The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

[Derek Williams]

I don't hear anything odd from it, but perhaps I'm used to it. I assure you, with the flexibility of the Pod, you can tune out anything you don't like. Maybe I have my tube sag set too high in the amp sim.

I'm running a Quad Cortex, so I'm definitely good with digital amp sims. But those first 3 samples just have a little bit extra. The Line 6 still does a decent job, and if I heard it just by itself I would be impressed. But putting it next to the others is a bit different.

 

[jacoby75]

I've been playing with the JT Amplification Alpha a bit and I have to admit, for such a simple device it really does sound good. It has loads of gain available and can give you a nice bit of break up if you so choose. It sounds much better than I expected and really is on par with something like the Noble.

I did a shootout of various preamp DI's I had sitting around. See which one you like best.


All samples were recorded using a TC Electronic Ditto looper to make sure the same clip was played through each preamp/amp.

Here's the details:

5 string active J bass set flat
Ditto Looper
Preamp
Presonus StudioLive AR8c Mixer
GarageBand via USB - Flat..no plug ins or effects

Here's the devices (not in order!):

Line 6 Pod Go - Fullerton guitar amp sim, EQ, LA Compressor, EQ
Presonus StudioLive Mic Pre - direct from Ditto to line in. Bass boosted on channel strip
Radial Pro DI
Ampeg PF-50T - Bass at 3 o'clock all other controls flat
Shaw Tube Injection - Bass at 3 o'clock all other controls flat
JT Amps Alpha DI - "Deep" mode engaged, other switch flat

And here are the clips. The list of which preamp is which is posted below in an attached text file.

Sample 1:


Sample 2:


Sample 3:


Sample 4:


Sample 5:


Sample 6:

Great comparison. Thank you for doing that. I feel my opinion might have been a bit skewed because I cheated and looked at the txt file first, so I knew which was which ahead of time. I expected to love some more than others for that reason, and I did (without giving anything away for anyone else who didn't cheat like me).

And I agree. I was astonished with the sound of the Pod compared to others. It sounds really good. If you didn't know any better, you could totally be happy with that tone. But some of the others just had that extra oomph and presence in the low mids, or something, that really set them apart. Even through halfway-decent computer speakers with a subwoofer I could tell the difference.

I wonder if the differences would be any more pronounced if you just plugged straight into the devices and didn't use a looper. Like maybe having that extra buffer in there, or that extra digital processing, might somehow skew the results and lessen the impact of the fancy tubey DI's. But of course then you have to account for variations in technique because it's physically impossible to play the exact same thing the exact way every time. I'm not technologically savvy enough to know if that would matter or not.

Either way, great comparison. Thank you. I would say 1 and 2 were definitely my favorites. 1-3 definitely stood out above the rest.

 

[chadhargis]

I'm running a Quad Cortex, so I'm definitely good with digital amp sims. But those first 3 samples just have a little bit extra. The Line 6 still does a decent job, and if I heard it just by itself I would be impressed. But putting it next to the others is a bit different.

I agree. I love my Tube gear. To my ears, the PF-50T is the winner. It's as simple and bare bones as it can be. I literally just have the bass boosted a bit and everything else is set flat. As expected, it has that Ampeg sound that I personally love. But really it's not a fair comparison as it's like comparing a bazooka to a pistol. It's not a "preamp" and it's not a pedal.

The great thing about the digital rig is it's use on a live gig. It's not as susceptible to EMI interference as it's all digital. You can switch tones at the click of a switch. Acoustic or SVT for a rock song, B15 for a Motown tune, Bassman amp is in there too. Then you can have different compressors, drives, and such for each patch...and you have 4 snapshots for each patch so you can change your tone on the fly mid song.

The Alpha is really good and for how simple it is with so little tone shaping choices, it works far better than I expected it to. I tried various combinations of the switches and I liked the left switch in the "Deep" setting and the right switch flat. I also liked the "Dark" and "Bright" setting which gives a bit of a scoop. It is really more of a colored DI type device than a true preamp/DI. But it sounds so good you could use it all by itself for recording or on a gig.

