Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Zoom B3 As Preamp Part 2
- Thread starter David Wilson
- Start date
^^^
A popular choice for the premium, cutting edge cabinets (e.g. Thunderchild + fEarless) seems to be the powerful micro-heads.
I have recently seen special trays being sold on the Internet that gravity-mount one's micro-head on tilted-back fEarless cabs when used as a wedge.
A popular choice for the premium, cutting edge cabinets (e.g. Thunderchild + fEarless) seems to be the powerful micro-heads.
I have recently seen special trays being sold on the Internet that gravity-mount one's micro-head on tilted-back fEarless cabs when used as a wedge.
SemiDriven, I made the jump to EV ELX15p about 8 months ago. I will never go back to a traditional bass rig. I can carry all my gear in one trip and I love matching the FOH tone. The reasons I went with Powered Pa over HiFi Bass cab were:
-Costs
(If it didn't work out, would be no problem selling to any musician or live sound guy)
-Flexibility
(Besides being a great bass monitor, it doubles as an extra PA for house parties, speaking engagements, my 9!year olds Karaoke habit)
-Portability.
(As Mentioned prior)
-Matching the tone of the FOH
At the end of the day, it's a personal decision. But, I'm glad I made the one I made. Good luck.
-Costs
(If it didn't work out, would be no problem selling to any musician or live sound guy)
-Flexibility
(Besides being a great bass monitor, it doubles as an extra PA for house parties, speaking engagements, my 9!year olds Karaoke habit)
-Portability.
(As Mentioned prior)
-Matching the tone of the FOH
At the end of the day, it's a personal decision. But, I'm glad I made the one I made. Good luck.
I believe I saw one of those trays recently either on TB or ??. Nice option to have for those Class D micros heads!
Whoo-hoo! Someone who has made the jump with no safety net!
Thanks for sharing!As you say it is a personal decision. I'm waffling all over the map on this decision. I've nearly reached the point of just getting a PA speaker and then have a rummage sale every other week to start saving for a HiFi Bass Cab & Amp. Of course if I really like the PA speaker, then proceeds from the rummage sales would go towards a fretless fiver.
If I go the PA route, I'll probably opt for the ZLX-12P.
Any particular reason you went with the ELX-15P as opposed to the ELX-12P? (besides more bass!) As an aside, it seems the ELX line has a bit more range than the ZLX line. And a bit more heft (wood vs composite material).
Any "hold your breath" moments as far as the unit being bumped/dropped, etc.? I'm guessing it's put together fairly well and I don't have to worry too much about it being schlepped around.
Are you using 1 or 2? I think I can remember reading when you were thinking about going this road that you were getting 2?
I only have the 1 K12. It is plenty for most shows. It still doesn't stop me from hauling out the NV412 or Eden rig at times. I have 3 x Yamaha MSR400 boxes as part of my PA system and did set 2 up with the B3 to see how it went...How all the Wine glasses in the kitchen cupboards survived is still a mystery.
With the recent purchase of a Mono M80 Dual bass case, and using the the K12 & an IEM rig I reckon I could do the haul from the car in one trip now. That's a good thing...
I do have a pair, but I've never used them for bass guitar. I only used them for Amateur Djing. I guess the only reason I went with 15s is.... I still like to feel the rumble of the bass. The 12 would be fine, but for an extra 6 or 8lbs, I wanted the 15.
Also I did have a safety net, I kept my traditiional rig for a few months before I decided to sell it. But this is my only rig now. After 15 or so shows, I'm still very happy with it.
Also I did have a safety net, I kept my traditiional rig for a few months before I decided to sell it. But this is my only rig now. After 15 or so shows, I'm still very happy with it.
When I go for rehearsals at a friend house, he's having a Yorkville NX55P 12" powered speaker and a matching sub. I go to a bass tube preamp (Peavey Alphabass) direct to mixer. Honestly I don't miss my bass amp at all. I'm looking for a B3 only to add more flavor to my tones (GK,SVT,Eden, etc.), but direct to such a setup is the future, if not the present...
In the last decades, bass amps were created to practice at home and because PA could only manage vocals and acoustic instruments. PA has gone a long way in term of sound/portability/affordability in the last 5 years and with a sub it's equal/superior to bass amps. We will have to face it, but having a B3 (or VT bass and the likes) and a powered PA speaker is way more versatile and convenient than a bass amp.
I'm having so much fun going out play music when I only have to put a bass and a preamp in a gig bag and be ready in 5 minutes. Same thing when I go out and take my Eleven Rack to play guitar.
It looks like an EV ZLX12P is on it's way
In the last decades, bass amps were created to practice at home and because PA could only manage vocals and acoustic instruments. PA has gone a long way in term of sound/portability/affordability in the last 5 years and with a sub it's equal/superior to bass amps. We will have to face it, but having a B3 (or VT bass and the likes) and a powered PA speaker is way more versatile and convenient than a bass amp.
