I’m using an Ampeg Rocket 1x12 and run my pedals through the effects loop. The preamp in the Ampeg is very capable, basically a SGT-DI. Why would I need a preamp pedal? Seems redundant.
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Why do I need a pedal preamp?
- Thread starter StrivingOn
- Start date
Just if you preferred running to FOH through a pedal DI vs amp. Or, if you wanted a different color to your preamp.
In your particular case, I would get a preamp if you want a distortion or amp sound your Rocket isn't capable of, or you need a DI. Otherwise, keep going with what you have.
Like a lotta things in life: You aint gotta do it if'n you don't want to. Parzival pretty much summed it up, though.
I have a foot switch for the SGT effect which is a nice add-on. The amp has DI out so I don’t need another. I had a Genzler Magellan 350 (now for sale in the Classifieds) with a more robust pedalboard that had two Darkglass preamp/tone shapers and I ran the amp pretty much flat. That was cool but I decided to downsize with the Ampeg and am kind of digging the simplicity and less choices without an additional preamp. I may discover a preamp pedal that provides a really significant contrast to the Ampeg tones, who knows?
To spend money on bass gear.
Who told you that you need a preamp? You don't.
I had the same journey: after using several external preamp, I decided to simplify my setup and buy an amp that has an internal preamp that I like, and a DI out (different than yours, but same goal of simplification).
You're not alone. You don't need a preamp. End of thread.
You may not need an additional preamp pedal as what you have sounds good and is capable. For recording, practicing or going ampless having a preamp pedal is more essential.
I have a selection of preamp pedals because I need to capture different tones depending on my mood or the needs of the song or mix I am working with and for live I like having the consistency between recorded and live tones as I most often am playing through a monitor instead of a bass amp.
I have a selection of preamp pedals because I need to capture different tones depending on my mood or the needs of the song or mix I am working with and for live I like having the consistency between recorded and live tones as I most often am playing through a monitor instead of a bass amp.
Why DON'T you need a preamp pedal ?
Now that you have thought about it and asked the silly question you will slowly be consumed by the itchy feeling that you just want to try one preamp pedal once, or maybe just twice, to see what all the fuzz is about.
Maybe you just didn't get the right one the first 2 times so you end up getting a third one with a fuzz pedal as well (since I mentioned fuzz above) because that might be the magic tone you really really want.
........sweet dreams tonight, they might have fuzz pedals and preamp pedals floating around in them.
You magnificent bastard....slow clap
The existential aspects to my question seem to be be going in obverse directions at the same time. Good food for thought though from all, thanks. I guess I'll explore external preamps if my Ampeg starts to come up short for the tones I like. There's a lot of amazing bass preamps to choose from. Tempting to buy one just cuz'.
You don't... unless you do those lame ampless casino gigs like me in which case I use a ampeg di pedal but any di pedal will do.
You don't "need" one at all with your current approach. But if you start doing gigs where you need to use a backline bass amp (or no amp like Coy says) and you want control over what you're sending to FOH (beyond just bass>DI), then you'll want some tone shaping before the DI.
And while many backline amps will have a DI out, it may not be something you're familiar with. Maybe it sucks, or is only post-EQ or some other reason why using a separate DI is better.
99.9% of my gigs use backline--I never know what the amp is gonna be, and I don't care. Personally I always go passive bass>pre>DI>FOH so I know exactly what I'm sending them - I'm covered.
And while many backline amps will have a DI out, it may not be something you're familiar with. Maybe it sucks, or is only post-EQ or some other reason why using a separate DI is better.
99.9% of my gigs use backline--I never know what the amp is gonna be, and I don't care. Personally I always go passive bass>pre>DI>FOH so I know exactly what I'm sending them - I'm covered.
If for whatever reason (*knock on wood*) that your amp ever were to fail you, trust me--having a preamp/DI pedal is a life saver. It's happened to me once, and I never made that mistake again (doing a gig without a DI pedal).
you don’t need it if you don’t miss it…
I use a VT bass pedal on my pedal board. I have it set for a completely different tone from what I am getting from my amp. When I want that tone for certain songs I step on the pedal.
