The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

[jacoby75]

Both the XLR out and the 1/4 out are affected and as far as I know there is no way to send an unaffected signal to either of them.

You could 'bypass' the CABM using a null IR preset and switching to that using the left knob. But as far as I can hear, you still get the small hiss and latency (around 1-2ms).

Thank you. I think that might be the deciding factor for me. I recently got a Shift Line Cab Zone LE, which I like a lot. But it's kind of a pain to try different options, because you're limited to 10 slots. But shortly after getting an LE, I learned about the CabZoneX, which adds an XLR out and power amp sims (among other things). You can use Shift Line's site to create Hex files to try, which are a combination of their cab sims and power amp sims. I've been able to sample some combos, and it sounds absolutely fantastic. Makes a huge difference. So I've been debating between the CabZoneX and the Torpedo CabM, especially since the CabM recently came down to $270. But the CabM does waaaaay more than I need. I don't want to spend all day knob twiddling. And I'd want a dry out as an option, which the CabZone has, because I often wind up playing places with a stage amp that I would want to send a dry signal to. And I read somewhere else that you can't just bypass the CabM. And while I'll admit that there would not be much need to bypass it, especially like mid-song or something, it's helpful if I want to be able to dial in something else in my chain, like an EQ or drive, to be able to turn off cab simming to hear more clearly what I'm doing to my signal, which you can do relatively easily with the CabZone.

 

[bucephylus]

Re: CabZone X:

This is a PRETTY impressive vid. Both the player and what you can hear the device doing. Ahh..yup.



I'm thinking one of these paired with the Olympic would make a pretty potent preamp board. Got to hand it to the Russians. Pretty impressive technology.

BTW, pretty impressive bass as well.

 

[MascisMan]

You can use Shift Line's site to create Hex files to try, which are a combination of their cab sims and power amp sims. I've been able to sample some combos, and it sounds absolutely fantastic.

Where are these "Hex" files you speak of? I can only find their IR packs

 

[FunkyYeti]

Soooo, Linden before or after La-1a, used as a boost/drive.

I don't have a LA-1A, but I was using mine (yours?) after my PC-2A.

 

[jacoby75]

Where are these "Hex" files you speak of? I can only find their IR packs

I believe it was discussed in the cab sim IR thread, I think. Forgive me if I'm repeating myself. The online HEX file generator is on the support page for the CabZoneLE, I think. But I'm fairly certain that they only work with the CabZone. And you have to follow their directions for them to work right.

 

[Johno Dunn]

I don't have a LA-1A, but I was using mine (yours?) after my PC-2A.

I always gravitate towards the B15ish tone. The flip top cab sim always seems to sound the best to me. I'm looking for the Linden to push the
La-1a into a little more compression, and push Le Bass into a bit more break up.

 

[Johno Dunn]

I don't have a LA-1A, but I was using mine (yours?) after my PC-2A.

How do you like the PC-2A? I almost went that route.

 

[ThisYouCanTrust]

Both the XLR out and the 1/4 out are affected and as far as I know there is no way to send an unaffected signal to either of them.

You can just put the cabM between the amp and the speaker for that.

 

[MascisMan]

I believe it was discussed in the cab sim IR thread, I think. Forgive me if I'm repeating myself. The online HEX file generator is on the support page for the CabZoneLE, I think. But I'm fairly certain that they only work with the CabZone. And you have to follow their directions for them to work right.

Been playing around with the HEX files and it is really cool. My favorite so far is an Ownhammer SVT 4x10 with the 6L6 Modern power tubes.

 

[FunkyYeti]

How do you like the PC-2A? I almost went that route.

Love it, although I use it more as a tone enhancer with subtle compression, a slow attack and soft knee. Part of me wishes I'd waited for the LA-1A to be in stock again, but whatever.

 

[FunkyYeti]

Did anyone do a write up on or a review of the Oracle? Sounds amazing, according to @scubaduba's thread.

I sold my SLO when I got my Mesa WD-800, but due to space, I'm mostly just playing through my interface at home nowadays.

I was thinking about grabbing another SLO, but the Oracle sounds good and i don't need the XLR, cab sim, etc.

 

[uwrossl]

I would think a bigger housing based on previous comments, but maybe it can get shoehorned in. Not sure

Micah, being the great communicator that he is, got back to me this morning. He is using the same housing for the Oracle DI version. Has to look into the possibility of retrofitting current units once he's finalized the changes for the circuit and layout which is a couple months out.

If it's an option that becomes available I'll most likely add just for convenience but will still be picking up the RNDI in the meantime..

Shipping updated and as hoped mine is out for delivery today rather than Monday!

 

[MascisMan]

Micah, being the great communicator that he is, got back to me this morning. He is using the same housing for the Oracle DI version. Has to look into the possibility of retrofitting current units once he's finalized the changes for the circuit and layout which is a couple months out.

If it's an option that becomes available I'll most likely add just for convenience but will still be picking up the RNDI in the meantime..

Shipping updated and as hoped mine is out for delivery today rather than Monday!

Mine is out for delivery

 

[MascisMan]

Scratch that...

 

[cavemanbass]

I think I've come to the conclusion that opto comps with simple control layouts are not my bag. BCP-1, Monocle and PDR all went away. They didn't sound bad, on the contrary they all had good tone. Just something about the comp reaction that I haven't got along with. It's probably just me.

Haha I'm the opposite - Diamond, Lab, or Squeezebox are perfect for me - each sounds very different but share that feel of optical. My Cali 76 otoh doesn't get much use... or the Stella...

 

[scubaduba]

Did anyone do a write up on or a review of the Oracle? Sounds amazing, according to @scubaduba's thread.

Yep. I did. https://www.compressorpedalreviews.com/arkham-oracle-tube-preamp-review

 

[MascisMan]

Incoming new Oracle owners, don't freak out like I did. Output 2 only works if you are using both outputs simultaneously. Otherwise, use Output 1.

From @scubaduba review:

"Out 1 is for connecting to a power amp, some other interface and such. Out 2 may then be used for an additional feed to a DI box. You can use both simultaneously, but only Out 1 is active individually."

 

[uwrossl]

Yep. I did. https://www.compressorpedalreviews.com/arkham-oracle-tube-preamp-review

I'm assuming I could bypass the preamp section of my TH700 by running the Oracle into the FX Return? Anyone tried this yet? I've never had a reason to by pass the preamp and or use the FX loop on an amp until now so just curious.

 

[Lowendtech]

Haha I'm the opposite - Diamond, Lab, or Squeezebox are perfect for me - each sounds very different but share that feel of optical. My Cali 76 otoh doesn't get much use... or the Stella...

Interesting. My Cali76cb still gets lots of use. Even with the LA-1A on board I still use it.
Here's the new medium board setup. I love how the DC-7 makes this possible.

 

[MascisMan]

I'm assuming I could bypass the preamp section of my TH700 by running the Oracle into the FX Return? Anyone tried this yet? I've never had a reason to by pass the preamp and or use the FX loop on an amp until now so just curious.

Yep.

Im going to be trying this with my Mesa D800+ here in a little while. You know why?....

Because the Oracle...sounds really good...