The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

[iTzPrime]

I've been thinking about how I might structure some type of audio sampling of each of these. I first started to record everything set flat (or as flat as possible). Frankly, I am not sure there will be a highly noticeable difference in many of these when set flat. Of course when you start using the EQ sections things start changing dramatically. Then I have compressors like the LA-1a which imparts a different sound and feel in one way or another in front of each.

Thoughts on what you'd like to hear?

I think it would be best to put a DI in front of it, and the XLR is the dry sound, and then the line in the effect. Adjust the gain in a DAW and automate which track is heard when.

 

[iTzPrime]

I know these don't have tubes and aren't as exotic as the preamps we've been discussing as of late, but I'll throw them out to The Great Preamp Gurus for discussion: Ampeg SCR-DI, Ampeg Classic Preamp, Barber Linden EQ?

Anyone have any particular experiences and/or thoughts?

5sg.

I tried the Ampeg but wasn't very impressed. Don't get me wrong, they are not bad preamps especially for the price or if you are in search for your first one. Just don't expect them to be on a level close to Aguilar, SLO, Noble or any other of the most recommended ones here.

 

[1983L2000]

I've been thinking about how I might structure some type of audio sampling of each of these. I first started to record everything set flat (or as flat as possible). Frankly, I am not sure there will be a highly noticeable difference in many of these when set flat. Of course when you start using the EQ sections things start changing dramatically. Then I have compressors like the LA-1a which imparts a different sound and feel in one way or another in front of each.

Thoughts on what you'd like to hear?

YMMV and all that. Just missed an RFE release but I still can dream about demos I guess:

Thoughts on what I'd like to hear? Something that speaks to you, that you like to play or would want to hear yourself. In terms of format, a "flat to your ears" comparison is IMO nice, and then you can also demo some settings you end up liking with each amp (with/without comp) to illustrate their specific tonal goodness.

Simple cadence, repeatable bass line(s) would be preferred, bass on its own is fine, but some simple context (guitar or keys + drums backing track) would be nice. Some examples of bass gear demo I like:

(listen to end for backing track version)
(check his channel...)

 

[bdowd]

I know these don't have tubes and aren't as exotic as the preamps we've been discussing as of late, but I'll throw them out to The Great Preamp Gurus for discussion: Ampeg SCR-DI, Ampeg Classic Preamp, Barber Linden EQ?

Anyone have any particular experiences and/or thoughts?

5sg.

I just received the Linden eq last week, as soon as I plugged it in it sounded really good. I have since ab'd it to the b15 in the hx stomp and find it (Linden) just gets me to a better sound more quickly.
Excited to get my particle accelerator soon.
Also, another preamp to check out are the Boss Organ tube pres, out of Boston. He repurposes old Leslie parts and builds some sweet sounded amps and pedals, here is my pre (not as big in person). I believe it is a 12ax7 for gain and 12au7 for the eq.

 

[shaggy45]

@scubaduba since you have a super stack I'm curious if you've ever tried a silver deluxe? I think you should compare both. So if you need a silver deluxe to try pm me.

 

[1983L2000]

YMMV and all that. [...] Thoughts on what I'd like to hear? ..... [...]

And just to be clear, anything you do will be great and well appreciated!

 

[jacoby75]

I know these don't have tubes and aren't as exotic as the preamps we've been discussing as of late, but I'll throw them out to The Great Preamp Gurus for discussion: Ampeg SCR-DI, Ampeg Classic Preamp, Barber Linden EQ?

Anyone have any particular experiences and/or thoughts?

5sg.

I recently bought a Linden for the second time after mistakenly selling it a while back. It's a keeper for me. B15 in a box with this great, thick low end. It's definitely my new go-to tone. I won't play without it . . . unless I'm using my Broughton SVPre for the times when I want the SVT tone. Those two have me covered for most anything I could need.

 

[Low Down Brown]

+1 more singing praise for the Linden. It's no tube pre, but very much worth the price.

Markbass Compressore > Linden > HX Stomp with B-15 amp/cab model is dynamite.

All you recent LA-1A converts got me itching to get one and the Linden would be my ideal EQ to pair with it.

 

[Hypercaffium]

I used the Linden for a while and it's a fantastic pedal, plus it's very inexpensive considering the sound and build quality.

 

[fivestringgecko]

Just don't expect them to be on a level close to Aguilar, SLO, Noble or any other of the most recommended ones here.

A very similar sentiment to what I was already thinking. I've also not been a big fan of the Scrambler sound from the videos I've watched on the SCR-DI. Like I said, I was just curious as to people's thoughts.

Also, another preamp to check out are the Boss Organ tube pres, out of Boston. He repurposes old Leslie parts and builds some sweet sounded amps and pedals, here is my pre (not as big in person). I believe it is a 12ax7 for gain and 12au7 for the eq.
View attachment 3881726
View attachment 3881724

Very cool. I'll definitely check those out!

5sg.

 

[fivestringgecko]

So for the Linden people... Since it's "B15 in a box," anyone know how it compares to an SFT MkI? That was very much designed around the same concept.

5sg.

 

[scubaduba]

IMHO the magic of the Linden lies in the two switches.

 

[jacoby75]

IMHO the magic of the Linden lies in the two switches.

Yes, this ^. I wrote them after I picked one up for a second time. They confirmed that the truest representation of the B15 comes from both switches being to the left. But the other switch positions provide varying levels of awesomeness.

 

[jthisdell]

IMHO the magic of the Linden lies in the two switches.

Sounds like a line spoken by Gandalf in Lord of the Rings Part IV, Search for Toan

 

[davejnssn]

Maybe there are some out here that have been fortunate to own both a Linden and a Noble - would you think that there is a similarity regarding how the EQ works between the two? I don't expect them to sound the same with the Noble being designed around the tube pre etc, but the approach to sound design seems quite similar from reading about the features. The low cut switch on the Linden etc...

 

[scubaduba]

The EQ on the Linden is far more versatile.

 

[MascisMan]

Sounds like a line spoken by Gandalf in Lord of the Rings Part IV, Search for Toan

Is this the 4 hour one with 7 endings?

 

[Bassworship1]

I've owned and tried a lot of preamps and most had more versatile Preamps than the Noble. However, none come close to sounding nearly as good as the Noble in live and recorded setting. It is downright magical in what it does. If your wanting extreme versatility then there are many others out there better but if you want a Bass to sound the best it can then the Noble is hard to beat.

 

[MascisMan]

This is a good point. "Versatility" is just a characteristic. Not necessarily a factor in "better" or "worse."

 

[mikeGJ]

I just received the Linden eq last week, as soon as I plugged it in it sounded really good. I have since ab'd it to the b15 in the hx stomp and find it (Linden) just gets me to a better sound more quickly.
Excited to get my particle accelerator soon.
Also, another preamp to check out are the Boss Organ tube pres, out of Boston. He repurposes old Leslie parts and builds some sweet sounded amps and pedals, here is my pre (not as big in person). I believe it is a 12ax7 for gain and 12au7 for the eq.
View attachment 3881726
View attachment 3881724

One of those tubes is an octal type, likely a 6SL7, rather than a "miniature" 12ax7 .