I'm having so much fun going out play music when I only have to put a bass and a preamp in a gig bag and be ready in 5 minutes. Same thing when I go out and take my Eleven Rack to play guitar.
It looks like an EV ZLX12P is on it's way
I agree with the whole modeler/preamp into full range PA speaker cabinets method for bass. I splurged on a pair of Atomic Amplifiers CLR powered wedges (http://www.atomicamps.com/products.htm) which were designed as a truly flat response speaker with wide dispersion. Since they were designed with giving you exactly the sound you put into them (i.e. flat response), they are absolutely stellar sounding for guitar modeling, small PA, stage monitoring, and my primary use as a bass amp stage rig. They are so accurate, some owners use them as large studio reference monitors. They are made in USA and cost about $100 more than the K12 or some of the better pro-sumer powered PA cabinets.
For some situations, I've also got a powered Mackie 12" subwoofer to move some air, but for most shows, one or two of these powered CLR wedges does the trick.
I've been fully on board with full range cabinets for bass going back about 5 years now, and I don't regret the decision at all. Smaller, lighter, easier to move, modular, and sounds excellent IMHO. What's even better is that I can cover the tonal demands of a wide variety of gigs with the same bass rig. This is a huge bonus because I gig everything from quiet coffee house acoustic gigs to full on 500+ capacity hard rock/metal shows with full blown stage production. Whereas I used to haul a full SVT + 8x10 rig for big shows, and then punt with a small combo for small shows, I now only need to decide whether I bring one or two CLR cabinets. For really small duo gigs I don't use a stage amp and just run into the PA, set up slightly behind the vocal line so that instruments and vocals can both be heard, essentially monitoring the whole mix. Works great!
For some situations, I've also got a powered Mackie 12" subwoofer to move some air, but for most shows, one or two of these powered CLR wedges does the trick.
I've been fully on board with full range cabinets for bass going back about 5 years now, and I don't regret the decision at all. Smaller, lighter, easier to move, modular, and sounds excellent IMHO. What's even better is that I can cover the tonal demands of a wide variety of gigs with the same bass rig. This is a huge bonus because I gig everything from quiet coffee house acoustic gigs to full on 500+ capacity hard rock/metal shows with full blown stage production. Whereas I used to haul a full SVT + 8x10 rig for big shows, and then punt with a small combo for small shows, I now only need to decide whether I bring one or two CLR cabinets. For really small duo gigs I don't use a stage amp and just run into the PA, set up slightly behind the vocal line so that instruments and vocals can both be heard, essentially monitoring the whole mix. Works great!
Does anyone have experience using studio monitors for practice rig/acoustic/coffee house situations? I love my Acoustic Image & fEarful rig but I don't really use it since I'm not currently in a band. I keep looking at the KRK 8.
Another contender!
Dig the kickback angle on the Atomic wedge!That's really amazing!
This might have been covered already, but bypassing the amps preamp.
Does this mean you plug your bass into the B3 which is then plugged into the FX return of the amp?
If so what is the purpose/benefit of this (other then if you are using powered speakers)?
(I do realise the thread is 'using the B3 as a preamp')
I've followed this thread for quite sometime now but never actually thought about this, as I always use it before the amp, plugged into the amps input.
However now I'm in the position where my bands are starting to consider booking gigs, so I'm trying to discover the best ways to go about this.
Scenario 1, Amp-less.
I recently moved to Paris from England, my amp is still in the UK, so I am currently amp-less.
My first idea would be to run the B3 with amp sims on to the FOH and use the monitors/house amp for stage sound only, so I know I'll have a consistent sound at different venues.
So I am curious what experiences other bassist in Paris/France have had gig wise. Are amps usually provided or if anybody else gets by with just a B3?
Scenario number 2, I have my amp.
Sorry final question. My amp has a pre EQ DI (Laney RB8) but a post EQ FX send/return (or so I believe from the circuit diagram). So if I plugged by bass into the amp input and the B3 into the FX send/return, using the DI on the B3 then I could use both the amps preamp (EQ, compressor, etc) and the B3 (effects, amp sims, etc) together? Or would this be ill advised?
Sorry for the long post, or if this has all already been asked.
Does this mean you plug your bass into the B3 which is then plugged into the FX return of the amp?
If so what is the purpose/benefit of this (other then if you are using powered speakers)?
(I do realise the thread is 'using the B3 as a preamp')
I've followed this thread for quite sometime now but never actually thought about this, as I always use it before the amp, plugged into the amps input.
However now I'm in the position where my bands are starting to consider booking gigs, so I'm trying to discover the best ways to go about this.
