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Help Me Choose a Preamp

#23
goran said:
Hi wonderful people of TalkBass!

I'm a long-time effects user, and I need your help in choosing the right preamp.

The main goal is to send a processed sound to the soundman, so I don't have to mic the cab. I will also be sending a pre-EQ signal from my amp, so phase matching will be up to the soundman.
That said, the preamp needs to satisfy the following conditions:
  • DI output to send a colored signal to FOH
  • Unprocessed output to send a clean signal to my amp (a must!)
  • Bass/middle/treble EQ at minimum
  • Speaker sim is a bonus, but not a must
  • Sub-300€ range

What I've Tried:
  • Two Notes LeBass – I don’t know why I thought I’d like it when all the reviews indicated the opposite. While I can get a usable sound, I feel like it shines more for aggressive tones. The EQ is limited.
  • Tech21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI – Haven’t used it in a long time, but I remember it being scooped, which doesn't necessarily has to be a bad thing. It didn't work for me as an overdrive pedal.
  • I've owned MXR 81 preamp - this was too clean, I want something with more character
  • When playing with amp/cab sims on the Zoom B1 Four, I liked the Aguilar and Ampeg SVT sims

Possible Options:
  1. Tech 21 VT Bass DI
  2. Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2
  3. NUX Melvin Lee Davis

TL;DR – My Ideal Preamp:
  • DI output for sending the processed sound
  • Unprocessed output for my amp
  • Neutral/warm sound (not ultra-clean, not overly dirty)
  • Bass/middle/treble EQ
  • Compact dimensions
  • Speaker sim & battery operation = nice bonus

Is there anything else I should consider?


Thanks!
Click to expand...
<<
  1. Tech 21 VT Bass DI
  2. Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2
>>

I have both of these and either one of them would work well for you. The VT Bass DI has an SVT 8x10 cabinet simulation switch and the BDDI V2 has a 500K/1000K midrange switch that allows for a non-scooped EQ option.
 
Last edited:
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#26
Sansamp VTDI has worked great for me. Very versatile. That being said had the BDDI and sold it for the VTDI. I think the VT has more of a classic sound but the BDDI was pretty great. I think any Sansamp product has value.
Lately I am running a Zoom B1 four into it for effects and straight to the house. It also has the parallel output uncolored into an amp if needed.
 
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#28
MynameisMe said:
I had one of these and regret selling it. Not that Mesa doesn't make it anymore they are going for high $ in the classifieds. Such an awesome, clean signal. Can't believe I sold it............
Click to expand...

The situation with the Subway preamp getting discontinued made me have a think about it…. I struggle to understand the reasoning behind the discontinuation of a product such as the Subway preamps, especially when there’s no available replacement from the brand.

Fair enough, you release a new version (Aguilar Tone Hammer V2 for example), then you discontinue the V1.

But the Mesa Subway preamps seem to have great reviews, I just don’t get why they would stop making them with no replacement available…. There must be a financial reason I guess?
 
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#30
Ian774 said:
The situation with the Subway preamp getting discontinued made me have a think about it…. I struggle to understand the reasoning behind the discontinuation of a product such as the Subway preamps, especially when there’s no available replacement from the brand.

Fair enough, you release a new version (Aguilar Tone Hammer V2 for example), then you discontinue the V1.

But the Mesa Subway preamps seem to have great reviews, I just don’t get why they would stop making them with no replacement available…. There must be a financial reason I guess?
Click to expand...
The Subway preamp is not discontinued, it's just not currently in production, as they are busy building other products. They should resume production sometime in the future, but not sure when.
 
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#33
Ian774 said:
The situation with the Subway preamp getting discontinued made me have a think about it…. I struggle to understand the reasoning behind the discontinuation of a product such as the Subway preamps, especially when there’s no available replacement from the brand.

Fair enough, you release a new version (Aguilar Tone Hammer V2 for example), then you discontinue the V1.

