DCX Bass + RNDI vs Q\Strip

[King Harvest]

If you don't really need the drive component of the DCX then I would definitely go with the Q Strip.

DCX + RNDI just seems like throwing money at a problem that may or may not exist.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

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.

So your using the comp as a limiter?

 

[Nerve]

Does the Qstrip have transformers in it?

This is the question for console sound (IMO). For this reason I'd second the API option, but sounds like you may already have some sunk costs.

 

[vivaknoxvegas]

So your using the comp as a limiter?

No.

 

[ArenW]

The OE DCX Bass is killer. I'm running the DCX into a Telefunken TDA-1. Though I haven't tried the combo, I'm sure the DCX would sound fantastic with the RNDI.

If the money isn't an issue, I'd definitely go the DCX route.

 

[Luke the Fluke]

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

I'm sure it's a nice pedal but I don't think it's what I would go for in this circumstance- broughton studio one, colourbox v2, api tranzformer and the caveman audio preamps come to mind if you want transformer colour

@HoochfromP - have you gone for this time before?

 

[Luke the Fluke]

*Have you gone this tonal direction before

 

[el murdoque]

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!

I cannot comment on the Neve DI, but I have owned and used both the Q\Strip and the DCX Bass.

I beg to differ about your estimation that both should yield similar results.
One is a bass overdrive pedal with a simple two way EQ (and some bells & whistles) while the other is a preamp pedal that mimics a channel strip of a mixing console.

The Q\Strip is, in a word, boring.
The EQ works great. You get your parametric mids that are surprisingly easy to set, you get your filters, and everything you need to get a sound out of the box that really works and sounds good.
With volume set to unity and everything at noon, you can't tell if it's on or off, it is a very transparent unit and the EQ is rather sober. It does exactly what it says on the box and it does it well. It's just that it is soooo utilitarian in it's whole approach. It is just as exciting as a channel strip of a mixing console is.


The Origin does not really do basic EQ work. Not the peasant stuff. The treble knob adds magic sparkle and glitter on top and the bass knob adds booty without mud. If applied tastefully, your bass sounds $2500 more expensive. Then you get that switch in the middle that can do that weird thing where a high cut gets applied as soon as you reach a gain level where dirt happens - which can be really musical and is a special trick I've never seen anywhere else. The DCX does add a bit of color to your tone, but it's tasteful and subtle. I see it as either a magic tone sweetener or a really good overdrive - in fact it is the most touch sensitive drive pedal I ever played.

If you want real EQ capabilities to shape your tone so it works in the room you're in, you're completely lost with the DCX and if you want a touch sensitive overdrive pedal that can add a bit of magic sparkle on top, the Q\Strip will leave you wanting.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

If you want real EQ capabilities to shape your tone so it works in the room you're in, you're completely lost with the DCX and if you want a touch sensitive overdrive pedal that can add a bit of magic sparkle on top, the Q\Strip will leave you wanting.

I thank heartily for taking the time to write such a detailed reply, which includes first-hand experience on both units! In your terms; I see DCX as a magic tone sweetener - not as an overdrive or surgical EQ tool (we have sound engineers for that). I'm leaning towards the DCX - Neve route.

Q\Strip could still be a good one-stop travel companion though - fits any hard case easily and can do some basic tone shaping before my signal hits the desk. Maybe not as magical as the DCX or pristine as the RNDI, but EQ + DI + phantom + HPF/LPF + parallel output seem to tick a lot of boxes. What do you think; good enough as a single unit for the occasional abroad gig?

 

[semiprohooker]

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!

Want a clean console sound? Get a clean console. Lolol


I'd grab a 500 series rack several under $300, then I'd add in an SSL SiX channel 500 series pre/EQ/comp. Having used a SSL SiX console, I would have no problem trying it the 500 series versions.

 

[el murdoque]

I thank heartily for taking the time to write such a detailed reply, which includes first-hand experience on both units! In your terms; I see DCX as a magic tone sweetener - not as an overdrive or surgical EQ tool (we have sound engineers for that). I'm leaning towards the DCX - Neve route.

Q\Strip could still be a good one-stop travel companion though - fits any hard case easily and can do some basic tone shaping before my signal hits the desk. Maybe not as magical as the DCX or pristine as the RNDI, but EQ + DI + phantom + HPF/LPF + parallel output seem to tick a lot of boxes. What do you think; good enough as a single unit for the occasional abroad gig?