Scenario 1, Amp-less.
I recently moved to Paris from England, my amp is still in the UK, so I am currently amp-less.
My first idea would be to run the B3 with amp sims on to the FOH and use the monitors/house amp for stage sound only, so I know I'll have a consistent sound at different venues.
So I am curious what experiences other bassist in Paris/France have had gig wise. Are amps usually provided or if anybody else gets by with just a B3?
Scenario number 2, I have my amp.
Sorry final question. My amp has a pre EQ DI (Laney RB8) but a post EQ FX send/return (or so I believe from the circuit diagram). So if I plugged by bass into the amp input and the B3 into the FX send/return, using the DI on the B3 then I could use both the amps preamp (EQ, compressor, etc) and the B3 (effects, amp sims, etc) together? Or would this be ill advised?
Sorry for the long post, or if this has all already been asked.
Another contender!
"Whereas I used to haul a full SVT + 8x10 rig for big shows, and then punt with a small combo for small shows, I now only need to decide whether I bring one or two CLR cabinets."
That's really amazing!
Just to be clear, in no way is one or two CLR active wedges anywhere near the equivalent of an SVT 8x10 cabinet in terms of sheer volume, boom and girth of the sound. (I get close with 2xCLR + Mackie powered subwoofer, though.) What I do get currently, though, is the SOUND of the SVT rig, but without the loading/unloading hassles and volume issues associated with the SVT head/cab. I'm at an age where lugging big gear has lost its appeal, and I prefer smaller, lighter weight, high performance gear instead. I also don't need to fight with bandmates and FOH mixers popping my balloon, telling me I'm too loud coming off the stage. The CLR wedges allow me to place them so I hear can hear them without necessarily offending anyone else's sonic space on stage. If they want to hear more bass, they can ask for it via the monitor system. FOH does the heavy lifting for the room. Knowing that my tone sounds good and is accurate in my FRFR stage speaker system, I can confidently know that it will sound as I want out front direct out of the B-3 or my AxeFx - preamp, speaker sims, and effects; the whole nine yards.
Trust me: I love my SVT 8x10 cabinet and there's nothing else like it. I just got tired of moving it, and it wasn't appropriate for 80% of the gigs I've been doing over the last few years. I do still use it in rehearsals a lot, though, so that's where I get my bass hero chub.
Clear here. To get "your sound" (SVT or otherwise) via PA speakers is very cool! And the bonus is that what you hear on stage is what others hear off stage. Less mixing hassle, less heavy lifting...it's all good!
Got a used EV ZLX-12P heading my way via eBay.
Looking forward to how this will interact with the B3!
From what I’ve read, I’ll need to get a cover/case for transport protection.
EV owners: is the EV cover adequate? Heard it’s a tad tight to get on/off.
Looking forward to how this will interact with the B3!
From what I’ve read, I’ll need to get a cover/case for transport protection.
EV owners: is the EV cover adequate? Heard it’s a tad tight to get on/off.
Has anyone done any direct comparisons between the DI out on the B3 vs running the 1/4 out thru a JDI for instance? Just wondering how it stacks up vs a high end DI?
The EV ZLX-12P has arrived!
Not bad. Could only mess around at low volume* but the sound I hear through the B3 via headphones translates well going through the ZLX-12P. It’s a bit crispier and livelier which is what I expected.
The ZLX-12P revealed that my E-string has a minor buzz to it. Didn’t notice that before. I call that an added plus (able to hear everything!). Course now I need to address that.
I’m looking forward to trying the ZLX-12P out in a live setting.
* Had the input volume at straight up noon, master volume at 0 db, treble & bass at 0 db, and found that the “club” mode had a more bass oomph to it than the “live” or “music” mode. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if I stick to the “live” mode for a live situation.
Not bad. Could only mess around at low volume* but the sound I hear through the B3 via headphones translates well going through the ZLX-12P. It’s a bit crispier and livelier which is what I expected.
The ZLX-12P revealed that my E-string has a minor buzz to it. Didn’t notice that before. I call that an added plus (able to hear everything!). Course now I need to address that.
I’m looking forward to trying the ZLX-12P out in a live setting.
* Had the input volume at straight up noon, master volume at 0 db, treble & bass at 0 db, and found that the “club” mode had a more bass oomph to it than the “live” or “music” mode. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if I stick to the “live” mode for a live situation.
Last edited:
Congrats on your purcharge,well done!!!!
In my tests the 12p sounds very good when is on ground and with the "monitor/music" EQ selected.Very good bass response and tight.In other eq settings i thing the bass area is more foggy.
Last edited:
In my book the b3 Di is a very good one.I don't make any comparison except with my Ampeg amp Di,and i found that the Di of B3 is very hot one,silent and transparent,in post(with no effect on) and pre mode.
