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Subway+ Bass DI-Preamp II

#581
ImTheOnlyOne said:
I would use one or the other HPF, but not both simultaneously.

Curious how your WD passive mids interact with the DI voicing? Likely there I'd use one or the other, not both.
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So far I have only done the stacking of the pre into the front end of the WD, just a little with the active basses in passive. I found no noticeable adverse effects with the interaction of the passive mids vs the voicing control or the HPF on both. I was using the preamp to augment the bass signal coming into the amp, like the preamp in an active Bass would interact with the WD.

Most of the time I run the preamp back into the WD aux in and use both one at a time using the mute switches on the pre and WD to change from one to the other.
 
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#584
I got the preamp two weeks ago from Thomann Germany.

Great preamp with Mesa sound, little hiss, not so huge like the older versions.

The only criticisms:

- Potentiometers that are a bit too loose, there is a risk that the potentiometers could be mis adjusted (?), for example, when packing the instrument into its gig bag

- Still no bypass switch
 
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#585
Regarding "loose pots" as a criticism throughout this thread? Just about all devices that I have used in my career are subject to "knob-position changes" during load in & out, travel, and even storage. This pertains to amps, preamps, and fx devices, as well as electric basses in gig bags.

As I know my setups, it takes about 30 seconds to adjust and dial-in my starting settings at sound check. Then, many settings are "fluid," depending on the room, style of music, chosen instrument, and momentary preference.

So, those "loose pots" on Mesa's new preamp/di? Definitely a non-issue, IMO&E.

And, as a sidebar curiosity: is it possible that pots with less friction have longer useful life? Loss of friction seems to be a sign of wear for certain pots, on their way to noise and/or failure.
 
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#586
staccatogrowl said:
So, those "loose pots" on Mesa's new preamp/di? Definitely a non-issue, IMO&E.
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I agree, it really is a non-issue. Happened with this pedal, happened with my Origin Effects ones and others. I actually can't think of a pedal this doesn't happen with.

Solution is really simple, take a photo of your pedalboard with your phone, mark that photo as a favourite. When you set up it takes seconds to get back your tone, and then can modify if you need to.
 
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#590
PWolverine said:
I agree, it really is a non-issue. Happened with this pedal, happened with my Origin Effects ones and others. I actually can't think of a pedal this doesn't happen with.

Solution is really simple, take a photo of your pedalboard with your phone, mark that photo as a favourite. When you set up it takes seconds to get back your tone, and then can modify if you need to.
Click to expand...
Everything I own the knobs are always getting moved. It's inevitable that it's going to happen. I have lots of pics for this reason. I guess my tuner pedal is the only pedal that stays the same and that's only cause it doesn't have any knobs. 🤣
 
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#592
cfortner said:
I got the preamp two weeks ago from Thomann Germany.

Great preamp with Mesa sound, little hiss, not so huge like the older versions.

The only criticisms:

- Potentiometers that are a bit too loose, there is a risk that the potentiometers could be mis adjusted (?), for example, when packing the instrument into its gig bag

- Still no bypass switch
Click to expand...
Our brethren @Pep was selling a non-profit O-ring kit that added some resistance under the knobs to aid in keeping them from moving freely.
 
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#593
cfortner said:
I got the preamp two weeks ago from Thomann Germany.

Great preamp with Mesa sound, little hiss, not so huge like the older versions.

The only criticisms:

- Potentiometers that are a bit too loose, there is a risk that the potentiometers could be mis adjusted (?), for example, when packing the instrument into its gig bag

- Still no bypass switch
Click to expand...
What's interesting is that we have never received ANY complaints about the pots on the larger models even though they are EXACTLY the same pots and knobs...

There's no bypass switch because the most fundamental function of this full preamp is to amplify an instrument level signal to a line level signal to drive a (line level) power amp, as well as provide a DI output, plus aux in/headphone out operation. Bypassing would eliminate EVERY function on the preamp, therefore a mute switch as included so that the signal path could be muted for tuning as well as for breaks or switching instruments. This is not just another "generic" pedal tone type box.
 
