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Noble Amps Preamp

#742
Placed my order with Jack last week and have been reading posts related to the Cali76 compact bass compressor. Seems like a lot of players are using it in conjunction with the Noble pre-amp/DI. Just wondering why? I've been using my Keeley Bassist limiter for some time now and just wonder if there is some special "magic" with the Cali76CB that one would be missing out if not part of the signal chain. Just too many pics on the Noble facebook page with both the Cali76 and Noble DI to be a coincidence...
 
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#743
taylor16 said:
Placed my order with Jack last week and have been reading posts related to the Cali76 compact bass compressor. Seems like a lot of players are using it in conjunction with the Noble pre-amp/DI. Just wondering why? I've been using my Keeley Bassist limiter for some time now and just wonder if there is some special "magic" with the Cali76CB that one would be missing out if not part of the signal chain. Just too many pics on the Noble facebook page with both the Cali76 and Noble DI to be a coincidence...
Click to expand...
Just picked up my Noble from Jack on Thirsday and have been using it with my Keeley bassist. Fantastic combination so far. I'll post a picture and more thoughts when I have some time.

I've never tried a Cali76 so can't really A/B the two.
 
#744
taylor16 said:
Placed my order with Jack last week and have been reading posts related to the Cali76 compact bass compressor. Seems like a lot of players are using it in conjunction with the Noble pre-amp/DI. Just wondering why? I've been using my Keeley Bassist limiter for some time now and just wonder if there is some special "magic" with the Cali76CB that one would be missing out if not part of the signal chain. Just too many pics on the Noble facebook page with both the Cali76 and Noble DI to be a coincidence...
Click to expand...

A compressor is a pretty subtle effect on a board. That is my thing with the cali76. It is modeled after a tracking and mixing compressor. Personally, I don't want to slam or squash my sound in a live situation. It's such an easy comp to abuse if you don't know what you are doing.

I personally think the Pigtronix comp is much better deal. It's far less money and it also has the blend knob. It accomplishes the main goal I want, which is to even out the signal a little. On a Pbass it adds some thickness to the notes so it's not such a strong transient and then a drop off. On a Jazz bass it thickens the tone up a little. Additionally I have it after my filter so it glues all the effects together and keeps the volume swings in check.

Really, you already have the magic. It's the tube preamp.
 
#745
taylor16 said:
Placed my order with Jack last week and have been reading posts related to the Cali76 compact bass compressor. Seems like a lot of players are using it in conjunction with the Noble pre-amp/DI. Just wondering why? I've been using my Keeley Bassist limiter for some time now and just wonder if there is some special "magic" with the Cali76CB that one would be missing out if not part of the signal chain. Just too many pics on the Noble facebook page with both the Cali76 and Noble DI to be a coincidence...
Click to expand...

I've wondered about the Cali as well, but I get what I want out of either my MXR bass comp, or Seymour Duncan Studio Bass comp that I'm not losing sleep over it.
And as @AngelCrusher said, you already have the magic , so if the Keeley works for you.. don't sweat it, and rock on
 
#747
I'm using the Boss BC-1X (think that's the name) or a Smoothie with my Noble and am happy with the results. I had the 12V option added to the Noble just in case I get the Cali76 itch, but I doubt I will. That probably means I'll get one sometime in the next month or two. GAS.
 
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#748
I had the Keeley prior to picking up a used Cali76 Compact Bass. Sonically, I don't hear much difference between the two (never did a side-by-side A/B test, since I never owned the two at the same time.) And in some ways, I thought the Keeley was a bit more 'transparent'. The nice thing about the Cali76 is the dry signal level and the HiPass control. These allow you more control over how the signal hits the compression circuit. But sound-wise, I don't hear a $200 difference.

As someone pointed out, the magic sauce is the Noble. So it's all good!
 
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#749
I am really quite happy and satisfied with the Keeley. Like I said, just had to ask.

IanMartinAllison said:
Hey check this out - Sean Hurley! This dude, in my humble opinion, is the epitome of taste, pocket, and part. And what DI is he using over all others?

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I know I'm bumping an older comment but Ian, man, you shouldn't sell yourself short. Your playing in the Noble demo vid is elegant. I'm a precision & flats player myself and it was YOUR tone that sold me on the Noble. And I let Jack know that when I corresponded with him placing my order ;)
 
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#750
taylor16 said:
I am really quite happy and satisfied with the Keeley. Like I said, just had to ask.



I know I'm bumping an older comment but Ian, man, you shouldn't sell yourself short. Your playing in the Noble demo vid is elegant. I'm a precision & flats player myself and it was YOUR tone that sold me on the Noble. And I let Jack know that when I corresponded with him placing my order ;)
Click to expand...

Awwwe man thanks so much! Never trying to short sell - just trying to give props to the folks that inspire me! Sean is certainly one of those dudes. I love his concept. It's long game. He's not trying to impress with licks or a cutting sound. He's a rhythm section player and that is what I admire so greatly.
 
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#756
I should have tracks getting released by artists that I used the Noble on. No real idea of timeline though, since the projects are not mine. I also am writing on my own EP. Have 1 tune in the can already. I use the Noble on bass and also guitar.

Can say that Ian's examples provide a very good example of the tone. I also am using a Pbass a lot. So far I have been going with rounds but I always try my P with flats on every tune, and I am quite sure it will make an appearance sooner than later.

The best thing I can say about the whole setup is that I am extremely picky about my bass tone and always have been quite critical of myself in that regard. For most of my life that consisted of making compromises in the studio. With the right bass and the Noble pre, this is honestly the most satisfied I have ever been with my bass tone.
 
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#757
I am fortunate to have a couple of really solid amp options; Mesa Boogie Prodigy and D800. I'm still awaiting my Noble, so I haven't yet had the chance to try it out as I am proposing, but has anyone used the Noble pre- into the effects loop of an all-tube amp like the Prodigy before? I like the pre-amp section of the Prodigy well-enough but it is slightly modern-sounding. I imagine the Noble will sound killer driving the Mesa power amp section of the D800.
 
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#758
taylor16 said:
I am fortunate to have a couple of really solid amp options; Mesa Boogie Prodigy and D800. I'm still awaiting my Noble, so I haven't yet had the chance to try it out as I am proposing, but has anyone used the Noble pre- into the effects loop of an all-tube amp like the prodigy before? I like the pre-amp section of the Prodigy well-enough but it is slight modern-sounding. I imagine the Noble will sound killer driving the Mesa power amp section of the D800.
Click to expand...

I enjoy using mine with a Aguilar DB750!
 

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