gigged last night--The Shuttle 6.0 was absolutely fantastic.
EQ settings were left flat and were perfect for the situation--except I did roll off the treble all the way pretty much although I'm not sure I needed to.
The preamp doesn't overdrive all that much with "my" passive bass. I imagine if you have an active bass or use any type of pedal that can increase the input---you will be able to get overdrive all the way into fullblown grind.
For me it was enough, I could get some breakup by digging in. That being said, it would be nice to have a little button so I could get full-blown overdrive with a passive. The overdrive that I got though was very smooth.
The next question I will be exploring is whether you could replace the pre tube with one that had higher gain. I can't remember off-hand what the next step up in gain from a 12AX7 is but I'm pretty sure the 12AX7 isn't the most gain you can get in a pre-tube. The question to get answered before that is whether that voids your warranty or provides any risk whatsoever to this head.
Sound guy confirmed to me that the DI out had the best sound that I have given him--ever. I had it on pre-eq, grounded, and "mic" rather than "line-level". It is excellent that GB has provided three different external switches for the DI-out. Much better than the LMII.
Over the last couple years, I have shown up with: a Traynor YBA200, a Fender 300 pro tube amp, various rack power amps/tube and non-tube preamp configurations, Markbass LMII, Roland bass 100, and this was the first time everyone raved about the sound I was getting. Comments were that it was a full sound--especially at the lowend but not boomy.
My low E which often is underpowered was strong--even with flat EQ settings. Punchy (not saggy) is how I guess I'd describe it. No need for a compressor--also seems like one is built-in. Most even sound I've ever had. I kept pushing the guys to end our breaks early snd get back on stage.
compared to the LMII
--lighter--which for me means a lighter rack
--seemed more powerful especially in keeping punch at the lowend
--more organic tone---it has tube--but the LMII is warm too--this one seems warmer---the LMII maybe more prescise but barely perceptable
--better input-output options and especially the DI out
--mute button--important to me
--knobs have detents which means they are more likely to remain in the exact position you left them
--does not look like a bumblebee
--better indicators (it has them) but the little lights are some of the brightest I've seen
---sorry I can't comment on the EQ so much because with the exception of rolling off treble--I had no need to adjust anything else
---better service method (does not rely on GC) and as I can attest--just outstanding---I'm wearing the shirt they sent me as we speak--they sent a cap too
I do wish the on/off switch was in front though.
I am very happy I returned the LMII and purchased this. No more watching the thread and worrying about the GC/Markbass "service" plans.
Link Removed