The Shaw sounds great too, has a more flexible EQ, a 9v output for pedals, and is just more flexible all around...but it's physically HUGE. It's all hand wired with no PC boards inside, so it's big for a reason. I also put a NOS JAN tube from 1945 in it. JAN tubes are "Joint Army Navy" so it's a little piece of WWII history.

The Pro DI was just a DI...so I didn't expect much and it delivered about what I expected. The channel strip on the mixer sounded better than I anticipated, but it really shows just how dry solid state stuff is. No character.

 

[chadhargis]

And I agree. I was astonished with the sound of the Pod compared to others. It sounds really good. If you didn't know any better, you could totally be happy with that tone. But some of the others just had that extra oomph and presence in the low mids, or something, that really set them apart. Even through halfway-decent computer speakers with a subwoofer I could tell the difference.

And here's the kicker....the Pod Go was running a 10 band EQ...so if you want more low mids...just like Freedom Rock....Turn it up man!



That pretty much sums up the Pod Go. Whatever you want more of...turn it up. Whatever you want less of...turn it down. Add, move, change, delete...whatever you want...right down to the "bias" of the "tubes" in the amp sims. Even tube sag.

 

[JulienP.]

If anyone is looking for a difference between a PF-50T and REDDI. It's very similar as expected/explained multiple times.
The PF-50T will sound a bit more hollow (or with some air), and the REDDI will sound a bit more full/present.
By hollow I mean a bit more air, for me it sounds a bit more rock (like Sky Valley Kyuss).
There will be more noticeable differences with using fuzz/overdrive in front of both.
Of course more tonal options with the PF-50T and possibility to push the gain.
Since I have the REDDI I rarely use the PF-50T for recording, It's just easier to turn on/off.
Also, the fact there is less tonal options, I don't loose time tweaking the amp.
The REDDI is very clean, i usually use an mild overdrive MBD/Aftershock/Demon King to add some air.
The REDDI takes very well any kind of overdrives/Fuzz.
I bought years ago the PF-50T after reading @JimmyM and I've been more than pleased with it.
I had to get the REDDI earlier this year to know what's like

 

[SteveC]

I am looking at trying to downsize and simplify to one piece of gear (Darkglass Infinity for example) and replace all my stuff, but the thought of not having my REDDI...I don't know. Empress Bass Compressor to REDDI is heaven. I just need a good drive.

 

[Derek Williams]

I agree. I love my Tube gear. To my ears, the PF-50T is the winner. It's as simple and bare bones as it can be. I literally just have the bass boosted a bit and everything else is set flat. As expected, it has that Ampeg sound that I personally love. But really it's not a fair comparison as it's like comparing a bazooka to a pistol. It's not a "preamp" and it's not a pedal.

The great thing about the digital rig is it's use on a live gig. It's not as susceptible to EMI interference as it's all digital. You can switch tones at the click of a switch. Acoustic or SVT for a rock song, B15 for a Motown tune, Bassman amp is in there too. Then you can have different compressors, drives, and such for each patch...and you have 4 snapshots for each patch so you can change your tone on the fly mid song.

The Alpha is really good and for how simple it is with so little tone shaping choices, it works far better than I expected it to. I tried various combinations of the switches and I liked the left switch in the "Deep" setting and the right switch flat. I also liked the "Dark" and "Bright" setting which gives a bit of a scoop. It is really more of a colored DI type device than a true preamp/DI. But it sounds so good you could use it all by itself for recording or on a gig.

The Shaw sounds great too, has a more flexible EQ, a 9v output for pedals, and is just more flexible all around...but it's physically HUGE. It's all hand wired with no PC boards inside, so it's big for a reason. I also put a NOS JAN tube from 1945 in it. JAN tubes are "Joint Army Navy" so it's a little piece of WWII history.

The Pro DI was just a DI...so I didn't expect much and it delivered about what I expected. The channel strip on the mixer sounded better than I anticipated, but it really shows just how dry solid state stuff is. No character.

