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Looking for Backup/Replacing ART Tube Comp Levelar

Tommy L

Tommy L

Dec 21, 2013
200
35
Saint Augustine, Florida USA
#1
Hello Amazing Talk Bass'ers!

My signature sound is mostly comprised of my bass I built (Gecko 5, with CS and DC40s and the BQC system) and into the LATE 90's ART Levelar direct to mixing console.

I get amazing people response from my sound. From listeners to other actual bass players. So I'm happy :) and besides.... I like my sound I'm currently achieving.

But There will be a time that the Levelar will be done. I've toured with it for 9 months straight. Even played in Dusty Sturgis for bike week for the whole week with it! It's been in my chain as D.I. since 1999.

My console is the XR18. It has built in Comp. Is the console compression good enough and maybe just use a tube pre?

Most D.I's have all sorts of tone shaping.... which I don't need as my onboard shapes to what I've called my signature tone.

So I guess I'm looking for a D.I. and some tube warmth and compression if the mixing console is not a good choice to handle that chore. I wear IEM, so I'm not considering back-line options.

Thank you!

Tommy L sends......
 
#2
  1. Hey @Tommy L if you have tried current DI boxes of which there are many to choose from and they do not meet your needs then you might look into having someone fabricate a custom box to meet your spec of the ART Levelar that you prefer. Josh Broughton (@Azure Skies ) or @johnk_10 may be able to help you.
  2. Buying one or two used ones for backup spare parts might be a prudent move, there are some on Reverb, just saying.
 
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#4
When I listened to the above link of audio comparisons.... the
REDDI had a real nice breath to it (Airy? if that's a good description).
This is what I'm looking for Airy.... Can anything else do this with a smaller price tag?
And if I purchased the REDDI can my console handle my compression needs?

and.... whats the difference of using the XR18 console pre with my bass plugged in directly vs
hitting the REDDI first? I'm thinking the REDDI gives you that airy breath?
 
#5
Interestingly the shootout does not include the Countryman Type 85 the ubiquitous industry standard for many a year. My long time choice.
The RNDI is a very nice transparent box with a bit of Neve magic, quickly becoming a favorite.
The Behri DI100 is a solid box been using one for years as a utility DI for keys and such no complaints.
Of course the Reddi, BAE and Avalon are amazing but for those prices might as well go for a Mic preamp or channel strip.
 
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#7
I ended up purchasing the TWO NOTES LE BASS. My Signal Chain is:

Gecko 5 > Boss FS500 Volume> Boss TU-3> Late 90's ART Levelar Tube Comp> Le Bass

Hopefully I can Eq everything out good on my full PA. First indication is that
the LE Bass sounds big and full. Impressive and now fills my DI needs.

Not sure if I'll keep it, but so far I like it.

:)
 

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