True. I ordered the Muir Silicon Steel drive for precisely that reason.
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Why do I need a pedal preamp?
- Thread starter StrivingOn
- Start date
hasbeen
Commercial User
- Sep 23, 2004
- 4,808
- 2,679
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- Executive Vice President, The Adam Hall Group
Or another amp. And amp works great as a backup amp, surprisingly enough.
The di in cheap amps are really good now so there is no point unless you just want different sounds or go ampless. 20 years ago most combo di were buzzy af.
Also let the record show that, although I started playing bass in my band in 1993-1994, I did not own or use a pedal preamp/DI before December 2017. The AD-2 and BB-1X both have balanced TRS line level DI outputs. You can buy a right angle 1/4" TRS to XLRM pigtail from any number of cable assembly vendors.
Prior to that point, all gigs and recordings were made using my Countryman Type 85 and/or the DI output of whatever amp or rackmount preamp I was using at the time.
Now, I own a bunch of different pedals that can qualify as preamps, though not all of them have DIs built-in, but again, my Countryman Type 85 goes everywhere with me, anyway.
The world changes, and we change with it, or we don't. It's your journey, your decision.
Prior to that point, all gigs and recordings were made using my Countryman Type 85 and/or the DI output of whatever amp or rackmount preamp I was using at the time.
Now, I own a bunch of different pedals that can qualify as preamps, though not all of them have DIs built-in, but again, my Countryman Type 85 goes everywhere with me, anyway.
The world changes, and we change with it, or we don't. It's your journey, your decision.
I wouldn't go as far as to say that your Rocket Bass is basically like an SGT-DI, because it very much isn't. The SGT-DI has a basic compressor, adjustable mid frequency, a full blown cab emulation, and a voicing switch. It's also very small and can be used independent of a speaker and a power amp. Those are the reasons someone might want to get an SGT-DI over a Rocket Bass. Some preamp pedals might have less, or more features. Make your choice depending on that. If none of that is interesting to you, then YOU specifically don't need one in your current situation.
Also you can use a preamp pedal to change the tone of your amp, but that has already been mentioned plenty here I think...
Also you can use a preamp pedal to change the tone of your amp, but that has already been mentioned plenty here I think...
Been going straight out of my amp my entire life, until this last year when I started sending the Jad freer capo to the front of house
Every sound guy I work with is so much happier with me now. There are a lot of guys on talkbass that could explain why that is, better than me, but I just know my tone is better in the house when sending them a signal from my preamp/DI
Every sound guy I work with is so much happier with me now. There are a lot of guys on talkbass that could explain why that is, better than me, but I just know my tone is better in the house when sending them a signal from my preamp/DI
D
Of course you don't need a preamp. You've already got one in your amp. I've personally never been a fan of running preamps into preamps. Or worse, running preamps with speaker sims into a real amp+cab. Using a cab sim into a cab is a recipe for poor tone IMO.
Of course, an external preamp with an XLR output could be used as a backup if you amp breaks down during a gig. But so can a simple DI box, which most venues provide. And how often does an amp actually break down on stage? I've only ever experienced this with poorly maintained house/rental backline, NEVER with my own amps. Of course it might happen, but I can easily finish that one gig with only a DI.
If you use an ampless setup, or don't mic the amp, and want a simulated amp tone it's a different matter of course. Personally I've never been a fan of "amp-in-box" pedals, but I guess part of the reason is that most of them simulate the tone of an Ampeg with an 810 cab and I can't stand the tone of Ampeg's 810 cabs.
But if you use an ampless setup with a preamp pedal you'll still have the same problem: No backup if your preamp pedal breaks down. In fact, it will probably be a bigger risk as you most likely won't be running a DI box to FOH, like you nearly always would when using a mic'ed amp.
But by all means, do whatever you feel is necessary to get the tone YOU want.
Of course, an external preamp with an XLR output could be used as a backup if you amp breaks down during a gig. But so can a simple DI box, which most venues provide. And how often does an amp actually break down on stage? I've only ever experienced this with poorly maintained house/rental backline, NEVER with my own amps. Of course it might happen, but I can easily finish that one gig with only a DI.
If you use an ampless setup, or don't mic the amp, and want a simulated amp tone it's a different matter of course. Personally I've never been a fan of "amp-in-box" pedals, but I guess part of the reason is that most of them simulate the tone of an Ampeg with an 810 cab and I can't stand the tone of Ampeg's 810 cabs.
But if you use an ampless setup with a preamp pedal you'll still have the same problem: No backup if your preamp pedal breaks down. In fact, it will probably be a bigger risk as you most likely won't be running a DI box to FOH, like you nearly always would when using a mic'ed amp.
But by all means, do whatever you feel is necessary to get the tone YOU want.
Last edited:
deepestend
Commercial User
- Feb 21, 2003
- 6,249
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- Website and Social Media at Sadowsky
If the preamp sounds good to you, no need for a pedal preamp.
I have mine as last in chain and plug it into my amp's loop in as a way to have a consistent sound no matter where I'm playing.
I have mine as last in chain and plug it into my amp's loop in as a way to have a consistent sound no matter where I'm playing.
edwinhurwitz
Supporting Member
You don't need one, but they are useful in so many situations - back up for your amp, DI for FOH, extra tone shaping, recording etc. Saying that, I don't use one live. I like to keep my rig simple too
Wow this thread kind of blew up, though not surprising when we all get to express our opinions! To add another layer of complexity or redundancy, depending, I’m shopping for internal preamps for my P Bass. With a preamp added then I would definitely think I don’t need a preamp pedal—preamp into preamp into preamp—hubba!
Not a preamp per se but I do like the looks of the Genzler 4 on the Floor.
Not a preamp per se but I do like the looks of the Genzler 4 on the Floor.
edwinhurwitz
Supporting Member
I just got a Genzler 4 on the floor and so far it seems great. I haven't brought it to a gig yet, but it's much more than an overdrive.
Most people get pedals for the same reason people put fancy wheels on their car, or pinstripes or a wing on the back.
You don't need them but it is nice to have and play with, most people have hobbies where you buy stuff just because you enjoy doing it but you absolutely do not need it.
It starts early with stamp collections, barbie dolls, Matchbox cars etc.
Why do you have to need something to buy it ?
Just buy what gives you pleasure.
You don't need them but it is nice to have and play with, most people have hobbies where you buy stuff just because you enjoy doing it but you absolutely do not need it.
It starts early with stamp collections, barbie dolls, Matchbox cars etc.
Why do you have to need something to buy it ?
Just buy what gives you pleasure.
