Speaking of GAS, the Super 400 is haunting me.And the Noble preamp,what's the buzz on it? It seems to be a big favorite.Final Jeopardy: If you could keep only 3 preamps what would you choose?
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The drive on the Super 400 is awesome. It's really nice, absolutely love it.
If you are looking at just drive pedals, my favorite is my Free the Tone Bass Driver. It's amazing, but it's also not cheap. Others I really like are the Sushibox Dr. Watson - it's a preamp pedal, but does great OD. For less expensive, the Creation Audio Labs Holy Fire. It's very versatile and has low end for days.
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Love my Noble. Nothing else sounds like it.
For my top three? Let me get back to you, that's a tougher question than it seems. For instance, the Noble is tops for sound, but the Oracle is more flexible. And the Fender Tone Stack will always be my favorite, but it needs additional EQ.
The Fender TBP-1 is prob my all time fave, but it's a rack unit. If someone ever does a pedal friendly version I would be all over that in a heartbeat.
Love this pedal so much! Granted I have a lot of preamps but this is something I don't have. Very light OD. Even when the drive is peaked it is still not that dirty, just grit. It is especially responsive to dynamics. I played a MM with a pick and it kills. It's very similar to the Blossom Point by Surfy but with shelving EQ. The OD is quite interactive with the volume so higher dirt, lower volume to keep same level. With the drive below half it's just got a little buzz like you're pushing a console but not fuzzed, it's subtle. I love it.
I also have played a guitar single and humbucker.
So preamps to keep is based on a number of things - tone, form factor, flexibility, ease of use, other intangibles.
In no particular order - Noble, Sushibox PA, ME Super 400.
The Noble because it sounds crazy good.
The Sushibox PA edges out the other Fender tone stack pedals due to it's flexibility and small size. Very, very close Runner up is the ME Thespian (the mid boost is a great touch and it's killer tone), but the PA edges it out due to having gain/volume where the ME has a single volume control. The SIB Fatdrive is the winner when it comes to pure tone, but it's not as flexible and the form factor isn't the best.
Last, the ME Super 400. The Fender tone stack plus graphic EQ is great, and it's format makes it a winner. Runner up is the ME Monoblock. The Sushibox Dr. Watson is also up there, but needs additional EQ. Pair that with a semi-parametric and it's.pure joy. Really nice OD.
I completely reserve the right to change my mind at any given time
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I haven't tried the HW version, but I have the Finally, which is the Space Heater with a DI. I think it's killer.
I'm most likely going to order a HW Slampegg when available. I need to move some stuff first tho.
So you are digging the HWSH? I've wondered how much of a difference the HW makes.
Don't forget about the UA (PA's big brother)!
I like 'em both (even though they are similar).
I haven't tried the UA. I've been thinking about getting a hand wired UA down the road ...Don't forget about the UA (PA's big brother)!
I like 'em both (even though they are similar).
Someone really needs to do a clone/reissue of the Fatdrive. Seriously.
On another note, I figured my ideal preamp needs the following:
On another note, I figured my ideal preamp needs the following:
- 2 channels - One based off of the Ampeg B15, the other based on the Fender Tone Stack, specifically the Alembic F1X. The channels should be able to be used separately and together (a la the Two Notes LeBass); they should have independent gain and volume
- Tubes and transformer
- DI optional; if no DI, two outputs, one balanced
- Variable LPF/HPF
- Parametric EQ (switchable)
- Switchable OD/boost
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This would be the ULTIMATE preamp. Backing this 110%. A switchable cab sim option would be really cool but I think we're getting way outta line here...
I was thinking the HPF/LPF would be better than a cab sim. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE cab sims - but sometimes I don't want the baked in EQ that they provide.
A Slampegg + UA plus Broughton HPF & LPF plus a Sine Effects uPara and a Lightningboy 2020 ...
I'd love Sushibox to do something like this!
I feel ya, that’s why I mentioned “switchable” so you could engage or disengage it depending on what sound you wanna go for. Just a thought but I think the HPF/LPF is a lot more valuable. That along with a ParaEQ are two very underestimated tools that I think everyone should have or at least experiment with when it comes to crafting tone.
I got a PA voiced for bass and a UA which is not specific. I love the tone. The PA breaks up sooner. I started using my PA with baritone gu-tar more. I like dirt but I’m not an always on dirt guy with bass so I like the UA a little more for bass. So I’m saying there’s always a reason for extra pedals.Don't forget about the UA (PA's big brother)!
I like 'em both (even though they are similar).
I got an old non-X PA and an UA and it's the opposite.
The UA is my preamp of choice for bass and I thought, since I'm hunting my perfect overdrive at the moment, I'll give the PA a try. Mine is so clean, my passive bass cannot drive it hard enough for proper breakup.
The UA breaks up with the gain around noon. The PA feels like it has more total output volume on tap, though.
So is the UA really that much more friendly to the lower frequency spectrum compared to a PA? I’m not really looking for tube breakup since I’ve got my dirt needs covered, just a good alembic fender tone stack with rich, warm cleans and good lows.
I just started watching this interesting thread recently. I have to say that I prefer older PA-X to my UA. For similar reasons as Mr. Murdoque. My UA is now gone.
I know it is off topic a touch but I favor my Slampegg X (with baxandall) even more.
