Noble Amps Preamp

[rictrose]

A lot of guys go buy the gear that their favorite players use. I did the opposite like a true gear geek. After researching and purchasing a Noble I "discovered" Tim Lefebvre and The Tedeschi Trucks Band. Great music in my mind and Tim's playing is prominent though it has a warm fat tone. That's based on the 2011 album Revelator. I just realized that it's the 2016 album Let Me Get By that was recorded with the Noble. Guess I'll have to pick up that one too. Not sure how to describe the genre of their music - reminds me of Dream Theater - not that they sound alike, but both bands are beyond categorization bringing in elements from several genres. Amos Heller is a big Noble fan too but I don't know if I can bring myself to listen to a T-Swift album....maybe one song.

Oteil Burbridge played on the "Revelator"

 

[Doner Designs]

Oteil Burbridge played on the "Revelator"

Oops...I guess I like him too. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[Doner Designs]

I would love to see plots of the EQ curves for both of the tone controls and the low cut switch. I think it might help me zero in on the sound I'm chasing.

Anybody know how to do that at home? Is there a way to do it in some kind of freeware like Audacity?

 

[Passinwind]

I would love to see plots of the EQ curves for both of the tone controls and the low cut switch. I think it might help me zero in on the sound I'm chasing.

Anybody know how to do that at home? Is there a way to do it in some kind of freeware like Audacity?

RMAA is freeware that'll do it quickly and easily, as is Room EQ Wizard. There are also some VST plugins, but I haven't bothered to look at them in quite a while since I paid for True RTA.

 

[Doner Designs]

RMAA is freeware that'll do it quickly and easily, as is Room EQ Wizard. There are also some VST plugins, but I haven't bothered to look at them in quite a while since I paid for True RTA.

Thanks!

 

[Passinwind]

Thanks!

No worries. PM me if you have any problems getting going.

 

[Chiefbass]

Anyone use the Noble with TH500? Do you plug in to the input or the effects return?

 

[Doner Designs]

RMAA is freeware that'll do it quickly and easily, as is Room EQ Wizard. There are also some VST plugins, but I haven't bothered to look at them in quite a while since I paid for True RTA.

Tried and failed even with coaching from passinwind. Just not tech savvy enough I guess.

If any Noble owners have the skillset to plot the frequency curves of the 2.5 EQ controls that would be an awesome addition to this thread.

 

[emjazz]

If anyone has one of these in Boston please send me a message. Really want to check it out. Thanks.

 

[SamuelSandoval]

Anyone use the Noble with TH500? Do you plug in to the input or the effects return?

I use the TH500 with the Noble. I've experimented plugging different ways.

If you go straight to the input you get the entire signal from the Noble into the TH's pre, and then you can add eq, drive, and gain that the TH offers. It sounds pretty good, if that's what you want.

I've also connected the bass alone in the input of the TH, and looped the Noble into the send and return of the TH. This seemed to blend both preamps a bit better. I like this method better than the first one... but it's not my favorite.

In my opinion the best way to pair the two is by connecting the bass directly into the Noble and the Noble into the return on the effects loop. This cancels out the TH500's pre section and all that you get to control on the TH is the master volume and the mute switch. I believe the simple 2.5 EQ preamp section of the Noble is perfect! I think it sounds superior to the TH's pre section, probably due to the use of tube(s) and all else that's under the hood... which is probably the main reason why we all have the Noble Pre, looking for that tube sound in the amp, FOH and IEM. Basically now that I have the Noble I only use the TH's preamp section as a "backup", mainly when I decide to leave the Noble at home... most of the time that only happens when I lend someone the TH for a church gig or something like the sort.

Hope that helps @Chiefbass !

 

[Chiefbass]

I use the TH500 with the Noble. I've experimented plugging different ways.

If you go straight to the input you get the entire signal from the Noble into the TH's pre, and then you can add eq, drive, and gain that the TH offers. It sounds pretty good, if that's what you want.

I've also connected the bass alone in the input of the TH, and looped the Noble into the send and return of the TH. This seemed to blend both preamps a bit better. I like this method better than the first one... but it's not my favorite.

