Jad Freer Sisma Mega Thread.

[gtirard]

Would this be stratight bass to looper to amps? That seems like the most accurate test.

Why would looper to amps be more accurate than re-amping?

It's a genuine question. I made a few preamps shootouts in the past, and I'm about to make another one in a few days, and I wonder what's the difference between using a looper and reamping.

 

[carsonchilders]

Are you suggesting that you would use API equalizers to record with?
Since very few people use them that would not be a good test.
Maybe API makes a recording device?

No, I would use an API studio preamp. You always need a preamp before you hit converters so the question would be what preamp do I use to make the “control” neutral/clean bass take to be reamped into order devices like the noble or Sisma preamp

 

[Jim C]

Maybe I misunderstood.
You want to take a manufactured signal, meaning a EQ'd bass track, and then run that into different amps?
Wouldn't using a clean bass signal offer less variables for the test? Maybe you intend to use the API as a clean pre-amp without EQ?

 

[carsonchilders]

Maybe I misunderstood.
You want to take a manufactured signal, meaning a EQ'd bass track, and then run that into different amps?
Wouldn't using a clean bass signal offer less variables for the test? Maybe you intend to use the API as a clean pre-amp without EQ?

Yeah we definitely have our wires crossed somewhere. I apologize if I’m not explaining well!

there is no EQ involved at all. I would record my bass into an API 3124 preamp into a universal audio Apollo (interface) into logic. Then reamp it out of logic into a reamp box into whatever device I need to.

 

[Jim C]

Got it. I'm familair with API channel strips and the lunchbox pre's. All have EQ and the ones I've used had transformers for the front end. If the API is the most trasnparent you have with no EQ that makes sense!
Eliminating tonal variables is a good thing during testing. I will say the mic pre's on the API consoles I used were more heavily voiced without EQ than other brands like MCI, SSL, and Trident.

 

[carsonchilders]

Got it. I'm familair with API channel strips and the lunchbox pre's. All have EQ and the ones I've used had transformers for the front end. If the API is the most trasnparent you have with no EQ that makes sense!
Eliminating tonal variables is a good thing during testing. I will say the mic pre's on the API consoles I used were more heavily voiced without EQ than other brands like MCI, SSL, and Trident.

Totally. I have Apollo pres which I generally avoid (they aren't even connected on my patch bay) but it may make sense to go that route because of the super neutral voicing. Anyways, back to the Sisma at hand!

 

[Jim C]

Good luck with testing!

 

[DJ Bebop]

Would this be stratight bass to looper to amps? That seems like the most accurate test.

That’s how I’m doing mine.

 

[rstephens]

Why would looper to amps be more accurate than re-amping?

It's a genuine question. I made a few preamps shootouts in the past, and I'm about to make another one in a few days, and I wonder what's the difference between using a looper and reamping.

I just figure that I know the replay from the looper (in my case a simple Boss RC-5) sounds pretty much identical to what my bass sounds like so when I hit "play" and then change parameters on a pre amp or amp, and dial in what I like, I know it'll sound the same when I'm playing with those settings, too. And it's easier because I don't have to use a computer.

 

[gtirard]

I just figure that I know the replay from the looper (in my case a simple Boss RC-5) sounds pretty much identical to what my bass sounds like so when I hit "play" and then change parameters on a pre amp or amp, and dial in what I like, I know it'll sound the same when I'm playing with those settings, too. And it's easier because I don't have to use a computer.

OK. I'm in the opposite situation: I have a computer and a HX Stomp but no looper pedal, so re-amping is easier for me, plus I like to record these kind of test on a DAW at the same time, so it's natural. But yeah, I guess both solutions are good and equivalent (as long as you send to each amp the same signal, equivalent to the original signal of your instrument).

 

[DJ Bebop]

So, enjoying the Sisma.
I have some non-scientific tequila-infused jamming while mindlessly watching TV, on cell phone video I’ll probably post this weekend along with more Tequila-infused ramblings.

Doing some goofy LPF + Deep switch playing. Plus my flat mid EQ with just Bass and Treble, then some additional mid EQ. Seems responsive to touch when you ramp it up a bit. I like the LPF for that. Smooths out the tweeter real nice as I run my tweeter up all the way on my Mesa Subway 1x15.

Even though it has a tube in the front end, I think this might appeal to those that like the Mesa D 800+ or looking for one in Europe, as it had a thickness that folks like of the D+. I still like my WD 800 but if I had the extra scrilla Id get one. More to come.

Questions?

 

[Jeff Scott]

Questions?

What's your favorite brand of tequila?

 

[DJ Bebop]

My well Tequila…

 

[AlexMG]

So, enjoying the Sisma.
I have some non-scientific tequila-infused jamming while mindlessly watching TV, on cell phone video I’ll probably post this weekend along with more Tequila-infused ramblings.

Doing some goofy LPF + Deep switch playing. Plus my flat mid EQ with just Bass and Treble, then some additional mid EQ. Seems responsive to touch when you ramp it up a bit. I like the LPF for that. Smooths out the tweeter real nice as I run my tweeter up all the way on my Mesa Subway 1x15.

Even though it has a tube in the front end, I think this might appeal to those that like the Mesa D 800+ or looking for one in Europe, as it had a thickness that folks like of the D+. I still like my WD 800 but if I had the extra scrilla Id get one. More to come.

Questions?

Is the Sisma really close in tone to a tube B-15?

 

[AlexMG]

Oh man after eying the Sisma again I just found out that one of my favorite bassists has a new amp by JAD, the Volta...it never ends..

