Help me choose a Preamp pedal?

[skydivingninja]

I'm a big fan of my SansAmp BDDI. It has a bit of a mid scoop so I compensate for that with the two-band EQ, but it's great at giving you a nice warm tone.

One thing to note is that personally, I'm not a fan of it at higher drive settings at all, even when it's blended. I have it at around 10:30/11 to fatten the tone up a bit, but that's it. If you want to use a lot of built-in drive I'd explore other options.

 

[Doner Designs]

An EQ is a tone control array. So something like a 12/10/6 band graphic equaliser tends to fall in this category. A preamp is an amplifier that acts with a lot of controllable gain before your main or power amplifier. In the old HiFi days, the power amp was the last stage (and big volume knob) and the preamp had various inputs, input volume knob and tone controls. These were in separate boxes and sold individually. Later they were integrated....hence the integrated amp with combined the two into one box. Bass amps usually have a pre-amp stage and a power stage, but are all in the one box.
The common 2 or three band active EQ's found on many posh basses are also called pre-amps. This is because they buffer the bass signal before the amp.
In the world of effects pedal, I would classify a preamp as a box with extensive tone controls, an input and output volumes and ideally a DI. This would then place it just before your amp or mixing desk / PA. An EQ pedal is generally at the beginning of your pedal chain, buffering the input.
The Empress ParaEq is more of an EQ than a Pre-amp. it's a specific tool for tone shaping and adjusting. It's about the best there is for that specific task, but it's not quite a Pre-amp although it can cover that task well. But it doesn't have a DI, which is a pity.
What I'd like to see is a pre-amp with Bass Mid and treble controls, each with sweepable frequencies and adjustable Q...and an input and output volumes...and a DI...and a funky meter too...plus a send and return loop...now THAT's a fantasy pre-amp!

I think I understand the concepts, but most pedal users (I think) are sending them to some sort of bass amp head or combo that already has a preamp in it. With the exception of high end preamps like Demeter, Jule, Noble, etc, I'm guessing not too many folks go straight from the common preamp pedals into a power amp. But, as an overkill specialist, who am I to question - I have 3 pickups and 4 band EQ on my basses, a parametric EQ pedal and tone controls on my bass amp.

I love your preamp idea. The Baehr Valkyrie isn't all the way there, but it does have a really nice EQ section. Pricey however.

 

[meatwad]

I've been seeking a preamp pedal for a while now as well, but I just keep on dragging my B3 to the gigs. The Bass Fly just might be the answer, but I'm giving it more time on the market to see how does.

 

[40Hz]

I'm the wrong person to ask. I tried a several and bought an Ampeg SCR-DI.

It's not a tonal chameleon like the Tech21s, or a grit machine like some of the boutique boxes. It just sounds like an Ampeg. But I happen to really like the Ampeg sound. So that's what worked for me.

The runner up for me was the MXR. Really nice preamp. If there wasn't an SCR-DI, the MXR81 would have been my pick instead.

 

[40Hz]

I was just wondering to myself what people typically do with the usual "preamp pedals" that the tone controls on the amp and/or bass can't do just as well (unless stomp switching of the EQ is needed - maybe to accompany other pedals).

I don't know what "typical" or "usual" usage is in this context. But in the case of me and my SCR-DI, it gives me the sound and familiar control set of an Ampeg amp - no matter what it's plugged into. Not surprising. Because it's the same preamp stage Ampeg uses in some of their amps.

 

[Bassmike62]

I had the MXR M81 for a few months a couple of years ago and although it is a typically well-made and great sounding unit (very transparent), I recently went back to the BDDI after a short fling with a VTDI. I find that it's simply the best at beefing up my Jazz.

 

[Doner Designs]

I don't know what "typical" or "usual" usage is in this context. But in the case of me and my SCR-DI, it gives me the sound and familiar control set of an Ampeg amp - no matter what it's plugged into. Not surprising. Because it's the same preamp stage Ampeg uses in some of their amps.

That's a good point. I actually run an SCR DI in front of my little Ashdown CTM-15 in the bedroom. The Ashdown tone controls don't get the job done but the SCR DI does a nice job of Ampeg-izing it. In fact I'm thinking about selling both the DI and the amp and replacing the pair with an Ampeg amp.

