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What preamp pedal do you use, and why?
- Thread starter BlueTalon
- Start date
Nux Melvin Lee Davis for home practice (amazing headphone amp) and Broughton Messenger for gigs (hpf/lpf)
I'm probably going to echo what's been said here already...
I use the Sansamp bbdi. I've recorded using it on several albums. I've also taken it with me when I've played gigs abroad. That's probably the main reason why I got it. My tone doesn't change that much now.
That being said, I also have the ampeg scrambler di. I got that for practicing. It has an external audio input as well as a headphone jack.
Anyways, I'm quite happy with the ampeg scrambler di. The scrambler circuit takes some dialing in, but it isn't as bad as a lot of people make it out to be. The rest of the pedal sounds pretty close to an ampeg SVT.
I use the Sansamp bbdi. I've recorded using it on several albums. I've also taken it with me when I've played gigs abroad. That's probably the main reason why I got it. My tone doesn't change that much now.
That being said, I also have the ampeg scrambler di. I got that for practicing. It has an external audio input as well as a headphone jack.
Anyways, I'm quite happy with the ampeg scrambler di. The scrambler circuit takes some dialing in, but it isn't as bad as a lot of people make it out to be. The rest of the pedal sounds pretty close to an ampeg SVT.
I'm still working my way through all the responses (Thanks!), but I think I need to add a little information.
Normally, I gig with either a GK MB500 Fusion or a GB Streamliner 900, both of which have more than adequate direct outputs. The thing that's driving both my consideration of a preamp/DI, and the timing of this, is the fact that my band will be going to Memphis in a couple months to participate in the International Blues Challenge. The rules specifically state that guitar/bass players are prohibited from bringing their own amps, and will be responsible for bringing their own DI.
So simply using my amp, like I do normally, is not an option. And the bass I will be using (the black jazz currently in my avatar) is passive. I do have what I consider to be an emergency DI, a simple box with one input and two outputs, but it's not something I want to rely on for tone. I've said my budget is $300+ meaning I'd be comfortable spending ~$320, less comfortable spending ~$350, and I really don't want to spend ~$390 but I'll do it if I have to (translate -- if I think it's the best option).
Currently, my pedal board consists of the receiver for my Shure GLX-D wireless (which doubles as a tuner), and a Broughton HPF/LPF. That takes up about half of the available room.
Thank you all for your input so far. Carry on.
Normally, I gig with either a GK MB500 Fusion or a GB Streamliner 900, both of which have more than adequate direct outputs. The thing that's driving both my consideration of a preamp/DI, and the timing of this, is the fact that my band will be going to Memphis in a couple months to participate in the International Blues Challenge. The rules specifically state that guitar/bass players are prohibited from bringing their own amps, and will be responsible for bringing their own DI.
So simply using my amp, like I do normally, is not an option. And the bass I will be using (the black jazz currently in my avatar) is passive. I do have what I consider to be an emergency DI, a simple box with one input and two outputs, but it's not something I want to rely on for tone. I've said my budget is $300+ meaning I'd be comfortable spending ~$320, less comfortable spending ~$350, and I really don't want to spend ~$390 but I'll do it if I have to (translate -- if I think it's the best option).
Currently, my pedal board consists of the receiver for my Shure GLX-D wireless (which doubles as a tuner), and a Broughton HPF/LPF. That takes up about half of the available room.
Thank you all for your input so far. Carry on.
I rarely want clean out of the TH, typically AGS is always on for me too. My process for controlling the grit is to turn up the gain, fiddle with mid frequency with either boost or cut until i like the way it sounds (different every day, haha) then dial back the gain until it's just barely breaking up. Then adjust the master for overall volume. I usually also turn down treble, and rarely boost bass.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,638
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- John K Custom Basses
i have also a GB streamliner 900.
i think an Aguilar tone hammer would fit you needs without braking the bank. IMO, it's great preamp with a DI out.
............and if don't mind spending quite a bit more, IMO the Origin Effects Bassrig '64 (fender type) or Bassrig Vintage (ampeg type). I haven't received either of mine yet (they're coming monday & tuesday) but i can't imagine anything being better.
