I don't get $400 preamp pedals ...

[capnjagg]

How much does an XLR DI box cost? Most Preamps will have DI built-in. Not everyone uses them, of course.

And the other side of this is most venues I’ve played that had the option to DI had DI boxes on-hand, while most venues I’ve played that didn’t were small enough that my amp was plenty loud.

 

[GBBSbassist]

 

[pbass2]

Fwiw, an option that's helped me is separating the preamps from the DIs. Keeps it relatively affordable and I can mix and match preamps based on need. Very helpful when recording.

I'm using these preamps at different times:
Xotic RC Bass Booster
Sushi Box Slampegg X
Sushi Box Particle Accelerator mini
Broughton SV-PRE

And these DIs:
Countryman Type 85
Radial Pro

I swear by this approach too. For live I switch between an RC Booster and a BB pre depending on the gig (both as always on pedals), to my JDI to FOH. Other than a tuner, that's it. If for some reason the pre craps out I can still go DI.

 

[InhumanResource]

Got it...

I saw a big sign at the local hospital saying:
Labor Day Sale... Triplets Delivered for the price of Twins.

They also had some others specials...
Your surgery done on time or dinner is on us.
Two-for-One Colonoscopy - Bring a friend.
All labs free with any of these procedures... and there was a -Wheel of Surgery- you could spin to select which one you get.
I won a Bile duct stent.

Might not be what ya hoped for, but every little bit helps, eh?

Haha, I’ll take it

 

[secondbestcody]

I love my Darkglass X Ultra. I use it as my ‘always on’ pedal. It has everything I need all in one pedal. The money it cost me was well worth it.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

OP trolls, people end up name dropping gear.

 

[Sam Dingle]

Paid $1100 for my noble and it was worth every penny. YMMV

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

I've was pleasantly surprised by this:

Valeton Dapper Bass - is everything the best I've ever heard until the next thing comes out? No; but the tuner works, an adjustable boost, the amp section is not bad on a P Bass. The Q is not going to make you end your search for the peeeerrfect Q filter. The Octave tracks well when used in the upper register (we're I generally do) and the Chorus is not magic but it gives a bit o' something, if needed.

It does have a DI, effects loop and a through output.

I think it's like $129 - $159 +/- (I got this one used for $90) I'm setting this one up to send a sub wet signal from a DOD Meat Box with the DI, boost and the amp section.) It's well made also.

Good luck!

 

[lokikallas]

programmable bddi 150$ used all day

 

[2112]

Came into obvious troll thread expecting rustled jimmies. Leaving satisfied.

cromulent

Well done lol.

 

[monsterthompson]

OP trolls, people end up name dropping gear.

What a country!

 

[red_rhino]

-Wheel of Surgery-

I’d like to buy an ow.

 

[SkylineFiver]

That $400 preamp is $650 used on Reverb.
But if the box and sticker are missing it’s only $150.

Like this…

 

[Killing Floor]

Like this…

View attachment 4802225

Is it so wrong that I want that on my board no matter what it does?

 

[Skip Chucker]

Because there are people who see enough value in it to pay that much\. That said there are plenty of pedals that do more than what you describe and/or do it differently.....with tubes, cab sims, beautiful graphics, programmable interfaces/connectivity, etc etc. Further, many of these boxes are built by small companies (even 1 man bands) who do not have economies of scale. The market likes what they do enough to pay a little extra, and the exclusivity/ small production add to that. That said, you can get a Caline preamp pedal with eq for < 100 bucks.

This.

//Thread

 

[Matt Dean]

Regarding “I don't get $400 preamp pedals...”

I do.

 

[funkinbottom]

So, I am looking for a pedal that can boost, EQ and maybe color the tone a bit, possibly also with a DI out - in other words, a "preamp pedal".

Sushi Box Has a few nice option that don't totally break the bank. Quality craftsmanship and excellent product. And made by a TB member. Pedals – Sushi Box FX

 

[GreyBeard]

Bass preamps used to be rack mount. Now they are jamming the same components into a pedal or box. My Mesa preamp/DI doesn't have a pedal switch of any kind. What it does is add flexibility and consistency. No matter what amp I may play I plug the output of the mesa into the FX return and can get my sound quickly with just about any amp. It is also designed for ampless use as well. It has not one but two DI's. You can set it up for sending a flat send to the FOH and an EQ'd send to the monitor mix. You have complete volume and eq control over your monitor mix while not affecting the FOH send. In this case the Mesa preamp/DI is a flexible tool that is worth what you pay for it.

 

[Dominic D]

I can’t speak for other builders but my preamp pedals cost me well over $100 each in parts only. Factor in labor, packaging, shipping, etc. and it starts to add up.

 

[lermgalieu]

But most would pay $400 or $500 bucks to just take a small pedal sized box into the PA and rock on.

This assertion is highly dubious.