It depends on what the signal does next. If you're sending it from the DI out of the Q\Strip into a real channel strip of a real mixing console, it might be debatable why you should tinker with the EQ of your signal before you hand it to a professional. After all, said professional is out front and can hear what you sound like.

How's your setup? Do you go direct? Do you use monitor wedges?

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

It depends on what the signal does next. If you're sending it from the DI out of the Q\Strip into a real channel strip of a real mixing console, it might be debatable why you should tinker with the EQ of your signal before you hand it to a professional. After all, said professional is out front and can hear what you sound like.

How's your setup? Do you go direct? Do you use monitor wedges?

On the road, I do my best to travel light; so my ideal setup is bass - one phantom powered pedal - desk. We typically use IEMs.

I like having EQ options primarily because I like giving a passive bass some character and definition before sending it to the engineer to fit into the mix. I typically boost the bottom + treble (~3K) "slightly". Not unlike the DCX or Sadowsky preamp.

Secondary reason: We occasionally encounter a clueless knob-twister instead of a experienced sound engineer - especially on budget-gigs. In that case, I'd like to have a little control over my sound.

On local gigs, I am much more flexible - I can bring whatever I install on my board; but I don't intend using the Q\Strip in that case any longer.

 

[OkayistBassist]

I'm just commenting because I love the DCX. Currently running: Peterson mini, Cali 76, DCX, Morley Lead Wah into my Noble.

I think it's my favorite effects chain I've ever run.

 

[Smurf-o-Deth]

Niche Humboldt should be on your list. I've gone through a lot of stuff, and it's been my favorite piece for that studio console juice. That into a Q Strip would be a great setup.

 

[markjazzbassist]

Neve 1073 in a box, this is what you want. That is an actual studio channel in a box.

1073DMP

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

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!

I lo e the q-strip. Probably one of the most useful tools for recording. Live, it's okay.

 

[el murdoque]

On the road, I do my best to travel light; so my ideal setup is bass - one phantom powered pedal - desk. We typically use IEMs.

I like having EQ options primarily because I like giving a passive bass some character and definition before sending it to the engineer to fit into the mix. I typically boost the bottom + treble (~3K) "slightly". Not unlike the DCX or Sadowsky preamp.

Secondary reason: We occasionally encounter a clueless knob-twister instead of a experienced sound engineer - especially on budget-gigs. In that case, I'd like to have a little control over my sound.

On local gigs, I am much more flexible - I can bring whatever I install on my board; but I don't intend using the Q\Strip in that case any longer.

The Q\Strip is a great pedal for getting a good sound out of basically anything. When you look at YT tutorials, these people often demonstrate the parametric mids by sweeping through them and either finding the one problematic frequency or finding the one good frequency and then cutting or boosting that, then adjusting treble and bass to taste and checking if the filters make things better or worse. The whole process takes only a minute and you're left with a good sound.
I found this to be what the pedal excels at - to get you in the ballpark. It's not a magic tone kind of pedal, it's a very usable tool. That's why I called it boring.
It could easily be that one pedal you toss into the bag because you never know.

If you're running IEMs and you get your signal from FOH, plus the FOH mixer is a good one and the person behind the desk knows what to do, then the Origin is the pedal to use. If something is problematic and you're in need of some fix, the Q\Strip will get you there.

 

[Krisfield]

Before I switched to digital, I was using the Q/Strip and VTBass. It sounded killer, had a wide range of sounds. I was recording directly into Logic with these two with no problems. Q/Strip and DCX would probably sound pretty good as well.

 

[AlexMG]

The RNDI isn't the end all be all for bass, but I do love the DCX. I would recommend the DCX Bass into a Motor City DI. I also have a Spectra 1964 BBDI incoming and will report on that soon.

 

[HoochfromP]

*Have you gone this tonal direction before

Awe yeah, guess many of us are looking at gear imparting this console-esque goodness - by that i imply hints of extra depth, heft and articulated mids / naturally compressed feel. At home i use my DI to get closer to that sound - which is a Juice box clone paired with an Heritage Audio TT-73.

Tried different ways to bring this taste in my gig signal-chain. Broughton Studio pedals are a very efficient way to go imo. Using the Studio Boost Mini atm, as it's a bit more compact than the Studio Boost - and i dig the Studio One (who doesn't ?), but i'm kinda reluctant stacking its tasty EQ features with my main preamp which is an Arkham Oracle.

Very curious about the Niche Devices comp as well.