle' you use to connect your bass to a Neve console or channel strip (which is what gives that Neve sound).

I agree with @Mr. voodoobass that DCX + Q-strip sounds like a much better option for you than DCX + RNDI.

Thanks for your valuable inputs. However, there is one thing I didn't get: Both DCX and Q\Strip have built-in EQ knobs. Do you suggest stacking EQ's, or something else?

 

[Solude]

Ah I finally get it

DCX into the Q/Strip would give a lot of control and sound options.

 

[CatOnTheBass]

Thanks for your valuable inputs. However, there is one thing I didn't get: Both DCX and Q\Strip have built-in EQ knobs. Do you suggest stacking EQ's, or something else?

When making my recommendation, I ignored the EQ capabilities (on the assumption your EQ needs are already covered).

If my assumption is wrong (and you need EQ) then I think that's another point in favor of the Q-Strip having the most 'console-like' EQ.

 

[Slade N]

I havent tried the other options but find the Qstrip to be a very neutral and powerful device. I dont hear any coloring/character on its own but its very effective at tweaking (quite radically if wanted) the tone present in the signal.

 

[Luke the Fluke]

Does the Qstrip have transformers in it?

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Does the Qstrip have transformers in it?

Very good question. Couldn't find the answer though. I think that if it *did* have transformers, they would say that in capitals in their website and user manual - as some other companies do