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What preamp pedal do you use, and why?

#141
I recommend having a pre amp/di pedal if you’re gigging. They are a lifesaver if you have any issues with your amp as you can run them direct to front of house and get through the gig. I’ve had a bunch over the almost 30 years I’ve been playing. Can’t really go wrong with a sans amp bass driver v2. They last forever and work in a wide range of styles if you know how to use them. Just as at home for the guy playing 80s covers as the kid playing modern metal originals. I’m also a fan of the darkglass X, Tech 21 Dug pedal, Darkglass Alpha omega. They are all great. But those pedals unlike the sans amp are a bit more for people who want a particular sound for a particular style. For me I ended up happier using the bass driver di v2 as my go to slightly gritty tune amp ish pre amp/di and using the darkglass core series x and A/O more as unique overdrives.
 
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#144
jbybj said:
What about transformers? Don’t you like transformers?
Click to expand...

Yeah, sure!

Screenshot_20231218_182531_Google.jpg
 
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#147
If the preamp+DI is the only pedal I'll be using, I lean towards selecting one that can operate on phantom power for simplicity and some noise prevention (no wall wart). I have previous experience using Aguilar Tone Hammer, Tech 21 Q Strip, Tech 21 VTDI, and MXR Bass Preamp; all of which fulfilled the intended purpose.

However, if I'm gigging with my pedalboard, my preferred setup involves using the Origin Bass DCX into the Radial JDI. I personally find this combo to be highly musical and hassle-free.
 
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#148
I recently picked up this Radial Bassbone OD on GC’s used site. I like being able to plug both my active Stingray5 and my passive Jaco J bass in and easily switch between the two. I’m running the multi effects pedal through the EFX loop on the Radial and can DI out pre/post EFX.
image.jpg
 
#151
Glad i saw this thread before basically starting a new thread on almost the same thing. After splurging on pedals i have 5 now. Im starting to blend them and getting new colorations and its fun to see what i come up with. So my favorite combination is ebs microbass2 paired with a tc spectradrive. Also the nux mld preamp on the tone hammer sim is pretty nice too and it goes well with a darkglass b7k. Beefy tone hammer with darkglass overdrive is fun. So what combinations have you guys used and how did it go?
 
#155
The last DI I had was the EHX Battalion, which was a nifty little guy with some optional distortion, a decent compressor that I just used a touch of, and a noise gate that was handy. Haven't gigged in a few years, so haven't missed it since selling, but just got the SA Zio Preamp and DI. Wasn't in the market for one, but SA being the wizards they are, a spell was cast, and I'll be back to having one. What attracted me was the low noise, HPF, overall volume attenuator, and the Pultec trick emulation, as well as XLR out for my clean signal. I also like the color, a simple aesthetic choice that will add to SA board. Arrives in a few hours, can't wait to try it out.
 
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#158
I have quite a few and have settled mostly on Sansamp Programmable Bass Driver. It does what I need for preamp, three tones: one thick rock/country/pop, one zingy for 90's rock and stuff like that, and one dirty for hard rock or other things like that. The only other thing i have is a Zoom MS-60B for tuner and limiter and sometimes other effects.

I have
Sansamp Tech 21 Bass driver - on smaller pedalboard with another Zoom MS-60B

Caline Wine Celler - Surprisingly a good pedal for the money, I use it for clean DI, no effects, most if the time. It is on my practice board at home with Zoom MS-60B and whatever other preamp pedal I feel like playing through.

MXR M81 Bass Preamp - Super clean, does not really impart a preampy sound, but still useful .I am using this for acoustic guitar mainly right now.

Darkglass B7K - I use this for more modern tones, zingy tones, etc, or as a dirt pedal. Currently on my practice board just because. I have had noise issues with this in other locations, so it stays home

Darkglass Vintage Deluxe - I use this one when I want a modern tone with a vintage feel or as a dirt pedal. Same noise issues as B7K for me live. I use it for recording.

I have tried others like Ampeg SCR Scrambler, MXR M80 DI+Distortion, Orginal Hartke Bass Attack. Wasn't a fan of the Ampeg nor MXR except the clean tones were ok and I think MXR output level was a little low. Not a fan of their distortion. The Hartke was cool, but output was really low verses other pedals, like it was not balanced out the XLR.

Things of interests are GK Plex, Mesa Subway, Line6 Helix or Helix Stomp.
 
#159
I have a Nordstrand Starlifter. In fact I like it so much I have 2. My favorite easy to use tone shaping for a pedal preamp. I have recently picked up a noble. It sounds pretty amazing. I haven’t figured out how I’m going to work it into my signal chain yet.
 

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