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Modeling D.I. boxes

Which should I get?

  • Total voters
    90
  • Poll closed .
A

addylewis

Jun 1, 2004
1,994
149
43
sheffield, england
www.myspace.com
#1
Hey bass dudes

I'm considering buying a pedal-sized amp modeler (EDIT: or preamp) which I can leave in my bass bag for emergency situations at gigs - XLR out is pretty much essential.

There's quite a few different ones out there nowadays - I usually play Rock'n'Roll/60's/Motown kind of stuff so I'm after something that can accurately get those old school muffled sounds well. I like tubes but for emergency situations it's not essential really so long as I've got a bit of tone-sculpting...

I've got a Line 6 PodXT which is great for amp/"general decent sound" modelling but it's not as portable/pedal-like as it could be...they're pretty big lumps and haven't got an XLR out

Any suggestions I've not put in the poll would be welcomed! (I've probably missed/forgotten about a few options...)
 
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#2
If XLR out is negotiable, I'd suggest the Southampton Ictineo. Not necessarily an amp modeler but that thing gets so many tasty amp tones (there are some settings available that mimic popular amps) and is super versatile. I have also heard rumblings about a future iteration including an XLR out.

Beyond that, the smallest thing out there that I am aware of is the MXR M81. Again, not a modeler...more of a super transparent pre w EQ but has the size and xlr out and tone shaping controls. There are tons of these little boxes out these days between EBS, mesa, aguilar, etc...just depends on what options you really want.
 
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#5
Ive used a BDDI for years, so would go with that off the list.
I have recently been using a TC Electronics Spectradrive though, and this has pretty much taken over my tone shaping. It has a compressor and OD/dirt ability as well if you need it. Very powerful pre amp. With its intelligent EQ you can definitely get some old school thumps tones, as well as more modern.
 
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#6
Definitely check out the DSM/Noisemaker stuff. The builds are top notch, and very functional/intuitive. The mini/micro version was just released, too. It doesn't give you as much tone-shaping as the full size version, but they are both cab sims with XLR & through/effected outputs. So you can run an affected line to the board/FOH and then choose whether you want the affected or unaffected signal going to an amp, IEMs, etc.

Benefit of the mini is saving a couple bucks and having a compact backup. The deluxe is great because of the additional controls (Punch to add/remove a bump around 800kHz & Mid Response to scoop your signal). The deluxe also has a headphone jack and aux input if you need a device that doubles as a quiet practice tool. They both have a LPF control, so you can roll of the top end to simulate tweeter-less cabs for that motown vibe.
 
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#12
If you want cheap but completely functional the Behringer Bass BDI 21 is basically a cheap Sansamp knockoff that works very well, basically gives you an Ampeg-ish tone. I use one all the time to run direct to the mixer, sounds good and it works. No sweepable mids, I do most of the tone tweaking at the board and from the controls on my basses but otherwise sounds good and works well. About $30 on Amazon. Does have an xlr out.
 
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#13
The Ampeg Classic is a nice, basic preamp pedal, but it does not have an XLR out. The SCR-DI does.

The VT Bass DI is a good piece of kit, but the SCR-DI is not nearly as sensitive to small controls adjustments, and is much easier for me to dial in a "vintage" tone on. I kept a "cheat sheet" of control settings taped to the top of my VT Bass DI.
 
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#18
macmanlou said:
The Ampeg Classic is a nice, basic preamp pedal, but it does not have an XLR out. The SCR-DI does.

The VT Bass DI is a good piece of kit, but the SCR-DI is not nearly as sensitive to small controls adjustments, and is much easier for me to dial in a "vintage" tone on. I kept a "cheat sheet" of control settings taped to the top of my VT Bass DI.
Click to expand...

It would be cool if you'd share some of those "cheats".
 
#20
I voted for the Darkglass VMT, for my tastes it does everything I *wanted* the Sansamp to do. I will say though, I like the tech 21 VT bass quite a bit for an old school ampeg tone! The VMT reminds me of a bi-amp setup of a dirty guitar amp with a clean bass amp.
 

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