 

[40Hz]

That's a good point. I actually run an SCR DI in front of my little Ashdown CTM-15 in the bedroom. The Ashdown tone controls don't get the job done but the SCR DI does a nice job of Ampeg-izing it. In fact I'm thinking about selling both the DI and the amp and replacing the pair with an Ampeg amp.

Well…that puts us on the same page.

I've got a B-15N for studio and small venue use. But until I can justify a nice new V4B (since I haven't been doing much gigging over the last two years due to medical reasons), an SCR-DI into my old SWR SM-400 set dead flat will have to serve me for the time being.

 

[Doner Designs]

Well…that puts us on the same page.

I've got a B-15N for studio and small venue use. But until I can justify a nice nee V4B (since I haven't been doing much gigging over the last two years due to medical reasons), an SCR-DI into my old SWR SM-400 set dead flat will have to serve me for the time being.

A real B-15...that's cool! I've been eyeing the PF50t but I'm a little scared that I won't like the EQ since the bass is centered at 60hz vs 40hz which seems to be more common for Ampeg (including the SCR DI).

 

[Doner Designs]

What's up everyone? My wife recently bought me a Proco Rat 2 as a gift and it's got amazing grit, but what I really want to get into is a nice preamp pedal to fatten the tone of my Jazz. I've got some gift cards to burn, but I'm looking to stay under $200 and I've got my eye on a few. Unfortunately for me, the nearest Guitar Center is closed indefinitely from being damaged in a tornado and the only other music shop in town is a local place with a small number of effects. So I'm hoping to get a few opinions on a good preamp with not a lot of bells and whistles.

The main two I'm considering is 1) the MXR M81 Bass Preamp at $169 and 2) Earthquaker's Tone Job at $145. I've listened to tons of demos for both, though sadly haven't seen any for bass featuring the Tone Job. I've read the Tone Job works with both guitar and bass... Anyone have any experience with either? I'm also open to other options, if there's good enough reason.

After a few hijack/tangents, I'll throw in a vote for the Ampeg SCR DI.

 

[Lowness]

What's up everyone? My wife recently bought me a Proco Rat 2 as a gift and it's got amazing grit, but what I really want to get into is a nice preamp pedal to fatten the tone of my Jazz. I've got some gift cards to burn, but I'm looking to stay under $200 and I've got my eye on a few. Unfortunately for me, the nearest Guitar Center is closed indefinitely from being damaged in a tornado and the only other music shop in town is a local place with a small number of effects. So I'm hoping to get a few opinions on a good preamp with not a lot of bells and whistles.

The main two I'm considering is 1) the MXR M81 Bass Preamp at $169 and 2) Earthquaker's Tone Job at $145. I've listened to tons of demos for both, though sadly haven't seen any for bass featuring the Tone Job. I've read the Tone Job works with both guitar and bass... Anyone have any experience with either? I'm also open to other options, if there's good enough reason.

I have the MXR M81 - small, very strong, good capabilities. Best of all, it is simple - just a pre-amp - no other rubbish to get in the way.

I love it.

 

[eKay]

I'm getting good results with Eden WTDI box.

I vote for the Eden, that's what's on my pedal board. I run the XLR straight to my power amp, and the 1/4" output to my floor monitor. Or I use the XLR if there's a sound guy who wants to DI the bass. I get comments on the tone pretty much every time I play a show. I am not a Sansamp fan (too "fake"), and I didn't care much for the samples on basstasters for the Aguilar (better than Sansamp stuff, but a little sterile to my ear). Big, fat, round, Eden. Makes everything sound good. Got mine for $80 off craigslist.

 

[40Hz]

A real B-15...that's cool! I've been eyeing the PF50t but I'm a little scared that I won't like the EQ since the bass is centered at 60hz vs 40hz which seems to be more common for Ampeg (including the SCR DI).

I'd happily own a PF-50T. I tried one out and loved the sound. I would have liked it more if they did a Baxandall tone stack like the one on the B-15. But you probably couldn't sell a bass amp that didn't have at least one midrange control these days. And the shelving points sounded very good and "Ampeg-y" to me. Cerainly close enough for rock. And there's lots to like on the back panel too. That separate transformer balanced line and preamp out is a stroke of genius IMO. As is the ability to run it without a speaker load out of the box - so you know there's going to be one in every studio worthy of the name very shortly since you could just use it as a somewhat expensive tube preamp/DI if you wanted to.