I've been looking at different tube preamp DIs, from Broughton to Noble and others, but the Alpha just always sounds so good. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to order one. This comparison you did just helped making that decision. thanks!

 

[scubaduba]

I've been looking at different tube preamp DIs, from Broughton to Noble and others, but the Alpha just always sounds so good. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to order one. This comparison you did just helped making that decision. thanks!

I doubt you'd be disappointed. All things considered, I prefer the JT Amps Alpha over the Broughtons and Noble.

 

[chadhargis]

I've been looking at different tube preamp DIs, from Broughton to Noble and others, but the Alpha just always sounds so good. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to order one. This comparison you did just helped making that decision. thanks!

That's the beauty of this community. Help each other spend our money.

The Noble is a very high quality product. It's almost jewel like. The power button on the Noble has a lovely feel to it. It has the 9v output like the Shaw.

But sound quality wise...you really can't go wrong with any of the popular options. They all sound great.

 

[fivestringgecko]

As expected, it has that Ampeg sound that I personally love.

Thanks for the great comparison! The PF-50T sample was easy to spot, and for me it was a toss up between that and the Alpha. I've wanted a PF-50T for a while and you may have just sold me on one, but the sample of the Alpha is quite tasty as well.

Like others, I was also quite surprised by the Pod Go. I'd be quite curious/appreciative to see your settings to get that sound, if you're willing to share!

5sg.

 

[Turn Em Loose]

Thanks, @chadhar

I've been playing with the JT Amplification Alpha a bit and I have to admit, for such a simple device it really does sound good. It has loads of gain available and can give you a nice bit of break up if you so choose. It sounds much better than I expected and really is on par with something like the Noble.

I did a shootout of various preamp DI's I had sitting around. See which one you like best.


All samples were recorded using a TC Electronic Ditto looper to make sure the same clip was played through each preamp/amp.

Here's the details:

5 string active J bass set flat
Ditto Looper
Preamp
Presonus StudioLive AR8c Mixer
GarageBand via USB - Flat..no plug ins or effects

Here's the devices (not in order!):

Line 6 Pod Go - Fullerton guitar amp sim, EQ, LA Compressor, EQ
Presonus StudioLive Mic Pre - direct from Ditto to line in. Bass boosted on channel strip
Radial Pro DI
Ampeg PF-50T - Bass at 3 o'clock all other controls flat
Shaw Tube Injection - Bass at 3 o'clock all other controls flat
JT Amps Alpha DI - "Deep" mode engaged, other switch flat

And here are the clips. The list of which preamp is which is posted below in an attached text file.

Sample 1:


Sample 2:


Sample 3:


Sample 4:


Sample 5:


Sample 6:

Thanks for doing this!

I'm always surprised at how similar the bass sounds in these types of comparisons. To quote The Wife says after I get a new-to-me piece of gear and excitedly call her to my practice space in the basement to hear my new, improved tone: "Sounds like a bass."

Of course that doesn't stop me from tone chasing. It's a disease.

 

[chadhargis]

To quote The Wife says after I get a new-to-me piece of gear and excitedly call her to my practice space in the basement to hear my new, improved tone: "Sounds like a bass."

Yep!

I was at a bass clinic and had the chance to play the artists bass. It was a fantastic Mike Lull bass running through a really nice sounding rig. When I played it....it sounded JUST LIKE MY BASS. There was no magic in the bass, it was in the fingers.

Reminds me of this video where John 5 plays a Hello Kitty toy guitar:

 

[chadhargis]

Like others, I was also quite surprised by the Pod Go. I'd be quite curious/appreciative to see your settings to get that sound, if you're willing to share!

I'm happy to share. IM me with your email address and I'll send you the backup of my Pod Go. Then you'll have a clone of my rig.

Basically...It's a "Fullerton" guitar amp with the EQ dimed. An "LA Compressor". A 10 band EQ. That's about it. I don't run cab sim.

 

[fivestringgecko]

Message sent!
I'll be pretty curious to see if my Stomp will be able to open a Pod Go preset.

5sg.

