Post by Mark Robertson on Feb 11, 2013 15:06:42 GMT -5
I've been goofing around with a few preamps lately just based on recommendations from fellow bass players. Some are full amps, some are just pres, Let's break it down.
Genz Benz ShuttleMax- I've been using these amps for a few years and really like them, for the most part. I do a lot of doubling gigs, so I find the 2 channels very useful. You can also blend the two channels and have 4 bands of semi parametric eq. Lots of great filtering options. If I have a critique, I would say I've found the mids to be a little 'choked' sounding at times, especially with upright bass, but overall, for a doubling amp, it's tough to beat. I use a ShuttleMax 12.0 as a pre with my QSC GX7, and a ShuttleMax 9.2 as a standalone amp.
ART Pro Channel 2-One of the more underrated pres for bass that I can think of. Got mine brand new for $229 shipped on eBay. It's intended purpose is a studio 'channel strip' style pre, but many bassists have been putting them in their live rig. Pros are that it's very clean, has variable impedance on the mic input, good eq and a very nice compressor. Full featured and dirt cheap! At low to medium volume, I've never had a more open, natural upright bass tone from a pre. I found it problematic on some higher volume gigs...keeping feedback at bay on an upright can be quite a battle, but with some tweaking, it's a beauty!
I don't think I'll be touring this pre. Since it's a studio pre, I question whether it could take the abuse of touring, but who knows...maybe I'll take a chance
Aguilar Tone Hammer Pre/DI- Another low cost shocker! Beautiful sounding pre with good clean and dirty options at the touch of a switch. Was very surprised how clean and open it is. I intend to try it as a recording pre very soon. If you have the FOH send you phantom power, you won't need to plug it in...bonus! I believe I paid around $220 and for electric bass, it was money well spent!
Later this week, I'll be giving the fDeck HPF a spin.
Feel free to post your own reviews as well!
Genz Benz ShuttleMax- I've been using these amps for a few years and really like them, for the most part. I do a lot of doubling gigs, so I find the 2 channels very useful. You can also blend the two channels and have 4 bands of semi parametric eq. Lots of great filtering options. If I have a critique, I would say I've found the mids to be a little 'choked' sounding at times, especially with upright bass, but overall, for a doubling amp, it's tough to beat. I use a ShuttleMax 12.0 as a pre with my QSC GX7, and a ShuttleMax 9.2 as a standalone amp.
ART Pro Channel 2-One of the more underrated pres for bass that I can think of. Got mine brand new for $229 shipped on eBay. It's intended purpose is a studio 'channel strip' style pre, but many bassists have been putting them in their live rig. Pros are that it's very clean, has variable impedance on the mic input, good eq and a very nice compressor. Full featured and dirt cheap! At low to medium volume, I've never had a more open, natural upright bass tone from a pre. I found it problematic on some higher volume gigs...keeping feedback at bay on an upright can be quite a battle, but with some tweaking, it's a beauty!
I don't think I'll be touring this pre. Since it's a studio pre, I question whether it could take the abuse of touring, but who knows...maybe I'll take a chance
Aguilar Tone Hammer Pre/DI- Another low cost shocker! Beautiful sounding pre with good clean and dirty options at the touch of a switch. Was very surprised how clean and open it is. I intend to try it as a recording pre very soon. If you have the FOH send you phantom power, you won't need to plug it in...bonus! I believe I paid around $220 and for electric bass, it was money well spent!
Later this week, I'll be giving the fDeck HPF a spin.
Feel free to post your own reviews as well!