All in all it's a great little amp with a lot more going for it than its resemblance to a B-15 might suggest. It's a thorough update in concept that reflects the needs of its intended users better than anything I've seen in a long time. But it still holds true to its roots. A little pricey maybe. But not for what it is.

The thing with the old B-15 is the Baxandall tone stack and how that handles your control of your mids with just a treble and bass control. But that's a whole separate topic. Suffice to say, a Bax can do things the more common FMV tonestack can't - and vice-versa. I find the controls on a B-15 very intuitive. But not everybody likes or understands how those two interactive controls work well enough to use them effectively. But suffice to say, with a Bax tonestack, you don't need to worry too much about how the amp scoops your mids unless you dial it in to do so.

There's also (I've been told) the unusual speaker the older B-15s had. The frame was supposedly somewhat flexible. And that had a lot to do with its overall creamy sound.

But to go back to the PF series, they've definitely got much of that same mojo. And there's something to be said for the peace of mind that comes from owning something that can easily be replaced if wrecked or stolen - unlike a vintage amp.

My only minor criticism of the PF-50T was how hot the tube cage can get. The B-15's grillwork can get painfully warm to the touch. But the 50T feels more like it can burn you pretty good if you touch it while it's on - or too soon after you switch it off. Minor niggle, I know. But if you have little kids running around or visiting your place, it's definitely something to be aware of and take some precautions with.

 

[VanishingPoint]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

It's a few Amazon gift cards I'll be using... The Tone Hammer does sound appealing and it's not too far out of my price range. I'm using a Fender Rumble 500 v3. I'm looking at compressors as well. Kind of a toss up right now of which to get into first. I mainly want to have the preamp for a little more control especially when using it in conjunction with my Proco Rat and other future pedals.

 

[Doner Designs]

I'd happily own a PF-50T. I tried one out and loved the sound. I would have liked it more if they did a Baxandall tone stack like the one on the B-15. But you probably couldn't sell a bass amp that didn't have at least one midrange control these days. And the shelving points sounded very good and "Ampeg-y" to me. Cerainly close enough for rock. And there's lots to like on the back panel too. That separate transformer balanced line and preamp out is a stroke of genius IMO. As is the ability to run it without a speaker load out of the box - so you know there's going to be one in every studio worthy of the name very shortly since you could just use it as a somewhat expensive tube preamp/DI if you wanted to.

All in all it's a great little amp with a lot more going for it than its resemblance to a B-15 might suggest. It's a thorough update in concept that reflects the needs of its intended users better than anything I've seen in a long time. But it still holds true to its roots. A little pricey maybe. But not for what it is.

The thing with the old B-15 is the Baxandall tone stack and how that handles your control of your mids with just a treble and bass control. But that's a whole separate topic. Suffice to say, a Bax can do things the more common FMV tonestack can't - and vice-versa. I find the controls on a B-15 very intuitive. But not everybody likes or understands how those two interactive controls work well enough to use them effectively. But suffice to say, with a Bax tonestack, you don't need to worry too much about how the amp scoops your mids unless you dial it in to do so.

There's also (I've been told) the unusual speaker the older B-15s had. The frame was supposedly somewhat flexible. And that had a lot to do with its overall creamy sound.

But to go back to the PF series, they've definitely got much of that same mojo. And there's something to be said for the peace of mind that comes from owning something that can easily be replaced if wrecked or stolen - unlike a vintage amp.

My only minor criticism of the PF-50T was how hot the tube cage can get. The B-15's grillwork can get painfully warm to the touch. But the 50T feels more like it can burn you pretty good if you touch it while it's on - or too soon after you switch it off. Minor niggle, I know. But if you have little kids running around or visiting your place, it's definitely something to be aware of and take some precautions with.

I appreciate your comments on the PF50t. Jimmy and Ampeg both had similar things to say about the EQ. Interestingly the bass control is peaking type at 60hz rather than shelving, however, the ultra low is +2db shelving at 50hz with -10db at 500hz (if I remember right). Considering your TB name, if anybody would be bothered that the bass isn't centered at 40hz it would be you.

