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Double Bass DETAILED EA-doubler vs. AI question

B

basshog

Nov 29, 2008
99
1
#1
Here's my current setup/situation:
I just picked up an Epifani UL210 cab (4 ohm). Now I'm looking for a good doubling head and have narrowed it down to either the EA doubler or one of the AI 2-channel amps. I've been reading up on the forums about these two pieces but my main question is this: Can the EA run the 1/4" and the XLR inputs simultaneously? The reason I'd want to do this is because I would love to be able to blend the Realist signal with my mic signal (oktava mk012). I'm pretty sure the AI's can do this although I might be mistaken.
And just for kicks, has anybody dealt with similar setups? What are your thoughts?
Thanks for the help!
-Hogger
 
#5
basshog said:
Awesome. I think that puts it over the top. Gonna get one!
Thanks fellas!
Click to expand...

I know I'm a little late to this one but I recently purchased a doubler and owned an AI Focus for a few years.

I would without a doubt look at the Doubler. For what I do it just sounds better with both Electric and DB.

The Focus will go louder and has a simpler functioning HPF as well as the effects. Other then that to me it just sounds flat (dead) especially with an electric and the EQ section is very weak.

I struggled with the Focus on electric for a long time, it works pretty good for DB. The doubler is limited in it's overall output and you will most likely not bring that 4 ohm Epi cab to it's full potential but it will sound great...

Good luck, report back...
 
#6
I've been using the Focus as my main amp for both DB and BG and it's great for both. I don't get what people are saying about it being flat for BG. I'm not sure what kind of cabs they are using, but I'll tell you this, if I have a gig where I'm not sure of how loud I may need to be, I bring the AI Focus and an Epifani 4ohm UL210. I don't EQ from my amp, I EQ from either by bass if playing BG or using a San Amp Acoustic DI.
 
#7
Phil Smith said:
I don't get what people are saying about it being flat for BG............I don't EQ from my amp, I EQ from either by bass if playing BG or using a San Amp Acoustic DI.
Click to expand...

I've felt the same as Peter re: Focus or all AI amps with my passive basses. AI is an ultra-dry amp IMO. EQ'ing an active BG is a whole diff thing - assuming your BG is active. A Sansamp or nice pre 'tween a passive and AI was almost required....therefore more gear to to shlep.

OT: I bought a Phil Jones Bass head (2.5lbs, 150w) here on TB. XLNT tone as a doubling head. If PJB made a 4lb. 3-400watter I'd be in. Yet, I still want to hear the EA doubler for its MIC/Piezo capability.
 
#9
Phil Smith said:
I've been using the Focus as my main amp for both DB and BG and it's great for both. I don't get what people are saying about it being flat for BG. I'm not sure what kind of cabs they are using, but I'll tell you this, if I have a gig where I'm not sure of how loud I may need to be, I bring the AI Focus and an Epifani 4ohm UL210. I don't EQ from my amp, I EQ from either by bass if playing BG or using a San Amp Acoustic DI.
Click to expand...

Phil,
Running the older Focus I into EA and LDS cabinets IMHO gets you a very accurate sound but, at least to me, it's a very uncolored sound. Now,that's not necessarily a bad thing, it kind of depends on how much character your upright or bass guitar has on it's own. Since you use the Sans Amp as a pre amp that would totally change the Pre Amp voicing for the Focus on that channel anyway wouldn't it? What the Focus had is power and flexibility with EQ for Acoustic Instruments.
Fortunately, that pre amp voicing sounds great with most uprights, but didn't work for me.

Ric
 
#10
Chris Fitzgerald said:
What DB pickup are you using, and how does the PJB pre sound with that? (I thought about buying that unit)
Click to expand...

Chris, your question encourages further hijacking this thread! Fishman FC, 40's AS Ply, EA M-Line. I've yet to gig with this setup. Sounds nice with the bow. The low 2 bands make it easy to dial in a nice sound - In my apartment. I don't think I can rock the house with 150w though. At 2.5lbs, relatively inexpensive, and for small gigs I think it's a keeper. Once I get my home PC setup for recording it may make a great front-end.
 

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