Jazzdogg
Less barking, more wagging!
Yes, but... what preamp will you play the recording through?
I'd try inputting the signal into the effects loop, thereby bypassing the amp's preamp.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison
- Thread starter chadhargis
- Start date
I'd try inputting the signal into the effects loop, thereby bypassing the amp's preamp.
Sorry I was just teasing - as in should we create a new thread: "Best Preamps to compare Bass preamp samples". I think using decent cans to compare recordings (and it's really the comparison I'm personally interested in rather than a sample's absolute abstract value) may be more revealing than using bass amps and cabs that will introduce their own coloration and dynamics. Plus you'd still have to get the signal to POWER AMP IN level...
Last edited:
I've been using a Basswitch IQDI for years. Sounds incredible. You guys have me wanting to plunk down some serious cash for what could possibly be a lateral move.
Classic Talkbass!
Classic Talkbass!
I've never tried the IQDI but from what I've heard it sounds stellar. Probably a lateral move to consider anything we've been discussing here unless you prefer tube tone.
Interesting. Does the IQDI add some color to the basic sound? I have a local friend who uses one as well, but have never had the chance to try it out.
5sg.
It is a pretty transparent preamp set flat. I always use some other pedal for color if I need it. The IQDI has an footswitch controlled effects loop that you can mix in to the original signal. This is where I have been adding subtle color to my tone. On it's own a big, clean tone is the IQDI's thing.
The Basswitch DI is one I've always wanted to try as it has everything j would want in a preamp.
Jazzdogg
Less barking, more wagging!
My primary interest is getting a preview of what gear might sound like on a gig, thus my goofy idea.
I've been curious in the past about those as well. I like how you can control the mix of the loop and your dry signal. I like that in effects units as well. I'm kind of in a tube phase right now, with my LA-1A as my "gateway" tube unit. I'm not looking at hard for a preamp, but maybe a tube DI for live and recording. I think I'd go big or go home. Something like a REDDI. Then I can leave my small pedal board as is and just add that on for supported DI/IEM gigs and leave it home for rig gigs.
I actually sold a Reddi to fund the Basswitch because I needed a preamp more. The Reddi had a great sound but not necessarily better than the Basswitch, just different. I haven't been disappointed with the Basswitch. I think I was looking for more tube breakup from the Reddi and all it gave me was a rich clean tone.
Yeah, I don't want to much break up. I want a big, full sound - especially for my IEM's. I've added an Effectrode Leveling Amp (the LA-1A as well call it) with tubes and it made such a huge difference in my sound - FOH and IEM. I'd like a DI that has the same effect.
I'd love to hear some clips of an LA-1A in front of a Quilter BB800.
Seems like that would be a great sounding combination.
Seems like that would be a great sounding combination.
But the bigger point is that on a gig if you can tell an ounce of difference between these similar preamps the way you would set them live you have some bat-like hearingMy primary interest is getting a preview of what gear might sound like on a gig, thus my goofy idea.
Whew! Three days of major geekification to get all the way through this thread. OK boys, now you have me GASing for a Noble, an Oracle, a Starlifter and a SLO, with a side of RNDI and a HPF on top. 
And maybe an ALiX.
Two that seemed to merit little discussion are the Khan VTDI and the Teegarden Fatboy. Thoughts?
And maybe an ALiX.Two that seemed to merit little discussion are the Khan VTDI and the Teegarden Fatboy. Thoughts?
Jazzdogg
Less barking, more wagging!
But the bigger point is that on a gig if you can tell an ounce of difference between these similar preamps the way you would set them live you have some bat-like hearing
Gee, thanks; you just saved me a bunch of money.
Nice tone and playing!
I think I'll try the Captain East compressor toneprint next, as I've seen several (like you) who really like it. I do really love the Tonebooster print, but it's always fun to experiment.
I don't get much noise from the Clean Boost on mine, but I think that's because I use it at very low levels. Basically what I would love is to be able to duplicate the Tubetone from my RH450 amp in this pedal. I use that in a very subtle way, just to add a bit of warmth. I don't really do overdrive or fuzz.
My use is pretty non-typical, I think, because I set up the drive as an "always on" thing, rather than something "extra" to kick in at times. The problem I have with every other Tubedrive toneprint I've tried is that even on zero, there's still distortion, so that just doesn't work for me.
Not sure if this was serious or sarcastic but really - live with enormous differences in room acoustics and FOH mixing (or in ear monitoring) anyone thinking they can appreciate a major difference between these awesome preamps is drinking something I want some of.
If you're talking trying to appreciate these differences in a controlled room for your enjoyment or recording it's a different story.
But live, you're just kidding yourself.
You are quite right. With IEM it is easy to tell the difference live, but again, the punters aren't using IEM, so the difference to them is minimal. The Oracle and Zephyr look and sound great, but my SVP Pro sounds fantastic thru my IP310, so that really negates the need for a Zephyr. My TH DI, VTBass Deluxe, and MXR M81 with Fairfield Modele B are all great live, and with IEM so I really have no justification for GAS, Yet here I am researching every preamp someone mentions in this thread. Shoot me now!
