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The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

#1,481
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#1,483
This arrived:

BF35F68D-073B-43FB-AB16-F5D2A198E91C.jpeg
 
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#1,486
scubaduba said:
This arrived:

View attachment 3767519
Click to expand...
So, forgive the ignorant question, but what does a transformer do, like technically, or sonically, if it's not actually transforming the signal to a different signal level? Like in a DI, a transformer takes the signal from 1/4" to XLR.
 
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#1,490
scubaduba said:
LBA 2020 Audio Transformer
Click to expand...
Yeah, I did see that, but I still don't get it. I can't wrap my head around it. It goes in via 1/4" and comes out via 1/4". So what is a transformer doing? Adding harmonic distortion? I'm guessing that's what contributes to a "warmer" sound. Harmonic distortion?
 
#1,491
I think it is these statements that will attract potential users:

There are many practical applications for this device when a smoother, more harmonically rich tone is desired. You can saturate the transformer by hitting it hard with a lot of signal from a drive pedal. Its very graceful in how it digests such signals. Basically a layer of warmth is created in such events. Its especially effective at smoothing out the digital edge common with most digital FX (reverb, delay, etc). The same can be said for digital synthesizers, but it can also be very beneficial with analog synths in creating a richer tone. Its possible to use this device with nothing more than an instrument and an amp or an instrument into a DI Box. That scenario would probably be most commonly done with an electric bass or synthesizer.

source: LBA 2020 Audio Transformer
 
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#1,492
scubaduba said:
I think it is these statements that will attract potential users:

There are many practical applications for this device when a smoother, more harmonically rich tone is desired. You can saturate the transformer by hitting it hard with a lot of signal from a drive pedal. Its very graceful in how it digests such signals. Basically a layer of warmth is created in such events. Its especially effective at smoothing out the digital edge common with most digital FX (reverb, delay, etc). The same can be said for digital synthesizers, but it can also be very beneficial with analog synths in creating a richer tone. Its possible to use this device with nothing more than an instrument and an amp or an instrument into a DI Box. That scenario would probably be most commonly done with an electric bass or synthesizer.

source: LBA 2020 Audio Transformer
Click to expand...
Looking forward to your thoughts. I'm out of power supply outputs, but I do have just enough space to squeeze a cute little passive box onto my pedalboard. It could be perfect timing!
 
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#1,493
scubaduba said:
I think it is these statements that will attract potential users:

There are many practical applications for this device when a smoother, more harmonically rich tone is desired. You can saturate the transformer by hitting it hard with a lot of signal from a drive pedal. Its very graceful in how it digests such signals. Basically a layer of warmth is created in such events. Its especially effective at smoothing out the digital edge common with most digital FX (reverb, delay, etc). The same can be said for digital synthesizers, but it can also be very beneficial with analog synths in creating a richer tone. Its possible to use this device with nothing more than an instrument and an amp or an instrument into a DI Box. That scenario would probably be most commonly done with an electric bass or synthesizer.

source: LBA 2020 Audio Transformer
Click to expand...

I'm definitely interested. Sounded good in the video minus the shrill fingernail pluck thrown in here and there. I'll chalk that up to the cold :laugh:. Look forward to your review. Could easily see throwing one or two of these on the board.
 
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#1,498
Totally out of line, but since this is one of the most collaborative threads on the forum I'll justify a desperate plea for input on another albeit quasi-related thread with a legit one for this thread.

For those who use their preamp as a headphone amp, does your pre's Aux In have a volume or mix control?

I know you can just use the source's volume for that, I used to have a great Yamaha headphone amp that had this control and it was really handy. Advice on making bass cover/play-along videos

Meanwhile, if anyone has any suggestions, please help kill the crickets on this thread: Advice on making bass cover/play-along videos
 
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#1,499
Btbp said:
Totally out of line, but since this is one of the most collaborative threads on the forum I'll justify a desperate plea for input on another albeit quasi-related thread with a legit one for this thread.

For those who use their preamp as a headphone amp, does your pre's Aux In have a volume or mix control?

I know you can just use the source's volume for that, I used to have a great Yamaha headphone amp that had this control and it was really handy. Advice on making bass cover/play-along videos

Meanwhile, if anyone has any suggestions, please help kill the crickets on this thread: Advice on making bass cover/play-along videos
Click to expand...
Do you mean something like the (sadly out of production) Raven Labs PHA-1 headphone preamp?
ni7putl9bs28p578jtsf.jpg
wtxjnr7zovy9qain78h7.jpg
 
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