The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

[Hypercaffium]

I thought about that, but that would be overkill and expensive, imho. It's much simpler to grab my entire board or remove the SLO from the board and use its power supply. I'd also prefer to have something with a different flavour instead of two identical pedals. Something will come up, eventually.

 

[ThisYouCanTrust]

Hi guys,

can anyone tell me more about the custom EQ section of the two notes CAB M ?
Apparently if does HPF too, which would save having an extra pedal just for that.
I could not find any info about it online though apparently

 

[rhyharmel]

Both seem pretty cool. The Tone pocket caught my eye mostly for the ridicolously small size, but technically speaking it can't drive a power amp, so it wouldn't work for the kind of purpose I have in mind.

I use a Shift Line Olympic MkIIIS for both home practice and rehearsals/gigs and I think it's one of the most full packed, great sounding and compact tube preamp/DI in the market, so I'm basically covered but for practical reasons I placed my SLO into my Metro 16 pedalboard. That means that everytime I need my SLO I must use/grab my entire board. That's not a problem for me because the board is very small and lightweight, I can use the other effects if needed and I have both a tuner and a compressor in the board, which are useful almost always.
That said, I'm still looking for a compact preamp/DI to leave out of my board that can possibly fit a gig bag for pure grab-and-go simplicity. Options are not as many as I thought, to be honest.

This is exactly the situation that led me to go hunting for a preamp/DI in a pedal format as a quick grab and go or leave in your gigbag as backup, granted a few on the list below aren't really "pedals," but at least all the knobs and controls are facing up when the unit is on the floor in front of you. There are some multi-fx units on this list that are on the larger side, but I thought it was worth including them since they have an XLR out.

I intentionally left out rackmount units and preamps that are more desktop friendly...and for that matter micro amps that could potentially work in similar fashion.

I'm certain there are a bunch of other obscure one-offs and custom jobbies out there that could be on this list, but there's gotta be something here that will tickle your fancy:

Aguilar Tone Hammer
ALBIT A1BP Pro MkII
ALBIT A1FD Pro
ALBIT A2BP Pro MkII
Ampeg SCR-DI
AMT BC-1 Bass Crunch
API TranZformer LX
Ashdown OriginAL
Bassics BPA-1
Boss GT-10B
Broughton Messenger
Broughton Studio One
Carl Martin 3 Band Parametric Preamp
Correct Sound Beta Bass
Correct Sound Tube Beta Bass Hybrid MkII
Crews Maniac Sound BAP-2
Darkglass Alpha Omega
Darkglass Alpha Omega Ultra
Darkglass Microtubes BK7 Ultra V2
Darkglass Microtubes BK7 V2
Darkglass Microtubes X7
Darkglass Vintage Deluxe V3
Darkglass Vintage Ultra V2
DHA VT1 Custom
DHA VT2 Custom
DSM Noisemaker OmniCabSim Deluxe
DSM Noisemaker OmniCabSim Mini
Durham Amplification SiTone Bass
EBS Microbass 3
EBS Valve Drive DI
Eden Module Terra Nova Preamp
Eden WTDI
Electro Harmonix Bass Metaphors
Electro Harmonix Battalion
Electro Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi
Fender Downtown Express
Fishman Platinum Pro EQ
Fishman Platinum Stage
Gallien Krueger Plex
GFI System Cabzeus
GP Lighstone Emperor
GP Lighstone Tube Bass 2
GR Bass Pure Drive
Grace Design ALiX
Grace Design BiX
Grace Design FELiX
Hartke Bass Attack 2
ISP Beta Bass
ISP Beta Bass DSP
ISP Beta Bass DSP Dave Ellefson
JHS Clover
JHS Colour Box
JHS Pulp N Peel
Line 6 HX Stomp
L.R. Baggs Stadium
L.R. Baggs Venue
Mesa Subway
Mesa Subway +
Meteoro MPX500
ModTone Bass XL
MXR M80 Bass DI +
MXR M81 Bass Preamp
Noble Preamp DI
Nordstrand Starlifter
Palmer Pocket Bass Amp
Pike Amplification Vulcan XL
Providence Brick Drive
Radial Bassbone OD
Radial Bassbone V2
RMI Basswitch IQ
Sadowsky SBP-1
Satellite Amplifiers Bass Eradicator
Shaw Tube Injection
Shift Line Olympic MkIIIS
Siegmund Double Drive Custom
Suncoast BC2
Taurus T-Di Plus Mk-2
TC Electronics Spectra Drive
Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig
Tech 21 dUg Pinnick
Tech 21 Q-Strip
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2
Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver
Tech 21 VT Bass
Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe
Trace Elliott Transit B
Trickfish Trilobite
Two Notes Le Bass
Two Notes Torpedo CAB M
Westminster Effects Wittenberg
WR Goliath Plus

Let's add to this list so we can all be down this rabbit hole forever.

