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The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

#5,301
Poke said:
That's a great point, and something I hadn't considered. Huge advantage for the Stomp.

I agree, they all sound pretty good to me. In a live setting, I'm not sure anyone could tell a difference. You're making me want to keep it...
Click to expand...

If I was a studio guy, or had more funds, I’d keep the Alix. Dead quiet. Like, DEAD quiet. It’s your tone but in a very pleasing, expanded way. The overused term “3D” applies. Add the Empress bass comp (or your comp of choice) and you’re good to go. A better clean tone there is not.

I’m in the honeymoon phase with the Stomp, but it’s damn fine. I’m not going to use the full capabilities of it, or even come close. But it’s still a good deal. I’ve got tuner, comp, overdrive, amp, cab and EQ options out the wazoo. Heck, I like the octave pedal, too! And the balanced line out sounds good. All for $600. (I got mine for $540-ish as B stock.)
 
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#5,302
1983L2000 said:
Yes - not so much cabs which I find a bit muffled, but more IRs or EQ-simulating cabs - or an RFE :p. This my favorite base amp from "Dr ToneLab" settings (Link Removed - check his FB page as well). It's tubey, touch sensitive, is a bit bright as is but just great with IRs or "Cab-emulation EQs" that are also on his site. He also just published (FB page) a revised basic settings list for all bass amps on his FB page - good stuff.
Click to expand...

Another thing I really dig about the Stomp is the ability to blend in third party cab sims. I’ve got a couple of Shift-Line IR’s that I’ve got blended in about 20%.
 
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#5,303
Turn Em Loose said:
If I was a studio guy, or had more funds, I’d keep the Alix. Dead quiet. Like, DEAD quiet. It’s your tone but in a very pleasing, expanded way. The overused term “3D” applies. Add the Empress bass comp (or your comp of choice) and you’re good to go. A better clean tone there is not.

I’m in the honeymoon phase with the Stomp, but it’s damn fine. I’m not going to use the full capabilities of it, or even come close. But it’s still a good deal. I’ve got tuner, comp, overdrive, amp, cab and EQ options out the wazoo. Heck, I like the octave pedal, too! And the balanced line out sounds good. All for $600. (I got mine for $540-ish as B stock.)
Click to expand...

I think you've talked me into keeping mine for the time being. Did a little research today and I think I might be able to tweak a few things to make it work better for me. I just have a tendency to give up on technology when it gets complicated, and I go back to my analog comfort zone. There really is a LOT of value packed into that pedal. I need to spend some more time with it.

I really do want to experience this 3D sound though...
 
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#5,304
Poke said:
I think you've talked me into keeping mine for the time being. Did a little research today and I think I might be able to tweak a few things to make it work better for me. I just have a tendency to give up on technology when it gets complicated, and I go back to my analog comfort zone. There really is a LOT of value packed into that pedal. I need to spend some more time with it.

I really do want to experience this 3D sound though...
Click to expand...
How are the compressors in there?
 
#5,306
Poke said:
I think you've talked me into keeping mine for the time being. Did a little research today and I think I might be able to tweak a few things to make it work better for me. I just have a tendency to give up on technology when it gets complicated, and I go back to my analog comfort zone. There really is a LOT of value packed into that pedal. I need to spend some more time with it.

I really do want to experience this 3D sound though...
Click to expand...

Wait....I talked myself out of a sale. Doh!

It’s a pretty powerful and (at least to me) complicated piece of gear. But it does so damn much.

And honestly, if I can figure out how to tweak it, pretty much anybody can. I’m not the brightest tool in the deck.
 
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#5,309
Turn Em Loose said:
If I was a studio guy, or had more funds, I’d keep the Alix. Dead quiet. Like, DEAD quiet. It’s your tone but in a very pleasing, expanded way. The overused term “3D” applies. Add the Empress bass comp (or your comp of choice) and you’re good to go. A better clean tone there is not.

I’m in the honeymoon phase with the Stomp, but it’s damn fine. I’m not going to use the full capabilities of it, or even come close. But it’s still a good deal. I’ve got tuner, comp, overdrive, amp, cab and EQ options out the wazoo. Heck, I like the octave pedal, too! And the balanced line out sounds good. All for $600. (I got mine for $540-ish as B stock.)
Click to expand...

Turn Em Loose said:
Another thing I really dig about the Stomp is the ability to blend in third party cab sims. I’ve got a couple of Shift-Line IR’s that I’ve got blended in about 20%.
Click to expand...
The Torpedo Cab M Plus has a tuner.
And the ability to load 3rd party IRs.
I have the Shiftline bundle also good stuff.
The real juice with the Torpedo is the mic and ambience environment. The spatial imaging is wonderful to have it makes it 'feel' real in the room.

I am pleased with the inboard comp and pre. But cannot just leave it there! this is TB after all :)
Seeking a good compressor, and a preamp for more flavor .
 
