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Double Bass Really Nice Preamp (FMR RNP) for Stereo Electric Basses

OJ Dorson

OJ Dorson

Jun 24, 2020
132
237
47
Chicago, IL
#1
I'm wondering if anyone has much experience using the FMR RNP with a stereo electric bass. I'm wanting to put together a rig that will allow me to run my Series I in stereo and also let me plug in two basses so I can jam with my daughter.

I currently have the Wayne Jones WJBPII and I think it's a really awesome unit, but I'm bummed that the gain on channel two is way lower. I understand why, but I think it would have been great to be able to flick a mic/line switch so that if you were using two electric basses (or a stereo bass) you could have more identical gains.

So, I saw a RNP for sale with a RNC (Really Nice Compressor) in a 1U rack unit and thought that might be a really cool way to go. I like a very clean preamp - I want to hear my bass electrified, if that makes sense.

What does the collective zeitgeist of TalkBass think about this sort of rig?
 
#3
Maybe the JoeMeek TwinQ2 would be a better option? Invalid Link Removed

The one thing I really like about the WJBPII is that both channels have a PAN knob allowing you to send out the pickup signals (and effects signals) either combined or separate.
 
#6
OJ Dorson said:
I'm wondering if anyone has much experience using the FMR RNP with a stereo electric bass.
Click to expand...

The FMR stuff is top notch (sounding) for the money, and even for a bit more money.

Only problem with the RNP and RNC is that they're not balanced. They were designed back in the day when digitial interfaces were just being a thing, so they were designed to work with old unbalanced inputs (Like 4-track tape recorders).

If you can get around the unbalanced issue, the other (small) issue with the RNP is that the gain knob is STEPPED not linear, so sometimes you'll be trying to get a level and it will either be to low for your DAW, or too HIGH when you step it up. There is no 'in between.' you have to pick one of the available levels. (They deliberately chose steps in an effort to keep the sound quality at a maximum at that price point).

They do sound great though, but those limitations make them a bit user unfriendly.
 
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#7
fu22ba55 said:
T the other (small) issue with the RNP is that the gain knob is STEPPED not linear, so sometimes you'll be trying to get a level and it will either be to low for your DAW, or too HIGH when you step it up. There is no 'in between.' you have to pick one of the available levels. (They deliberately chose steps in an effort to keep the sound quality at a maximum at that price point).

They do sound great though, but those limitations make them a bit user unfriendly.
Click to expand...

Larry changing over to the Grace Design Felix makes sense based on the FMR's design parameters. When he was using the RNP the Grace Felix did not exist
 

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