The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

[scubaduba]

Yes, they do add something pleasing. In my estimation, two would definitely be better than one.

 

[remcult]

The Jule Monique is a very special preamp for sure - I've had mine for 6 years now, and it has proven itself time and time again, surviving the rigours of touring and the scrutiny of studio sessions.
However if I were in the market for a preamp again now, I would certainly be put off by the price point of things like the Monique/Noble in comparison to the Oracle in particular, and also options like the SLO and Sushi Box Preamps (their developing B15 and Sunn Model T preamp pedals are incredibly enticing).
At the time I bought my Moniqe it was cheaper than the Noble, and when comparing the two the Monique delivered on my aim of providing a sound that was amp-like(I think the tube rectifier and design of the sensitivity particularly contribute a lot here in terms of sound and feel); whereas to my ears, the Noble is more like a studio/recording preamp - and in fact incredibly similar to the UA LA 610 preamp/eq, much more so than anything amp-y in my experience.
...I'm surprised the UA LA 610 mkII and 6176 don't see more mention here. The 6176 in particular can be had second hand for a bit less than the standard Noble + Cali76 combo, whilst delivering a preamp with more flexibility and a proper 1176 comp; I assume it must be due to the favourability of the pedal form factor.

My collection has since grown to include the Shift Line Olympic, a custom Verellen Meatsmoke, and in the last year or so I have put together a sort of modular effect pedal preamp - comprising of a Linden EQ and an Edison Preamp fed with a revolving cast of low-gain overdrive/dirty boost pedals for some grit, all feeding a RNDI.
This modular effect pedal setup has proven to be a real favourite, and leaves me thinking I could likely replace and consolidate that setup into an Oracle (with it's similar tones tack to the Linden EQ).

I've recently been looking into the DI side of things as I need a couple more for my studio setup; I have a couple RNDIs which I love, though have been considering picking up one of the newer Warm Audio DI boxes. The Active model being capable of switching to a between active/passive modes with the flick of a switch is pretty compelling, and overcomes any concerns re: phantom power availability mentioned in regards to the RNDI. Wondering if anyone here has had any experience?

As always love your insightful and nuanced posts Si. Can I ask what was custom about your Meatsmoke?

 

[jacoby75]

Yes, they do add something pleasing. In my estimation, two would definitely be better than one.

That's what I figured. But if I were to spend $200 on transformers, I'd think it would almost make more sense to invest in a better DI or something. Like, buy a Radial JDI to replace my Stagebug, or even a Neve, for that matter.

 

[SteveC]

That's what I figured. But if I were to spend $200 on transformers, I'd think it would almost make more sense to invest in a better DI or something. Like, buy a Radial JDI to replace my Stagebug, or even a Neve, for that matter.

I used a JDI for a long time and finally gave it up. Great DI but it seemed to reduce the signal so much it was difficult to deal with.

 

[jacoby75]

I used a JDI for a long time and finally gave it up. Great DI but it seemed to reduce the signal so much it was difficult to deal with.

Yes, passive DI's will do that. One reason I've considered active DI's, but I don't want to be reliant upon often unreliable phantom power at small town venues.

 

[SteveC]

Yes, passive DI's will do that. One reason I've considered active DI's, but I don't want to be reliant upon often unreliable phantom power at small town venues.

Agreed.

 

[Low Down Brown]

However if I were in the market for a preamp again now, I would certainly be put off by the price point of things like the Monique/Noble in comparison to the Oracle in particular, and also options like the SLO and Sushi Box Preamps (their developing B15 and Sunn Model T preamp pedals are incredibly enticing).

I am VERY interested in hearing those Sushi Box B15 and Sunn Model T pedals

I was impressed with the sound of the Particle Accelerator from Scubas clip thread. It had some tube heft to it. I can only imagine how sweet the B15 version might sound.

 

[kranahan]

I’m excited for the B-15 pedal as well. I recommended @Sushi Box FX make a tube B-15 preamp because it could potentially be a game changer for bassists. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen the question, “Is there a B-15 in a pedal?”

 

[jacoby75]

I’m excited for the B-15 pedal as well. I recommended @Sushi Box FX make a tube B-15 preamp because it could potentially be a game changer for bassists. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen the question, “Is there a B-15 in a pedal?”

There is. It's called the Barber Linden. Which would be even better with a tube in it, Sushi Box.

 

[kranahan]

There is. It's called the Barber Linden. Which would be even better with a tube in it, Sushi Box.

It’s an EQ, not a preamp.

 

[jacoby75]

It’s an EQ, not a preamp.

Potato - tomato.

 

[jacoby75]

It’s an EQ, not a preamp.

I pretty much use mine like a preamp. It can get loud as sin.

 

[kranahan]

I liked the Linden. It is a great bang for the buck. It added clarity to my signal chain and was very flexible in its tone shaping ability, despite only having 3 knobs and two switches. That being said, it didn’t have enough color for me so it was offed. The Amp-Egg is very intriguing as it has a tube and more controls.

 

[JKos]

It’s an EQ, not a preamp.

What exactly is the difference? Many of the items being called preamps in this thread are an EQ. If you build the front end of a B-15, you've built an EQ. What makes that a preamp vs. an EQ?

- John

 

[1983L2000]

I suppose a preamp should have enough gain to drive a power amp with the proper signal level - but that's not what this thread is really about so who cares indeed

 

[jacoby75]

What exactly is the difference? Many of the items being called preamps in this thread are an EQ. If you build the front end of a B-15, you've built an EQ. What makes that a preamp vs. an EQ?

- John

This is totally unscientific, but I always considered a preamp to be something that can not only shape your signal, but actually make it significantly louder. Boost your passive signal, for example. Or make you somehow sound like you're playing through an amp. But that's actually true of a ton of pedals, including many EQ pedals that I've used. Even the Broughton HPF/LPF has 20+ DB of gain on tap or something like that. I can use it to get significantly louder. But nobody considers that a preamp, I don't think. So I'm very confused. But I'm easily confused, so that's not saying much.

 

[jacoby75]

I suppose a preamp should have enough gain to drive a power amp - but that's not what this thread is really about so who cares indeed

Ah, that would make more sense.

 

[1983L2000]

Ah, that would make more sense.

A good reverse example is the Night Owl Edison preamp pedal - no EQ, just a gain pot!

 

[Dave Hill]

I’m excited for the B-15 pedal as well. I recommended @Sushi Box FX make a tube B-15 preamp because it could potentially be a game changer for bassists. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen the question, “Is there a B-15 in a pedal?”

Bro-Ton P-15. Not a pedal, but, close.

 

[Eadger]

What do they call that thing in active basses that controls the EQ? A preamp. It doesn't add tubey color or drive a power amp. It's simply something that actively affects your signal before it gets to your amp.