I've spent the last few weeks really obsessing over how to go about getting a portable tube tone for live rock shows *and* chill IEM-only no cab performances in one package. Talkbass has been crucial to my research and outcome so I feel I should share my experience for anyone else on the fence or in the same search.
I like to alternate between fat Bassman-like clean tones and raunchy SVT-like dirty tones. I've owned/played most of the popular Fender and Ampeg tube amps, including the excellent PF-50T.
Without going too long, I'll say that I've extensively deliberated between the REDDI, the Noble preamp, and the Verellen Meatsmoke preamp pedal. All different beasts for sure but I felt I could rely on any of those for solid tube tone in a small package.
Ended up going with the Meatsmoke largely for the dual channels and the ability to go beyond a clean B15 tone. Plenty has been said and demo'd concerning the raunchy, sludgey, and all out brutal tones it's capable of. Looking forward to using that in my post hardcore project.
But I really just wanted to chime in and add to the library of knowledge on here that the clean tones are *absolutely* there. It's very easy to get the fat Bassman tone I'm going for and even get it super clean with clear highs. All with the stock JJ 12ax7's to boot! I will definitely be recording and performing with this as my main tone source for the country, religious, and singer/songwriter gigs I do. And rock and metal, of course.
Cheers!
I like to alternate between fat Bassman-like clean tones and raunchy SVT-like dirty tones. I've owned/played most of the popular Fender and Ampeg tube amps, including the excellent PF-50T.
Without going too long, I'll say that I've extensively deliberated between the REDDI, the Noble preamp, and the Verellen Meatsmoke preamp pedal. All different beasts for sure but I felt I could rely on any of those for solid tube tone in a small package.
Ended up going with the Meatsmoke largely for the dual channels and the ability to go beyond a clean B15 tone. Plenty has been said and demo'd concerning the raunchy, sludgey, and all out brutal tones it's capable of. Looking forward to using that in my post hardcore project.
But I really just wanted to chime in and add to the library of knowledge on here that the clean tones are *absolutely* there. It's very easy to get the fat Bassman tone I'm going for and even get it super clean with clear highs. All with the stock JJ 12ax7's to boot! I will definitely be recording and performing with this as my main tone source for the country, religious, and singer/songwriter gigs I do. And rock and metal, of course.
Cheers!
