• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Which Preamp?

Which preamp should I buy?

  • Alembic F1-X

    Votes: 14 23.7%

  • Tech 21 Sansamp RBI

    Votes: 9 15.3%

  • Aguilar DB-659

    Votes: 9 15.3%

  • BBE Sound Bmax T

    Votes: 2 3.4%

  • Ashdown RPM-1

    Votes: 3 5.1%

  • Ampeg SVP-BSP

    Votes: 3 5.1%

  • Other (please mention)

    Votes: 19 32.2%
  • Total voters
    59
Unchain

Unchain

I've seen footage.
Jun 20, 2005
1,588
38
36
Tucson, AZ
#1
Hi all! I'm looking for a nice preamp to use intially with my Ashdown MAG 300 head, then later with a QSC RMX1450 power amp. I like to play funk metal, dub, punk and reggae. I like to slap a lot and use distortion. I like to have a little extra high end when I play harmonics. What are your opinions? Thanks!

EDIT: To further clarify, I only use distortion rarely, I like tones similar to Marcus and Matt Freeman and the basses I will be using are Fender P and J, and possibly a Modulus Quantum 6.
 
#4
The best sounding bass preamp and the most versatile is the BMAX-T. And they happen to have one down at Bass Northwest in mint condition, with footswitch, like new in the box. I think it is going to be re-listed tomorrow for only $299. This is the one with the tube in it. What an incredible deal. I don't work there, but I know the crew is great to deal with and it's a fun place to shop.
 
#5
tombowlus said:
Do you use distortion all the time, or some of the time? Are you hoping to get the distortion from the preamp, or from another unit?
Click to expand...
I use the distortion from my EH Big Muff Pi and Boss Superoverdrive. I use it maybe 10% of the time, so not usually. Distortion in the pre would be a + but not a neccesity. Thanks Tom, and sorry for not specifing that in my post.
 
#6
Unchain said:
I use the distortion from my EH Big Muff Pi and Boss Superoverdrive. I use it maybe 10% of the time, so not usually. Distortion in the pre would be a + but not a neccesity. Thanks Tom, and sorry for not specifing that in my post.
Click to expand...

Gotcha. So, what is your ideal clean sound? Do you like a thick, somewhat growly tone, a very neutral tone, or a more scooped tone with a hyped high end? Or something else?
 
#7
tombowlus said:
So, what is your ideal clean sound? Do you like a thick, somewhat growly tone, a very neutral tone, or a more scooped tone with a hyped high end? Or something else?
Click to expand...
I like to have the ability to have a slap sound similar to Marcus Miller, but the ability to dial in a punk sound like Matt Freeman.
 
#9
Unchain said:
I like to have the ability to have a slap sound similar to Marcus Miller, but the ability to dial in a punk sound like Matt Freeman.
Click to expand...

You could probably dial that in on either the F-1X (which might be easier to get a MM tone) or the DB 659 (which might be easier to get a Matt Freeman tone). I haven't tried an RPM-1 in person yet, but I have one on the way from Boogiebass! :D My suspicion is that this might be just the ticket, though. Dave Funk has one for sale in his used gear section. I was thinking about getting it, but then Boogie put his John Entwistle Signature model up for sale...

Two other preamps that are tonally very flexible are the Eden Navigator and the DB 680. You might consider either of those. I also have an old Hughes & Kettner Fortress bass preamp that can cover that range quite well, too (if you can find one).

I presume that you have alreday been to Invalid Link Removed.

Later, Tom.
 
#10
Yep I stopped at basstasters. Let me know when you get that RPM-1. My MAG300 manuel is also the RPM-1 manuel, but I'm certain it is far nicer. The Aguilar is tickling my fancy, but so are the Alembic and Ampeg. Looks to me like 4 A's: Aguilar, Alembic, Ampeg, Ashdown.
 
#15
Unchain said:
Yep I stopped at basstasters. Let me know when you get that RPM-1. My MAG300 manuel is also the RPM-1 manuel, but I'm certain it is far nicer. The Aguilar is tickling my fancy, but so are the Alembic and Ampeg. Looks to me like 4 A's: Aguilar, Alembic, Ampeg, Ashdown.
Click to expand...

Dave Funk has a Alembic for a good price on his used gear page.
 
#17
Unchain said:
Why the Avalon U5? Isn't this a generic mic pre? At half a rackspace, with no tone shaping options, why this over the rest? I've heard people ditching Ampegs and Edens for this, but why?
Click to expand...

Oh those youngsters. Sorry.

To answer you question I use an Eden WT-550 because I wanted a smaller rig. It sounds great, but if I still wanted to haul around a 4 space rack, I'd have an Avalon U5 and a power amp over anything else. If you ever get a chance to play through one, you'll know why.

I still miss mine.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back