Using an Axe Fx AND a preamp

[motorhead9999]

Hi all,
As some background, I've always been more of a keyboard player and have since branched out into bass, but I've never grown up/been a real part of the "traditional" pedal/amp/cab world.


So I have an Axe Fx III. I just purchased a Dingwall NG3. The bass has a Darkglass preamp built into the bass itself, which leads me to a few questions:

1) Does the fact that the bass has a preamp on it affect/change any thing with how I set up my Axe FX?
2) As I understand it, the Axe has a Darkglass preamp sim/component built in. Is it better to disable the bass preamp and use the preamp on the Axe?
3) In general, do I need any sort of preamp pedal/DI given that the Axe actually is a preamp?

Thanks in advance for asking some fairly basic newb questions.

 

[pravus]

1) Does the fact that the bass has a preamp on it affect/change any thing with how I set up my Axe FX?

Nope. Just plug into the AxeFx like it's an amp and then start dialing in the sound you want by trying out different amp/pedal/speaker combinations. The only issue might input sensitivity when the pre-amp on the NG3 is engaged although the pickups are still pretty hot even when passive. Adjust the input volume to your tastes and needs.

2) As I understand it, the Axe has a Darkglass preamp sim/component built in. Is it better to disable the bass preamp and use the preamp on the Axe?

That's entirely up to you. The NG3 uses the "Tone Capsule" pre-amp which probably isn't modeled by the AxeFX unit since it's Dingwall specific. Try different combinations of the two and see what sounds best to you. Since the NG3 has an active/passive switch you can very quickly and easily test settings on the AxeFX to see which you like.

3) In general, do I need any sort of preamp pedal/DI given that the Axe actually is a preamp?

You don't need one, but there's nothing wrong with combining the pre-amp features of the AxeFX with the pre-amp on the NG3 or other pedals and amps. Most of the models themselves have a simulated pre-amp in them and they are all centered around different frequencies for their equalization.

Also the AxeFX unit will work as a proper DI into recording/venue equipment. It has USB for direct hookup to a computer or XLR/TRS outputs for going to more traditional audio gear/interfaces. You even have stuff such as SPDIF and plugging XLR sources into the AxeFX. Lots of options.

 

[agedhorse]

Just note that when stacking voiced preamps (either real or virtual), the overall voicing results might end up being “too much of a good thing”.

I suggest starting with a single preamp voicing and go from there.