• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

NAD: Quilter Bass Block 800

#24
Thanks for the prompt reply! I found one now at a discount so my original interest has been piqued. I'm using MarkBass Little Tube 800, it sounds good and I like the VLE and VPF controls, they are usually the only things I use for tweaking tone. So the simplicity of the Bass Block 'eq' looks good to me. Also the reliability factor it seems to carry with it. So the DI thing is complicating, I'm so very plug and play. I'm only using a single 4 ohm cab so that works out with the Quilter's design.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CharlieC
#25
emblymouse said:
Thanks for the prompt reply! I found one now at a discount so my original interest has been piqued. I'm using MarkBass Little Tube 800, it sounds good and I like the VLE and VPF controls, they are usually the only things I use for tweaking tone. So the simplicity of the Bass Block 'eq' looks good to me. Also the reliability factor it seems to carry with it. So the DI thing is complicating, I'm so very plug and play. I'm only using a single 4 ohm cab so that works out with the Quilter's design.
Click to expand...

Please know that the BB800's XLR out is very serviceable, it's just that I prefer to not use it given the better options I have on hand. ;)
 
#27
wagdog said:
That's good that he appears open to suggestions. I have to admit the design of the XLR out has me scratching my head. For one, why would you ever want the level linked to the master?
Click to expand...
That happened with the first release of the Orange Terror Bass didn't it? From what I remember it turned a lot of folks off.
Orange did fix the issue eventually from what I've read.
Brent
 
  • Like
Reactions: CharlieC
#34
Great review! I have been following the other thread here on TB and been very curious about this amp. Been waiting for more reviews, because I'm not sure if I can find one local to try. There are so many boxes that this amp checks for me, it is crazy. Pretty much comes down to tone and great cab pairing for it at this point.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CharlieC
#35
munkeyfish said:
Great review! I have been following the other thread here on TB and been very curious about this amp. Been waiting for more reviews, because I'm not sure if I can find one local to try. There are so many boxes that this amp checks for me, it is crazy. Pretty much comes down to tone and great cab pairing for it at this point.
Click to expand...

Thanks!

One thing to note is that the BB800 sounds great both with old-school bass cabs and full-range like Fearless + Barefaced. The EQ allows quick and easy tone shaping to effectively adapt to the cab and/or bass.

For those using pedals for tone, the BB800 provides the perfect "finishing-touch" EQ if needed.
 
#36
John D Harris said:
IMO, the separate DI discussions were because of the BB800's DI level being tied to the Master Volume level - totally do not understand why anyone would design it that way!
Click to expand...

Mesa also did this with the very early Walkabout design. I bought one just before a tour and it lasted exactly one sound check. It's just not a viable design for MY gigging purposes, though of couse a separate DI is an obvious solution. Not to slag either amp, only that design decision, and only for me. Obviously, it didn't hurt Walkabout sales any! I understand that later WA designs also changed this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CharlieC
#37
I also did an A/B comparison between the Bb800 and a couple of GK MB heads, and in my case it was the GKs that went back. Aside from being a little to noisy on active basses, the GKs just imparted too much of their own flavor to my tone: all of my basses sounded pretty much the same.
IMO, the Quilter lets more of the unique voice of each instrument come through.
As far as the DI, my sound man loves the signal and has a pad at the board if it's a little too hot.
I set my volume at sound check and it never changes, so the problems you guys are describing just haven't come up in my situation.

Peace
 
  • Like
Reactions: CharlieC
#38
Simple solutions for reducing/adjusting level to FOH and/or eliminating hum . (But is still affected by master volume control)
Sescom IL-L2M-40DB 40dB Inline Audio Pad with Hot Audio Controller
Sescom IL-LEVEL-IT 1-Channel Inline Balanced Audio Volume Control
A15AS In-line Switchable Attenuator | Shure Americas
Ground Lifter - Hosa Technology
Input Attenuator - Hosa Technology
ProCo Sound - Kwik Fixers
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Sescom IL-19 Inline Pro Audio Hum Eliminator The Industry Standard
(there is a 6dB insertion loss with the hum eliminators)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Plutonium244 and CharlieC
#40
Mongo Slade said:
... As far as the DI, my sound man loves the signal and has a pad at the board if it's a little too hot.
I set my volume at sound check and it never changes, so the problems you guys are describing just haven't come up in my situation.
Click to expand...

Yes, I think I could live with that procedure as well. I'm still not sure of the rationale for the design though.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back