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Do you like preamps and use them and if so what do you use?

Do you use a preamp?


  • Total voters
    99
  • Poll closed .
"Sometimes" for me. I have a SansAmp GED-2112 preamp that I use when I want tube emulation and dirt. Used to have a Tech21 VT bass, then a Tech21 Para Driver, but always wound up using a dual channel setup with the preamp as one side and an amp (or sim) as the other, and blending the two. The GED-2112 has both in one device.
 
Presently using Noble DI, Mesa Subway DI, Sadowsky DI and Shift Line ( en route )

I also have an F1-X but that’s racked and stays home.

Using the above pre amps with powered speaker cabinets.. I can really change things up when switching between these tools.
Really looking forward to hearing the Shift Line..
 
SimpleA + SimpleB + SimpleC = Amazing.
My always-on section is Bass => Cali76-TX => Noble DI => Broughton HPF+LPF, I didn't think of it as A+B+C but it is. The Noble was my first good stand-alone preamp, and I am enjoying it with the Cali76, they go together exceptionally well. I use both active and passive basses, and the HPF doesn't do much on our in-ear practice setup our but helps with live performances.
 
I have gone all in with Darkglass which fit our band style very well. Lates is a VMT Ultra v2. But also have a B7K and an Alpha Omega. Different use depending on songs etc.
Man, the VMT Ultra is one of the last pieces of Darkglass I’ve yet to try. Seems like it’d be more up my alley as far as coloration goes.
I’ve been through quite a few as of late. But the one that ended my search was the Shift Line Olympic MKIII. Simple yet sounds amazing. The built in IR cab sims sealed the deal.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Olympic- almost bought one a few months ago but went with the OmniCabSim Deluxe instead (which I sold but regret doing so.)
The MKIII’s definitely on my list of things to try though.
 
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I've been using an Art MPA Gold for awhile now, it's a simple 2 channel tube mic preamp. Works great on guitar/bass, I run all my pedals into it then into an amp and or mixer/PA.

Been considering selling it for a different 1 channel art tube pre with more controls, like the Pro Channel which also has tube compression and EQ for around the same price. But having 2 channels seems useful for some stuff...

Anyways it's great for recording, very low noise and a nice classic warm tube sound. I keep the gain low for more of a warm boost but it can get some crunchy tube saturation when cranked, love running dirt into it at med settings.
 
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I have an EBS microbass II and an AMPEG SCRDI. While I like how both of them sound (particularly the SCRDI), I hate the amount of white noise (hiss) they introduce when using any of them in front of an amp. It happens either with AC adaptor or battery. And even with the preamps EQ controls set flat.
Is there any way of eliminating that extra hiss?
 
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