A little bit of both, if that makes sense. The clean channel really is ultra-clean, and has cleaner low-end than the VT Bass by a large margin. I feel it definitely lets the character of the basses through very well, but with also a bit of that signature EBS "tightness". You can dial in a bit of grit with the compressor, and then the overdrive channel has quite a bit of character to add with the parametric mids and drive filter switches. It's an extremely versatile unit. I'll also add that the onboard tuner actually works very well, unlike some other onboard options. Hope that helps!
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Preamp pedal recommendations.
- Thread starter Steve Fox
- Start date
A little bit of both, if that makes sense. The clean channel really is ultra-clean, and has cleaner low-end than the VT Bass by a large margin. I feel it definitely lets the character of the basses through very well, but with also a bit of that signature EBS "tightness". You can dial in a bit of grit with the compressor, and then the overdrive channel has quite a bit of character to add with the parametric mids and drive filter switches. It's an extremely versatile unit. I'll also add that the onboard tuner actually works very well, unlike some other onboard options. Hope that helps!
An option might be the Two Botes Cab M+. Cab sim, fender style preamp, tuner and eq all in one for $300. I have one. It's pretty good.
I'm using a DSM & Humboldt Simplifier Bass Station, but you cannot go wrong with any of the Tech21NYC options (BDDIv2, PDDIv2, VTDI, Q\Strip). There's really so many great preamp/DI pedals on the market. The Fishman Platinum PRO EQ/DI is another great option, though it's probably cleaner than you are talking about. The Mesa/Boogie Subway options are great.
I'm a big fan of the Tech 21 VT. It's amazing the range of tones i can get from it. I just have the original non-DI pedal, but am about to order the current VD DI.
If I could find a Simplifier locally I'd jump at the chance to try it out. They actually look pretty intuitive, especially their cab sim.
I should have prefaced this post by stating that I do already own the Nux. It's been my main pedal for gigging for a while now, but I'd rather keep it at home for recording. That and I never could get the impulse response to sound right through a PA system
Sushi Box makes wonderful pre's that wont break the bank. Love mine. And they're made by a fellow TBer.
https://www.sushiboxfx.com/product-category/pedals/?filters=product_cat[24]
https://www.sushiboxfx.com/product-category/pedals/?filters=product_cat[24]
The ehx Battalion is another good option. I've got one of those and a Sansamp programmable deluxe, and I like the Battalion better for hard rock/metal stuff. It's got a DI and dry outputs. One cool feature is you can plug headphones into the main output and use it as a headphone amp.
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I'd agree with others who have said that the SansAmp colors the tone, but it's a color that sounds great in a mix. I think for classic rock it'll be perfect.
I've played maybe a dozen concerts ampless with the SansAmp VT DI and have had perfectly acceptable results. I don't do much recording, but have had similar positive results there. However, I don't use much if any overdrive and mostly use it as a clean DI with the controls flat. I think I'd be happy with a radial or countryman DI, as I like the sound of an electric bass straight into the board.
+1. You may find that SAPBDDI has a bit of built in compression, and you may not need another.
I had mine set for 'SVT,' 'Clean', and 'SVT with overdrive.' I had a v1 SABDDI in line that I used for more old-school thump.
Love the mesa pre amp. Mesa + Genzler 4otF + broughton hpf/lpf and tuner are the essential pedals on this board. Always use them.
I'm going to suggest two EQ preamp pedals rather than a DI/Preamp.
1) Linden EQ - old school fat greasy sound.
2) JPTR Fx Jive - preamp section of an old Akai reel to reel. Can be thick and warm all the way to wildfire with your bass tone intact.
1) Linden EQ - old school fat greasy sound.
2) JPTR Fx Jive - preamp section of an old Akai reel to reel. Can be thick and warm all the way to wildfire with your bass tone intact.
I tried most on this thread. for me it's down to these.
1. Origin BassRig Super Vintage (Fav for Rock)
2. DSM Humboldt Bass Simplifier (clean channel to blend with an SVT based preamp)
3. Le Bass Two Notes
I wanted to like a lot of the others, but these get a nice touch sensitive overdrive, whereas many of the others were less dynamically controllable. I also don't need a lot of distortion.
Bonus is the Genzler 4 on the floor which is close, but not as good as the above IMO.
1. Origin BassRig Super Vintage (Fav for Rock)
2. DSM Humboldt Bass Simplifier (clean channel to blend with an SVT based preamp)
3. Le Bass Two Notes
I wanted to like a lot of the others, but these get a nice touch sensitive overdrive, whereas many of the others were less dynamically controllable. I also don't need a lot of distortion.
Bonus is the Genzler 4 on the floor which is close, but not as good as the above IMO.
Sascha Erni
Making things go whoomp, whoomp since 1994
Unless you really love Ampeg-style tone, I'd take the EBS of those four. Comes with most utility of the bunch, including a second channel, a tuner, comp and FX loop. Hard to beat.
There are so many choices from budget to some quite expensive with just as wide a range of feature sets making your shopping and deciding experience all that more of a challenge. Tech 21 NYC is the original with their SansAmps and still very worthy contenders as far as sound and features go where the Origin as a recent entry seems to be the winner take all ~~ almost. If only it were so easy as once you begin to explore this path you learn that there are a number of schools of thought on what is the "perfect" voice for the preamp let alone the desired feature set and then finding all of that in one easy to use box then becomes your "Mission Impossible, should you choose to ...."
Every amplifier manufacturer has made at least one offering it seems as well as most pedal manufacturers and there are a number of specialty or boutique items on offer that some pay thousands and await months for delivery on. Then should you consider a real tube for warmth do you prefer Ampeg Rock or Ampeg vintage, Fender, Sunn, HiWatt, Marshall, Traynor, Orange or are you a child of the Transistor amps of GK, Traynor, Trace Elliott or even Peavey? The list it seems is endless.
Everyone has their favorites mine are the tube offerings from @Sushi Box FX
Pedals – Sushi Box FX
Every amplifier manufacturer has made at least one offering it seems as well as most pedal manufacturers and there are a number of specialty or boutique items on offer that some pay thousands and await months for delivery on. Then should you consider a real tube for warmth do you prefer Ampeg Rock or Ampeg vintage, Fender, Sunn, HiWatt, Marshall, Traynor, Orange or are you a child of the Transistor amps of GK, Traynor, Trace Elliott or even Peavey? The list it seems is endless.
Everyone has their favorites mine are the tube offerings from @Sushi Box FX
Pedals – Sushi Box FX
The mesa pedal is awesome. I like the variable voicing - dial in as much or as little of the mesa voice that is desired. The eq is super responsive too. All around great pedal. I love the dual DIs. The mic level di goes to front of house and the line goes to my power amp and barefaced cabs of I'm bringing an amp.
