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Preamp / Amp Sim / FX - all in one: Options ??

T

TC3

Feb 17, 2021
9
5
#1
Greetings from a 1st time poster, LONG time Player.

My beloved Behringer Bass V-Amp Pro has given up the ghost. I loved this unit because it combined a Preamp, Amp/Cabinet Simulations, and Effects in one unit...had a ton of connectivity AND the ability to create and store presets. This thing was really a steal and served me "forever" in the studio and on the road.

My initial "scan" for a similar unit is coming up empty and I'm wondering what recommendations this community might have for something similar in capabilities.

I'd appreciate any "leads".

Of course...I suppose I could look for a used one...but I'd like to have something for the NEXT 10 years :-)

Thank you,

TC3
 
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#4
Zoom B3n, Boss GT1b, Line6 HX stomp, Boss GT1000core, Boss Gt1000, Line6 Helix are the tools that come most quickly to mind. I have a Vamp pro, and I think you'll be most pleased with any of these as an upgrade. The less expensive of these don't have the XLR connectivity of the Vamp, but all are much more flexible and sound much better, IMO.
 
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#6
I have the Line 6 HX Stomp. I don't know the others, but I love the HX Stomp: small, easy to use, and great sound. Default presets are almost useless for bass, but the possibilities are endless if you want to create your own presets. Each time I have someting in mind I can dial in easily and find the tone I'm looking for.
 
#10
TC3 said:
Greetings from a 1st time poster, LONG time Player.

My beloved Behringer Bass V-Amp Pro has given up the ghost. I loved this unit because it combined a Preamp, Amp/Cabinet Simulations, and Effects in one unit...had a ton of connectivity AND the ability to create and store presets. This thing was really a steal and served me "forever" in the studio and on the road.

My initial "scan" for a similar unit is coming up empty and I'm wondering what recommendations this community might have for something similar in capabilities.
Click to expand...

What is your budget, and what are your specific needs? Do you perform live a lot, or is this for home use rehearsal, or are you looking for something for recording that will hold up to serious scrutiny?
 
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#12
jimfist said:
What is your budget, and what are your specific needs? Do you perform live a lot, or is this for home use rehearsal, or are you looking for something for recording that will hold up to serious scrutiny?
Click to expand...

Budget is not the primary concern here. I do perform live. My main gig when I do so is playing the part of John Paul Jones in a Zep Tribute Band. I also play in a group that does a lot of hits from the 60's through the 80's.

I do some home studio projects as well.

I don't need "the best of the best" but don't want a "toy" either.

I'm heading to the local GC shortly to do some testing. I'll be sure to post updates.

Thank you so much for the "leads"...exactly what I was hoping for.

Ted
 
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#13
UPDATE: So...what a disappointing trip to my local Guitar Center (West Springfield, Massachusetts). Basically, they had NO Bass Processors at all, and only a couple of guitar processors. I went in hoping to be able to demo:

HX Stomp
Zoom B3n
Boss GT1000/core
HELIX
Even a Boss GT-1B

...but wasn't able to even LOOK at one.

There are 2 other/bigger GC's within an hour of here - I'll probably call them and see if they have anything in stock.

Otherwise I'll likely make a choice based on all the recommendations and videos I've watching, and see if I can make a deal with a vendor who would agree to take the unit back from me if it didn't meet expectations.

At this point, I'm all but sold on the HX Stomp. I watched at least 6 videos on it and WOW does it seem to have everything I'd need and more.
 
#14
gtirard said:
I suppose you have something against the HX Stomp or equivalent?
Click to expand...

gtirard,

I just have to ask you why you would make such an odd statement? WHY would you suppose I'd have something against a particular device? I'm not looking to be combative, I just find this statement so intriguing and it's been kicking around in my mind for days. :-)
 
#15
TC3 said:
gtirard,

I just have to ask you why you would make such an odd statement? WHY would you suppose I'd have something against a particular device? I'm not looking to be combative, I just find this statement so intriguing and it's been kicking around in my mind for days. :)
Click to expand...

Just because HX Stomp is such an obvious answer, I thought you would be against it, otherwise you wouldn't have asked.
 
#16
TC3 said:
UPDATE: So...what a disappointing trip to my local Guitar Center (West Springfield, Massachusetts). Basically, they had NO Bass Processors at all, and only a couple of guitar processors. I went in hoping to be able to demo:

HX Stomp
Zoom B3n
Boss GT1000/core
HELIX
Even a Boss GT-1B

...but wasn't able to even LOOK at one.

There are 2 other/bigger GC's within an hour of here - I'll probably call them and see if they have anything in stock.

Otherwise I'll likely make a choice based on all the recommendations and videos I've watching, and see if I can make a deal with a vendor who would agree to take the unit back from me if it didn't meet expectations.

At this point, I'm all but sold on the HX Stomp. I watched at least 6 videos on it and WOW does it seem to have everything I'd need and more.
Click to expand...

- Forget the Zoom B3n and the Boss GT-1B, the sound quality is just bad in my opinion.
- The Helix Floor is a great unit, but it's large and expensive, you will probably never be able to use the extra processing power it offers when you play bass.
- The Boss GT1000/core is probably a good challenger for the HX Stomp, with pros and cons, but I don't know it.

Don't be afraid to buy a pedal that was primarily designed for guitars: in the digital world, you don't need to have an effect designed for the bass. They all use the same hardware (DSP), but in the end you can really create the presets you want, tailored for your instrument.
 
#17
gtirard said:
Just because HX Stomp is such an obvious answer, I thought you would be against it, otherwise you wouldn't have asked.
Click to expand...


Ahh I see. Except I've been out of the market for such a unit for years and hadn't even heard of it.

In any case, it's my 1st choice now and once again...thanks...for pointing me in this direction.
 
#20
not surprised by that. The more I work with it, the more impressed I am...

I stole a tip from @JKos insert a crossover split in path A, that creates a path B which carries the frequencies below that which you selected for the split. I'm using the Teemah distortion set for a very mild grind on the lows. Looking for something like a 15 being pushed up to the edge... Then RetroReel for some modulation and sparkle on the highs... very cool.
 
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