In my opinion the best way to pair the two is by connecting the bass directly into the Noble and the Noble into the return on the effects loop. This cancels out the TH500's pre section and all that you get to control on the TH is the master volume and the mute switch. I believe the simple 2.5 EQ preamp section of the Noble is perfect! I think it sounds superior to the TH's pre section, probably due to the use of tube(s) and all else that's under the hood... which is probably the main reason why we all have the Noble Pre, looking for that tube sound in the amp, FOH and IEM. Basically now that I have the Noble I only use the TH's preamp section as a "backup", mainly when I decide to leave the Noble at home... most of the time that only happens when I lend someone the TH for a church gig or something like the sort.

Hope that helps @Chiefbass !

Thanks for the comprehensive reply! I've been thinking about getting the Noble. I have used the DB751 recently on most gigs and I just bought a TH500 (for the 2nd time, I sold the first one and bought the AG500SC). The Noble and TH500 would be a little easier to carry compared to the 751.

 

[jnumme]

I use the TH500 with the Noble. I've experimented plugging different ways.

If you go straight to the input you get the entire signal from the Noble into the TH's pre, and then you can add eq, drive, and gain that the TH offers. It sounds pretty good, if that's what you want.

I've also connected the bass alone in the input of the TH, and looped the Noble into the send and return of the TH. This seemed to blend both preamps a bit better. I like this method better than the first one... but it's not my favorite.

In my opinion the best way to pair the two is by connecting the bass directly into the Noble and the Noble into the return on the effects loop. This cancels out the TH500's pre section and all that you get to control on the TH is the master volume and the mute switch. I believe the simple 2.5 EQ preamp section of the Noble is perfect! I think it sounds superior to the TH's pre section, probably due to the use of tube(s) and all else that's under the hood... which is probably the main reason why we all have the Noble Pre, looking for that tube sound in the amp, FOH and IEM. Basically now that I have the Noble I only use the TH's preamp section as a "backup", mainly when I decide to leave the Noble at home... most of the time that only happens when I lend someone the TH for a church gig or something like the sort.

Hope that helps @Chiefbass !

So using this on stage with the db751 plugging into the effects return would be the same outcome ? I'm looking at picking up a noble but would be using mainly at live gigs. And been looking for the best options of connection to my live rig db751 with db410 .

 

[SamuelSandoval]

Thanks for the comprehensive reply! I've been thinking about getting the Noble. I have used the DB751 recently on most gigs and I just bought a TH500 (for the 2nd time, I sold the first one and bought the AG500SC). The Noble and TH500 would be a little easier to carry compared to the 751.

As much as I am an Aguilar fan, I haven't had the opportunity to play through a 751. High end gear is hard to get to in Colorado. The TH500 sure is powerful for how light it is and the Noble is super compact as well so carrying those two compared to the 751 would be much more convenient I would think.

I'm sure you've read through this thread, and what people are saying about the Noble Preamp, it's all true. It has a huge sound, in a small, well built package. I'm sure Jack Roan built the preamp thinking of musicians like you and I, that have to carry their gear. Weight and size can quickly add up, and fortunately the Noble is so compact it's hardly a factor. In fact when comparing it to other DIs like the REDDI, the Noble is often a winner just because of the size and weight. Not to mention that even though they're both DIs, they are two completely different animals. The Noble is more versatile with its 2.5 band EQ, and effected signal through the 1/4" output, unlike the REDDI.

 

[SamuelSandoval]

So using this on stage with the db751 plugging into the effects return would be the same outcome ? I'm looking at picking up a noble but would be using mainly at live gigs. And been looking for the best options of connection to my live rig db751 with db410 .

@jnumme Unfortunately, I've never used the 751. I think its effects loop would be designed just like the TH500's but I'm not certain. It seems that most amps are designed to cancel out their pre section when plugging straight into the return, but I remember someone saying that their Markbass amp head didn't.

 

[jnumme]

@jnumme Unfortunately, I've never used the 751. I think its effects loop would be designed just like the TH500's but I'm not certain. It seems that most amps are designed to cancel out their pre section when plugging straight into the return, but I remember someone saying that their Markbass amp head didn't.