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#594
I can see where some folks find the "very easily moved pots" annoying, but it hasn't been a problem for me. I don't use it on the floor so a cable brushing over it isn't a concern in my use cases. I also use it with different bands and basses and always zero out gain and master and "reset other controls to their neutral positions" before shutting down so changes that occur in the bag aren't an issue. I also tend to remember my starting points for the controls for different uses and always need to do a little fine tuning anyway.

For those where it is an issue, @Pep came up with a simple, effective, and totally reversible mod you can make that works brilliantly.

As for functionality, Andy's post above provides a clear synopsis of the design intent and it delivers great utility in a very compact package. This product won't be for everyone, but if it fits your use case(s), I think you will be hard pressed to find a better option, especially at this price point.
 
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#597
DJ Bebop said:
A nice run though with various styles and basses being represented…

Click to expand...

I really like how they played a lot of different styles with different basses and only talked enough so you could fully understand the product's features.
 
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#598
I bought the preamp a few days ago and I have to say that I'm really impressed.

I was using an Arkham Oracle into a Khan VTDI. I also bought the Walrus Mantle recently and had the Jad Freer CAPO for a few years...and guess what, the Subway is now installed on my board (with the VTDI)!

IMG_0353.jpeg


I have to admit I'm the first surprised that a 200$ preamp works better for me but it's time to make decisions based on my feel and ears...and not just value, hype on talkbass or anything else. Andy (whose work I've always highly appreciated, going back to Genz-Benz and Genzler) has designed one hell of a preamp!

Compared to the Oracle, I feel the Subway is more equal sounding across the fingerboard. It's also way clearer, fast responding and the slaps sounds WAY better. More importantly, I feel I have better control over my sound when changing basses. I play mostly Sadowsky's (J, P, PJ4, PJ5, Modern 4) and Moollon depending on the gig.

The HPF is a total game changer for me and helps the low end cut better in the mix. The Voicing control is super useful and thanks Andy for the makeup gain design when using the control. That said, I've never used it more than the first half and feel the previous video (The Bass Channel) abused of this feature which gives an impression the preamp is just for modern scooped tone, which it's not if you use the voicing control with taste.

The EQ frequencies center are well chosen and works great. The deep and bright controls add a little too much for my taste but it's nothing a turn of EQ cannot solve. Still, I prefer more subtle boosts like on the Jad Freer Capo where you don't need to touch a second control when you want to use it.

I compared the Subway XLR DI with the Khan (tube) VTDI and while the Subway DI will be fine for most people, I cannot say it will replace my Khan. I'll then use the Subway into the Khan for great versatility from the Subway and get my tube magic from the VTDI. GREAT combo!

I too think the knobs move too easily and took the rubber O ring route. I chose those dimensions and it worked perfectly: 13mm (0.51") (outside) 6.8mm (0.27") (inside) 3.1mm (0.12") thick. $10 for 50 on Amazon. Manufacturer is Patikil (I'm in Canada but it's probably also available in USA). I might go to PeacePoti knobs for input and master eventually, like I have on some of my other pedals where I don't want (gain) knobs to move during transport.

I run it at 12v as a general precaution because I use active basses but heard no difference compared to 9v. If my power supply was not so easy to switch between 9 and 12v, it would have stayed at 9v.

This preamp is a success and prove that with great design, you can definitely make a product that can compete with the big boutique names at an honest price. Congrats Mesa team on a great product!
 
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#599
1kinal said:
The Voicing control is super useful and thanks Andy for the makeup gain design when using the control. That said, I've never used it more than the first half and feel the previous video (The Bass Channel) abused of this feature which gives an impression the preamp is just for modern scooped tone, which it's not if you use the voicing control with taste.
Click to expand...
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