Since you already gig with the Fusion, have you looked at the Plex from GK? Seems like a used one would hit all your marks plus come in below your max budget
That's quite a collection, Sir!
Tell me, is there any low end loss with Leeds with 'Blend' maxxed out?
Does it really do Hiwatt sound well?
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,638
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
IIRC it has plenty of low end, but i'll have to get it out and listen to it to confirm it.
Johnk,
Is your Tech 21 Leeds a V2 with the sim button? If you ever decide to sell it message me, I'm looking for one.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,638
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
yep. it has the sim button. it's a great pedal and i actually like it better than my VT bass. it took me a while to find one after they were discontinued and i paid a premium for it so intend to keep it.Johnk,
Is your Tech 21 Leeds a V2 with the sim button? If you ever decide to sell it message me, I'm looking for one.
here's the only one that i can find for sale at the moment:
Tech 21 Leeds SansAmp Character Series Distortion | Reverb
Ok so FOH and engineer are provided. They will very likely want a dry feed, pre EQ - which is generally what FOH wants in any large event maybe with a mic on the ml as well.
Given the nature of the even, they are probably pretty good. I can tell you that the Cascade Blues Association which is another feeder to the Intl' doesn't hold back. They want to sell tickets and they hire pro's to get the job done... from the backline to FOH... backline bass rigs are usually your choice of WT-800 or Gk -800 heads and sometimes an SVT Clssic, The cab is often an Eden or SWR 4x10. Sometimes with an adjacent 15. Plenty in other words...
Given you are running a fusion and stream liner... SushiBox Finally would be what I would carry. It will impart some tube 'heft' ro your sound. As much as I adore my Subway DI+, the Finally would get the nod as all the tone shaping stuff on the Mesa would very likely be over ridden. If I didn't have the Finlly in my collection, the Mesa would go and I would use that for my stage sound.
I had the original Mesa and Tone Hammer on my board, 1 for my 5 and 1 for my 4... ran that for the outdoor season a few years back. The Tone Hammer has too much baked in sound for my use. The Mesa doesn't. if you have a great sounding bass, the Mesa will let it shine through. To my ear, the Tone Hammer will kinda diminish things. It will sound like your bass into a Tone Hammer. That sound may be exactly what someone is looking for. In my case I could really hear more of the difference between my Marco P and my Lull P5 with the Mesa and the decision of which was easy.
Given the nature of the even, they are probably pretty good. I can tell you that the Cascade Blues Association which is another feeder to the Intl' doesn't hold back. They want to sell tickets and they hire pro's to get the job done... from the backline to FOH... backline bass rigs are usually your choice of WT-800 or Gk -800 heads and sometimes an SVT Clssic, The cab is often an Eden or SWR 4x10. Sometimes with an adjacent 15. Plenty in other words...
Given you are running a fusion and stream liner... SushiBox Finally would be what I would carry. It will impart some tube 'heft' ro your sound. As much as I adore my Subway DI+, the Finally would get the nod as all the tone shaping stuff on the Mesa would very likely be over ridden. If I didn't have the Finlly in my collection, the Mesa would go and I would use that for my stage sound.
I had the original Mesa and Tone Hammer on my board, 1 for my 5 and 1 for my 4... ran that for the outdoor season a few years back. The Tone Hammer has too much baked in sound for my use. The Mesa doesn't. if you have a great sounding bass, the Mesa will let it shine through. To my ear, the Tone Hammer will kinda diminish things. It will sound like your bass into a Tone Hammer. That sound may be exactly what someone is looking for. In my case I could really hear more of the difference between my Marco P and my Lull P5 with the Mesa and the decision of which was easy.
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Rusty Box for the tone, but no DI... otherwise I'd just look at the Ampeg SCR-DI and GK Plex and get whichever suits my needs best.
No, I'm still in the rabbit hole. But this thread as given me a lot of options to consider that I otherwise wouldn't have considered or even known about.
I used the Tech 21 VT for a while, went through some alternatives and now am back to it. My only other pedals are tuner, compressor, and HPF. I have a Mesa head and could see using their DI as it would similar, but the VT just works and I alreyown it.