 

[chadhargis]

I really want to try out a Starlifter. Anything Carey Nordstrand has a hand is typically is of high quality.

 

[Hypercaffium]

This is exactly the situation that led me to go hunting for a preamp/DI in a pedal format as a quick grab and go or leave in your gigbag as backup, granted a few on the list below aren't really "pedals," but at least all the knobs and controls are facing up when the unit is on the floor in front of you. There are some multi-fx units on this list that are on the larger side, but I thought it was worth including them since they have an XLR out.

I intentionally left out rackmount units and preamps that are more desktop friendly...and for that matter micro amps that could potentially work in similar fashion.

I'm certain there are a bunch of other obscure one-offs and custom jobbies out there that could be on this list, but there's gotta be something here that will tickle your fancy:

Aguilar Tone Hammer
ALBIT A1BP Pro MkII
ALBIT A1FD Pro
ALBIT A2BP Pro MkII
Ampeg SCR-DI
AMT BC-1 Bass Crunch
API TranZformer LX
Ashdown OriginAL
Bassics BPA-1
Broughton Messenger
Broughton Studio One
Carl Martin 3 Band Parametric Preamp
Correct Sound Beta Bass
Correct Sound Tube Beta Bass Hybrid MkII
Crews Maniac Sound BAP-2
Darkglass Alpha Omega
Darkglass Alpha Omega Ultra
Darkglass Microtubes BK7 Ultra V2
Darkglass Microtubes BK7 V2
Darkglass Microtubes X7
Darkglass Vintage Deluxe V3
Darkglass Vintage Ultra V2
DHA VT1 Custom
DHA VT2 Custom
DSM Noisemaker OmniCabSim Deluxe
DSM Noisemaker OmniCabSim Mini
Durham Amplification SiTone Bass
EBS Microbass 3
EBS Valve Drive DI
Eden Module Terra Nova Preamp
Eden WTDI
Electro Harmonix Bass Metaphors
Electro Harmonix Battalion
Electro Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi
Fender Downtown Express
Fishman Platinum Pro EQ
Fishman Platinum Stage
Gallien Krueger Plex
GFI System Cabzeus
GR Bass Pure Drive
Grace Design ALiX
Grace Design BiX
Grace Design FELiX
Hartke Bass Attack 2
ISP Beta Bass
ISP Beta Bass DSP
ISP Beta Bass DSP Dave Ellefson
JHS Clover
JHS Colour Box
JHS Pulp N Peel
L.R. Baggs Stadium
L.R. Baggs Venue
Mesa Subway
Mesa Subway +
Meteoro MPX500
ModTone Bass XL
MXR M80 Bass DI +
MXR M81 Bass Preamp
Noble Preamp DI
Nordstrand Starlifter
Palmer Pocket Bass Amp
Pike Amplification Vulcan XL
Providence Brick Drive
Radial Bassbone OD
Radial Bassbone V2
RMI Basswitch IQ
Sadowsky SBP-1
Satellite Amplifiers Bass Eradicator
Shaw Tube Injection
Shift Line Olympic MkIIIS
Siegmund Double Drive Custom
Suncoast BC2
Taurus T-Di Plus Mk-2
TC Electronics Spectra Drive
Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig
Tech 21 dUg Pinnick
Tech 21 Q-Strip
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2
Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver
Tech 21 VT Bass
Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe
Trace Elliott Transit B
Trickfish Trilobite
Two Notes Le Bass
Two Notes Torpedo CAB M
Westminster Effects Wittenberg

Let's add to this list so we can all be down this rabbit hole forever.

Thanks!

