Preamp vs AMP for speaker-less recording and practice

[NikkiVibes]

Im currently using Bias FX 2 in my Interface and PC for practicing and recording bass.

I'd like to get something that is solid-state that I can use instead. I would prefer a more analog feel. Id like to get great tone, that kind of has an amp flavor to it for my practice and direct recording.
I will be sending the output into my interface to listen to it.

Im planning on getting a Mooer Radar Cabsim pedal to use, so the Preamp unit doesnt have to have cabsim on it.

I dont have to have a speaker, Its really difficult for me to use a speaker, especially a bass one in my apartment. If anyone near me so much as hears me, they really might complain. So I decided that really, a preamp pedal and some kind of sim into my headphone rig would due just fine. I also dont take an amp with me when practicing at studios, I simply use the amp there (usually some kind of ampeg)

Im looking for a good all-round characteristic and nice "under the fingers" preamp that would last me a long while. Ive used the search engine and found some threads and its been a lot of reading, and Id like some up to date recommendations.

Or should I get an AMP instead and simply use the DI or headphone out?

Tones I like:
Ampeg SVT
GK

Im a fan of the L'Arc En Ciel bass tone, however testuya gets it. I also dont really need bass overdrive but having it would be a nice addition.

Any recommendations for me?

 

[Wretched Banana]

Tech 21 VT Bass DI and Ampeg SCR-DI come to mind as easy & quick options with damn good audio in that ballpark. The SCR-DI also has headphone out / aux in, but I think the VT DI is more versatile.

Consider the DSM Omnicabsim (or mini, both give you headphone/aux too) instead of an IR based digital device. Imho, that's a big factor in dialing in a convincing analog feel you want, but ymmv.

BTW. what's wrong with Bias Fx? I've never used it, but I occasionally spin up my Guitar Rig 2's SVT+cab sim -- it's ancient software from 2004 and it sounds pretty convincing to me.

 

[Wretched Banana]

And then there's the new Simplifier also based on SVT which has... everything. I haven't tried it myself. BASS STATION - DSM & HUMBOLDT SIMPLIFIER

 

[NikkiVibes]

Bass station looks cool. Not sure how it will sound but having it all in one box could be really handy.

The omnicab is super customizable. Seems like I could get a lot of sounds out of that as well. it has like every option imaginable!

Ive been considering the Ampeg SCR-DI as well as the VT bass. I could even run wall of sound in my DAW and skip the separate IR functionality.
I do like that the radar also has power amp sim, which might add some extra color.

 

[Wretched Banana]

Well despite the fancy knob labels the Omni is actually a LPF/HPF on steroids with some added mid range control -- see the manual for EQ curves. It's a simple idea, but there's also nothing else like it. Simple and brilliant. It makes a big difference.

 

[Hypocrite]

Is there any difference between an amp and an AMP?

 

[NikkiVibes]

Is there any difference between an amp and an AMP?

For some reason I made it capital letters. Its an AMP!!!

 

[thetragichero]

&

 

[Zbysek]

Well despite the fancy knob labels the Omni is actually a LPF/HPF on steroids with some added mid range control -- see the manual for EQ curves. It's a simple idea, but there's also nothing else like it.

There's also Broughton Resonant Filter Equalizer...

https://www.broughtonaudio.com/product-page/resonant-filter-equalizer

 

[Bodeeni]

I use Amplitude 4 plugin as a vst to my DAW and find it has a ton more that what a pedal can give me. Full Amp, Cab and Room Sims with full effects spread too.
I do use Amplitude as both a stand alone DAW and as a plugin to Cubase. As a plugin, for some reason, it offers a wider range of bass amp presets. Could keep me busy for weeks.
Same price as a preamp pedal.

 

[NikkiVibes]

Im using Bias FX 2, which gives me a lot more options than a pedal for sure. I feel theres a digital "feel" or "fakeness" to it. Ive noticed this with bass and guitar.
I have been able to find good tones but theres a something missing.
Im looking to get more of a direct feeling with a solid-state pedal. Im ok with using digital cabsim at the end of the chain.

 

[TreySonagras]

Is there any difference between an amp and an AMP?

An AMP is twice as loud as an amp.

 

[Lowbrow]

This is my direct signal chain arrived at after a good deal of experimentation. Not the simplest, but sounds great.

 

[Zbysek]

This is my direct signal chain arrived at after a good deal of experimentation. Not the simplest, but sounds great.

View attachment 4010712

Could you please explain how the signal flows? THX

 

[Alien8]

If you want just a super clean amp sound OmniCabSim Dlx is really good for this. You may find a very small amount of noise with it and I mean very small. It's something people with very discerning ears mention when they first get it. That's its only flaw.

If you want dirt on top, I'd suggest you lookd for a good dirt box. Aguilar ToneHammer DI, Broughton has a bunch of great amp like boxes that become available here and there. Locust Star is a Rat based drive amd I find a rat into the cab SIM works well. If you could get a tube pedal like a bug drive or valve caster(make sure its a bass friendly model) then you can roll tubes to get a great sound.

Another option is to look at an ART brand box for warmth if you are on a budget.

 

[Lowbrow]

Could you please explain how the signal flows? THX

Sure.
LS-2 set to A+B Mix, BB Bass Preamp in the A loop>VT Bass>Paradriver>device input.
Sets up an OD+clean blend signal sent thru the 2 preamp/amp sim pedals which each lend different tonalities. I set the BB to a fairly low OD and don’t add much drive on the VT or Paradriver. If you look at the LS-2 knobs you’ll see that I have the clean signal dominant (red knob). I keep the Paradriver’s ‘Sansamp’ blend dialed back a bit.

 

[NikkiVibes]

If you want just a super clean amp sound OmniCabSim Dlx is really good for this. You may find a very small amount of noise with it and I mean very small. It's something people with very discerning ears mention when they first get it. That's its only flaw.

If you want dirt on top, I'd suggest you lookd for a good dirt box. Aguilar ToneHammer DI, Broughton has a bunch of great amp like boxes that become available here and there. Locust Star is a Rat based drive amd I find a rat into the cab SIM works well. If you could get a tube pedal like a bug drive or valve caster(make sure its a bass friendly model) then you can roll tubes to get a great sound.

Another option is to look at an ART brand box for warmth if you are on a budget.

I've been listening to the Aguilar ToneHammer DI, and I really like the clean sound. Lots of options such as adding dirt there too. The mids control seems really cool. I could run this into some kinda cabsim.
The omnicab does look like a very nice deluxe option for that.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Can't speak with any authority on the recording aspects. I've used the SCR/DI but prefer the EBS MicroBass III. If you use the stereo FX return for peripherals, you get a stereo output at the headphones and dual XLR DI's. Also has an Aux In. I've attached the manual below.

Riis

 

[tpaul]

This is my direct signal chain arrived at after a good deal of experimentation. Not the simplest, but sounds great.

View attachment 4010712

Nice choice of pedals but you should not use the direct connectors, they will eventually damage the pedals. There's a video that explains why:

 

[NikkiVibes]

Can't speak with any authority on the recording aspects. I've used the SCR/DI but prefer the EBS MicroBass III. If you use the stereo FX return for peripherals, you get a stereo output at the headphones and dual XLR DI's. Also has an Aux In. I've attached the manual below.

Riis

The microbass III is another im considering. It sounds good and has so many options!
I imagine I could run dual out into my DAW too..omg...it could be glorious!