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For amps, I'll use a couple - I have an Eden Navigator 1000, a Demeter HBP-1 800, a GR One 800 and a GR One 350. But, I have a bunch of different preamps that I've been running as well as a bunch of dirt and boost pedals that I'll use as well.
Apart from looking at them and wondering if it might be worth a try, no experience at all.
But it seems like you've taken up the scent and will provide feedback soon ?
I dunno, I'm actually trying to talk myself out of it lol. I have heard they are big and heavy, and that is a deal breaker for me. I recently purged my big and heavy amps, and I am hoping to get my big board down to a medium board.
I'm pretty sure you're right. A single U5 or M5 is a bit bigger and heavier than a class D head.
They will most likely give you a subtle change in sound that, while it might be for the better, is most likely so subtle it does not warrant carrying around a preamp in a not-so-subtle-weight-and-dimensions-box.
this is weird ... normally after you post GAS is increased ;-). Maybe it was the eclipse
Maybe it's just the buildup.
I could have switched and started playing the long game now ...
I had a long few weeks at work recently (I just had a major project go live) and have been pulling 80 hours + every week. I took this last weekend off and hit French Quarter Fest (friends in town) and thankfully the last two days at work have been quiet so I got a chance to go through some things and did some consolidation. Compressors was easy (I'm going to sell the Becos Mini Pro and keep the Stella and the Cali76 for now). Same with accessory pedals that I don't really need, so I posted a bunch of them.
Still whittling through dirt and germanium boosts. I really like - no love - what the KMA Tyler did to my sound, but I need to simplify and consolidate. I never had a punchier bass sound tho!
On the preamp front, I'm going to make a practical decision and sell my Grace Designs ALiX. It sounds great - even flat, it adds a nice ... something to the tone. Makes it sound full and almost 3D, like a solid state Noble. And, I love how the treble works on the bass, and it clips rather nicely. That being said, the Studio One sounds just as good, and it's smaller and I don't need the extra features (boost, effects loops, other settings) and in the spirit of consolidation, I'm going to sell the ALiX. I know it's cliche to say that I'm probably going to regret it, but nonetheless ....
It's getting to the point where I am really happy with my tone/capabilities, and I'm trying to choose between different flavors of awesome ...
Still whittling through dirt and germanium boosts. I really like - no love - what the KMA Tyler did to my sound, but I need to simplify and consolidate. I never had a punchier bass sound tho!
On the preamp front, I'm going to make a practical decision and sell my Grace Designs ALiX. It sounds great - even flat, it adds a nice ... something to the tone. Makes it sound full and almost 3D, like a solid state Noble. And, I love how the treble works on the bass, and it clips rather nicely. That being said, the Studio One sounds just as good, and it's smaller and I don't need the extra features (boost, effects loops, other settings) and in the spirit of consolidation, I'm going to sell the ALiX. I know it's cliche to say that I'm probably going to regret it, but nonetheless ....
It's getting to the point where I am really happy with my tone/capabilities, and I'm trying to choose between different flavors of awesome ...
My board is getting smaller ... I ended up buying a Sine Effects Nano Para to replace my uPara on my small board. Every little bit helps!
Up next - battle of the boosts - I have seven of them, I need to get down to three (I have a Markbass "boost" that is a boost and VPF in one - it's an instant "slap" pedal that I am for sure keeping). I still have a few dirt pedals to whittle through, but I was waiting on the Veri-Tone. Also, my buddy decided to keep his Caveman, so that isn't going to happen, but i think that's just as well. I'm also double thinking the Studio 1 - not sure if it has a place on my board, especially with a parametric EQ and an RFE.
I haven't been recording any of the "shootouts" mostly because I'm lazy, but I've had a few folks interested in hearing the envelope filters, so I will try and get those recorded.
I'm getting close to being done, I think. I mean, I'm always going to have GAS, but I'm really, really happy with how things sound and the capabilities - I need to be flexible and lightweight (for the most part) and things are sounding great. I suppose i should post a summary at some point.
I've actually been playing more - my goal was to play at Jazz Fest this year, but that will have to wait until next year.
I've also been doing some work on my basses. I have a Yamaha BB714BS - it's a Billy Sheehan signature model based on his BB bass. It's black right now, and I decided that I'm going to have it redone as a tribute to his pink bass. So, pink paint job (with sparkles - gotta give it some New orleans flair), relentless pickups, wired for stereo, etc. That's taking some time, but I can do that since I haven't been messing with pedals lately
His pink bass holds a special place for me
Up next - battle of the boosts - I have seven of them, I need to get down to three (I have a Markbass "boost" that is a boost and VPF in one - it's an instant "slap" pedal that I am for sure keeping). I still have a few dirt pedals to whittle through, but I was waiting on the Veri-Tone. Also, my buddy decided to keep his Caveman, so that isn't going to happen, but i think that's just as well. I'm also double thinking the Studio 1 - not sure if it has a place on my board, especially with a parametric EQ and an RFE.
I haven't been recording any of the "shootouts" mostly because I'm lazy, but I've had a few folks interested in hearing the envelope filters, so I will try and get those recorded.
I'm getting close to being done, I think. I mean, I'm always going to have GAS, but I'm really, really happy with how things sound and the capabilities - I need to be flexible and lightweight (for the most part) and things are sounding great. I suppose i should post a summary at some point.
I've actually been playing more - my goal was to play at Jazz Fest this year, but that will have to wait until next year.
I've also been doing some work on my basses. I have a Yamaha BB714BS - it's a Billy Sheehan signature model based on his BB bass. It's black right now, and I decided that I'm going to have it redone as a tribute to his pink bass. So, pink paint job (with sparkles - gotta give it some New orleans flair), relentless pickups, wired for stereo, etc. That's taking some time, but I can do that since I haven't been messing with pedals lately
His pink bass holds a special place for me
So ... the Studio One is on the block. It's not that I don't love it, it's just that I don't need it. It's a great preamp, I just don't need it, and it would be a shame to let it sit around. I'm thinking about grabbing a Messenger Jr. (or something similar) to use as a transparent grab-and-go preamp.
I actually sold the ALiX as well. Again, amazing preamp, but I didn't need it/couldn't use it ... But if you are interested in an ALiX, it's at the top of my list for recommendations!
Thanks @moon-bass! It's pricey but looks to be worth it! Appreciate your thread!
I have been moving along a parallel journey, trying a boatload of gear in the process. I haven't given everything else up yet, but I have one particular setup that is going to be permanent. If I can't find what I want tonally and practically with this rig, I think I am the problem.
In case this has not already been posted:
Haha - my fist reaction was "Whow, that is an impressive collection!!"
...then I realized that I myself have owned nearly all of them at some point.
Does anyone use A/B switches to route their processed/preamped signals alternately to front input of their amp and the power amp input of the effects loop return? The cabling at the effects loop would have a Y cable carrying the amplifier’s own preamp signal and the one from the A/B switch at the end of outboard processed signal chain.
