rackmount add-ons? How can I get better tone?

[Desmond1234]

I Just Bought a Ampeg 4-12 and an ampeg B2R Head. I would like to have more control over the tone. I have a 4 space rackmount case, 2 of which are being used. I was looking at some of the sansamp equipment and it seems to be pretty good. Does anyone have any ideas on what I should look into getting? Would a compressor be a good addition to a bass rig?

Desmond

 

[73jbass]

A little more info about what tone you're after would help.Something about it you don't like?

 

[Desmond1234]

I really would like a really fat tone. I really like the low end. Kind of more felt than heard...if that makes any sense. I do like to play on the high end of the neck from time to time, so I would like it to be bright as well.

Desmond

 

[wisemonkey]

I really would like a really fat tone. I really like the low end. Kind of more felt than heard...if that makes any sense. I do like to play on the high end of the neck from time to time, so I would like it to be bright as well.

Desmond

If want a particularly fat bottom end or a bright top end you can use eq to adjust your tone accordingly. You don't necessarily need to add more gear to do that. If you play with good technique on a good bass through a quality rig it should sound good with no eq. Then if you want to use eq for a particular sound (like boosting in the 40-80hz region to get fat bottom end you can feel) that's up to you. But you shouldn't need an additional preamp to do that. If you cant achieve the right sound with the bass and amp you're using already you may need to look at changing them.
I'm looking at buying a sans amp, but that's because I play electric and upright on the same gig and I want them to have separate preamps with DI outs for the PA - I'll then use my onstage rig flat, possibly even going straight into the power amp via an A/B box.

 

[Syco_bass]

Are you using a compressor?

 

[nomorehiros]

I also have some questions about live sounds and what kind of equipment would be good suggestions.

So far my gear consists of, a GK Backline 250 head, GK Backline 410 cab, ESP Horizon II, and a 5 string J bass.
My guitarist suggested I get an EQ but I have no idea what I should get.
Are there any other pieces of equipment I should have??

 

[bongomania]

No. Unless you have a specific objective, something you know needs to happen to your sound, there is no gear you should purchase.

 

[nomorehiros]

No. Unless you have a specific objective, something you know needs to happen to your sound, there is no gear you should purchase.

I want to be able to have control of my sound so that it ranges from korn's sound to a nice warm jazzy sound. I know that's pretty broad but that's what I'd like to be able to do.

 

[bongomania]

OK, an EQ can help with that. A graphic EQ with at least 10 bands (slider controls) would be an OK choice; also a parametric EQ is great but it takes time to learn how to use them properly. A simple two-band or three-band EQ will not help much.

Otherwise I'd say try a multi-effect amp modeling pedal. Search on "modeling" in the Amps and Effects forums for suggestions. Start with the Effects forum.