pedal preamps that use batteries?

[emjazz]

Ok...so I'm normally anti-battery, but when I sub on Broadway gigs there often isn't a spare plug nearby. I need a pedal preamp that can take batteries. I need something with eq and some extra gain. I know the Sadowsky and the Aguilar Tone Hammer....anything else out there? I may just grab a Tone Hammer (used to have one and liked it), but it's definitely on the bulkier/heavier side. Thanks!

 

[joel the bass player]

MXR M81 Bass Preamp, I haven't had one but specs say you can put a battery in it. Like the Tone Hammer it can also be powered by Phantom power. Seems like all the features you could need in a small pedal.

 

[amper]

SansAmp

 

[amper]

SansAmp

However, you should probably consider an external battery pack. They are easy to make. Just get a 6xAA series battery holder and solder a 5.5 x 2.1 mm plug on the leads. Load it up with rechargeable or lithium AAs. A good AA will have a capacity of about 2500 mA, which is much greater than any 9 V box battery (which is really just 6xAAAA batteries in one case). Just remember to always replace the batteries as a set.

You can even buy them pre-made.

 

[amper]

There are also devices that will supply regulated 9V power to pedals from any USB powerbank.

 

[Parzival]

Ok...so I'm normally anti-battery, but when I sub on Broadway gigs there often isn't a spare plug nearby. I need a pedal preamp that can take batteries. I need something with eq and some extra gain. I know the Sadowsky and the Aguilar Tone Hammer....anything else out there? I may just grab a Tone Hammer (used to have one and liked it), but it's definitely on the bulkier/heavier side. Thanks!

 

[Bassic_desires]

@emjazz

Fender Engager Booster is a pre-amp/DI.
MXR M80 is a pre-amp/DI with distortion. It is different to the MXR M81 with is pre-amp/DI only.

I've used the Fender and the M80 and find both useful.

 

[antfarm]

The silver and red one on the right: One Control Silver Peg and Red Crimson are tiny, yet have space for a 9V battery. Both sound great infront of an amp or recording interface.

 

[crapusername]

The preamps I use like mxr m80, hartke bass attack both take internal 9v batteries, and when I use my harris preamp or laney digbeth pre I power them from a usb battery and 5v to 9v adaptor.

 

[Jeff Elkins]

Mesa Subway DI. More than you’re looking for, but perhaps additional functionality you can use. Takes a battery - though I disclaim that I’ve never needed to use it that way.

 

[BLDavis]

Another vote for SansAmp. Battery or phantom powered, great tone, lightweight and super reliable. The only thing I like better is the ParaDriver.
B.

 

[antfarm]

The silver and red one on the right: One Control Silver Peg and Red Crimson are tiny, yet have space for a 9V battery. Both sound great infront of an amp or recording interface.

View attachment 5428679

Just read the OP again, somehow didn't read the EQ requirement first time.

 

[Naigewron]

There are also devices that will supply regulated 9V power to pedals from any USB powerbank.

This. Get a pedal powerbank and you can use any preamp you want. I use a Rockboard Power LT XL for when I need a battery powered board

 

[Ian774]

SansAmp BDDI V2. If the baked in tone isn’t your thing, set the Blend quite low, around 9 o’clock, and you get your bass’s tone, just a bit thicker and…. Better.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Any pedal in the world...just get the external power source and be done with it.

Riis

 

[sawzalot]

The Mesa Subway Plus. It’s got a larger footprint but it sounds amazing and has tons of great functionality. If it’s the only thing between you and FOH it’s the tool for the job.

 

[elillywv]

Ampeg SCR-DI

 

[MultiScaleMale]

However, you should probably consider an external battery pack. They are easy to make. Just get a 6xAA series battery holder and solder a 5.5 x 2.1 mm plug on the leads. Load it up with rechargeable or lithium AAs. A good AA will have a capacity of about 2500 mA, which is much greater than any 9 V box battery (which is really just 6xAAAA batteries in one case). Just remember to always replace the batteries as a set.

You can even buy them pre-made.

View attachment 5428266

Be careful on polarity. A lot of these are made for Arduino which are center positive.

 

[Ralph Manak]

Tech 21 QStrip, too.

 

[tb-player]

100% Q\Strip. Phantom power or battery. I love mine!!