• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Eden Heads

#22
I really dig my WTDI preamp/DI pedal. If you have any sort of a pedalboard, you'd be well served to grab one of these and edenize any amp you are using.

While I like Eden heads, I also like OTHER tones that can't really be had on eden gear but can work well with an eden tone in front of them.

If you're bass>amp only then stick with the head, but there are some amazing power amps on the market now that you could pair with the WTDI and get incredible results.
 
#30
I've also had a WT-400 since I purchased it new in '97 or so, and still love it. Not a single problem, great tone, great flexibility, and plenty of power IMO. If you need to be louder than this amp will allow, you're going to be going through the FOH system anyway, and should have stage monitors.
 
#31
FWIW my favorite head ever was my Eden VT300A, the all tube head they made. If I ever get to a point where lugging around a tube head isn't too big of a deal, I will find one again. I wish I never sold it. I have not compared it to the newer 300 watt tube head they make.
 
#32
I use a Bag End 15 with an Eden WT330, which preceded the 405. Same features, just a bit lower power. I am very pleased with the sound. With the efficiency of the Bag End this combo has been fine for my needs with ample power. However, I play in a jazz/pop group. No loud guitars to contend with.

I used to use a B15 and an old Polytone Mini-Brute (15) quite a few years ago and this gives me a tonal 'warmth' that is somewhat similar.
 
#33
Now that the weekend is here and I have a little more time, I've listed below some of the features from the manual. I've noticed that some other high end amps are just now adding similar features to their 2012 line - a decade later.

FRONT PANEL
DI with pre or post
Warm trim - Gain can be preset to add warmth/distortion or not
Warmth switch for engaging the tube emulation
Quality on board compressor
Enhance control (scoop effect)
Tone bypass switch (for recording)
Dynamic boost switch - keeps the perceived tone the same at low volumes as it is at higher volumes
Headphone jack
Output limiter
Indicator light to show when limiter is engaged
Speaker off switch
REAR PANEL
3 speaker outs
Independent volume control of DI (pre/post)
Aux. input
Effects loop
Insert jack for the final amplifier. Unlike an FX (effects) Loop, this separates the pre-amp and power amp completely. This means you can use the power amp to drive a monitor while using the pre-amp section to drive a separate, larger power amp for your bass speakers. You can also use these jacks as a post-EQ FX Loop.
Tuner output jack - a pregain signal for connection to a tuner or other devices such as a direct box or console.
 
#34
As you can tell from my signature, I'm also a fan of Markbass amps. As a comparison I'd say that tonally these two are not miles apart - but there are differences. The Eden has better separation of notes in the lows (very clear voicing) and a more hi-fi/studio sound all around, whereas the Markbass has a bit more of a traditional bass amp sound to it. In other words, if I had both and needed to run one of them for a keyboard rig or P.A. I'd use the Eden - it's more polite. Also, I run the tone on the Eden almost completely flat which gives more headroom if needed.
As pluses for the Markbass LMlll I have to say it has noticeably more power and because it is so small and doesn't require a rack mount, it's much easier to hook up and make wiring changes. Also, when I do need to make tonal changes, they just seem to be easier to do on the Markbass. The 405 only has two mid frequencies in the tone section as compared to some other models - that's why I recommend using a separate eq with it.
As far as overall personal preference, I'm totally happy with both of these amps. If I had to choose I'd say the Eden is the better and more flexible amp, but I often pick up the Markbass for convenience and more power. And even though my group doesn't play very loud at all, I'm already running out of power on the Eden and am going to have to switch to a more powerful amp in the near future.

Sounds like others on here are getting plenty of power out of theirs although every band/gig/room is different.
 
#35
Plaz said:
I've also had a WT-400 since I purchased it new in '97 or so, and still love it. Not a single problem, great tone, great flexibility, and plenty of power IMO. If you need to be louder than this amp will allow, you're going to be going through the FOH system anyway, and should have stage monitors.
Click to expand...

+1

I bought an Eden WT-400 in 1998 new and used / gigged it heavily for 12 years. I still have it. In Canada the exchange was terrible and I remember paying almost $1200 with taxes for it.

The only problem I had with it was to replace the input jack 10 years in because I used to always pull the cable out of the input every time I wanted to mute my signal. (No mute button) It's a very well built amp and for the used $$ today a real bargain. If not for the move to a smaller combo (Mesa Scout) I'd still be gigging it. I used to plug in a VT Bass pedal to tubify it and it worked great. I picked up a WTDI and often run it into the effects in of my Mesa and SWR Baby Blue II to Edenify it. I always dug the Eden sound. I never really brought the Enhance knob past 9:00 unless I was doing dub music where it's kinda cool to bring it up to 3:00.

I have a WTX-260 which has the Golden Ear chip in it but I prefer the sound of the WT-400 myself. They both sound great as does the WTDI but I prefer the flexibility of the WT-400 and the tube pre. The WT400's Tube DI is great as well for those occasions that you have to use the front of house P.A.

This is all just my ears and experience. As you've read here, there are a lot of experienced individuals on TB with great advise. You'll ultimately have to try this stuff out yourself and make your own conclusions.
 
#36
PDGood said:
There's a lot to learn about Eden heads. First, that there are three eras of when they were built and that's significant in regards to quality.

Also, besides the wonderful tone, they are known for two things. (1) Being loaded with features - moreso than most any other amp. (2) Having tone that is designed in so that the flat setting is 95% of where most people want to be. This allows a ton of headroom for adjustments.

If I had one knock on Eden it would be that I wish there was more EQ on board. Even though very little tweaking is needed, I'd love a sweepable mid.

The two models that are most raved about on the Eden forum are the 405 and 550. I bought the 405 which they refer to as the Golden Child of the Eden line because it has the superior compressor.

Another plus - they go down to 2ohms.

No offense intended to GB which are also nice amps, but I don't hear the similarities to Eden.
Click to expand...

If you go eden, the 405 works great for live stuations because of the pre/post d.i. and mute to tune. No parametric but what the hey.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back