• 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.

Double Bass good preamp: SPL Gainstation

H

Hannes

Mar 28, 2006
16
0
#1
hi!

I've searched for a long time for a good double b./bass guitar preamp. A few hours ago I tested the SPL Gainstation. It's a microphon and line-input preamp with analog and digital outputs!
It has a high end transistor AND tube preamp on board!

This thing is really awesome. It's the most versatile devise I've ever seen. You can use it with an microphon for your double bass, you can plug in your bass guitar, no matter what you do the SPL sounds great. If you want to do some recording it has a really good digital output. With a switcher you can select two types of limiting Fet and peak.
I didn't test vocals with the spl but if someone out there is able to sing: Try it :)

I know, sounds like advertisment but I'm just happy having found "my" preamp after all :hyper:
 
#2
Looks really nice:

Invalid Link Removed

But for that kind of money, there are many other "pro" options out there...like Avalon, Summit, etc.

I'm thinking about one of the DTAR Solstace models... because I want to be able to blend a pickup and mic -- depending on the acoustics of the room/amp/sound system.

The SPL looks solid though!
 
#5
As you can see in the picture below, I use the gainstation with my Neumann KM 185 (I do not use a pickup), Lab.gruppen iP450 power amp and a Glockenklang Acoustic Art cab. I mostly use the solid state stage of the preamp, with just a touch of the tube stage, and the FET compressor. And, although this might have become somewhat of a cliche, it really sounds like my bass acoustically.

Cheers,

Vincent

PS: as regards the Millennium, if you are located in the EU the SPL is far cheaper. Also, the folks at SPL (which is a very small company), are very helpful. I once visited them to let them install a Lundahl transformer in my Gainstation and I had a great time talking with them. (I am in no way affiliated with the company, BTW. Just a very happy costumer).

Link Removed
 
#6
Also, I use the preamp with my Fichter EUB (same setup, with an additional Glock Acoustic Art cab), and then I only use the tube stage and FET compressor. That sounds awesome as well. When recording my Fichter, the sound does not need any additional processing.

The same holds for my acoustic; I have recorded my bass several times through the Gainstation only (with the Neumann, of course), and that also sounded just as I imagine my bass should sound like.

As you can see, I am quite happy with the SPL!

Cheers,

Vincent
 
#7
Yes, great device! Did the Lundalh made a great difference?

I compared the Gainstation today with the Avalon U5 mono.

I think if you do not need the mic-preamp the Avalon is the way to go! I played with my fender bass through both (spl&alvalon) and if you want a clean good sound the avalon wins. The transistor preamp of the avalon sounds better than the one of the SPL. In my opionion the guys from SPL could have used a better A/d converter...

The SPL offers more features (limiter,tube preamp) but costs twice as much. The Avalon is good for piezo pickups but can't handle microphones. I need the microphone option for mein db.
Therefor I decided to buy the spl
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back