Studio quiet preamp to replace Genzler MG-350 for ampless gigs

[bobcruz]

I've been using my Genzler MG-350 as a D.I. at church directly to the mixer. I'm considering downsizing to a standalone preamp. Which are the good ones? It needs to have the usual D.I. features (pre/post, ground lift, mic/line), aux in and headphone out. No baked in tone profile, please, just a transparent EQ section like my Genzler. (I'd buy a Genzler preamp if they made one.) I also want a studio-level signal to noise ratio. What are my options?

 

[Lovep]

The Broughton Messenger comes to mind given your needs. Im sure there are other options, but they are likely pricey. Downsizing from the MG350 is hard.

 

[Aloe]

if you can sacrifice aux in and phones out (great features, but not typically found in a studio preamp), you have some great choices.

1. a Q\Strip, unless it's too transparent for you (the MG well, does have some color)

2. Phil Jones PE-5, it has brighter character (coming from the MG you might want it), but no 'mic level' pad (luckily, a typical mixer has it)

also pay attention to the EQ you need. the MG is a 3-band with parametric mids and 'contour' (the latter not typically found in studio preamps as well), the Q\Strip is 4-band with two parametric bands, opt-in HPF and LPF as well, the Phil Jones has a 5-band non-parametric.

 

[Lovep]

You should consider the Zoom B6 or the Darkglass Infinity as well

 

[Zbysek]

The Broughton Messenger comes to mind given your needs. Im sure there are other options, but they are likely pricey. Downsizing from the MG350 is hard.

+1

 

[ahbass2500]

Adding to the Phil Jones recommendation with a different product. Phil Jones Bass Buddy seems like a good option. Discontinued but they pop up used occasionally. There is currently one in the classifieds (no affiliation).

Bass Buddy has XLR out, 5 band EQ, compression and the ability to run on two 9 volt batteries or a power supply.

 

[bobcruz]

Thanks everybody; the advice is helpful and appreciated.

 

[bherman]

I use a Mesa subway +, great pre. Fwiw I also have and use a MG 350 so I have a good point of reference

 

[bobcruz]

I use a Mesa subway +, great pre. Fwiw I also have and use a MG 350 so I have a good point of reference

The Subway pre is definitely in the running. I intend to choose by the end of this year (Christmas gift to myself ) and am aware of a product coming soon in one manufacturer's pipeline that isn't public knowledge yet. Sorry I can't say more about that but keep the comments coming. Peace, Bob

 

[Marko 1]

. I'm considering downsizing to a standalone preamp

9”x9.83”x2.63”, 3.5 lbs... how small do you need?

What if something comes up and you want an amp?

Edit: I guess you didn't say you were gonna sell that amp, so maybe the second comment doesn't apply.

 

[bobcruz]

9”x9.83”x2.63”, 3.5 lbs... how small do you need? ***

This is TalkBass...wants are everything and needs aren't a factor!

 

[Marko 1]

This is TalkBass...wants are everything and needs aren't a factor!

You're so right...

I musta been trippin'