Double Bass preamp for NS NXT direct into Mackie powered cab.

[grimesfan]

First post, though a heavy duty lurker. I am brand new to the bass. (Yes, I am getting lessons with a double bass teacher). I have an NS NXT and no bass amp. So I have an equipment question to submit your collective wit and wisdom.

I'm currently playing the NXT through a mackie mixer into a mackie srm 450 powered pa cab, which I have from other musical activities. The mixer does not have high enough impedance and so I'm getting thin sound and little volume even when cranked up (I knew this would be the case, but it was fine to get started). I need to keep the pa and I am not in a position to get a different amp/cabinet right now.

I'm looking to stop using the mixer and to get a preamp which will provide volume control, high impedance and enough level to drive the swr 450 directly. Ideally there will also be a hp filter and decent eq. I have read about the fdeck, radial pz, fishman pro plat, dtar and other preamps here. I can't tell which, if any of these are the best way to go. A reasonably priced, one box solution is what I seek.

Your thoughts on best way to go and why?
There. Is that long enough for a first post?

 

[Ric Vice]

I'm currently playing the NXT through a mackie mixer into a mackie srm 450 powered pa cab, which I have from other musical activities. The mixer does not have high enough impedance and so I'm getting thin sound and little volume even when cranked up (I knew this would be the case, but it was fine to get started). I need to keep the pa and I am not in a position to get a different amp/cabinet right now.

I had the same problem running my Clevenger EUB into a QSC K8 as the Clevenger's tone stack is passive. I've had great results running a Headway EDB-1 as the pre amp between the Clevenger and the K8 and it's a very portable little box.

I'm looking to stop using the mixer and to get a preamp which will provide volume control, high impedance and enough level to drive the swr 450 directly. Ideally there will also be a hp filter and decent eq. I have read about the fdeck, radial pz, fishman pro plat, dtar and other preamps here. I can't tell which, if any of these are the best way to go. A reasonably priced, one box solution is what I seek.

The HPF is a great little box, but it wouldn't give you enough gain to drive the Mackie. All the others would work with varying results. My take on the Fishman is that it's really better suited to Fishman Transducers, but that's just my opinion. Either the Radial PZ Pre or the Solstice would work.

Ric

 

[Mark Gollihur]

If you have the coin, the Basswitch would probably do it best. 10 megOhm input impedance, gobs of gain, dead quiet. But they don't come cheap.

 

[grimesfan]

Thanks guys. Basswitch is more than I'm going to spend now. Would the radial, fishman, dtar or bags work? If not, would preamp to mixer to cab work?

Also, got the bass from Mark and. Couldn't be happier on price, advice or service.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Of the four you ask about, I'd think that the Radial PZ-Deluxe would probably do it best. Going by gut feeling, there. The DTAR is a great unit, but a much larger size with a lot of extra features you don't need. PZ is compact, smart.

 

[bongomania]

On the less-expensive end, look into the Tech21 ParaDI.

 

[Matt Ides]

If price point is a concern you might want to try the Hartke Bass Attack. I got one for EB and it works for Upright (louder, but not my bass), especially if you are EUB. EQ and shaping device let you dial in a real usable sound.