One thing I don't think I've seen you mention while deciding: the StompXL has an extra snapshot. Stomp has 3, XL gets 4.
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The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison
- Thread starter chadhargis
- Start date
If I understand what I'm reading, I think 3 will be enough. I can bank up or down to get more options. Honestly, I don't really need any effects. No one really notices them. I can probably just get one killer bass sound and leave it there all night. The icing on the cake would be if I can get the IEM thing to work via the Effects Send/Return.
Very interesting.
Well, for me anyway since I know neither of those devices.
So the ampeg is really more bandwidth-limited I guess ?
For instance at 38 seconds or so I'm hearing a low rumble (which I like) on sample 1 and not on sample 2 - hence my asking whether those were different takes or the same take run through the different preamps
hence my asking whether those were different takes or the same take run through the different preamps
Most of my samples are run through a JHS splitter into separate channels on my interface and recorded simultaneously. These clips weren't. Some were old (different bass, different strings, etc) and the two "Mystery" samples were played individually...but on the same bass...back to back...so the only variation would be my fingers.
It's also important to know that the PF-50T sample was directly plugged into the amp. Not even a tuner between the bass and amp. No compressor, not outboard EQ, nothing...JUST the PF-50. The HX Stomp was running an SVT emulation a Becos Stella in the FX loop, and a Walrus Audio line isolator.
I just ordered an Empress Para EQ Deluxe. Going to slap it on my Nano board and see what a little eq and filtering into my REDDI does for me.
With the purchase of the Empress Para EQ Deluxe, I am putting an end to the analysis paralysis, at least for now. I will use the HXS at church (its purpose and reason for purchase by the church) and continue to experiment and learn.
For my cover band gigs, I will continue to us to use my REDDI rig. It’s a little more to haul around, but the sound and feel to me is worth it for now.
Could that change in the future as I learn to navigate and tweak the HXS? Sure. But for now, I need to quit the circular logos and analysis paralysis and just play.
For my cover band gigs, I will continue to us to use my REDDI rig. It’s a little more to haul around, but the sound and feel to me is worth it for now.
Could that change in the future as I learn to navigate and tweak the HXS? Sure. But for now, I need to quit the circular logos and analysis paralysis and just play.
Oh ok, then some qualities I attributed to the devices might in fact come from other factors.
I have been somewhat gasified by the general HX Stomp praise on this thread, and I hope to try one at some point. It would have to do battle with a board that, in its current iteration, has been years in the making. So I would have to be floored by the HX. Wrt board preamps, after trying a few preamps at the start of my chain, I am now convinced the Sushi UA is staying. I would try the Empress EQ at the end if it had a DI. For now I am keeping the Phil Jones PE-5 in that spot. The PE-5 just works so well; almost boringly so - which is dangerous for someone who gets gas as easily as I.
That's the way it is for me. I get bored with things easily. I tend to get something dialed in, then I'm like "Squirrel!" and I'm on to something else. I've been through a ton of gear and a lot of the gear I've had has been lauded as some of the best. So far, my HX Stomp rig is right there with them but, in my opinion, it's just MUCH easier to use. No fiddling with moving patch cables if you want your comp in front of or behind your effects. Want your HPF after the preamp....not an option unless you want to use an external DI. Is that DI powered? Now you have two power cords, or you have to have phantom power. Will it all fit on a reasonably sized board, or does your board look like the deck of an aircraft carrier?
With the HXS, you just turn a dial and move the effect, amp, even the cab....anywhere you want in the chain. You can move the FX loop anywhere you want. You can split paths and run your low end clean and your top end dirty. You have so much flexibility and it's super easy to try things I'd never have tried before. For example...chorus and reverb pedals...I've never owned any...but I played a song at church that had a chorus on the bass in the track they sent to learn the song. So I gave it a shot...and it sounded great. Now I use it more frequently because it just works in so many songs.
I don't think there is a right or wrong when it comes to using quality gear. A lot depends on your specific needs and preferences. But I play CCM in church and rock/country/metal in the band I'm in. So being able to pull up a completely different rig with the tap of a button is a huge benefit.
I still have my hand wired tube preamp, and I drag it out every now and then and play with it. It's a very good piece of kit. I keep it around because I really like it. But it's like comparing a 1965 Mustang to a 2022 Mustang GT500.
The PE-5 is a great piece of equipment. I bought one of those, used it just a few times, and then traded a Markbass Vintage Pre that didn't do it for me for a Vintage Ultra.
The Vintage Ultra sounds pretty awesome, but then I decided to give the PE-5 another try a couple of weeks ago. Since then the PE-5 has remained in my pedal board, as it has really grown on me.
Same username has a Noble for a reasonable price. I was wondering if the account got hacked, it’s that good of a deal.
jacoby75
Supporting Member
- Mar 11, 2010
- 5,661
- 10,716
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Mike Lull Custom Guitars, DR Strings
I'm really digging my HX Stomp so far. Less than an hour on it so far, and I still have yet to upgrade to the latest firmware and everything, and it's kind of a pain in the butt to dial in (because I decided to just start fiddling with things without reading the manual first) but it's pretty cool. I'm looking forward to getting some good presets on there from others soon and taking those for a spin.
I took the easy way out. I read the manual and downloaded several patches. Some were free, some were a few bucks. I also watched a lot of YouTube videos and read articles where people suggested settings.
That's the beauty of the digital stuff...you like someone else's tone? Just get their patch and load it. Most are happy to share.
jacoby75
Supporting Member
- Mar 11, 2010
- 5,661
- 10,716
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Mike Lull Custom Guitars, DR Strings
For sure. It's definitely not something you can just pick up and start turning knobs on and have any idea what you're doing, lol. Ask me how I know. I can't wait to get your preset on there and see how it goes. Part of the struggle with the Stomp is that I'm not by a computer with my gear, so I have to bring the Stomp downstairs to update everything and tweak stuff on the app. So that makes things more challenging. But so far, even without doing any updates or anything, the tone is great. It takes other pedals and preamps really great too. Even just the "Woody" amp into the SVT cab (not even the most recent updated one) is a tone I could more than live with. And I still have no idea how to program the switches to do anything, lol. We'll get there.
Just be sure after you update you do a full reset of the device so you will get access to the new cabs. It's my understanding that updates will retain the legacy items so your tone doesn't change and if you want access to the new items you'll need to do a reset.
https://performerlife.com/hx-stomp-factory-reset/
