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DI on a tube preamp head

S

srslots81

Guest
May 29, 2012
43
0
#1
I am looking to purchase a head for gigging. When the venue (NYC) has a cab I will plug the head into the cab. However, when there is no cab, I want to be able to use my head as a straight DI so I don't have to also purchase a standalone DI box. I don't have room to store my own cab.

I have been looking at a lot of SS heads, but would I be able to use a hybrid head for this application, or is having any type of tube head going DI without a cab a No-No? Even if it is a hybrid?

Thanks!
 
#7
GB Streamliner is it..

Full tube pre-amp with DI out ..and interestingly supports line level in addition to mic level... this is a huge plus for me and one reason i bought this amp.
Unlike most marketing blurbo, this really is a studio quality DI.. plugged it into my system and was stunned at the low noise and clarity.
I ran it for a week before my cab arrived as a preamp for the BG250 and its a great sounding full tube preamp, great DI, and 600 or 900W when you have a cabinet.

cant go wrong in my book

srslots81 said:
I am looking to purchase a head for gigging. When the venue (NYC) has a cab I will plug the head into the cab. However, when there is no cab, I want to be able to use my head as a straight DI so I don't have to also purchase a standalone DI box. I don't have room to store my own cab.

I have been looking at a lot of SS heads, but would I be able to use a hybrid head for this application, or is having any type of tube head going DI without a cab a No-No? Even if it is a hybrid?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
#10
The only SS or hybrid amp on the market these days that you can't use without a speaker cab is the top of the line Warwick Hellborg power amps. It contains an output transformer, and output transformers will blow and cause major problems if you don't use a cab with them. None of the other ones have an OT that I know about because they're really not needed with SS/hybrid, so you're cool. Jonas Hellborg does it because he believes the OT is what makes tube amps sound tubey. Don't know if I agree, but I have no firsthand knowledge of it so what do I know? ;)
 
#13
Great info guys, thanks! This opens up the opportunities for me, as I thought I was restricted to just SS heads. I've got a Pbass > Diamond Bass Compressor > JHS Low Drive > Head yet to be purchased. When a venue does not have a cab, I would do that chain and have the head go DI to FOH without a cab.

Was looking at the following SS heads, but will now open up the search to include Hybrid variables of the following:

Markbass LittleMark III
Markbass BigBang
Markbass LittleMark 800 (will look at Tube version)
Aguilar TH500
GK MB800
Ampeg PF800 (will look at SVT heads now)
Will look at GB Streamliners

The key for me is awesome thumping clean tone that makes my P sound like a P, that can also respond well to my pedals. Portability is essential since I am in NYC without a car. I am in a loud 4 piece, so I was thinking of going for over 500 watts so I have the headroom and power available when needed.
 
#14
So, based on more research, and a limited availability of heads to play in person I am leaning towards either the Markbass Little Mark Tube 800 or the GB Streamliner 900. I do have the option of playing the Markbass tomorrow at guitar center though which I am looking forward to!

Any comments on the quality of the DI in the Markbass Little Mark Tube 800?
 

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