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If selecting only 1 rackmount...

#21
I'd probably go with a compressor, but just because I prefer a pedal tuner to a rack tuner. If you don't like pedal tuners, grab a rack one for that empty rack space.

I don't see much point in throwing another preamp in there because even if it is an upgrade, a preamp is something you already have built into that combo.
 
#22
Well, my budget isn't very high, the tech 21 rbi is more than I want to spend right now. I do need a tuner of sorts regardless, one that is somehow in my rig would be handy. My guitar amp has a tuner and I use it very often, then again basses don't go out of tune as quickly from my experiences.

I guess I'm mainly seeing what is out there that I could save up towards. I don't even know what kind of stuff is needed for bass. Like guitar fuzz/distortion is the #1. What is it for bass?

I kind of have a pretty good rule of only putting money into my gear that I make performing. If I can't make enough to buy the expensive stuff, then I clearly don't need it yet. No use having a $3,000 bass if I only play frat parties for beer and pennies. Thats just my thoughts though :-D I truly appreciate all the advice everyone, thank you!
 
#24
Swift713 said:
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.
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Well I was just thinking of 1U effects racks (this is the effects forum right?). I don't see as much of a point in putting an RBI (or RPM) in the rack unit, as a BDDI is much cheaper and he could save the rack space for other things. I vote against the rack tuner as well. I find pedal tuners much more convenient.
 
#27
Exemonium said:
Ok metal, that was pretty much jibberish to me. What's a BDDI? I like cheaper. Also I don't even know what RBI/RPM are. I'm pretty stupified when it comes to this rack effects stuff.
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Sorry. BDDI stands for the SansAmp Bass Driver DI preamp/direct box. Its pretty versatile and the DI sounds great, even when going straight into a mixing board. Here is a link to the BDDI on Musician's Friend:

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tech-21-SansAmp-Bass-Driver-DI?sku=480206

And here is a link to an explanation of what a DI is really all about:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=102219

The Sans Amp RBI (which is the rackmount unit that most people are referring to in this thread) is basically the BDDI in a rackmount chassis. It also has more DI outs (one clean and one effected) and is more versatile over all. Both the RBI and the BDDI are able to get sweet dirt tones (distortion/overdrive). Geddy Lee used to use the RBI in his rig for years (two of them, actually).

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The RPM is similar to the RBI, but I believe it is intended as more of a compendium to the RBI, to expand its tonal possibilities. It is also a great stand alone unit from what I understand.

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My main reason for suggesting the BDDI pedal (or one of SansAmp's other pedals, or any other preamp pedal ala the Aguilar Tone Hammer) was that you could mess around with amp simulation (and sweet tonal possibilities) without dropping the cash on an expensive rack unit. The real key is to get comfortable with your amp first and your playing style. Once you are able to know what type of sound you are looking for (or what your sound is lacking from the tone in your head) you will be able to hone in your gear search considerably.

Hope that helps.

EDIT: Oh, and rack spaces are measured in Units. Your SWR combo has a one rack space, so it is designated as having a 1U space, or one unit of space. Easy, huh?
 
#29
Jack2...DONE! haha And thanks Metal, I think I'm getting it more. I guess to me it's more complicated than the guitar stuff. For me the guitar was, you want X sound, you put Y pedal in your line. I think getting just the right bass sound is a tad more difficult. Maybe because I was a guitar player first, I suppose.
 
#30
Exemonium said:
Jack2...DONE! haha And thanks Metal, I think I'm getting it more. I guess to me it's more complicated than the guitar stuff. For me the guitar was, you want X sound, you put Y pedal in your line. I think getting just the right bass sound is a tad more difficult. Maybe because I was a guitar player first, I suppose.
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It could also be that bassists tend to be more picky in my opinion. Bassists just want more options, knobs and switches then most guitar players want to mess with. Also, bass frequencies are much more of a fickle beast when it comes to pedals and gear in general. Guitar players don't have to worry about things like low end retention and broad spectrum EQ control.

Of course that depends on the guitar player and bass player on a case by case basis...yada yada blah blah blah
 

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