It does contain a HPF though the lowest it can be set is 60hz. Not sure I'm going to dig that, but we'll see. Typically, I'd prefer a setting around 30 - 40Hz.
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The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison
- Thread starter chadhargis
- Start date
It does contain a HPF though the lowest it can be set is 60hz. Not sure I'm going to dig that, but we'll see. Typically, I'd prefer a setting around 30 - 40Hz.
API Tranzformer LZ report (YMMV!)):
Excellent quality construction, feels very sturdy, pots have a nice resistance. A+
Even with everything flat and no compression the sound is very full sounding,
punchy with a small silky flavor (difficult to describe). The review in Bass Player (June2017, available on
API website) describes very well what I heard.
EQ works well for general tone adjustment (broad EQ)
XLR is really line level (very hot). I dont' like this because I would need
to have a backup regular DI to use the 1/4 output in case the mixer (or soundman !)
have problem with the very hot level.
Compressor gets grabby pretty quick, but works well to add punch and presence at lower level (1-2 depending
of Input). However, I found it difficult to set, because it's interactive with the Input Gain. The gain control increases "character" and volume, but also increases compression.
So you have to work between the the Gain, Comp and Leve controls to find your sound.
I am not afraid of knobs (I have a FEA DB-CL!), but I didn't like this aspect of the pedal.
When everything set to taste (gain, comp, eq) it sounded awesome. With my Acoustic Image Clarus SL, it was like having an API bass amp. And with Audiokinesis TC112, well, it was nice
It's a nice product, but I didn't keep it for these reasons :
I found it difficult to adjust to different basses because of the interactive nature of Comp and Gain controls.
XLR was not mic level
Size, not pedalboard friendly
I did not tried it live, but I dont think it would do a difference enough compared my trusty JDI and a comp pedal of my choice (flexibility !).
Excellent quality construction, feels very sturdy, pots have a nice resistance. A+
Even with everything flat and no compression the sound is very full sounding,
punchy with a small silky flavor (difficult to describe). The review in Bass Player (June2017, available on
API website) describes very well what I heard.
EQ works well for general tone adjustment (broad EQ)
XLR is really line level (very hot). I dont' like this because I would need
to have a backup regular DI to use the 1/4 output in case the mixer (or soundman !)
have problem with the very hot level.
Compressor gets grabby pretty quick, but works well to add punch and presence at lower level (1-2 depending
of Input). However, I found it difficult to set, because it's interactive with the Input Gain. The gain control increases "character" and volume, but also increases compression.
So you have to work between the the Gain, Comp and Leve controls to find your sound.
I am not afraid of knobs (I have a FEA DB-CL!), but I didn't like this aspect of the pedal.
When everything set to taste (gain, comp, eq) it sounded awesome. With my Acoustic Image Clarus SL, it was like having an API bass amp. And with Audiokinesis TC112, well, it was nice
It's a nice product, but I didn't keep it for these reasons :
I found it difficult to adjust to different basses because of the interactive nature of Comp and Gain controls.
XLR was not mic level
Size, not pedalboard friendly
I did not tried it live, but I dont think it would do a difference enough compared my trusty JDI and a comp pedal of my choice (flexibility !).
I have the same thing with the Tech 21 stuff It's a weird midrange thing around 5-600Hz that's baked in and can't be dialed out with the EQ. I get the same vibe from Peavey stuff too. Not sure what it is but have also never bothered to investigate it.
@TonyP- You could easily get around the passthrough thing with 3x 1/4" jacks, a bit of wire and a small Hammond 1590 box, if you were in a DIY-ish mood. All 3 jacks would just be wired parallel. Two on one side and one on the other, and Bob's yer uncle. Passthrough for any preamp pedal.
Yeah, the sweepable mid control would definitely help. I've never tried one of those. I didn't dig the BDDI and the RBI a zillion years ago so Tech 21 sort of fell off my radar.
Anyone looking for a like new Starlifter hit me up.
Yeah It gives everything I need live and a little more clarity. Going to buy me a Noble or have one built though.
I won't post any pics but the Oracle is really nice and gives a little saturation or light drive if required
My Oracle should arrive yet today... and I will post pics unless everyone tells me no. 
My Oracle should arrive yet today... and I will post pics unless everyone tells me no.
Could care less about pics but would love to hear a sound sample lol.
My Oracle should arrive yet today... and I will post pics unless everyone tells me no.
Pics or it didn't happen!
Ya'll are killing me, but my SLO keeps on making me smile. Guitar player came up to me yesterday and asked if I was going through a mic'd cab. Said the bass sounded so good in his IEMs. I showed him my little tube powered beauty and he was shocked.
- Dec 21, 2007
- 15,233
- 45,122
- Disclosures
- Lark in the Morning Instructional Videos; Audix Microphones
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,609
- 18,665
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
To be honest I would just use a Lehle passive splitter and call it a day. However that adds a bit of real estate...I have the same thing with the Tech 21 stuff It's a weird midrange thing around 5-600Hz that's baked in and can't be dialed out with the EQ. I get the same vibe from Peavey stuff too. Not sure what it is but have also never bothered to investigate it.
@TonyP- You could easily get around the passthrough thing with 3x 1/4" jacks, a bit of wire and a small Hammond 1590 box, if you were in a DIY-ish mood. All 3 jacks would just be wired parallel. Two on one side and one on the other, and Bob's yer uncle. Passthrough for any preamp pedal.
Not out of the question sometime for a big board some time...
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,609
- 18,665
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
So I did my little shoot out DI shoot out today.
As suspected by @scubaduba the RNDI was the best sounding to my ears. Full in the lower mids and with a sweet top end without compromising the integrity of the source. Just enough color to my ears.
I'm getting one more for sure for the other board, you cannot go wrong with this one.
As suspected by @scubaduba the RNDI was the best sounding to my ears. Full in the lower mids and with a sweet top end without compromising the integrity of the source. Just enough color to my ears.
I'm getting one more for sure for the other board, you cannot go wrong with this one.
Let's just say the Effectrode LA-1a into the Arkham Oracle is the most glorious combination I've heard yet.
Somehow I thought you might like that
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And then the RNDI at the end makes me not care that the Oracle doesn't have XLR out.
