Rack Preamp Recommendation

[Rib 13]

So, while in Nursing School, my schedule is going to allow me to gig a little bit....I have a few offers, but they are rock groups....so I need power but dont really want to sink a whole lot of money into new gear...Id rather use stuff I have existing, so I yanked out a Mackie M2600 out of the PA to use for the amp ( plenty of power for cleanliness )...Im using my trusty DBX163 for the compressor, mainly as a limiter for transients...The EQ is just filling space......I will either use SWR Goliath cabs or old Crate cabs from the 80s that I like

About me: transparent player. Previously used Genz Benz. Amp color doesnt play into anything for me. Im primarily a fingers and slap guy but I am entertaining using a pick for these groups (Im historically a variety/dance player and these bands are much heavier than that). I use roundwounds and, most of the time, I utilize that rich piano string type sound. I do use a processor, a Zoom B3, but I would like to eliminate that otherwise I would just look into a pre pedal or just use the B3 itself as the Pre

Suggestions? New or used, tube preferred but not necessary - Price range 250 or less

 

[Marko 1]

I use roundwounds and, most of the time, I utilize that rich piano string type sound.

Have you ever tried these strings?

TalkBass.com > DR Strings > DR Strings JH-40 JONAS HELLBORG Signature Bass Strings - Light

“Sound starts at the string. What the string can produce the amplifier and speaker can reproduce. The opposite is equally true. The formula for the set of strings contained in this box is simplicity and purity. Each string is wound on a high carbon steel round cores, so that pure nickel wire can be wrapped completely in contact, and tight around it. The use of round cores also provides extra flexibility as compared to hex cores…thus it is more sensitive to touch. Each string has only one layer of wrap wire allowing it to vibrate freely, and provide a beautiful tone that can bite when you dig in”

"The tonal characteristic of these strings is open and clear with shimmering overtone spectrum adding to percussive detail. On regular bass strings the overtone is slightly stronger than the fundamental. That makes the note sound an octave higher thanit really is. On these uniquely designed and constructed strings the fundamental is cleaner, deeper and louder - comparable to the strings of a grand piano. The tone and expressiveness of the Jonas Hellborg Signature strings has no match. Welcome to a brand new start in bass guitar sound, from the bottom up

 

[Rib 13]

Have you ever tried these strings?

No...but I will definitely give them a try now, thank you

 

[basscooker]

Have you considered a tube Mic preamp, or a channel strip? Used decent ones fall in that price range.

 

[Wasnex]

So, while in Nursing School, my schedule is going to allow me to gig a little bit....I have a few offers, but they are rock groups....so I need power but dont really want to sink a whole lot of money into new gear...Id rather use stuff I have existing, so I yanked out a Mackie M2600 out of the PA to use for the amp ( plenty of power for cleanliness )...Im using my trusty DBX163 for the compressor, mainly as a limiter for transients...The EQ is just filling space......I will either use SWR Goliath cabs or old Crate cabs from the 80s that I like

About me: transparent player. Previously used Genz Benz. Amp color doesnt play into anything for me. Im primarily a fingers and slap guy but I am entertaining using a pick for these groups (Im historically a variety/dance player and these bands are much heavier than that). I use roundwounds and, most of the time, I utilize that rich piano string type sound. I do use a processor, a Zoom B3, but I would like to eliminate that otherwise I would just look into a pre pedal or just use the B3 itself as the Pre

Suggestions? New or used, tube preferred but not necessary - Price range 250 or less

Unless you just want to spend cash, I would probably stick with the Zoom or consider one of the MXR preamp DI pedals...MXR - Electronics - Products  

Not a lot of rackmount tube preamps in your price range, unless your just going for a straight gain stage. The Presonus Studio Channel runs around $300.

Studio Channel | PreSonus
Presonus Studio Studio Channel Preamp

 

[JamesNC]

I recently got an old Ashly SC-40 preamp and I’m really liking it. I believe they’re in the 200-250+ range used.

 

[Bassheart365]

The Avalon U5 is industry standard and rack mountable. But you'd be lucky to find a used one for under $450. So, never mind.

 

[Rody]

Yamaha PB1

 

[disssa]

I collected over 30 different preamps and wrote a little about it here: Invalid Link Removed

 

[Rody]

I collected over 30 different preamps and wrote a little about it here: Invalid Link Removed

Some of your links are dead... e.g. the PB-1 link...

 

[matante]

It was either Geddy Lee or Sting whose rack used to consist of compressors, EQs, and power amps, with no dedicated preamp involved. Since you want transparency that may be the way to go.

 

[Mingo Sanders]

I'll add to the group recommending that you try the Yamaha. I picked up mine used for $150. By today's standards, its weight of about 10 pounds means that it is a heavy unit.
For those who have not already found it: In Praise of the mighty Yamaha PB1!

 

[disssa]

Some of your links are dead... e.g. the PB-1 link...

Thanks for the note. I fixed it.

 

[Basstigator]

Ampeg Svp-Pro.

 

[amper]

There are so many rack preamps out there that are great. When I had a rack system, I had three different preamps in it, and was planning on adding a fourth.

I used to have a JoeMeek VC1Qcs channel strip in my rack that was incredible. Sadly, they are going for about $750 used, these days. I bought and sold mine for about $500, 10-15 years ago. I also had an SWR Interstellar Overdrive, which was amazing. Finally, I had a Trace Elliot V-Type rackmount preamp. Good luck finding any of these, today, let alone for under $250.

The fourth I was going to add was a Tech 21 SansAmp RBI, which is also an awesome preamp that *can* be found for under $250 used. You might consider the SansAmp RPM, too.

 

[garp]

With some patience, you might be able to find a Peavey MAX rack unit. They occasionally pop up here in the classifieds. Switchable between tube and solid state, plus a 7-band graphic EQ.

 

[Rib 13]

Thank you everyone for the replies so far...Wow -- I have a lot to consider !!!

Will certainly have a look-see at the PB1, Tech 21, and Ashley...the Ampeg may be out of my range

 

[Rib 13]

Have you considered a tube Mic preamp, or a channel strip? Used decent ones fall in that price range.

yes...including a Behringer ( I find the "B"-word to be less durable as far as gear goes but often sound decent and work fine if taken care of)

 

[Rib 13]

With some patience, you might be able to find a Peavey MAX rack unit. They occasionally pop up here in the classifieds. Switchable between tube and solid state, plus a 7-band graphic EQ.

Thank you...I was originally looking for the old ProBass 1000...I didnt know about the MAX...there is another I just saw called the TB Raxx I didnt know about either (thanks @disssa )

 

[Rib 13]

Unless you just want to spend cash, I would probably stick with the Zoom or consider one of the MXR preamp DI pedals

If I dont find anything to my liking, I will definitely use the Zoom and may consider looking at others like your MXR suggestion.......Just trying to get everything off the floor.