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I agree regarding the Sansamp. On the others? I don't know. I still think the Palmer is comparable but just has a different sound. Maybe more neutral and less colored? Just my poor opinion....
I've owned the Tonehammer and it was cool. I didn't like how there seemed to be a difference in the volume when switching between channels. I've played through a Sansamp and didn't like it because it's just not clean enough for what I like. Never tried the others but I own the Palmer and dig it a lot. For the cost that I was able to acquire mine new, less than $150.00, I'd take the Palmer again and keep dollars in my pocket...
Would this work with headphones? As in an alternative to an amp for those times I am just with my guitar and have no amp but want to listen to sounds etc?
I am now seriously considering it again. Last time I ended up with a SansAmp VT and was quite happy with it.
I have been trough some changes, I have moved abroad and left my gear back at my country, so I find myself in need of some device to use for home recording and practising. Giving the price point, the versatility and features, and what I am hearing in the videos, this may be the best choice. I don't think it sound worse than the more expensive gear. There are some different sounds on each of them, but I think with some tweaking all of them will serve to the purpose. Only the sansamp I don't like on that video.
And this little thing has XLR out, Dry out, FX loop, 2 cab simulations, 2 types of distorsion, aux in and headphones out... none of the others have all of these. Some lack dry out, some lack headphones out or Aux in, most lack cab sim, most lack fx loop... and this one is cheaper. I think I pull the trigger later this week.
I have been trough some changes, I have moved abroad and left my gear back at my country, so I find myself in need of some device to use for home recording and practising. Giving the price point, the versatility and features, and what I am hearing in the videos, this may be the best choice. I don't think it sound worse than the more expensive gear. There are some different sounds on each of them, but I think with some tweaking all of them will serve to the purpose. Only the sansamp I don't like on that video.
And this little thing has XLR out, Dry out, FX loop, 2 cab simulations, 2 types of distorsion, aux in and headphones out... none of the others have all of these. Some lack dry out, some lack headphones out or Aux in, most lack cab sim, most lack fx loop... and this one is cheaper. I think I pull the trigger later this week.
I finally boutgh It.
After some weeks of use, these are my conclusions
The eq is good enough, not extremely powerful but enough to correct a bass that may have an insufficient pre amp.
The distortions are close to useless, losing too much definition.
The cab simulation are enough to practice with headphones, or to use as bass boost, but not for recording.
And yes it's good to have all those ins and outs.
Final: very good for the price.
Use: I've been using it mostly at rehearsal to correct the sound of a Yamaha Trb 1005, but together with a compressor and that worked perfectly.
It really worth it's price.
After some weeks of use, these are my conclusions
The eq is good enough, not extremely powerful but enough to correct a bass that may have an insufficient pre amp.
The distortions are close to useless, losing too much definition.
The cab simulation are enough to practice with headphones, or to use as bass boost, but not for recording.
And yes it's good to have all those ins and outs.
Final: very good for the price.
Use: I've been using it mostly at rehearsal to correct the sound of a Yamaha Trb 1005, but together with a compressor and that worked perfectly.
It really worth it's price.
I don't know. The DSM box seems to be heavily focused on cab simulation. A little different and at about double the cost, it should be better!
Last edited:
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,601
- 18,637
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
I’m getting one this week, but I’m picking it up more for just another headphone amp then anything else.
I will compare it against my trusty Cafe Walter and share my results.
I will compare it against my trusty Cafe Walter and share my results.
I only use mine as a headphone amp and it’s great for that especially with the aux input. I keep it in my gigbag just in case I have amp or cab issues and have to go directly into the PA. Also nice if I ever need a DI.
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,601
- 18,637
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
Ok so its not bad and some tonal shaping qualities that some would like.
I however prefer the simplicity of the Cafe Walter a bit more.
I bought one a few months back to be able to play bass with laptop or cell through headphone on the patio.
Here is what I wanted:
- Headphone out
- Aux in
- EQ, preferably with parametric mid
- Battery operation
Optional:
- Di out
- Speaker simulator
The Palmer pocket pre fits the bill perfect. Really solid, sounds good, noise is acceptably low, EQ reasonably flexible. Di works great, speaker simulator has two settings, modern is scooped, vintage is very similar to off, but has a bit more upper mid - gives it a nice bite.
The unit also has a distortion, I really LOVE the overdrive as a very just barely distorted sound. The Fuzz I don't like a lot. The saturation control is somewhat difficult to set up - it goes from basically inaudible to very strong compression over a very short range.
I use it with a rechargeable 9 V battery and its really great.
Here is what I wanted:
- Headphone out
- Aux in
- EQ, preferably with parametric mid
- Battery operation
Optional:
- Di out
- Speaker simulator
The Palmer pocket pre fits the bill perfect. Really solid, sounds good, noise is acceptably low, EQ reasonably flexible. Di works great, speaker simulator has two settings, modern is scooped, vintage is very similar to off, but has a bit more upper mid - gives it a nice bite.
The unit also has a distortion, I really LOVE the overdrive as a very just barely distorted sound. The Fuzz I don't like a lot. The saturation control is somewhat difficult to set up - it goes from basically inaudible to very strong compression over a very short range.
I use it with a rechargeable 9 V battery and its really great.
So, I´m thinking, paying 150 euros minimum for a preamp like this, is it better than a say Ashdown EVO head that you can pickup for the same amount of money second hand? (To use as a preamp!) I´m missing the part where including a 300w power amplifier got for free. what´s the difference between both worlds?
PS: I´m looking to go straight to my Allen & Heat digital mixer that I use as a PA.
PS: I´m looking to go straight to my Allen & Heat digital mixer that I use as a PA.