 

[chadhargis]

Message sent!
I'll be pretty curious to see if my Stomp will be able to open a Pod Go preset.

5sg.

Yeah...that would be interesting.

 

[smo]

Hi there,

I'm currently looking to upgrade my bass pre-amp (always-on, for my live board). Looking for something with a DI and preferably some EQ controls, so the HX-Stomp, Olympic Shift Line & Origin Bass Rig are all on my radar, among a few others. Funnily enough, the cost of these in my country aren't that different. The HX-stomp so far is the front runner given everything else it does, but ease (and speed) of use is imperative for me. I hate menu diving on stage so I'm reluctant to just go for it.

Has anyone done side-by-side comparisons with these? I'm struggling to find any comparison video/audio online that show all of these.
Anyone have a preference here?

 

[Jesuguru]

Hi there,

I'm currently looking to upgrade my bass pre-amp (always-on, for my live board). Looking for something with a DI and preferably some EQ controls, so the HX-Stomp, Olympic Shift Line & Origin Bass Rig are all on my radar, among a few others. Funnily enough, the cost of these in my country aren't that different. The HX-stomp so far is the front runner given everything else it does, but ease (and speed) of use is imperative for me. I hate menu diving on stage so I'm reluctant to just go for it.

Has anyone done side-by-side comparisons with these? I'm struggling to find any comparison video/audio online that show all of these.
Anyone have a preference here?

Got the HXS (main board) and SLO (small board). Needless to say, HXS is wayyy more versatile. Some great tones to be had, with amp/cab sims, comps, drives, effects, eq/hpf/lpf, the works (and some work better than others). You can have fun getting lost in all the options (and TB threads). But what's fun at home is less fun adjusting live. Learning curve isn't terrible, but not a 10-minute thing either. If you can get used to switching between presets or snapshots, and confident you have "your tones" set, you're golden. But if you need to make frequent minor adjustments live, you might feel flustered (finding options, changing wrong things, forgetting to save, etc).

SLO is almost the opposite – somewhat a one-trick pony, but a great trick. Does a nice grind, a little too much too soon perhaps but the 12AX7 can be switched for an AT or AU with more clean range if preferred. Also hit-or-miss with the simple tonestack eq - you might love the tone most of the time, but other times struggle with lack of mid control. Does have a nice bright switch if you need to cut through quickly, and cab sims are a bonus. Also it's a better DI with XLR out, lacking on the HXS.

TL/DR: HXS way more adjustable, much harder to adjust quickly. SLO far easier to adjust, but not much there besides a good warm tone. If I had to pick only one, the HXS hands down, but I don't need to change much on-the-fly. If you can, try both – either are an easy/fast sell (in US at least).

 

[Ethereal Thorn]

Hi there,

I'm currently looking to upgrade my bass pre-amp (always-on, for my live board). Looking for something with a DI and preferably some EQ controls, so the HX-Stomp, Olympic Shift Line & Origin Bass Rig are all on my radar, among a few others. Funnily enough, the cost of these in my country aren't that different. The HX-stomp so far is the front runner given everything else it does, but ease (and speed) of use is imperative for me. I hate menu diving on stage so I'm reluctant to just go for it.

Has anyone done side-by-side comparisons with these? I'm struggling to find any comparison video/audio online that show all of these.
Anyone have a preference here?

If you don't need dual signal paths I recommend the pod go over the stomp it's form factor worked out better for me personally

 

[fivestringgecko]

Message sent!
I'll be pretty curious to see if my Stomp will be able to open a Pod Go preset.

5sg.

Yeah...that would be interesting.

Confirmed, as I suspected:
HX Stomp can't open PodGo files. It appears that the two may use the same models, but have a different file type for presets.

5sg.

 

[chadhargis]

Confirmed, as I suspected:
HX Stomp can't open PodGo files. It appears that the two may use the same models, but have a different file type for presets.

5sg.

I sent you the settings in a PM, but will share the screen shots for all the Helix guys out there. These are the screen captures for the entire patch used for the sample recording, including effects that were turned off.