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SansAmp RBI vs RPM

#241
Anyone try using this as a pre with a tube poweramp?

I have an Ampeg SVT Classic head. I really am not enamored of the pre on the Classic.

I also have an SVP-CL pre, which I've tried using directly into the Classic tube section--i.e., using the Classic as a power amp only. Didn't like the result.

I'm thinking that the Sansamp RPM into the tube power amp section of the Classic would get closer to a 60's/70's SVT sound.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?
 
#242
Yup, I currently run one of my RPM's into an Aguilar DB728 and this rig is an SVT killer! I also tried it into the power section of my SVT-CL heads when I had them with very good results. I had an SVP CL for a short while and returned it - I prefer the RPM - the SVP's bass control is centered way too low and makes a mess of the low end IMO/IME.

AndyMan said:
Anyone try using this as a pre with a tube poweramp?

I have an Ampeg SVT Classic head. I really am not enamored of the pre on the Classic.

I also have an SVP-CL pre, which I've tried using directly into the Classic tube section--i.e., using the Classic as a power amp only. Didn't like the result.

I'm thinking that the Sansamp RPM into the tube power amp section of the Classic would get closer to a 60's/70's SVT sound.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Click to expand...
 
#243
AndyMan said:
Anyone try using this as a pre with a tube poweramp?
Click to expand...

Yep - this guy. Into a Trace Elliot Quatravalve.

GeddyLee.jpg



You probably know where to find current soundclips. :D
Seriously though, I'm running mine with a solid state QSC amp and it sounds great, I can't imagine it wouldn't sound fantastic driving an all tube poweramp. :bassist: Best of luck.
 
#245
I just recorded some quick clips of my RPM used as distortion with the drive going from 9, to 10:30, noon, and 3.
It picks up the hum from my Geddy Lee alot, and my recording interface isnt the best, so take it with a grain of salt. I also have a clean DI clip
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=890138&content=music

Excuse the crappy riff and bad playing too :P

edit: I'm playing with a pick on my Geddy Lee jazz with DR sunbeams that have been on there about 3-4 weeks. I'd do fingerstyle/slap if anybody wants me too.
 
#254
Gin said:
I set my presence around 12 oclock, any farther and I get too much of a "clacking" from the fretboard, I tend to play aggressive as well though.
Click to expand...

Sorry for my delayed response. I asked the question because the Presence knob is boost only, unlike Bass, Treble, and Mid. Setting it to 12 o'clock isn't flat... it actually gives a pretty big treble boost.

I don't know whether it's true in your case, but I suspect that some who say the RBI is too bright mistakenly set Presence at noon, thinking it's flat.
 
#255
Fuzzbass said:
Sorry for my delayed response. I asked the question because the Presence knob is boost only, unlike Bass, Treble, and Mid. Setting it to 12 o'clock isn't flat... it actually gives a pretty big treble boost.

I don't know whether it's true in your case, but I suspect that some who say the RBI is too bright mistakenly set Presence at noon, thinking it's flat.
Click to expand...
Yeah that's exactly what I was thinking, I just set mine around 8-9.
 
#256
As already mentioned, I like the additional drive you can get from the Presence @ 3 o'clock, but counteract the added highs by turning down the Treble knob to 9 o'clock. The way Presence affects the sound reminds me of the nice grit old HiWatt all tube heads produced when cranking their presence knobs.
 
#257
Great thread! I have purchased an RBI, which should arrive soon. To those of you still using the RBI (or RPM): what do you recommend for a power amp, or do you prefer to run these things in to conventional bass amps? And yes, I have searched -- I "Googled" "talkbass RBI" and found exactly 100 pages of links. I have not yet read every single thread, but I have made a dent.... Any insights or opinions would be appreciated!
 
#258
RockDoc said:
what do you recommend for a power amp, or do you prefer to run these things in to conventional bass amps?
Click to expand...

IMO any good power amp with a flat frequency response will do.

However, I like to run it in the FX loop of my MarkBass F1 head which is very clean and transparent. The FX loop is set to parallel (50/50) mode. That gives me a mix of RBI + completely uneffected bass, and the additional EQ section of the F1 if I need it. I would not combine the RBI with some other preamp that adds its own distinctive sound.

Enjoy the grit! :bassist:
 
#259
RockDoc said:
To those of you still using the RBI (or RPM): what do you recommend for a power amp, or do you prefer to run these things in to conventional bass amps?
Click to expand...

I've been using the RBI and RPM together, but even when I ran just one I much preferred it into a power amp. As oli said, pretty much any decent power amp will do... you just need to make sure the amp has enough wattage for your needs. FWIW, I've used the RBI/RPM with a Stewart World 2.1, a Crest Ca9, a Crown XTi2000... they're all great.
 
#260
Danke sehr, Oli, and thanks, Ken, for your replies. I'll start looking into specifics about current power amps! I'm leaning towards something from Crown or QSC. I find it amusing, perusing old threads, to see what amps people are currently using (in their profiles), compared to the ones that they so vociferously advocated in the past!
 

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