So essentially I could just use a rumble, main input,set it to flat and not have too much change to my tone? That's really all I am looking for.
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Noble Amps Preamp
- Thread starter IanMartinAllison
- Start date
So essentially I could just use a rumble, main input,set it to flat and not have too much change to my tone? That's really all I am looking for.
It depends on how flat your amp's preamp section is. I would experiment with that first. See if you get good results. I also have run the Noble directly into my GK MB112 - and it took a bit of tweaking on the tone controls to get a base-line that was relatively flat, but I got close enough for 'rock n roll' in just a few minutes. The same with my vintage blackface Fender '65 Showman into a Gries 1x15. I wanted to compare the tone stacks. (I prefer the Noble) I had that Showman modified in the mid-70s to have the preamp separated to be able to drive a solid state (Phase Linear 700) for my bass rig. (I had that mod reversed in the 90s). I've also used the Noble to drive a Crown Microtech. I prefer the Genzler, but I could get a very usable tone from any of those options.
I don't have an amp yet. Just a Tecamp M212 and a Noble. Shopping for the amp now.
So... I haven't gotten to play since roughly May.
We did a Christmas program at church tonight where I was asked to play for a couple of songs.
This is all I took, well, not the fire gear
First time for the Noble in a live situation as well.
Verdict... incredibly simple and satisfying!!
Bass in Mono Vertigo, PT Nano in a TICK strapped to the case.. XLR in front pocket.. Done
Worked like a charm, no dialing in a sound headache, worked flawlessly, and the sound was amazing!
I've never regretted this purchase, now... I truly don't.. Tiny box of magic ain't goin' nowhere.
Thank you @Jack Roan
If by "direct" you mean into the effects loop, I noticed a difference between running that way and into the front end of the Magellan. Note: I don't have a Noble, I just ran in using an fDeck HPF3 (mostly as an impedance buffer -- running a passive bass straight into the effects loop didn't work well). Running the fDeck into the front vs. the loop, the loop was noticeably but not radically more open, less colored and, I think, a little less compressed (not positive about the last, but that's how I recall it). The Magellan has a nice (and easy to use) front end, but it does color the sound some. There is also, to my ear, a little tubey something going on with the dynamics in the lows -- nice in many cases, rounds out the sound, fills out a mix, but might not be what you're looking for if you want a straight poweramp. Not sure if that happened when running into the loop or not, and I don't have a Magellan anymore to double check.
500 Watts -- a used Kustom KXB 500 can be had for a steal. It's a 500 Watt micro, but no tubey dynamic processing/limiting going on there, for better or for worse (I happen to like it). Won't have as much juice as the Magellan or as nice a front end or features. If you like headphone practice, the headphone out and aux-in on the Magellan are better.
Straight, small poweramp (non-rack), I'd look at one of the ICE 1000 ASP units built by @radbass. I have not played one, so can't vouch for one from direct experience, but I have played a similar unit. More oomph than either the Magellan or the Kustom, but it's strictly a poweramp and over your $500 limit. Cheaper than an M700, though.
Quilter Bass Block could be nice if you want something to impart a little of the feel/heft/looser response of a tube amp. I've played one -- it's not a tube amp and doesn't, IME, have quite the feel, detail, clarity, or heft of a good tube amp, but it gets closer to that than any other micro I've tried.
There are more options, but that what I've got ATM.
MarkA, you win the prize - I got the Kustom. It's exactly what I wanted and it was $300 used. I should have my entire rig by tomorrow. I had no idea this thing existed so I am glad I posted in here. It is quite easy to defeat the preamp and just use the master by going through the Effects Return, so I got exactly what I wanted.
After buying a Noble Pre/DI here on TB this past April (#125), I had to sell it in August to help with some unexpected expenses. Been punching myself in the throat ever since.
But, I'm excited to say I just picked up another (#178) on the TB classifieds and it's shipping today!
Mmmmmmm.
But, I'm excited to say I just picked up another (#178) on the TB classifieds and it's shipping today!
Mmmmmmm.
Oh...My...what beautiful basses...please tell us about them?
Thank you. That would be my 63 on the left which I picked up from a fellow TB member over the summer in Maryland. It's been crying for flats. I'm waiting for backordered 760FL strings. Not sure what green it's been refinished in, but I dig it.
The 72 I found at the Philadelphia guitar show late in the year. I wasn't intending to buy anything, but it was very apparent I had to have it. I'm not a pick player, but it has this sweet spot that really shines when playing with a pick. Rounds will be staying on this one. It smells like 45 years worth of playing is baked into it. Love it.
Great photo. I just stare at it. I believe I can feel that 63. Flats would be nice on that and I'm not even a flats guy. Great basses.
How does that Noble sound with rounds? Seems like all the demos I've seen have been with flats.
I'm not a flats guy, but I love the sound. Let's see how the feel is first. I had flats on a music master I converted to fretless when I was a kid. You are right. Many demos are on flats. I think the Noble kills with rounds too. Check out Marius Goldhammer's videos on YouTube. They are all tracked with a Noble and a massive array of basses and strings. He's one of the players who sold me on the Noble.
Yep, the Noble with rounds is just as magical as it is with flats.. I'm using DR Black Beauties. Can't get enough of it
I LOVE my Demeter VTBP201 but man. the form factor of that noble would be awesome