 

[ThisYouCanTrust]

Hi guys,

can anyone tell me more about the custom EQ section of the two notes CAB M ?
Apparently if does HPF too, which would save having an extra pedal just for that.
I could not find any info about it online though apparently

Answering myself here but anyway :
I asked Two Notes directly, and in the custom EQ mode there is indeed a HPF.
It's 12dB/octave and adjustable between 10 and 500Hz

 

[Stumbo]

This is exactly the situation that led me to go hunting for a preamp/DI in a pedal format as a quick grab and go or leave in your gigbag as backup, granted a few on the list below aren't really "pedals," but at least all the knobs and controls are facing up when the unit is on the floor in front of you. There are some multi-fx units on this list that are on the larger side, but I thought it was worth including them since they have an XLR out.

I intentionally left out rackmount units and preamps that are more desktop friendly...and for that matter micro amps that could potentially work in similar fashion.

I'm certain there are a bunch of other obscure one-offs and custom jobbies out there that could be on this list, but there's gotta be something here that will tickle your fancy:

Aguilar Tone Hammer
ALBIT A1BP Pro MkII
ALBIT A1FD Pro
ALBIT A2BP Pro MkII
Ampeg SCR-DI
AMT BC-1 Bass Crunch
API TranZformer LX
Ashdown OriginAL
Bassics BPA-1
Broughton Messenger
Broughton Studio One
Carl Martin 3 Band Parametric Preamp
Correct Sound Beta Bass
Correct Sound Tube Beta Bass Hybrid MkII
Crews Maniac Sound BAP-2
Darkglass Alpha Omega
Darkglass Alpha Omega Ultra
Darkglass Microtubes BK7 Ultra V2
Darkglass Microtubes BK7 V2
Darkglass Microtubes X7
Darkglass Vintage Deluxe V3
Darkglass Vintage Ultra V2
DHA VT1 Custom
DHA VT2 Custom
DSM Noisemaker OmniCabSim Deluxe
DSM Noisemaker OmniCabSim Mini
Durham Amplification SiTone Bass
EBS Microbass 3
EBS Valve Drive DI
Eden Module Terra Nova Preamp
Eden WTDI
Electro Harmonix Bass Metaphors
Electro Harmonix Battalion
Electro Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi
Fender Downtown Express
Fishman Platinum Pro EQ
Fishman Platinum Stage
Gallien Krueger Plex
GFI System Cabzeus
GR Bass Pure Drive
Grace Design ALiX
Grace Design BiX
Grace Design FELiX
Hartke Bass Attack 2
ISP Beta Bass
ISP Beta Bass DSP
ISP Beta Bass DSP Dave Ellefson
JHS Clover
JHS Colour Box
JHS Pulp N Peel
L.R. Baggs Stadium
L.R. Baggs Venue
Mesa Subway
Mesa Subway +
Meteoro MPX500
ModTone Bass XL
MXR M80 Bass DI +
MXR M81 Bass Preamp
Noble Preamp DI
Nordstrand Starlifter
Palmer Pocket Bass Amp
Pike Amplification Vulcan XL
Providence Brick Drive
Radial Bassbone OD
Radial Bassbone V2
RMI Basswitch IQ
Sadowsky SBP-1
Satellite Amplifiers Bass Eradicator
Shaw Tube Injection
Shift Line Olympic MkIIIS
Siegmund Double Drive Custom
Suncoast BC2
Taurus T-Di Plus Mk-2
TC Electronics Spectra Drive
Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig
Tech 21 dUg Pinnick
Tech 21 Q-Strip
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2
Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver
Tech 21 VT Bass
Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe
Trace Elliott Transit B
Trickfish Trilobite
Two Notes Le Bass
Two Notes Torpedo CAB M
Westminster Effects Wittenberg

Let's add to this list so we can all be down this rabbit hole forever.

Do you know which units have an HPF?

 

[rhyharmel]

Do you know which units have and HPF?

