Subway+ Bass DI-Preamp II

[Lowbrow]

Okay, the last of the O Ring Kits has been spoken for. I really didn't expect them to go so fast.
I still have hex keys, small plastic bags and envelopes left so I'm trying to decide whether to get more O Rings and offer these for a bit longer.
I'll update later today.

Wait -- I thought your goal was to get rid of your original extra o-rings! Now you're gonna get MORE?

 

[arepa_funk]

2025 was a wild and crazy year of gear acquisition for me, which included the Mesa Subway D350 amp, the Mesa Subway Bass DI-Preamp (basic version), and the Genzler Magellan Pre. And now I have the new Subway+ DI-Preamp II on order. Maybe it's time to retire my Tech 21 duo (VT Bass DI & Q\Strip)?

I've got the D350 and I'm considering the Subway+ II as well. Any use cases on how you'd use each?

 

[Pep]

What does the oring kit do? stop the knobs from moving?

Yes, it adds friction to the bottom of the knob so it doesn't move as easily.

Wait -- I thought your goal was to get rid of your original extra o-rings! Now you're gonna get MORE?

I still have envelopes, plastic bags, and hex keys I will never use so "yes" I ordered more O Rings. Problem?

 

[Nebadon2000]

I've got the D350 and I'm considering the Subway+ II as well. Any use cases on how you'd use each?

Using new preamp pedal with D350 is smart Idea considering the price

Can plug Bass into Pre and Pre into Aux: you get all features of D800+ with a few extra

I will let @agedhorse say if putting Pre in front of D350 Bass Input is okay also

 

[gstaats]

I've got the D350 and I'm considering the Subway+ II as well. Any use cases on how you'd use each?

I have the TT-800 - Here is how I'm going to run... I'll only take the TT-800 when I need an amp and cabs (poor monitoring/no monitoring or no ability to run IEMs.) The Subway+ II will be on a nano pedalboard with a tuner and a fuzz pedal. For IEM/ampless gigs, this what I'll roll with. (Battery powered too - no fussing with long IEC/extension cables.) While I love the TT-800 - absolutely my favorite amp - the audience won't hear the difference live through a PA system. If anything, having a silent stage will make the bass sound better due to no phase or other issues. Both guitarists are finally in the same boat - amp only if we have to.

 

[arepa_funk]

Using new preamp pedal with D350 is smart Idea considering the price

Can plug Bass into Pre and Pre into Aux: you get all features of D800+ with a few extra

I will let @agedhorse say if putting Pre in front of D350 Bass Input is okay also

That sounds great, I'll def consider that. Love the D350 as it is already, so this is a really cool use case.

I have the TT-800 - Here is how I'm going to run... I'll only take the TT-800 when I need an amp and cabs (poor monitoring/no monitoring or no ability to run IEMs.) The Subway+ II will be on a nano pedalboard with a tuner and a fuzz pedal. For IEM/ampless gigs, this what I'll roll with. (Battery powered too - no fussing with long IEC/extension cables.) While I love the TT-800 - absolutely my favorite amp - the audience won't hear the difference live through a PA system. If anything, having a silent stage will make the bass sound better due to no phase or other issues. Both guitarists are finally in the same boat - amp only if we have to.

Nice that sounds great!

 

[Turn Em Loose]

I have the TT-800 - Here is how I'm going to run... I'll only take the TT-800 when I need an amp and cabs (poor monitoring/no monitoring or no ability to run IEMs.) The Subway+ II will be on a nano pedalboard with a tuner and a fuzz pedal. For IEM/ampless gigs, this what I'll roll with. (Battery powered too - no fussing with long IEC/extension cables.) While I love the TT-800 - absolutely my favorite amp - the audience won't hear the difference live through a PA system. If anything, having a silent stage will make the bass sound better due to no phase or other issues. Both guitarists are finally in the same boat - amp only if we have to.

This is the way.

 

[Lowbrow]

Yes, it adds friction to the bottom of the knob so it doesn't move as easily.

I still have envelopes, plastic bags, and hex keys I will never use so "yes" I ordered more O Rings. Problem?

Not at all!

 

[bass12]

I probably shouldn't have (because I'm a little on the broke side at the moment) but I ordered the new Mesa pre. It should be here in time for me to try out on my next in-ears gig. Curious to see how it stacks up against the Magellan Pre I've been using for the past couple of years.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

I probably shouldn't have (because I'm a little on the broke side at the moment) but I ordered the new Mesa pre. It should be here in time for me to try out on my next in-ears gig. Curious to see how it stacks up against the Magellan Pre I've been using for the past couple of years.

Let's compare notes.

 

[Cahamp]

Ok so I lied. I had every intention of just getting the Mesa pre and using it for all my IEM gigs and not breaking down and buying an actual Mesa Subway amp, then I saw a great deal on a D800 so I have that coming now too. You guys are bad influences.

Going to just run it with a MarkBass 102p traveler cab for now since that's all I have that matches with the power levels. Am I correct in saying that I can run the pedal into the aux in and basically have a d800+ on tap?

 

[agedhorse]

Using new preamp pedal with D350 is smart Idea considering the price

Can plug Bass into Pre and Pre into Aux: you get all features of D800+ with a few extra

I will let @agedhorse say if putting Pre in front of D350 Bass Input is okay also

Yes, it will work ok, but the redundant voicings are not a benefit IMO. Best to use the aux input on the D-350 but be sure to use a 1/4" TS cable ans not TRS.

 

[agedhorse]

I probably shouldn't have (because I'm a little on the broke side at the moment) but I ordered the new Mesa pre. It should be here in time for me to try out on my next in-ears gig. Curious to see how it stacks up against the Magellan Pre I've been using for the past couple of years.

Two quite different but excellent flavor choices IMO.

 

[Turn Em Loose]

Incoming on 5/1. Couldn't resist.

 

[bherman]

Question for the masses - anyone know how the the master volume is set, ie at 12 o'clock is it at parity?

 

[agedhorse]

Question for the masses - anyone know how the the master volume is set, ie at 12 o'clock is it at parity?

It depends on where the other controls are set.

Parity or unity is not the primary function of this preamp, it takes instrument level in and outputs line level to drive a power amp or effects return input on a bass amp.

 

[DJ Bebop]

It's here!

I kinda fell into a subby dubby ting out the box

I'm definitely getting the ABY switcher box for this. Being able to switch from the WD preamp to the Subway+ preamp is going to be a game-changer

The Subway+ seems to fit with all the damping settings. I like the medium and high the best so far.

Setting the preamp flat and just working the deep bright switches, and the hight pass and voicing control seem to offer a lot of tonal variations alone.

 

[Pep]

It's here!

View attachment 7484453

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I kinda fell into a subby dubby ting out the box

View attachment 7484454

Whatcha think? Need an O Ring Kit?

 

[AObando2002]

How's does it take pedals, say compared to the Tone Hammer?

 

[Kaepora]

How's does it take pedals, say compared to the Tone Hammer?

Can't speak for the V2 TH/AG Preamps, but the Subway handles pedal input without a fuss. I kicked mine up to 18v since I have some hotter basses and drive pedals. Everything's playing very nicely.

None of them would handle pedal inputs poorly though, unless you've got some really extreme effects going into them.

I'd say your options for tone shaping will be stronger with the Subway, more so if you're operating a bigger board. Two very wide mid controls and a HPF help keep things very tame.

For what it's worth, I'm pushing my Subway into a TH500 that has a lot of nonsense pedals going into the Subway. No issues, even on the MK I version of the pedal.

You will have fun!