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The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

#3,761
I have read a bunch on the subject and watched lots of videos but I’m still not sure how a preamp is different than a boost...

I was looking at the jhs clover, but damn it’s pricey...

this had been floating around the local CL for 2 months...

picked it up at lunch today, haven’t plugged it in yet..



F824DBC6-64A7-4BB2-8AB1-F244F2CADE13.jpeg
 
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#3,762
Btbp said:
From much of what I read, and that a lot of it is in this thread, I am wondering the LA-1A more of a pre than an compressor? Or what's the balance?
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A bit of both, but definitely a compressor! I have a Linden coming, and I’m hoping the combo will be all I need for a “preamp“. The La-1a with the boost engaged is going to sound mighty B-15ish! Especially through an appropriate cab sim on the CAB M+.
 
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#3,763
Anyone with the effectrode la-1a on their pedalboards have issues fitting the board with that pedal on it in a pedalboard case? I had a triode beelzebub boost, which also has a vertical mounted tube, and it wouldn’t fit in the pedalboard case while mounted to the board. Hoping I don’t run into a similar issue with my temple board once I get the la-1a I ordered.
 
#3,765
Joeyanton28 said:
Anyone with the effectrode la-1a on their pedalboards have issues fitting the board with that pedal on it in a pedalboard case? I had a triode beelzebub boost, which also has a vertical mounted tube, and it wouldn’t fit in the pedalboard case while mounted to the board. Hoping I don’t run into a similar issue with my temple board once I get the la-1a I ordered.
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I think you’ll be fine...when I first got my LA-1A, I had it on my PT Nano board (w/ Mono Tick 2.0)...a fairly low profile (shallow) gig bag.

I’ve also used a Metro pb+Metro hardshell case, and Emerson pb+Emerson hardshell case—no problem...

[EDIT/add] The LA-1A enclosure bottom to the top of the bars (highest point of pedal) measures approximately 2.75”
 
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#3,766
Joeyanton28 said:
Anyone with the effectrode la-1a on their pedalboards have issues fitting the board with that pedal on it in a pedalboard case? I had a triode beelzebub boost, which also has a vertical mounted tube, and it wouldn’t fit in the pedalboard case while mounted to the board. Hoping I don’t run into a similar issue with my temple board once I get the la-1a I ordered.
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I have mine on a Nano with bag and have no issues. I even fit the CIOKS power cable and the short TRS/XLR cable in there.
 
#3,768
fivestringgecko said:
Both of these make total sense. I was just curious to see what people say... I personally also run my preamp at the end, but it makes sense to have a tone shaper up front as well. With some extra (no gigs) time with Covid, I guess I could just start tinkering with various builds, eh? :thumbsup:

5sg.
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I like going comp. > EQ/pre > HX Stomp > BB800. At the moment, I have quite a few comps. and pre's to choose from. I tend to only use one tube device at a time though. Some of the time, I use MB Compressore > Linden. Other times, I like the Becos Stella or Union LAB > LBA Nuvision. Either way, I run that into a flat amp model setting (typically the B15) in the HX Stomp and do all the tone shaping from the outboard pedals. I mainly use the HX for amp/cab models, FX loop, reverb/delay, and HPF. The 3-band comp. on the HX Stomp is becoming a regular at the end of the chain.

Johno Dunn said:
A bit of both, but definitely a compressor! I have a Linden coming, and I’m hoping the combo will be all I need for a “preamp“. The La-1a with the boost engaged is going to sound mighty B-15ish! Especially through an appropriate cab sim on the CAB M+.
Click to expand...

I'm VERY interested to hear what you think of the LA-1A/Linden combo. That is the combo I've been dreaming of for a while now:drool: As soon as I get back to gigging some more and get the OK from Mrs. LowDown, I'm hoping to pick up an LA-1A and try it out for myself.
 
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#3,769
Low Down Brown said:
I like going comp. > EQ/pre > HX Stomp > BB800. At the moment, I have quite a few comps. and pre's to choose from. I tend to only use one tube device at a time though. Some of the time, I use MB Compressore > Linden. Other times, I like the Becos Stella or Union LAB > LBA Nuvision. Either way, I run that into a flat amp model setting (typically the B15) in the HX Stomp and do all the tone shaping from the outboard pedals. I mainly use the HX for amp/cab models, FX loop, reverb/delay, and HPF. The 3-band comp. on the HX Stomp is becoming a regular at the end of the chain.
Click to expand...

I do roughly the same when using the Stomp, that is definitely a streamlined way to go. Also - try the new Rochester compressor model...
 
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#3,773
MascisMan said:
The NuX software is also completely optional. You dont have to use it.
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True enough. If you're the type of person that finds "your tone" and sticks with it, then once you select the amp model and an IR you like (if you use an IR at all), you no longer need the editor.

You can download and run the editor without the device if you want to see what it looks like.
 
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#3,774
SteveC said:
I’ve considered a NuX pre/DI after my LA-1A. The price is right and it has good features. I just don’t Know if I want to deal with menus and usb. Same thing that keeps me from the HX Stomp. Call me old fashioned I guess.
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I haven’t even touched my NUX yet (really busy atm), but I see it as once you find something you like, set and forget it.

That’s how I’ve treated my DG X Ultra...accessed the software one time—tried everything...chose a great IR...done! (Although, nice to know I could go back in anytime, and change it up!)

I wouldn’t compare NUX MLD programming to the HX Stomp. Quite different requirements...
 
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#3,778
Low Down Brown said:
I'm VERY interested to hear what you think of the LA-1A/Linden combo. That is the combo I've been dreaming of for a while now:drool: As soon as I get back to gigging some more and get the OK from Mrs. LowDown, I'm hoping to pick up an LA-1A and try it out for myself.
Click to expand...

davejnssn said:
I am also highly interested, please tell us about your results when it arrives!
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I will definitely report back. I’m really trying to simplify things.
 
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