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What Rack Pre's are you currently running?

stflbn

stflbn

May 10, 2007
9,273
72
Nashville
artdroid.com
#1
Just wondering what rack Pre's are currently in vogue. For a while there it was an ongoing RBI vs ***** debate, but that has quieted down.

Secondly... what would you choose from the current crop of pre-amps available that you'd say were 'versatile' sound-wise, not especially from an effects or cabinet modeling standpoing. Say under $600.

Contemplating putting something 'different' in my rack as a contrast to my BBE Bmax-T.
 
#2
If you want versatility, you should look at Line 6. I use a Bass Pod XT Pro in my rack and could not be happier with it. If you are a tube-exclusive kind of player, you might not like it, but if you like to be able to effortlessly access all different kinds of tones and effects, you might want to spend a few minutes trying to get to know one of these at your local music store. I got mine used for 300 on eBay.
 
#6
I like my pod XT a lot, but I'm planning on switching to my GK 2001 RBP as soon as it arrives. the GK sound is just magnificent, with footswitchable overdrive and an amazingly versatile EQ section. If the Preamp is half as good as the 1001's preamp section was, I will be very happy with it.

I'm not going to quote the price I paid, but it was welllll under 600 bones.
 
#8
Tech 21 RBI and RPM (2), SWR IOD, and Aguilar DB659 into two Aguilar DB 728's and two SWR Power 750's.

Most recent setup is the 659 in to one of the Power 750's running 850 watts at 2.7 ohms into three Bag End S15-D's - it sounds stunning. Massive grind and growl.

JR
 
#10
I'm running a BBE B Max-T, an Art Tube Channel mic pre-amp and a Tube pre-amp based on the front end of my B15. The BBE is a great unit but I have grown to dislike the Fender style tone stack so I'm going to sell it. The ART is an excellent pre-amp and is going back into my main rig until I replace the BBE. The "B15" pre is in my rehearsal/audition rig along with a Carvin DCM1000 power amp. It's really warm and "tubey".

Paul
 
#11
I run an Ashly SC-40 preamp purchased new in 1982. While some may have had a different experience with this little gem, mine is dead quiet and adds/subtracts little or nothing of it's own. Stone reliable, as well. I also just purchased a brand new Demeter HBP-1J earlier this month. Haven't gigged with it yet...been tinkering with it at home. I understand why folks have been raving about the Demeter. "What are you waiting for, Dude?" you may be asking. I'll get around to bringing it out on a gig, eventually. Hey, what's the hurry? If your rig ain't broke...;)

Did I hear someone say, "No pics, no new preamp?" My reply is...:p:spit::p:spit:

M. M.
 
#12
Since I got my Bergantino IP112/HT112 rig a couple years ago, I've been on the "quest for the perfect preamp". So far I have tried:

Phil Jones Bass Buddy
Alembic F1X
Sansamp RBI
Yamaha PB-1
Ampeg SVPCL

I still have all of them except the Alembic, and my current favorite is the Phil Jones..........however, I just got the Ampeg yesterday, and literally have not yet plugged it in, so we'll see how that works out tonight. :bassist:

And........I'm still lookin' for more!
 
#15
I really like my old Peavey TB Raxx pre. It's got an active tone control section, and a passive one (like the original Fender pre-amps), a pair of 12AX7's, a single rack space, and it sounds very nice. If I hadn't discovered the Eden WT-400 in 1997, I'd probably be using it all the time. Only reason I don't take it to gigs is because between the rack, the power strip, and the amp (QSC PLX-1202) it wasn't worth the weight (the Eden weighs less than 20 pounds).

jte
 
#16
Sometimes I run a demeter vtbp-201 into a crest ca-9 put through (2) ampeg 1510E's with upgraded speakers. Clean headroom punch for days. Only other one that I've had and liked as much was an old swr interstellar overdrive which someone mentioned above.
I had a sound guy at the Whiskey drooling with this rig before the better speakers years ago and they get everything going through that place.
 
#17
I'm currently using -- and really liking -- my Alembic F1X. Other pres that I still own include:

SWR IOD
BBE BMax-T
Presonus Eureka

All these have lots of good sounds when used in the right situation.

I also have a custom tube pre that I built a few years ago and I'm currently testing a SS pre based on the same general principles as the Alembic SF-2. Neither of these are currently in rack-mount packages, though :-)
 
#19
mimaz said:
Since I got my Bergantino IP112/HT112 rig a couple years ago, I've been on the "quest for the perfect preamp". So far I have tried:

Phil Jones Bass Buddy
Alembic F1X
Sansamp RBI
Yamaha PB-1
Ampeg SVPCL

I still have all of them except the Alembic, and my current favorite is the Phil Jones..........however, I just got the Ampeg yesterday, and literally have not yet plugged it in, so we'll see how that works out tonight. :bassist:

And........I'm still lookin' for more!
Click to expand...

Like Mimaz, I have an IP rig (IP/EX 112, in my case) and have tried a few preamps. I always come back to the PJB Bass Buddy, and that's what I'm running currently. Here's the list:

PJB Bass Buddy
UA LA-610
Summit TD-100/ TLA-50
Avalon U5 (really a DI but can be used as a pre)
ART Pro Channel
 

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