I don't see too much interest in the Orange Bass Butler here. Any reason in particular? Just asking.
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The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison
- Thread starter chadhargis
- Start date
I quite like the sound of it, but you have to send 2 xlr outs to the desk if you want OD to go to front of house. You can't combine it into 1 output. The Tech 21 DI-2112 you can. That's the difference for me.
If I remember correctly, the 1/4 amp out is blended, but without cab sims. I quite like the idea of separate XLR outs for a number of reasons. Not the most convenient way of managing dirt tones, but it seems the most efficient to me if you like that kind of sound.
Anyway, the pedal seems a little bit overlooked here and I asked why. Most of the gear I tried because of this thread was absolutely killer, so I just want to know.
Thanks.
Anyway, the pedal seems a little bit overlooked here and I asked why. Most of the gear I tried because of this thread was absolutely killer, so I just want to know.
Thanks.
I really love what it does, but I wanted to try it as a tube overdrive (cue "I had a Sunray in my cart" joke) and some great tones come with quite a lot of gain that you have to adjust for overall volume unless you use the pedal as an "always on" (and fair enough - it is a preamp after all). I will keep it - but I wish it had an output volume pot...
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It is amazing. I've explained that same thing to one of the groups I play with when they ask why I don't bring my tube amps to gigs or practice. I can pack an HX Stomp + a nice tube comp. or tube pre + Quilter BB800 and have a handful of classic bass amps and serious tube tone that almost rivals the real thing - except in a board that weighs around 12 lbs. It's been said numerous times already, but once more won't hurt...great time to be a bassist.
Yes...and output volume would be awesome. Could probably drill a hole in the side, and put a pot in line with the output jack. The wiring inside is so neat and clean that you can easily see where all the wires go.
I have found that my tube compressor (LA-1A) has been the biggest influence on my sound of anything I have tried. I have a Nano with that, a TU-2 and a Rolls PM50s For my wired IEM's. A CIOKS DC-7 is mounted underneath for power. I use the compressors balanced out (I have a special cable) as my DI. Even without a preamp/DI I get great warmth and tone. I may start using my Genzler MG350 head. A bird in hand instead of getting an expensive Pre/DI for my board.
I've thought about trying the stomp but it's expensive and menu driven and I kind of like simple and analog as demonstrated by my only using a tube compressor.
There really is no way to avoid talk about how amazing the LA-1A on Talkbass, eh? Maybe I'll give up and grab one...
Like I've said before, I rarely go all "game changing" on gear. My Roscoe basses...yes. My amp...I love it but it's not a game changer for me. My LA-1A...game changer. The singer (love her but she doesn't know gear at all) in my band noticed the first day I used it. The sound guy was playing air bass. That's how good it is. It's expensive for sure, but it's so worth it.
The gushing for the LA-1A aside, seems no one here used/uses a Lightning Boy Op-2 vacuum tube powered optical compressor, which by design seems somewhat similar
It's hard to find a Lightning Boy Audio tube pedal, as they're not making them anymore. I'd be interested in the NuVision pedal myself, if/when I have funds available. I did have funds available when I bought the LA-1A and the Oracle.
From church last Sunday: FB-1A -> LB2020 -> LA-1A -> LBA2020 = big warm notes with sustain. 4 tubes and 3 transformers in this example.
I reviewed it in November 2018: https://www.compressorpedalreviews.com/post/lightning-boy-op-2-compressor
It is not in production anymore.
It is not all that similar other than it has tubes.
Oh - I knew you reviewed it, didn't know about the availability, but thanks for the clarity on the similarity.
A nice clean boost (30dB). The tone control is subtle to the point it doesn't really matter. Great for pushing the LBA2020 transformer or any tube preamp.
jacoby75
Supporting Member
- Mar 11, 2010
- 5,661
- 10,716
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- Endorsing Artist: Mike Lull Custom Guitars, DR Strings
Dang. I've been on the fence about those LB2020's. I'm considering getting 1-2. I read that with passive basses you'd want two. But it/they would be sandwiched between several other effects, preamps, etc. I can't decide if it's worth the expense or not. Do you feel that they contribute something significantly worthwhile to your overall tone? I'm guessing so, or you wouldn't (still) have them, lol.
@jacoby75 It seemed like a good concept so I tried it out. Like about everything I have, they add a little something extra to the tone that is pleasing.