Boss GT-10B has adjustable HPF and LFP.
Broughton Messenger has adjustable HPF between 25Hz and 190Hz, and adjustable LPF between 330Hz and 20kHz.
Grace Design ALiX and FELiX have adjustable HPF between 20Hz and 1kHz.
JHS Colour Box has adjustable HPF 6dB/octave between 60Hz and 800Hz that can be engaged/disengaged.
Line 6 HX Stomp has adjustable HPF and LPF.
Mesa Subway has fixed HPF at 30Hz.
Mesa Subway + has adjustable HPF between 30Hz and 125Hz.
Noble Preamp has fixed HPF 6dB/octave at 90Hz that can be engaged/disengaged.
Radial Bassbone V2 (on Ch2) and Bassbone OD (on both Ch) have selectable HPF at 80Hz or 150Hz that can be engaged/disengaged.
Tech 21 Q\Strip has fixed HPF at 45Hz and fixed LPF at 3kHz that can be individually engaged/disengaged.
Two Notes CAB M has adjustable HPF between 10Hz and 500Hz.

Others in the know, please feel free to add to this list.

I am currently working on a database that includes other bits of relevant information on all the pedals on the list.

 

[rhyharmel]

Answering myself here but anyway :
I asked Two Notes directly, and in the custom EQ mode there is indeed a HPF.
It's 12dB/octave and adjustable between 10 and 500Hz

Nice!

 

[jthisdell]

O
Others in the know, please feel free to add to this list.

I am currently working on a database that includes other bits of

The Radoal Bassbone OD and Tonebone v2 have a two position selectable hpf

 

[Stumbo]

Broughton Messenger has adjustable HPF between 25Hz and 190Hz, and adjustable LPF between 330Hz and 20kHz.
Mesa Subway + has adjustable HPF between 30Hz and 125Hz.
Grace Design ALiX and FELiX have adjustable HPF between 20Hz and 1kHz.
Two Notes CAB M has adjustable HPF between 10Hz and 500Hz.
Radial Bassbone V2 (on Ch2) and Bassbone OD (on both Ch) have selectable HPF at 80Hz or 150Hz that can be engaged/disengaged.
Tech 21 Q\Strip has fixed HPF at 45Hz and fixed LPF at 3kHz that can be individually engaged/disengaged.
Mesa Subway has fixed HPF at 30Hz.

Others in the know, please feel free to add to this list.

I am currently working on a database that includes other bits of relevant information on all the pedals on the list.

If it's okay with you, let's post the final list in the HPF/LPF Mega Thread.

 

[rhyharmel]

If it's okay with you, let's post the final list in the HPF/LPF Mega Thread.

Why yes, of course!

 

[MascisMan]

Should the preamp/DI list include the HxStomp? With a TRS to XLR cable it does everything all of these others can do and more.

 

[rhyharmel]

Certainly one of the best attributes of these multi-fx units with a DI out is their ability to be a one-stop-shop solution when taking the board is not the better option.

To the OP, if my master list has in any way taken the thread in a different direction than intended, we can modify it and remove any units that aren't in line with the more "traditional" preamp/DIs that do inhabit the list.

 

[chadhargis]

To the OP, if my master list has in any way taken the thread in a different direction than intended, we can modify it and remove any units that aren't in line with the more "traditional" preamp/DIs that do inhabit the list.

Im cool with it. This is a community and everyone can post. I bankrolled several preamps to try, but once I found what worked for me I stopped looking.

I would love to play with that Starlifter.

 

[Hypercaffium]

This.
I want this thing so bad.

 

[SteveBassJr]

Now one thing I would love to see is an Di/Preamp that has a Comp and a Hpf.
I know some that have a Comp and some that have a hpf. But, correct me if I am wrong, is their any that have both? I'm not talking about a multi effects unit. Just a straight up Pre amp.
I love my Shaw and will not give it up. I would like to see an all in one unit tho.

 

[MascisMan]

Now one thing I would love to see is an Di/Preamp that has a Comp and a Hpf.

HxStomp.

I'm not sure if you see it as a "multi-effects unit" or not, but functionally, it does everything a DI does (including HPF/LPF, amp sims, IR's, EQ, Line or Inst level out, compression, onboard effects loop, etc.) and is the size of a Noble DI.

 

[chadhargis]

The issue I have with the multi function gear is the endless tweaking. I get it dialed in, and then I tweak a bit more and keep tweaking...and I'm never happy. Not really a comment on the gear, more of a comment on my OCD.

 

[chadhargis]

This.
I want this thing so bad.

I've tried several headphone amps...but settled on one that would take an balanced XLR feed out of my mixer direct to my Beyerdynamic headphones.

The Little Labs Monotor:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Little Labs