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The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

#4,121
Real Soon said:
Ladies and gentlemen, and also you lot, I've decided I'm in the market for a dedicated DI. My Vintage Ultra works well, but I'm evolving and have found myself using a Linden EQ and Particle Accelerator as my preferred tone control (pending getting some power routing sorted out).

I don't think I have Khan money, but might have RNDI money, esp if I put the Darkglass Vintage Ultra on the block.

My primary use would be at home for recording into a Black Lion B173 for direct, while using a mic of choice into Focusrite Clarett pre for cabinet. Many times I go direct only due to style of music. Having it available for live thru-signal is a great perk since my amp, a BB800, is line out and occasionally intimidates sound guys.

Think the RNDI is a good choice for a budget in that range? Anything a better fit in your opinion? I know there's some in-depth DI reviews a few pages back; I'll go dig in once my phone gets some charge time.
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I have an RNDI and really like it. It should suit your needs. One thing some people dont like about the RNDI is the need for phantom power. Since the primary use is for home recording as long as your mixer/interface can provide the phantom power you should be good to go.

Some other options would be the countryman 85, Radial JDI (the one with the jensen transformer)

If you wanted a Pre/DI I really like the Nux Melvin Lee. For the price it hits above its weight class.
 
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#4,129
I used to run through Countrymans a lot....but then bought a JDI and afterward didn't like the sound of the Countryman at all.

I was actually really happy with my JDI.....until a friend made me try his RNDI. I didn't want to like it. I was confident I wouldn't be able to notice a significant difference from my JDI.........played one gig with it......bought one the next day and sold the JDI.
 
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#4,132
Eadger said:
I used to run through Countrymans a lot....but then bought a JDI and afterward didn't like the sound of the Countryman at all.

I was actually really happy with my JDI.....until a friend made me try his RNDI. I didn't want to like it. I was confident I wouldn't be able to notice a significant difference from my JDI.........played one gig with it......bought one the next day and sold the JDI.
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If I didn't score a used tube DI, I probably would have finally caved and gotten an RNDI. Every single thing I hear come out of it (Online, at least. Not in person) sounds so fantastic.
 
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#4,136
Littlewing6283 said:
I recorded some samples vs the slo. I'm guessing it's a bad tube. I have a spare JJ 12ax7 here

I've changed tubes in other amps before but have never done it on an Oracle it's new to me. I know there is a cya warning saying not to open it

anyone change tubes in theirs yet ?
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Yes. Micah says "Just make sure the unit is powered off for 5 minutes before opening it up, to allow the high voltage to drain off." I swapped for a Genalex High Gain. Loving it!
 
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#4,138
tedsalt said:
Yes. Micah says "Just make sure the unit is powered off for 5 minutes before opening it up, to allow the high voltage to drain off." I swapped for a Genalex High Gain. Loving it!
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I'm working on getting the high gain Genalex Gold Lion. Didn't opt for the high gain when I got the first one and from the test have realized that I definitely prefer a high gain tube in it. Better head room and better output. Love how quick and easy it is to roll tubes in the Oracle. Literally less than 10 minutes and that's including the 5 minutes of waiting for the voltage to drain off.
 
#4,139
uwrossl said:
I'm working on getting the high gain Genalex Gold Lion. Didn't opt for the high gain when I got the first one and from the test have realized that I definitely prefer a high gain tube in it. Better head room and better output. Love how quick and easy it is to roll tubes in the Oracle. Literally less than 10 minutes and that's including the 5 minutes of waiting for the voltage to drain off.
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I've also picked up a Genalex normal gain, but haven't swapped out the high gain (yet). It seems like with the high gain it's a little more touchy dialing in exactly what I was looking for. I am getting what I'm looking for though :).

From what I've read of your comments, like you, I prefer clean tube tone. Maybe a little saturation.
 
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