What Preamp???

[Kipp Harrington]

My church has decided to do away with on-stage amps, so I thought this was a great opportunity to get something fun on my board (or on the floor on it's own) that would cover the job. It doesn't have to have a DI, but I realize most of these do. Also, overdrive isn't a necessity for me, as I rarely use it.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[Zbysek]

I also have a NS Design NXT4 Electric Upright that I will probably start bringing along to add to the mix.

That is an important piece of information. I have NSD NXT4 myself.

You will need two-channel preamp with high input impedance...

Some options: EBS II, EBS III, Radial Bassbone OD

 

[57pbass]

No mid control on Sadowsky or Noble...

 

[zon6c-f]

My church has decided to do away with on-stage amps, so I thought this was a great opportunity to get something fun on my board (or on the floor on it's own) that would cover the job. It doesn't have to have a DI, but I realize most of these do. Also, overdrive isn't a necessity for me, as I rarely use it.

Let me know your thoughts.

Old school Furman PQ-3

 

[skyline_01]

I voted Radial BB v2. I actually have the OD version but it has most of the same features. The OD pedal basically adds the HPF and 3-band parametric EQ to both channels (and the OD circuit, duh), whereas the v2 only has those on one channel.

Any of those pedals on your list would be great choices, but if you're looking for max versatility and "cleanliness" in the DI section, and if you switch between multiple basses (even acoustic or upright), the Radial is hard to beat IMO. It's very transparent, so what you put in is pretty much what you get out but the EQ section is very usable.

 

[equill]

What, no Darkglass? Aleister Crowley would not approve of anything lesser.

Sorry, it had to be said.

Crowley? I'm surprised you didn't go straight to name-checking Anton LaVey, if you're into trolling churchgoers.

 

[equill]

I also have a NS Design NXT4 Electric Upright that I will probably start bringing along to add to the mix.

I love what the Bassbone OD does for my WAV4, but the v2 will be worth checking out.

 

[Dynomuttasaurus]

Crowley? I'm surprised you didn't go straight to name-checking Anton LaVey, if you're into trolling churchgoers.

There are all kinds of churches and churchgoers. I would imagine there there are likewise all types of church music. The OP did not specify.

I played in a band where the drummer was also the high priest for Dark Star Ministry. And, I have to say, that although he is wiccan/pagan, he is one of the more moral/ethical people I've had the pleasure of working with over the years.

 

[Dynomuttasaurus]

The Darkglass stuff all seems to be very OD based, and a little more than I want to spend. They all seem to be around $400.

My main preamp is the Darkglass B7K. I also own a Sansamp Bass Driver. Between the two, the Darkglass has more punch/clarity and less OD/fuzz/warmth. They're both great, just different. Which I know is exactly why you asked the DI question in the first place. There's a lot of great equipment out there to choose from.

 

[skyline_01]

I should have mentioned that I play a Warrior through a Euphonic Audio, so I'm used to a pretty clean, uncolored tone, but I'm not against some color and character.

I also have a NS Design NXT4 Electric Upright that I will probably start bringing along to add to the mix.

The PZB switch on the Radial BB OD and BB v2 allows you to switch impedance for electric upright/ABG on channel A, while still allowing you to run a conventional magnetic pickup bass on channel B. Just sayin'...

I see you're a Cinci-area player as well. I used to live right up the road from you in Monroe Crossings but I've been in Lebanon for about 3 years now. Small world...

 

[stringtapper]

I chose the Darkglass Microtubes X Ultra for going direct at my church gig. I mostly use it clean but sometimes kick the OD circuit on with very low breakup so I get a little extra bite for certain songs (e.g. "In the River", "Love Goes On").

 

[Planespotter]

The Darkglass Vintage Ultra ended my preamp quest.

 

[mattj1stc]

I like the Tech 21 SVT Deluxe. That said, I am curious about both the small Geddy Lee and Steve Harris models from Tech 21.

 

[Doug Parent]

Nordstrand Starlifter Preamp/DI is the front end of my big rig. I'm missing the bells and whistles that Mesa or the B/Amp bring but the simple clear pristine tone cuts through with clarity and punch. And it has enough gain to drive your favorite power amp as well.

 

[Bassworship1]

Nordstrand Starlifter Preamp/DI is the front end of my big rig. I'm missing the bells and whistles that Mesa or the B/Amp bring but the simple clear pristine tone cuts through with clarity and punch. And it has enough gain to drive your favorite power amp as well.

The Starlifter is a phenomenal piece of gear. I won't be without one.

 

[jblock]

I vote Mesa Subway, but I'm also a fan of the Tech21 Qstrip.

 

[bassmahn]

Casting my vote for the OMNICABSIM Deluxe.

https://www.dsmnoisemaker.com/omnicabsim-deluxe/yh0m9

 

[John Stephen]

We just got a new board and in-ear monitors, and they want to keep the stage volume down, controlling everything through the house. Not my favorite way to do things, but I understand it. When you have different players week-to-week, it's important to have consistency and control over the volume.

Ok, thanks. Different players week-to-week does make it hard.

 

[dramatwist]

...MXR bass d.i.+...

 

[GrooveWarrior]

That is an important piece of information. I have NSD NXT4 myself.

You will need two-channel preamp with high input impedance...

Some options: EBS II, EBS III, Radial Bassbone OD

Yeah, I play through a Euphonic Audio iAmp 500, and it has a high impedance input that works well for that. Maybe I'll just take my EA head with me and use it as a DI.