If selecting only 1 rackmount...

[Exemonium]

I just picked up a little combo amp, which I feel is a nice upgrade from the lil amp I had (behringer Ultrabass BC600), but still a ways to go before I get anything superb. I got a SWR combo Workingman's 2x10c The cool thing is it has a slot for a rackmount effect. the big question is... what in the world would I put in there?! I'm extremely new to effects for bass guitar. I can't see me using all sorts of effects, but I'm not sure if maybe a multi-effects would still be one of the better choices, or something simpler like a compressor. I'd like some sort of tuner, but it also has a tuner out, for something like that.

Any and all help/tips is appreciated! Thank you in advance.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

Tuner.

 

[googs1971]

Tech21 RBI

 

[waleross]

+1 on the Tech21 RBi.........................

 

[Pandafist]

Build an empty unit with nice graphics on the front, call it something evil sounding, take pics, then hype the **** out of it on here.
Sit back and enjoy teh lulz.

 

[Exemonium]

Now because I don't know really anything about rackmounted goods, why do you suggest the tech21?

 

[LarkinLondon]

I've got my head and a tuner.

 

[Swift713]

The Tech 21 RBI is a preamp that can add some tonal flexibility to your rig. It can get a range of tube emulation sounds, both clean and dirty. It may be a very good compliment to the SWR.
On the other hand, a compressor may be a suitable addition to your rig, depending on your style. Or, a multi effect may be up your alley. There are a number of decent one space units that could cover the basics, delay, reverb, chorus, etc. as well as compression and tuning.

 

[garmenteros]

Tuner.

+1

I've got a rack (a larger one though) and a tuner is very handy.

 

[Exemonium]

So the tech 21 is like an amp simulator, huh?

 

[Swift713]

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tech-21-SansAmp-RBI-Rackmount-Bass-Tube-Amp-Emulator?sku=480223
they also make this http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tech-21-Sansamp-PSA1.1-Preamp?sku=480041

 

[dogbass]

I owned that particular combo. It is a very clean scooped sounding amp. I found its ability to cut through in a band situation lacking. The Tech21 RBI will add a bit of oomph which you will appreciate and give you some flexibility in the tones you can coax out of the 2x10c. Its worthy of consideration. Of course a rack tuner is a fine choice as well.

 

[silky smoove]

A multi effect unit with a built in tuner and a foot controller. All you'd need in one package.

 

[David Jayne]

I would suggest you play the amp as-is for awhile, while continuing to research your options. You may, in the end, decide not to get anything at all. Tuner? Meh. Compressor? Meh. Multieffects unit? In my experience one or two sounds are great, while the rest are meh. RBI? Maybe. Seriously, just play it awhile.

 

[Exemonium]

Oh I'm definitely going to play as is for a while first. I've just not had an opportunity to ever have something like that. Which is why I wanted to find out what people might suggest for me.

 

[plankspanker13]

Nobody's mentioned the Interstellar Overdrive yet.

 

[metalinthenight]

or the eventide eclipse, or the boss VF-1 (isn't that the boss multi effects rack, the little red one?)

 

[Swift713]

or the eventide eclipse, or the boss VF-1 (isn't that the boss multi effects rack, the little red one?)

Since the OP made some reference to upgrading the amp in the future one might assume that something like the Eventide would be out of his price range.

 

[SteveC]

The OP seems to be treating this as a step to another amp, but may find after playing it that it does everything necessary. Bigger, more popular isn't always better. Words to live by - wish I did a better job at listening to my own advice.

I wouldn't go multi effects, but I am not an effect guy. Maybe a compressor, maybe nothing.

 

[cableguy]

Sansamp RBI also has a great DI (2) as well if you play places with FOH sound. One with emulation, one clean. It also can be used as you upgrade your cab/ amp in the future. It works well in the studio as well.