• 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.

Noble Amps Preamp

#1,481
Hi, I am reposting myself (post #1284) - maybe this time around I'll meet somebody who will share some information/experience.. :-) Thanks!

Cube Bass said:
I'm trying so hard to hold the GAS down.. Anyway I've read through whole this thread in last few days, so I guess it is happening again. I am also bit tired of twisting all those knobs on my pedalboard in past months so maybe selling some of the effects and the power source (+ old amp that literally sits in the corner) and exchange it for Noble (i.e. go more simple) isn't bad idea. Maybe at the end there will be no new money in it. But I have some questions for you users.

1) Previously in this thread was mentioned some noise issues when digital units like Strymons or Two Note Torpedo are powered via Noble. I don't have any of those however I have Source Audio Nemesis delay and Keeley Seafoam+ chorus. Does anybody here an experience with digital units like these? Any issues?

2) My amp is Genzler Magellan 800 - I have a question on the Noble in front end vs. fx return dilemma mentioned here few times before. I like Magellan's preamp flexibility as well as the fact the main input has fixed HPF set around 30 Hz. When you plug the Noble in front of it do you feed the FOH with the DI of the Noble or that one on the back of Genzler? I assume the magic of Noble's DI output is the combination of the valve and the Jensen transformer. If I would like to use both tone stacks for the stage as well as for the FOH is it meaningful/possible to plug it: fx send -> Noble -> fx return and pick the Noble's DI for the sound guy?

3) I bought the Solidgoldfx Beta few months ago to add some warmth to otherwise perfect amp. I like it's more driven side but I hoped that at the minimum gain it will be even milder. It is probably because my bass (G&L MJ-4; 18V onboard preamp) is too hot. It even fart at the note attack sometimes when I play harder.. I'm trying to tame it with the Keeley GC-2 compressor, but it is just another distracting thing to keep in mind. So does the Noble handle hotter basses well? I have an all tube combo for guitar (Hughes Kettner) but never had anything with tubes for the bass - so I don't really know; I only assume it should do a good things.. :)

4) I understand that this is valve preamp/DI aficionado thread but the other DI I peep at is the Neve RNDI. For me here in Europe it is much more obtainable and obviously affordable. In user reviews about RNDI there is often mentioned added "thickness" and "3D quality", keywords frequently describing Noble as well. I know that Noble is basically 3in1 product but can anybody share any thoughts on experience with comparing Neve RNDI and Noble (probably with EQ set flat)?

Thanks in advance for any answer for any of my questions.

Cube Bass
Click to expand...
 
#1,482
Christian Houmann said:
I really dig my noble preamp. Do anyone else think it would be awesome if Jack did a small bass amp version :)
Click to expand...

I've been talking with Jack about this for over a year for us guys who want a smaller enclosure than the 1000 watt version.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Doner Designs, bass08053, ahc and 2 others
#1,483
brandinstroy said:
I've been talking with Jack about this for over a year for us guys who want a smaller enclosure than the 1000 watt version.
Click to expand...

He did a version in the guitar enclosure for somebody but it's still a little bigger than necessary if you compare to something like the GK Fusion amps which have 800 watts and three tubes. Noble is in a class by itself - just saying the GK is a good reference in terms of how small a hybrid amp CAN be.
 
#1,484
Hello Noble friends. There are very few gut shots out there and little info about tube swaps so thought I would share.

Jack uses JJ tubes which are normally my go-to because they are quiet. I have them in my Ampeg PF50 and my GK Fusion. But I thought I'd try out a set of Genalex Gold Lions just for fun. They are super quiet like the JJ's and I think they break up in a much more pleasing way (if you are into that). I generally play clean but like to know what tubes sound like when they are pushed even if I rarely do it. The stock JJ's in mine broke up in a sort of abrupt crackly way which sounds nothing like the tube distortion we typically think about or what we hear from OD pedals. The Genalex sound like a good overdrive/distortion pedal does when pushed.

The Gold Lions are expensive at $45 each, but what's $100 when tweaking a $1,000 preamp? As you can see in a couple of the pictures where I laid the JJ beside the newly installed Gold Lions, the guts of the JJ are almost half as tall as the Genalex. As a tube novice, I have no idea what that means but I do like the sound and plan to leave them in.

The tube sockets are super tight. I had a really hard time getting the old ones out and an even harder time getting the new ones in. I wiped some deoxit on the pins of the new ones and that seems to have helped a bit. Good thing Noble is built like a tank because you have to put your back into it to swap the tubes. I'm sure it would have been easier with the can bases removed but I couldn't see how to reinstall them with the tubes in (without total disassembly). I only removed the bottom which is held on by 6 screws.

Here are several gut shots, some with the old and some with the new tubes.

