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Rack preamps really aren't that popular anymore....
- Thread starter JoshuaTSP
- Start date
bongomania
Commercial User
bongomania said:
Incredible!! How do you know about that, "riding along with my platinum tipped tweezers."?
IMO, bass pres aren't popular with the masses b/c they don't see them. Joe Average bassist guy just wants a box (amp) that makes sound. Places like guitar center and your typical small music store reinforce this by selling mostly combos. Better places will have an SVT/810 for sale, of course. Pre/power setups are for tweaky gear-snobs like many of us are. 
As has been said, being that a pre/pwr setup is modular you can swap out your pre when you want a different sound or if it dies.
I like a pre/pwr setup so much that even though I already own one, I almost bought one of JGRs pres too. I had to decide b/t that and a fEarful for my birthday present to me. I already have a good pre (Demeter HBP-1) but not such a great cab (Avatar 212). I think I made the right choice.
As has been said, being that a pre/pwr setup is modular you can swap out your pre when you want a different sound or if it dies.I like a pre/pwr setup so much that even though I already own one, I almost bought one of JGRs pres too. I had to decide b/t that and a fEarful for my birthday present to me. I already have a good pre (Demeter HBP-1) but not such a great cab (Avatar 212). I think I made the right choice.
bongomania
Commercial User
Most bassists seem to be content with full head amps put out by the various manufacturers. Some of us though preferred to use the pre/power approach. I've been doing so since the Sixties. I bought a Carvin BX1500 recently and while it's a great amp I still like the older rig. That has now been updated with a Class D Carvin DCM1000L Using my fretless on Saturday night at an outdoor street party that BX1500 was wonderful!
I have an Interstellar OD and a Sansamp RBI.
Haven't purchased a pedal pre. I hear a ton about the VT, I might get one.
Haven't purchased a pedal pre. I hear a ton about the VT, I might get one.
I am completely sold on the Pre/amp setup,it gives you so much flexibility to try so many different units without changing up your entire rig and also your amp section ie:wattage,impedance,heat,noise etc, stays the same after you pick a power amp you normally keep the same one for a long time.
They (preamp + poweramp) are in general more of a pain in the a$$ than the new micro-heads.
If I had a lot of disposable $$ I'd probably own at least two: a really good Solid State one (like the Mike Pope MPP-1, Phil Jones Bass P-1, or Glockenklang Bass Art Classic) and also a really good Tube one (like the Aguilar DB659, Kern IP-777, or Ampeg SVT-IIP).
Combine those with a really good 1-space power amp like the PJB D-4000 and you have a very versatile, toneful, & powerful system.
I do own a Yamaha PB-1 which is a GREAT-sounding SS preamp and for the money, really hard to beat.
Separate preamps / poweramps are all about versatility, tone, and scalable power.
If I had a lot of disposable $$ I'd probably own at least two: a really good Solid State one (like the Mike Pope MPP-1, Phil Jones Bass P-1, or Glockenklang Bass Art Classic) and also a really good Tube one (like the Aguilar DB659, Kern IP-777, or Ampeg SVT-IIP).
Combine those with a really good 1-space power amp like the PJB D-4000 and you have a very versatile, toneful, & powerful system.
I do own a Yamaha PB-1 which is a GREAT-sounding SS preamp and for the money, really hard to beat.
Separate preamps / poweramps are all about versatility, tone, and scalable power.
ptidwell
Commercial User
I could be wrong but it seems that players of a certain age are into the power amp/preamp setups. I do prefer my power amp/preamp, but as a matter of convenience I may grab my Genz Benz SM 12.0 for that quick load-in load-out gig. However, it's not in the same league with these two rigs, Demeter HBP-1 and a Pope MPP-1 over Crown's XTi 2000 now that's bass bliss.
I haven't run across any users during my time on talkbass.
IIRC, Victor Wooten was a user (way back there, sometime or other).
What are you looking for in a preamp?
I go between the following for amplification (not in order or use):
1. a Yamaha PB-1 or Mike Pope Mitre Box into a Crown Drivecore XLS1000
2. Markbass Little Mark II or
3. AER BAsic Performer combo.
They're generally interchangeable for my gigs. Sometimes it comes down to what transportation I choose (which car I feel like driving or how the band is traveling).
I think preamp/channel strip usage will go up now that you can carry massive amounts of power with little effort. The Mitre Box/ Drivecore setup is maybe 20 lbs. in a rackbag. I could easily make it lighter.
1. a Yamaha PB-1 or Mike Pope Mitre Box into a Crown Drivecore XLS1000
2. Markbass Little Mark II or
3. AER BAsic Performer combo.
They're generally interchangeable for my gigs. Sometimes it comes down to what transportation I choose (which car I feel like driving or how the band is traveling).
I think preamp/channel strip usage will go up now that you can carry massive amounts of power with little effort. The Mitre Box/ Drivecore setup is maybe 20 lbs. in a rackbag. I could easily make it lighter.
I won't be getting rid of my Ampeg SVP-CL any time soon. I bought a Crown XLS-1000 to downsize from a Stewart World 2.1. I'm in the process of fabricating an all-aluminum case for the pair that will drop onto a SVT-210AV for rehearsals or use with the Acme B2 and B2W for larger rooms. I'm estimating the whole preamp/power amp/case will weigh in the low 20 lb. range. Not micro class but certainly light enough for my aging back to handle easily.
Rick B.
Rick B.
