Double Bass Tech 21 Q-Strip Preamp - another decent option for DB!

[bherman]

I've been on a fairly long search for a preamp that would meet my needs for live performances, primarily with an Eminence EUB. I have the bass set up with a Realist Lifeline pickup and Pirastro Perpetual strings. Plugged into a Genzler Magellan 350/10-2 array combo. My needs are pretty straightforward, I'm not mixing mic and pickup. Just need a bit of gain boost/impedance matching, hpf, and some tone-shaping for difficult rooms or outdoor spaces for the occasional taming of frequencies. I've tried several different Fishman models (sounded too harsh), Grace Design Alix (clean, neutral-sounding but expensive), a tube-driven Shaw Audio Tube Injector (nice sound but really big and better suited to electric bass).

Thanks to a mention in a thread by @Wasnex, I learned about the Q Strip and decided to give it a try. Very nicely built, very compact design (fits well on my small pedalboard) and a very useful set of controls. EQ section has pretty intuitive cut/boost low, high, and two mid parametric controls that are powerful but not overly complex for a tech lightweight like me. HPF on/off only which I thought would be a limitation, but its set about right at 45 Hz. Seems to have the same benefits as where I would usually set the Fdeck hpf when needed. I have used it on two gigs so far, both outside; one with the Eminence and one with my Shen hybrid DB.

Promising results so far, and its reasonable priced. $249 new, used around $200.

 

[quickfix]

That's nice.
TECH 21 builds some nice stuff. I thought about the Q/STRIP. I'm still considering trying one out.
My wife occasionally uses a Sansamp ParaDriver DI for her ES125. They're said to be good for bass too, although I've never used it.
I use a VT BASS DI to my Traynor SB115, and also DI out to the trio's PA mixer.
However, it's never engaged when I'm on DB, but set up for, and engaged when the Fender Aerodyne Jazz needs to do its part.