Double Bass pre amp question

[klem.gote]

I have an AI Clarus amp which I like a lot. From the little I know about such things I understand the the impedance on this amp is fine for DB, and it also has the high pass filter. Given that, does it make any sense to use a preamp like the Fdeck, or even the Fishman Pro? Any advantages, and if so what would be the correct way to use it? Thanks!!!

 

[AGCurry]

Does it make any sense to use a preamp? Only if you're dissatisfied with the sound you're getting without it.

 

[Don Hergert]

I have an AI Clarus amp which I like a lot. From the little I know about such things I understand the the impedance on this amp is fine for DB, and it also has the high pass filter. Given that, does it make any sense to use a preamp like the Fdeck, or even the Fishman Pro? Any advantages, and if so what would be the correct way to use it? Thanks!!!

To be clear, impedance on an amp for a DB totally depends on the pickups that are installed on the DB and on how they are going to be used, and there are a large variety of pickups that are available. These include single and multiple piezo sets, magnetic pickups, microphones and even mixtures of all three.

So this isn't as simple as just being a DB that identifies the impedance requirements; it's a much deeper discussion, including detailed specs of pickups, pre-amps and amps.

In general it is agreed that a minimum of 1 MegOhm input impedance for a pre-amp or an amp is the starting point, but it varies very widely from there, depending... This is an excellent discussion thread about impedance matching of various pickups and equipment here in the "Amps, Mics & Pickups [DB]" forum.

 

[rickwolff]

Short answer: NO.

 

[nogbert]

I have an AI Clarus amp which I like a lot. From the little I know about such things I understand the the impedance on this amp is fine for DB, and it also has the high pass filter. Given that, does it make any sense to use a preamp like the Fdeck, or even the Fishman Pro? Any advantages, and if so what would be the correct way to use it? Thanks!!!

You shouldn't NEED one, although I find I can get move volume from my AI clarus when I run it with an fdeck in front; the tone is a little different however. YMMV

 

[Keyser Soze]

Short answer: NO.

I disagree.

I have an AI Focus which I am also very happy with. It does have an input that plays nice w/ piezo impedances and it does have a switchable high pass filter. So it might seem that other "tools" that also have those features -- plus other features that the AI does not have -- might be redundant or overkill or unnecessary.

The FDeck and Fishman preamps can add value to the signal chain. Sometimes you'll need what they provide, other times you'll be fine running straight into your AI. I've benefited from having them in my bag on numerous occasions. I think a lot of folks here have.

Will your AI almost always work fine without these additional pieces of gear? In a nutshell, yes. Can throwing these pieces of gear in line solve problems, for instance help you tame a tough room? Also, yes.

My take; while you may not need them, they're nice to have.

 

[Francois Blais]

I don't think AI stuff needs another preamp.
It's already top notch and piezo friendly.
My old Coda even has an input impedance selector. (1M/10M)

 

[Fretless55]

I don't think AI stuff needs another preamp.
It's already top notch and piezo friendly.
My old Coda even has an input impedance selector. (1M/10M)

This was always my impression.

 

[Fretless55]

But I’ll add, I’m awaiting the arrival of a fdeck 2M to pair with my old skool GK 200MB combo.
I’ve been curious for awhile now after hearing good things about them.

I’m hoping it’ll be worthwhile in my case with a copper Realist on a hybrid.

 

[Keyser Soze]

But I’ll add, I’m awaiting the arrival of a fdeck 2M to pair with my old skool GK 200MB combo.
I’ve been curious for awhile now after hearing good things about them.

I’m hoping it’ll be worthwhile in my case with a copper Realist on a hybrid.

You'll be happy. They're a match made in heaven.

 

[Zbysek]

NO

 

[Eric Hochberg]

I think you have to experiment to really know how any given piece of equipment shapes your sound. My experience with my Focus is that it certainly works with both my Underwood and Schertler (non-piezo) without an additional preamp, but I prefer the additional volume and "fullness" I get with the pre I use (Baggs Gigpro). Maybe the 10Mohm input of the Baggs contributes...

 

[Jon Mush]

Yeah, going from 1 or 2MOhm to 10MOhm will change the sound of your bass. Whether it’s for the better is a case by case situation, I think. At 10MOhm my bass is a little too ‘bloomy’ and sounds a bit indistinct in the lower frequencies, especially with an amp and PA exciting things.

You may also be seeing the benefit of stacking multiple HPF. I don’t think either the AI or the Pres you mention truly bypass the HPF, so even at the lowest settings you’re getting some serious rolloff of subsonics, which will make things a bit tighter sounding IME.

 

[Povl Carstensen]

My mantra: Keep it simple, or at least, try simple first.