 

[DJ Bebop]

Is the Sisma really close in tone to a tube B-15?

Somewhat, as the Baxandall tone stack is present and working and with the tube preamp there is a tube feel to the amp with a warm response from the power amp section.

What needs to be understood is about 75 to 95% of what we associate as the tone of a B-15 amp is the speaker cabinet. If you take the B-15 head and run it through another cabinet the head sounds like any other tube bass head. If you run another low-wattage head back through the fliptop cabinet, it will sound more like a B-15.

So if you are familiar with how a B-15 head sounds through any other cabinet other than a flip top then yes, it does sound like a tube B-15, somewhat.

Again I say somewhat because also this is 800 watts I believe as the B-15, depending on model, is 25-30 watts. So that also will change the perception of it. But it could just be me.

Hopefully my observation doesn't confuse the issue.

 

[gtirard]

Somewhat, as the Baxandall tone stack is present and working and with the tube preamp there is a tube feel to the amp with a warm response from the power amp section.

What needs to be understood is about 75 to 95% of what we associate as the tone of a B-15 amp is the speaker cabinet. If you take the B-15 head and run it through another cabinet the head sounds like any other tube bass head. If you run another low-wattage head back through the fliptop cabinet, it will sound more like a B-15.

So if you are familiar with how a B-15 head sounds through any other cabinet other than a flip top then yes, it does sound like a tube B-15, somewhat.

Again I say somewhat because also this is 800 watts I believe as the B-15, depending on model, is 25-30 watts. So that also will change the perception of it. But it could just be me.

Hopefully my observation doesn't confuse the issue.

It makes a lot of sense, and it's a good reminder that we often forget the importance of cab vs head in general, also true for many other amps.
-----------
For the record, Sisma is 700W @ 4Ohm / 350W @ 8Ohm / 950w @2ohm (although it makes no difference in real life)

 

[gtirard]

So, enjoying the Sisma.
I have some non-scientific tequila-infused jamming while mindlessly watching TV, on cell phone video I’ll probably post this weekend along with more Tequila-infused ramblings.

Doing some goofy LPF + Deep switch playing. Plus my flat mid EQ with just Bass and Treble, then some additional mid EQ. Seems responsive to touch when you ramp it up a bit. I like the LPF for that. Smooths out the tweeter real nice as I run my tweeter up all the way on my Mesa Subway 1x15.

Even though it has a tube in the front end, I think this might appeal to those that like the Mesa D 800+ or looking for one in Europe, as it had a thickness that folks like of the D+. I still like my WD 800 but if I had the extra scrilla Id get one. More to come.

Questions?

That's also how I use the Sisma's EQ. It took me some time to find out, and now I feel a bit stupid because it's so obvious:

• It sounds great with EQ at noon, most of the time,
• Still I quickly adjust the bass & treble, leaving the mids untouched, and that enough 90% of the time
• Use the mids only when I need to fix specific frequencies,with chirurgical precision

 

[AlexMG]

Somewhat, as the Baxandall tone stack is present and working and with the tube preamp there is a tube feel to the amp with a warm response from the power amp section.

What needs to be understood is about 75 to 95% of what we associate as the tone of a B-15 amp is the speaker cabinet. If you take the B-15 head and run it through another cabinet the head sounds like any other tube bass head. If you run another low-wattage head back through the fliptop cabinet, it will sound more like a B-15.

So if you are familiar with how a B-15 head sounds through any other cabinet other than a flip top then yes, it does sound like a tube B-15, somewhat.

Again I say somewhat because also this is 800 watts I believe as the B-15, depending on model, is 25-30 watts. So that also will change the perception of it. But it could just be me.

Hopefully my observation doesn't confuse the issue.

Thanks!

I have a B-15R that I run through an Accugroove El Whappo cab and the sound is to die for and when I don’t want the sound of the Fliptop cab.
If I could get that amps sound in a portable format it would be quite amazing.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Thanks!

I have a B-15R that I run through an Accugroove El Whappo can and the sound is to die for and when I don’t want the sound of the Fliptop cab.
If I could get that amps sound in a portable format it would be quite amazing.

See that's what I'm talkin’ about. When you get the head away from the fliptop cabinet it really shows its tone on its own and In my opinion, really shines in another cabinet. My alt cab was running my B-15 head into an Aguilar GS 112. It got that scoopy low end those cabinets do well but with that smooth tube thing the B does. So definitely, if you're hip to that than I would say this holds true, to my ear. Only fatter, but you know about that.

Now for me, I like my WD because of a few tricks to it that I feel helps to get a non-flip top cabinet to sound like one. The HPF, the damping control, the impedance switch, which in some cases lowers the output wattage and adds to the harmonic texture. I use the HPF to roll off the low end to get more of the response and sound of a vintage cabinet and the damping set to low gives a feel or response and sound of a cabinet being pushed by a tube power amp. There's some other mojo to add to the power tube feel and response you don't normally get from a class D power section.

All that babbling means, to me, I can also make my modern cabinet to sound closer to a vintage cabinet, almost like a flip top.

Anyway we are talking about the Sisma.
I feel its got the B-15 thing going, I like it. It gets a funkiness to it that gets the B-15 thang to it as well. You can run it clean and warm or loose and gritty and run a stack of cabinets or just a nice 1x15 like I’m doing, and run it on some nice respectable gigs.

This thing is heavy, remember that!
Not an overbearing heavy. More of a manly heavy. Not that wussy class D heavy. The consolation is, a heavy sound comes with it.