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New GK Plex Preamp

#663
The PLEX is loaded with features and we took care to make sure they were all professional quality.
The PLEX will record and playback with 24 bit 48kHz sampling through the USB. You can reamp as will since it will record and play back at the same time.
The A to D converter has a signal to noise spec of 110dB so you should be able to get really high quality low noise recordings.
Using a MAC will give you low latency with a PC you will have to down load a free driver (USB AUDIO DRIVER ASIO) to get low latency.
Jeff Scott said:
Why should it include a DAW? This is just a pedalboard preamp; the USB port is probably more intended for firmware updates, rather than the Plex primarily being used as a DAW interface. Just a guess as I have not read the manual and specs on the Plex.
Click to expand...
Hope this helps,
RAG
 
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#664
guy n. cognito said:
Output is weak, at best, and really struggled to push the power amp I used with it.
Click to expand...
That got me slightly worried... Would that work better when plugging into an effects return of a bass amp? Is there a difference between plugging into a power amp and effects return (so pretty much directly into power stage) of a bass amp? I thought that would be a typical use case for any bass preamp.
 
#665
Byron K said:
Hi I'm new to this forum. I'm a Guitar player forced to play bass because my friends all play guitar and I'm the only one who purchased a Steinberger Spirit 5 string bass a few years ago to play around with so I'm elected to be the bass player now.

Anyway, Is the Plex effects loop in the Plex pre or post preamp? Is there a switch to be pre or post? This will be my first bass effects pedal besides a Boss GE-7B that I used for my guitar rig.

I saw an excellent bass player 4-5 years ago play Bach's Toccata and Fugue on his bass thru a GK rig which was amazing and sounded awesome. His performance has burned GK in my brain. ( :

Thanks!
Click to expand...

The effects loop is post the preamp. With the DI set to post it will show up in the DI with the DI set to Pre it won't. The effects loop will not show up in the USB when recording.

RAG
 
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#668
Willy Franklin said:
I did a little playing while I was on my lunch break through headphones... It sounds as I expected... Which is good!! :)

I forgot to adjust the trim knob at first. I went through a bunch of "this can't be right" moments and then figured that out...

I'm a bit worried about the knobs though... They're all dual-purpose push button knobs. I'm guessing it's some sort of plastic mechanism inside... Anyhoo, I'm worried that any kind of side load on those knobs will break them off... So, I guess I'll have to order a 6"x6"x3" Anvil case to put this thing in before I put it in my gig bag... :)
Click to expand...

The PLEX like all GK products uses pots with metal shafts and metal bushings. The pot bushings are bolted directly to the top plate.
RAG
 
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#669
guy n. cognito said:
Sorry for my absence to this thread, but I've spent the last week with the Plex both live and in the "studio", so here are my thoughts:

Unfortunately, I think this pedal misses the mark in a live setting. Labels for knobs can't be read from floor level. Push button functions can't be activated unless you bend down and use your hand. The tuner requires an awkward double tap that's easy to miss. Finally, the push button menus are labeled only with numbers, requiring either memorization or crib notes. Output is weak, at best, and really struggled to push the power amp I used with it. The only exception to my criticism here is that this MIGHT work well for those that love the GK sound and play DI only gigs without a stage rig. I found the DI worked very well, delivered a strong signal, and gave great tone FOH.

This pedal will shine, however, for recording and headphone practice......and that is probably the intent of most buyers. Using the headphone and aux jacks, I've been using the Plex and my computer to learn new band songs all week. Tone sounds fantastic, even if the variances between the "voices" is mild, at best. Noise floor seems pretty low, although the compressor adds some noise if used in more aggressive settings. The hi-cut really serves to cut string noise well for recording. The unit is small enough that it would also serve well for mobile practice. Tone is nice and flexible. I plan on using it for some home recording in the next week, and I'll share the results of a few samples here.

I'm definitely impressed with the unit, and will be keeping it for studio and rehearsal use.
Click to expand...

The output is balanced Tip Ring Sleve, so if you use a cable that will convert this to match the XLR on you power amp you should have plenty of output to drive it.
RAG
 
#671
Skiboslaw said:
That got me slightly worried... Would that work better when plugging into an effects return of a bass amp? Is there a difference between plugging into a power amp and effects return (so pretty much directly into power stage) of a bass amp? I thought that would be a typical use case for any bass preamp.
Click to expand...


Tried that. Just as weak.
 
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#676
guy n. cognito said:
I'm keeping mine. It works quite well for what I need.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the honesty on this unit. Still waiting for a couple more opinions on it but I think it misses the mark on my specific need (tiny pedalboard with good grindy tone/good compressor and tuner). I already have my home/practice needs covered by a combo of amps and app based emulations that can do the GK tone if dialed in. I wanted this to be at a replacement for at least two pedals on my small board (dirt/tuner or compressor/tuner) and add a little GK tone easily. I just don't think it's quite up to snuff for my specific task.
 
#678
beaglesandbass said:
Anyone use this instead of an amp at a gig yet? Really wondering out it fares going directly to FOH.
Click to expand...

I grasped that this post implied being at a gig. I may be wrong but most that have a Plex in hand haven't spoke up.

guy n. cognito said:
Sorry for my absence to this thread, but I've spent the last week with the Plex both live and in the "studio", so here are my thoughts:

Unfortunately, I think this pedal misses the mark in a live setting. Labels for knobs can't be read from floor level. Push button functions can't be activated unless you bend down and use your hand. The tuner requires an awkward double tap that's easy to miss. Finally, the push button menus are labeled only with numbers, requiring either memorization or crib notes. Output is weak, at best, and really struggled to push the power amp I used with it. The only exception to my criticism here is that this MIGHT work well for those that love the GK sound and play DI only gigs without a stage rig. I found the DI worked very well, delivered a strong signal, and gave great tone FOH.

This pedal will shine, however, for recording and headphone practice......and that is probably the intent of most buyers. Using the headphone and aux jacks, I've been using the Plex and my computer to learn new band songs all week. Tone sounds fantastic, even if the variances between the "voices" is mild, at best. Noise floor seems pretty low, although the compressor adds some noise if used in more aggressive settings. The hi-cut really serves to cut string noise well for recording. The unit is small enough that it would also serve well for mobile practice. Tone is nice and flexible. I plan on using it for some home recording in the next week, and I'll share the results of a few samples here.

I'm definitely impressed with the unit, and will be keeping it for studio and rehearsal use.
Click to expand...
 

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