#5,310
/\/\3phist0 said:
The Torpedo Cab M Plus has a tuner.
And the ability to load 3rd party IRs.
I have the Shiftline bundle also good stuff.
The real juice with the Torpedo is the mic and ambience environment. The spatial imaging is wonderful to have it makes it 'feel' real in the room.

I am pleased with the inboard comp and pre. But cannot just leave it there! this is TB after all :)
Seeking a good compressor, and a preamp for more flavor .
Click to expand...

The Stomp has mics, too. And you can adjust the distance the mice is placed away from the speaker. Though I have not messed with that stuff.
 
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#5,311
I had a helix floor for a few months and really liked the preamps. I downloaded some presets and ir packs and it sounded great. With the band and without.

The effects on the other hand didn’t sound that great to me. I would set everything up by myself and be happy, but when playing with the band it didn’t work and I spent all my time fiddling with it.

So I sold it.
 
#5,312
Turn Em Loose said:
The Stomp has mics, too. And you can adjust the distance the mice is placed away from the speaker. Though I have not messed with that stuff.
Click to expand...
Horses for courses :)
I thought long and hard about the stomp. I cancelled an order for the Line6 Go wireless.
The micing makes a world of difference! I placed one behind the cab and out of phase , which I had done in the real world previously. You got to try it.
Line 6 was definitely on the radar, but I selected Two-Notes based on cost,($250USD) simplicity, software interface etc. (Control app connects via Bluetooth on mobile) The 2 knob menu is easy to navigate in a pinch, but pulling my phone out of my pocket was quick and easy. I have a retired phone I will dedicate to the task.

I also did not want all of the extra processing of effect models I will never use :)
 
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#5,313
/\/\3phist0 said:
Horses for courses :)
I thought long and hard about the stomp. I cancelled an order for the Line6 Go wireless.
The micing makes a world of difference! I placed one behind the cab and out of phase , which I had done in the real world previously. You got to try it.
Line 6 was definitely on the radar, but I selected Two-Notes based on cost, simplicity, software interface etc. (Control app connects via Bluetooth on mobile) The 2 knob menu is easy to navigate in a pinch, but pulling my phone out of my pocket was quick and easy. I have a retired phone I will dedicate to the task.

I also did not want all of the extra processing of effect models I will never use :)
Click to expand...

Sounds cool! Price is half of the Stomp, too. All the mic placement stuff is a rabbit hole I have not gone down.

The Pod Go was just too big for me. I have, and wan to keep, a small pedalboard for IEM gigs. Which is most of what I have these days.
 
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#5,314
Turn Em Loose said:
Sounds cool! Price is half of the Stomp, too. All the mic placement stuff is a rabbit hole I have not gone down.

The Pod Go was just too big for me. I have, and wan to keep, a small pedalboard for IEM gigs. Which is most of what I have these days.
Click to expand...
The Go size was a factor.
IEM is the next step :)
I know I'll get more outboard stuff.
Need to get a smaller wireless for starters :)
 
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#5,315
I used a Stomp for awhile, but this past week I took the plunge and bought a Helix Floor.

I switched my band over to IEMS about 6 months ago. My lead guitar player uses a Kemper Stage, keys/rhythm guitar player goes direct, so the big Helix is perfect for my needs/wants. Maybe a little overkill, but it’s my entire amp and effects rigs all in one unit, so I was able to justify it that way.

BA5C441E-D1BD-4F49-B878-277944D251B9.jpeg
 
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#5,316
Ryan L. said:
I used a Stomp for awhile, but this past week I took the plunge and bought a Helix Floor.

I switched my band over to IEMS about 6 months ago. My lead guitar player uses a Kemper Stage, keys/rhythm guitar player goes direct, so the big Helix is perfect for my needs/wants. Maybe a little overkill, but it’s my entire amp and effects rigs all in one unit, so I was able to justify it that way.

View attachment 4232159
Click to expand...

So it the Helix Floor like the Stomp, but on steroids?

Obviously I ask because I’m ignorant about this “new” technology. Wellll....”new-to-me”.
 
#5,317
I've been a stomp user for about 2 years. The default amp settings are hyped, you have to dial them back to get a better starting point, and that's where that Dr. Tone site is super helpful. In my opinion the comps are meh, but it's cool having the ability to have one kick on one when you engage an envelope or fuzz.
I don't use the cabs, too muddy for live use with my rig. With a C4 before and shiftline olympic right after it I have a sweet little pedalboard these days.
 
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#5,319
CassiusRegular said:
So...is there a kind of consensus yet ?
Reading the 266 pages of the topic seems a bit overwhelming. :D
Click to expand...
I don't think consensus . . . especially among bassists from such a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, and from all over the world . . . is physically possible. If there is any consensus, I think it is that it is a good time to be a bassist, because there are a ton of great options out there to suit any and every style.
 
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