Double Bass Decent rack mounted preamps for DB?

[bopeuph]

So, I've got a new rig, and the next thing I've always wanted was a way to have a quality rig for both upright and electric, and the ability to switch quickly, as well as each instrument having their own DI line.

I'm not a real fan of EQ pedals, because I just don't like to have to reach down to the floor if I need to adjust something, especially when on upright. Placing them on top of the cabs, something always ends up falling off.

I think the best deal would be to have two preamps on a rack that feed into the FX return of my head via an ABY. I do have the HPF-PRE (Both the series 1 and 2), and the BBE 383.

I'm not in too much of a rush, since 99% of my jobs are on one or the other, and the other 1% is usually small venue gigs where I can just change the cable out, but it's something I'd like to have when there's a need.

Suggestions? Comments? Ridicules?

 

[bopeuph]

Thanks. Yeah, it might be a while before I consider this; my rig should be fine as is for one or the other, so real estate wouldn't be that much all the time, but I've always wanted to figure out how to easily switch when I have both. But then again, it's rare that I'm called to do that.

 

[Jay Corwin]

Nothing jumps off the top of my head for rack mount DB stuff. If you have a preamp you love, you can always get some 19" hardware and figure something out.

You might want to ask some of the Greenboy Fearless users. A lot of those guys have gone to rack mounted power amps with there choice of pre. If you look up "greenboy enclosures for the wicked" on facebook you'll see about 75% of them are upright players. They might have some better ideas.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

I'm not a real fan of EQ pedals, because I just don't like to have to reach down to the floor if I need to adjust something, especially when on upright. Placing them on top of the cabs, something always ends up falling off.

Unless you wanna get into more expensive studio quality preamps nothing is rack-mountable. Most of us are looking to downsize the gear schlep so there's not a huge market among double bassists for that kinda thing. The best of the less expensive preamps like the Headway are all kinda designed to sit on the floor or your amp. Use Velcro to keep it put if that's really a problem....seriously. A preamp like this is also designed more specifically to do what you're asking for and you're likely to be a whole lot happier with the sonic results.

 

[bopeuph]

Use Velcro to keep it put if that's really a problem....seriously.

You know, this idea popped in my head shortly after I posted this. My Berg cabs are the first pieces of equipment that are carpeted, so until three days ago it wasn't an option. But now it is!

 

[Jeff Bonny]

You know, this idea popped in my head shortly after I posted this. My Berg cabs are the first pieces of equipment that are carpeted, so until three days ago it wasn't an option. But now it is!

Try the regular strength stuff first. The industrial kind can be kinda hard on your carpet and it's not really necessary.

 

[bopeuph]

Will do. Well then, what are some quality options without breaking the bank, but not necessarily the cheapest?

The doubler sounds nice, but what about other options?

 

[Jeff Bonny]

Will do. Well then, what are some quality options without breaking the bank, but not necessarily the cheapest?

The doubler sounds nice, but what about other options?

With the rig I'm running I don't use mine much now but I do like the DTAR Solstice I paid $200 for used. For years I used a very similar Raven Labs PMB. It's long out of production but they do come up used occasionally...I think I sold mine for $75 needing some new pots. There is other great sounding stuff out there but for doubling those are the two that come to mind as they have completely separate channels with full EQ and separate outputs. They're very versatile and if you're using provided amps they can really save yer ass.

 

[bopeuph]

Oh! I thought they only had a single XLR out! That's good to know!

 

[vin*tone]

Not sure what head you are using but you might be able to run you EB through the amp input and the DB pre into the effects return.

 

[Mgaisbacher]

I know you said EQ pedals are not your thing but other then not being rack mountable the Grace felix seems like it would do everything you want. You can have two separate DI outs and have one input for DB and one for EB and have a footswitch to switch between each.

 

[bopeuph]

Not sure what head you are using but you might be able to run you EB through the amp input and the DB pre into the effects return.

I thought about that, but that seems like a messy solution, especially since it's still just one DI.

It's a Markbass Little Mark Tube 800.

I know you said EQ pedals are not your thing but other then not being rack mountable the Grace felix seems like it would do everything you want. You can have two separate DI outs and have one input for DB and one for EB and have a footswitch to switch between each.

Thanks. I'll look into it.

 

[fdeck]

It's discontinued now, but they still show up on eBay from time to time: The Rane AP13 was a sweet rack mount preamp.

 

[Don Kasper]

I own an Ashley BP 41, single-space bass pre-amp.
There are a few on Ebay.