Sadowsky SBP-1 vs SBP-2 + J48

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Hey folks, a quick question.

In some gigs, I run a passive P bass through my Sadowsky SBP-2 (with battery) into a Radial J48, which goes to the desk. But it is possible to simplify this setup and run into a Sadowsky SBP-1 directly, which has a DI output anyway.

Would simplifying into a single SBP-1 bring any relative compromises / disadvantages; compared to using my J48? Any first hand experience?

 

[Zbysek]

Disadvantages:
J48 can be powered via phantom power from mixing desk (not available in case of SBP-1).
J48 has additional features such as low cut, polarity switch etc.

Advantages:
Mute switch

 

[ShawnG]

The Sadowsky pre-amp works best (and is suggested by Roger Sadowsky) running before effects. If you want to send your signal to FOH dry, the SBP-1 is great, if you want your effects (if any) to FOH, I’d recommend sticking with what you’ve got.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Disadvantages:
J48 can be powered via phantom power from mixing desk (not available in case of SBP-1).
J48 has additional features such as low cut, polarity switch etc.

Advantages:
Mute switch

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering about sound quality, noise potential, signal level, etc. actually - any comments on those?

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

The Sadowsky pre-amp works best (and is suggested by Roger Sadowsky) running before effects. If you want to send your signal to FOH dry, the SBP-1 is great, if you want your effects (if any) to FOH, I’d recommend sticking with what you’ve got.

I don't have any intermediary effects, just sending my dry signal. I'm curious if J48 sounds "better" (whatever that means) than SBP-1 and if there would be a compromise in terms of noise, signal level, etc.

I don't have the chance to test a SBP-1, that's why I'm looking for advice.

 

[Zbysek]

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering about sound quality, noise potential, signal level, etc. actually - any comments on those?

No, not really...

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

The Sadowsky pre-amp works best (and is suggested by Roger Sadowsky) running before effects. If you want to send your signal to FOH dry, the SBP-1 is great, if you want your effects (if any) to FOH, I’d recommend sticking with what you’ve got.

This!

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I run mine at the end of my pedalboard and really love the results, Diamond Bass Comp at the beginning as well.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

I run mine at the end of my pedalboard and really love the results, Diamond Bass Comp at the beginning as well.

Did you have the chance to compare the DI output with other DI boxes? Any noticeable difference?

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

Did you have the chance to compare the DI output with other DI boxes? Any noticeable difference?

Yeah, I have a Countryman, and several Pre amp pedals along with my amp head which has a Pre DI, it’s sounds the same. You would be fine just using the Sadowsky. It still sounds like whatever you’re feeding it. I use my Sadowsky as a DI for my Synth all the time and it works like a charm. It’s a great piece of gear, one of the few things I keep multiples of. Not that I’ve ever had one break, but I’ve found it very handy for multiple things at once, also if the rest of the world realizes how awesome it is and prices go through the roof, I’ll never need to buy another one
The Mute is also latching so it powers up engaged if you turn it off like that. Which is handy for quiet set up and tear down.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Yeah, I have a Countryman, and several Pre amp pedals along with my amp head which has a Pre DI, it’s sounds the same. You would be fine just using the Sadowsky. It still sounds like whatever you’re feeding it. I use my Sadowsky as a DI for my Synth all the time and it works like a charm. It’s a great piece of gear, one of the few things I keep multiples of. Not that I’ve ever had one break, but I’ve found it very handy for multiple things at once, also if the rest of the world realizes how awesome it is and prices go through the roof, I’ll never need to buy another one
The Mute is also latching so it powers up engaged if you turn it off like that. Which is handy for quiet set up and tear down.

That was really helpful. What about the output volume of Sadowsky SBP-1, compared to other active DI boxes? My J48 has a hot output (much hotter than JDI), which I like.

 

[Harpo61]

I have my Diamond Compressor first and Sadowsky SBP-1 last