Feast your eyes on the source of your great tone!

IMG_1978.JPG


IMG_1983.JPG IMG_1982.JPG IMG_1980.JPG IMG_1978.JPG IMG_1981.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: sok monkee, Kevinlane, AngelCrusher and 3 others
#1,485
This is a bit delayed, but round two with a Noble.. :hyper:
20180417_194509.jpg

20180417_194509.jpg
20180417_185911.jpg


Oh how I've missed thee...
Unfortunately had to sell my #124, that @CptRevell is now enjoying, but as soon as I plugged in... even though the seller didn't ship the power cord... o_O:rollno:
I said "yep, that's it, that's the stuff"
The only difference I notice is a different power switch.. and one of the pedal cables was rigged into an 18v .. which works on the Empress comp
 
  • Like
Reactions: Christian Houmann, Turn Em Loose, CptRevell and 3 others
#1,487
MTN.bass72 said:
This is a bit delayed, but round two with a Noble.. :hyper:

Oh how I've missed thee...

I said "yep, that's it, that's the stuff"
The only difference I notice is a different power switch.. and one of the pedal cables was rigged into an 18v .. which works on the Empress comp
Click to expand...

What is the power switch difference?
 
#1,489
MTN.bass72 said:
I'll post a pic later, not sure why I didn't take one... on #124 I had, it was silver, a hair bigger around, and more recessed. It sat flush when powered off.. this one is black, and pops a just a tiny bit when powered off... the silver version also felt more sturdy
Click to expand...

Mine is 2 1/2 yrs old, and has the silver button.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MTN.bass72
#1,490
MTN.bass72 said:
This is a bit delayed, but round two with a Noble.. :hyper:
View attachment 2988545
View attachment 2988545View attachment 2988547

Oh how I've missed thee...
Unfortunately had to sell my #124, that @CptRevell is now enjoying, but as soon as I plugged in... even though the seller didn't ship the power cord... o_O:rollno:
I said "yep, that's it, that's the stuff"
The only difference I notice is a different power switch.. and one of the pedal cables was rigged into an 18v .. which works on the Empress comp
Click to expand...

I play it every week! It's been on quite a few recordings as well!
 
  • Like
Reactions: MTN.bass72 and ExaltBass
#1,493
:hyper::hyper:
NOBLE SAVED THE DAY!!
Although it wasn't me playing, sadly,

I actually didn't have to work today so I was able t o go to church. . I've worked every Sunday since September , other than three... durimg that time, a small band was finally formed .. a new guy that joined the church while I slaved away for the man is the new bass guy..

I walked in today, they're practicing ...
The bass sound just drops out..

He played a very old, crappy , no name acoustic with a crappy pick up that fit into the sound hole.. running into a crappy $15 DI the church bought many years ago ...

I live right behind the church.. I said "y'all care if I go get something that'll help"
No, please do..
:):) grabbed my Noble , an XLR that I knew worked.. and a drop cord just in case I needed more length for power...

Ran everything, I got a level at the board .. BOOM!!!
The magic that is the Noble worked wonders... even for a crappy no name acoustic with a crappy pick up :cool::cool:
It sounded amazing !! .. wish I could've gotten video to share.. I'm sure their will be another opportunity because I won't let him use that $15 DI ever again :thumbsup:
Thank you again , @Jack Roan ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: krcriado1990, bass08053, jondiener and 2 others
#1,495
Sorry guys, can't read 75 pages to know for sure, but does anyone have any recordings of just the Noble after some Fuzz or heavy distortion. I'm not wanting to have to blend, but am curious if I'm gonna need an LPF/HPF before going into the Noble for ampless gigs?
 
#1,496
Elder Rynok said:
Sorry guys, can't read 75 pages to know for sure, but does anyone have any recordings of just the Noble after some Fuzz or heavy distortion. I'm not wanting to have to blend, but am curious if I'm gonna need an LPF/HPF before going into the Noble for ampless gigs?
Click to expand...
Here's one. Might not be the best representation but at least its something:

Bass>Malekko plus ultra fuzz> below par alesis soundcard> 10 years old macbook. No plugins.
 
  • Like
Reactions: purpleflyhunter, gkbass13 and ExaltBass
#1,498
Elder Rynok said:
Please tell me that is you... your expression is amazing. Sadly, you've now caused double GAS, as I want that Fuzz as well.
Click to expand...

Yeah its me :D I would be happy to sell the fuzz to you, but I don't think its worth to post it from Sweden :)
My suggestion is to buy the Noble first and then test it with different fuzzes. The noble will work with everything. I mean even the inexpensive Ashdown drive pedal sounds decent with the Noble:
Happy hunting!
 
  • Like
Reactions: MTN.bass72, gkbass13 and ExaltBass

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back