Double Bass Doublers out there Preamp/DI recc?

[Whit Townsend]

Looking for a versatile Preamp/DI box that works well with both DB and BG. Id like to put together a small board with tuner, a Preamp/DI and maybe a couple standard bass effects like filter or octave, and be able to use it with either bass guitar or DB depending on the gig. Esp since schlepping an amp isn't really necc a lot of the time these days. Not esp concerned with 2 inputs and an A/B function as I rarely ever play both on the same gig. Just would like something that plays well with either instrument. SInce these things arnt cheap Id like to buy once and be done.
My DB is equipped with the Shadow Rockabilly Pro Preamp that blends 2 peizos, bridge and fingerboard. It has a pretty good eq section but no XLR out. Sometimes the board is inaccessible or too far away. I would like the convenience of a DI, but some tube warmth and additional eq would also be nice.
As far as BG goes, I know theres tons of options like Sansamp and many more, but I dont want to get something that doesnt like the output from the Shadow, and they never seem to give any any indication of how these boxes might work with my upright rig. Ive looks at some DB specific things from Bob G, but there I dont get much info in the other direction like how do these boxes work with BG?

 

[Azari]

for upright you want a SansAmp Para Driver DI.

 

[timmus]

for upright you want a SansAmp Para Driver DI.

The SansAmp Para Driver works great for both DB and BG...as well as other instruments. I own three of them for three different pedal boards. The sweepable mids really makes this DI great.

 

[bass12]

I like the Genzler Magellan Pre for both electric and upright. Bonus point for the variable HPF.

 

[BobKay]

I like my Fishman Platinum Pro. It handles both BG and DB, has a built-in tuner, runs on a 9-volt, sweepable mids, notch, 10mg ohm input, DI out, variable HPF. Very versatile.

 

[Lee Moses]

I use the Radial BassBone OD. It should do everything you need, except the "tube warmth." You might need the Noble for that.

 

[BobKay]

Just to be accurate, I'm sure I don't know what "tube warmth" is, but I'm pretty sure you would not get that from the Fishman I mentioned above.

 

[Maple]

Bergantino super pre? I have an older B-Amp that is excellent for both UB and EB. It’s modded for 10Mohm input but the super pre has 10Megs built in

 

[Michael Glynn]

I know most folks like the Para Driver for upright, but I actually prefer the Bass Driver (I have an old one with no mid control). Sounds great with every piezo pickup I've used. Great on electric as well, of course.

 

[Ric Vice]

Not inexpensive for sure but the Grace Felix has everything I’d ever need for doubling.. In fact I used it last night for a cabaret show with
DB and EB where Imhad to switch basses frequently. Their warranty is 5 years (and is transferable to anyone who owns the pre for the warranty period) , the Grace service department is outstanding.

 

[loukash]

I already have the Invalid Link Removed since a couple of years, and now I (finally) have a DB. So just yesterday I was experimented with a setup that would enable me to switch seamlessly between the fretless J-bass and the DB. I kept the combo set up the way I like for the J-bass, keeping the QStrip EQ bypassed. Enabled for DB, I had to massively cut specific lows and mids, but this is exactly where the QStrip with its two parametric mids excels, as it allows for very "surgical" finetuning.
(That said, I didn't finalized my pickup decision for the DB yet, currently using my old Schertler Basik transducer. It works alright for rehearsals with a "soft drummer", but due to its nature it's still prone to feedback. Need to get a piezo next…)

 

[loukash]

I kept the combo set up the way I like for the J-bass, keeping the QStrip EQ bypassed. Enabled for DB, I had to massively cut specific lows and mids

I forgot to mention that tonight I plan to rebuild the QStrip EQ setting in my HX Stomp. That will enable me to run both DB and EB on parallel paths in the Stomp, with a footswitch set to bypass either one. But yesterday I started with the QStrip because it's easier to handle on the fly while looking for the offending frequency bands.

 

[neddyrow]

I’ve tried all the preamps and I like the Broughton Messenger the best. I just got the mini so I could put more pedals on my board if I want to.

 

[basss]

For a compact battery powered do-all (Mohm input, boost, EQ, DI, hpf) pre the Fishman Platinum Stage works well at a decent price.