That is my thought also, I have never never used the send or returns options so kinda green on that issue. Maybe someone who has used the db751 and NOBLE for live gigs can chime in ? Thanks for the reply I did read further into this thread and more questions were answered, also I guess I could contact Mr. Roan . I'm thinking I will order one early next week and give it a run.

 

[jnumme]

Yeah, so my gig life is basically what the Jack's info page suggests makes the DI ideal. On the "high" end of my touring right now, I'm flying or taking a bus into dates in ~1500 seat theatres with a female artist who is opening for a legacy country act. We play as an acoustic band, and the bass rig (which I could share if I want) is anywhere from 15-30 feet behind where I need to set up. So I plug into to Noble and that's my whole rig, then back through a wedge for me. Other times, I'm playing on fly dates subbing for a couple of artists who order backline gear. Usually it's Ampeg, sometimes it's Aguilar (which I use anyway). I'll definitely do the Noble into the effects return on that. Then, when I play local gigs in Nashville, I usually decide whether or not it's worth it on a room-by-room basis to bring the DI out. At a couple of larger clubs, we have to keep stage noise to a minimum and IEM's are required. In that case, it's all Noble to FOH. In others, I'm pushing the DI into a GK return (the "standard" amp for bars in town). Then in a couple, I just know it won't make a difference. Every time I use it, no matter what the situation, the engineers are ecstatic, and that's about all I could ask for. A couple of weeks ago I did an odd wedding gig, and when we came back from eating after soundcheck, the 3 guys from the sound company were over by my amp, looking to see what it was I had my direct line coming from.

If you're on the fence about getting into one of these DI's, get off of it and grab one.

This post answered my question .

 

[SamuelSandoval]

That is my thought also, I have never never used the send or returns options so kinda green on that issue. Maybe someone who has used the db751 and NOBLE for live gigs can chime in ? Thanks for the reply I did read further into this thread and more questions were answered, also I guess I could contact Mr. Roan . I'm thinking I will order one early next week and give it a run.

Jack Roan is top notch when it comes to customer service. He'll answer your question and might give you more insightful information. You might want to try reaching out to Aguilar as well. Their techs should easily answer your question about the send and return of the DB751. I once contacted them with a technical question when I was doing research for my current rig and Dave Boonshoft, President of Aguilar, took my phone call and answered every single question I had. I felt very fortunate to speak with him. You can't get much better than that for customer service.

 

[jnumme]

Jack Roan is top notch when it comes to customer service. He'll answer your question and might give you more insightful information. You might want to try reaching out to Aguilar as well. Their techs should easily answer your question about the send and return of the DB751. I once contacted them with a technical question when I was doing research for my current rig and Dave Boonshoft, President of Aguilar, took my phone call and answered every single question I had. I felt very fortunate to speak with him. You can't get much better than that for customer service.

Yes Dave and company are great folks and hear the same with Jack. If you see my last post above yours I found where Matt O'Donnell used Aguilar but not sure what head I'm think th500, but either way I'm ordering one just for the fact of direct in small venues and using IEM's as my monitor. Just walk in with my pedal board and sound like a Million bucks ;-)

 

[SamuelSandoval]

Yes Dave and company are great folks and hear the same with Jack. If you see my last post above yours I found where Matt O'Donnell used Aguilar but not sure what head I'm think th500, but either way I'm ordering one just for the fact of direct in small venues and using IEM's as my monitor. Just walk in with my pedal board and sound like a Million bucks ;-)

Exactly! Cough Cough I don't like IEM, haha. Probably because I've never spent over 200 on in ears themselves, and I like to feel the cab pushing air. Plus most places I play at don't require IEM.

 

[jnumme]

Exactly! Cough Cough I don't like IEM, haha. Probably because I've never spent over 200 on in ears themselves, and I like to feel the cab pushing air. Plus most places I play at don't require IEM.

I have a pair of 1964ears v6 stage and shure psm300 pack and transmitter . I love em but they are hard to get use to. I know what you mean about the feeling of the air pumping on the back of your legs, that would be hard to get use not having ...lol