I am fairly close to moving on the PF50t for a lot of the reasons you noted. I always have PA support, so it would probably be all the power I need live and great for recording. If you consider the back panel, it's like buying a REDDI and getting an amp for almost free. As for the hot tubes, I made the suggestion in another thread that some innovative TBer should invent an attachment that allows a user to make toast on without it sliding off of the angled tube cage. What could go better with a bass that plays like butter than an amp that makes toast?

 

[40Hz]

I appreciate your comments on the PF50t. Jimmy and Ampeg both had similar things to say about the EQ. Interestingly the bass control is peaking type at 60hz rather than shelving, however, the ultra low is +2db shelving at 50hz with -10db at 500hz (if I remember right). Considering your TB name, if anybody would be bothered that the bass isn't centered at 40hz it would be you.

I am fairly close to moving on the PF50t for a lot of the reasons you noted. I always have PA support, so it would probably be all the power I need live and great for recording. If you consider the back panel, it's like buying a REDDI and getting an amp for almost free. As for the hot tubes, I made the suggestion in another thread that some innovative TBer should invent an attachment that allows a user to make toast on without it sliding off of the angled tube cage. What could go better with a bass that plays like butter than an amp that makes toast?

Mea culpa on the "shelving" vs "peaking." Someday I'll stop doing that. I do know the difference. But you'd never know it talking to me.

Maybe not a toaster btw. But how about a corn popper? Hiw cool would that be? It'd go a long way towards boosting a bass player's popularity.

Funny thing about my 40Hz handle. An old band I was in used to tune for E at 40Hz rather than the more standard 41.2Hz due to an accidental discovery I made playing a period correct Baroque recording through our giant Altec Lansing "Voice of the Theater" PA cabs. This was back when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

By tuning slightly flat, those cabs suddenly got very lively sounding for us. Huge improvement in our live sound at no cost! My bandmates started calling me "Ed at 40 Hertz" after that fluke discovery. That eventually got shortened to just "40Hz" - and it sorta stuck as my name in the band. And afterwards.

(I like to think they meant it as a compliment.)

 

[eKay]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

It's a few Amazon gift cards I'll be using... The Tone Hammer does sound appealing and it's not too far out of my price range. I'm using a Fender Rumble 500 v3. I'm looking at compressors as well. Kind of a toss up right now of which to get into first. I mainly want to have the preamp for a little more control especially when using it in conjunction with my Proco Rat and other future pedals.

Not to beat a dead horse, but the Eden WTDI has a usable 1-knob compressor. I've actually used it with the Fender Rumble 500, an amp that I wasn't wild about, but with the pedal my "Eden" tone was able to come through and I liked it better.

 

[vivaknoxvegas]

I just got a Darkglass Vintage Deluxe that I like a lot. I had the BDDI but I found it to not work well with certain dirt and distortion pedals. On it's own, I like it too though.

 

[Nephilymbass]

What's up everyone? My wife recently bought me a Proco Rat 2 as a gift and it's got amazing grit, but what I really want to get into is a nice preamp pedal to fatten the tone of my Jazz. I've got some gift cards to burn, but I'm looking to stay under $200 and I've got my eye on a few. Unfortunately for me, the nearest Guitar Center is closed indefinitely from being damaged in a tornado and the only other music shop in town is a local place with a small number of effects. So I'm hoping to get a few opinions on a good preamp with not a lot of bells and whistles.

The main two I'm considering is 1) the MXR M81 Bass Preamp at $169 and 2) Earthquaker's Tone Job at $145. I've listened to tons of demos for both, though sadly haven't seen any for bass featuring the Tone Job. I've read the Tone Job works with both guitar and bass... Anyone have any experience with either? I'm also open to other options, if there's good enough reason.

Really depends on what style of music you play. I prefer the bass driver and RBI sans amps for heavy music personally. I'd probably go Aguilar or Eden if I was planning on mainly using clean tones.
You may want to just wait and save up for something more expensive. A lot of people love the Darkglass b7k for gritty tones and I was recently introduced to Avalon pre amps and think they sound fantastic for clean tones. But I think you'll find it pretty much impossible to find a used b7k or Avalon u5 for $200 The mxr m80 can get some decent grit. Being a rock/metal guy I'd probably go with the m80 over the m81 if I was to go the mxr route, although if you're digging the rat your wife got you you may want to try then m81 with the mxr bass distortion running into it. The mxr bass distortion is a rat based pedal designed specifically for bass. And I think it's one of the best dirt pedals for the money right now.