But the Mesa Subway preamps seem to have great reviews, I just don’t get why they would stop making them with no replacement available…. There must be a financial reason I guess?
Click to expand...
I'm guessing they weren't selling.
 
#35
Ian774 said:
It’s not on the website and not being produced. Might as well call that “discontinued”.
Click to expand...
The Subway+ DI was on there last time I looked, but not sure about the "non +". All I know is what Andy has posted, though I'm guessing they did not get back into production in '23 as mentioned in his second post below.

agedhorse

Post in thread 'No more Mesa Subway + DI.....snif....'

Bright Midnight said:
Just as my quest for THE preamp/DI was coming to its peak, and I discovered that I really really liked and wanted to buy the Mesa Subway + DI....it's not produced anymore, and the secondhand market seems empty.....sigh sigh sigh..... this was a couple of weeks ago, and I bought an Aguilar DB925 instead (no DI).

Now I can't stop lusting for the Mesa and although the DB925 is in fact a killer pedal in itself, I'm thinking of making the jump and selling it off while I patiently wait for a Subway+ pre to come along....

Am I being silly?
Click to expand...
The pedals are not discontinued, we just haven't...
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agedhorse

Post in thread 'Official Mesa Boogie Subway Series Club'

AB Nate said:
Pre amp pedals?
Click to expand...

I think the factory is building up some more Subway/Subway+ Pre-DIs in the next few weeks, I will have to check in and see what the status is.

krfoss said:
Exactly. Tube preamp with the boogie side of the tt800?
Click to expand...

Probably not, though it is something that I have considered and am still considering.

AB Nate said:
My fingers are still crossed for a modern carbine. A simple heavy hitting, kicks like a Clydesdale in the lows with a shattering top end. A darkglass killing crunch and punch!
Click to expand...

I have in fact looked at doing a Carbine class D amp similar to what I did with the...
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I wouldn't hold my breath but wouldn't give up hope, either. ;)
 
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#40
WRM said:
The Subway+ DI was on there last time I looked, but not sure about the "non +". All I know is what Andy has posted, though I'm guessing they did not get back into production in '23 as mentioned in his second post below.

agedhorse

Post in thread 'No more Mesa Subway + DI.....snif....'

Bright Midnight said:
Just as my quest for THE preamp/DI was coming to its peak, and I discovered that I really really liked and wanted to buy the Mesa Subway + DI....it's not produced anymore, and the secondhand market seems empty.....sigh sigh sigh..... this was a couple of weeks ago, and I bought an Aguilar DB925 instead (no DI).

Now I can't stop lusting for the Mesa and although the DB925 is in fact a killer pedal in itself, I'm thinking of making the jump and selling it off while I patiently wait for a Subway+ pre to come along....

Am I being silly?
Click to expand...
The pedals are not discontinued, we just haven't...
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agedhorse

Post in thread 'Official Mesa Boogie Subway Series Club'

AB Nate said:
Pre amp pedals?
Click to expand...

I think the factory is building up some more Subway/Subway+ Pre-DIs in the next few weeks, I will have to check in and see what the status is.

krfoss said:
Exactly. Tube preamp with the boogie side of the tt800?
Click to expand...

Probably not, though it is something that I have considered and am still considering.

AB Nate said:
My fingers are still crossed for a modern carbine. A simple heavy hitting, kicks like a Clydesdale in the lows with a shattering top end. A darkglass killing crunch and punch!
Click to expand...

I have in fact looked at doing a Carbine class D amp similar to what I did with the...
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I wouldn't hold my breath but wouldn't give up hope, either. ;)
Click to expand...

At the end of that thread, there's a hint about something forthcoming this year. If I had to guess, it's a redesign because of supply chain issues. I'm sure agedhorse will tell me if I'm wrong. :D

Anyway, my Para Driver does a pretty good job of emulating my Mesa D350. It's not spot on, but it's close enough.
 
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