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The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

I did some serious A/B'ing tonight. I used the preamp only (no cabs) on the Stomp to keep it similar to the REDDI. The HXS sounded good, as it does at church…until you switch to the REDDI back to back. The REDDI just has more "something" that just sounds awesome. In FOH and a busy band mix it's probably not as noticeable. But in my ears, which is how I (and the rest of the band) hears myself these days, it's a no brainer. It may be worth hauling the REDDI around.
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I did some serious A/B'ing tonight. I used the preamp only (no cabs) on the Stomp to keep it similar to the REDDI. The HXS sounded good, as it does at church…until you switch to the REDDI back to back. The REDDI just has more "something" that just sounds awesome. In FOH and a busy band mix it's probably not as noticeable. But in my ears, which is how I (and the rest of the band) hears myself these days, it's a no brainer. It may be worth hauling the REDDI around.
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Yeah..there is a audible difference between real tubes and emulation...but like you said...in a mix...you couldn't tell.

Here's some clips I just recorded of me noodling on my Jazz bass testing DI vs LI....and I tossed in my PF-50T just for fun to compare the real thing to the emulation.

PF-50T - All by itself

HX Stomp - DI

HX Stomp - LI
 
Are you using the "preamp" blocks or the "amp" blocks on the Stomp? Have you tried any of the Dr. Tonelab balanced settings yet? Also check out the Dr. Tonelab Studio Tube DI settings:

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I have presets with both. I used amp/cab and preamp blocks. I haven't downloaded anything at this point. It's tough as the HXS does sound really good. I just don't know about spending on it yet.
 
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I have presets with both. I used amp/cab and preamp blocks. I haven't downloaded anything at this point. It's tough as the HXS does sound really good. I just don't know about spending on it yet.

No I mean Preamp vs Amp (both without cabs)? I always found the amp block to sound better than the preamp block with or without the cab block.

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No I mean Preamp vs Amp (both without cabs)? I always found the amp block to sound better than the preamp block with or without the cab block.

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Same here. I run the amp sim but rarely ever use a cab sim. I have some patches with cabs in them, but in reality, all the cab sim seems to do is remove the bottom and top end. Most of those old cabs didn't go down much lower than 50hz and if they did it was a massive sloped roll off. I think using no cab and an EQ to shape the tone sounds much better than any cab sim. Unless you are trying to replicate a specific tone.
 
Pretty sure you could pick one up new for 25% off and Prymaxe right now
They only have it available as a pre-order at the moment. And the coupon code didn't work. Plus, they have it for $700, while I've seen it elsewhere for $650 new at Sweetwater. Still, if they allowed 25% off, it would be a significant discount at $525. That's about what they sell for used, from what I've seen.
 
For better or worse, Trickfish has landed on my pedalboard once again. Including the Trilobite.

Do we have any current users frequenting this thread? I'm curious about real-world live and studio use experiences, since it would certainly become a centerpiece of everything I'm doing....

Going once! Looks like everyone's going tube or digital, nothing in between, so I suppose not many people are keeping their Trilobites. Sure seem useful, though.
 
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I've had a Helix Stomp for the last month trying it out, and while it sounds pretty good, it just feels like overkill on the options (for my purposes) and intimidating to learn (lots of time knob twiddling this far). Plus, it can't be powered by my Noble…think I'm going to return it and just stick to a handful of good analog pedals.
 
I've had a Helix Stomp for the last month trying it out, and while it sounds pretty good, it just feels like overkill on the options (for my purposes) and intimidating to learn (lots of time knob twiddling this far)…
I think this is where I'm at as well. My church bought one (each) for me and the guitar player to have. It's fine. I've had it home to experiment and find a nice preset for church. It'll be fine for that. For myself personally, and my cover band gig, I'm not sure. Like you said, it sounds fine but seems overkill - especially as I don't use effects. I would still like to try the Bregantino Super Pre but that probably won't be available until January.
For now, I'll probably stick to my Empress Bass Compressor and REDDI.
 
I think this is where I'm at as well. My church bought one (each) for me and the guitar player to have. It's fine. I've had it home to experiment and find a nice preset for church. It'll be fine for that. For myself personally, and my cover band gig, I'm not sure. Like you said, it sounds fine but seems overkill - especially as I don't use effects. I would still like to try the Bregantino Super Pre but that probably won't be available until January.
For now, I'll probably stick to my Empress Bass Compressor and REDDI.
When you use the Empress and Reddi do use anything for EQ/preamp?
 
When you use the Empress and Reddi do use anything for EQ/preamp?
I do not. Two of my basses have preamps. The other is a passive P. I general have not felt a strong need for a preamp or eq. Part of me looking at alternatives is that. Also, to have everything in one box.

I really don't use many effects on the HX Stomp. I just use the amp sims. It's nice to have the classic amps and not have to haul around 100lb rig.
I agree. Although I don't know how much I'd actually change amps during a set or gig. Maybe.

All these things add to my analysis paralysis. Also waiting for Bergantino to lease their Super Pre preamp and DI - a B|Amp in a box with some extra goodies.