Preamp/DI pedals do we really need them?

Z3r0_G

Z3r0_G

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well, after all at gigs we usually have good rigs that are capable of doing what the pedals can do. eq/shape/tube function.

also, all the manuals recommend us connecting to the amp via the parallel out. what's the whole point when we need to hear what sound we want to adjust to? in that case? what is the output usually for? i usually connect to my amp thru my output.

i'm just trying to justify my need for an EBS microbass II. heh. would appreciate insight into this! thanks loads guys!
 
I didn't "get the deal" with preamp/DI pedals for awhile either. I remember thinking, "Why would I need another EQ?" I can't really speak to the EBS because I haven't tried that one. But what I can tell you is that using a "bass driver" can make a world of difference to your sound. I use an MXR M-80 Bass DI+, and love it. While active onboard EQ's (on your bass) do a lot to shape tone, they don't seem to push a big enough signal - and that's where the bass driver kicks in. Mine also has a second channel for distortion that's equally good. I'd recommend trying them out, you may wonder how you ever when without it. And if your head goes down at a show, you can run straight from the pedal. It's awesome in the studio also...
 
Haven't had my DI for long but I love what it can add to my tone...
 
so do you all connect to the amp via the output or the parallel out?
 
Well, you guys are really lucky to have good rigs at your gigs :)
It's very different here. In my city there are many stages with good amps, but it is totally different in another cities and towns of my country. There's often a PA option for bass only! And it's very difficult to travel with your own rig. Thus a good preamp/DI is a must. I use a sansamp copy made by my younger brother. It's tonewise-upgraded and very rigid. Bulletproof to be honest :) I'm also looking for MicroBass II. So if someone will sell one due to it's useless - welcome with your offers :)
 
I carry one around with me. You never know if you need it, maybe your rig will explode or catch fire or be stolen :|

Never can be too sure!
 
Z3r0_G said:
also, all the manuals recommend us connecting to the amp via the parallel out. what's the whole point when we need to hear what sound we want to adjust to?
i'm just trying to justify my need for an EBS microbass II. heh. would appreciate insight into this! thanks loads guys!
Click to expand...
Sometimes, the settings for a good sound in front are not the same with the settings for you to feel good on the stage. For example if you use a combo, it is possible that you need more bass on the stage, but that would be too much for the front.
About Sans Amp, or Microbass... It depends what amps/pre are you using. For example if you use a Tubepath, Xtreme or the almighty JH preamp, then the Sans Amp will make your sound worse, so it is more than useless...
However, you can use them for distortion for some songs. Linked in the tubepath's FX loop, with blend 50%, you can have a very nice distorted sound, but with all the lows, and treble and dynamics .
 
Yeah, I think if you need a DI/preamp to make your amp sound good enough to you, maybe you need a different amp...
 
NeonVomit said:
Yeah, I think if you need a DI/preamp to make your amp sound good enough to you, maybe you need a different amp...
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My amp sounds great alone. I got mine to shape my tone when needed...
 
jay said:
NeonVomit said:
Yeah, I think if you need a DI/preamp to make your amp sound good enough to you, maybe you need a different amp...
Click to expand...

My amp sounds great alone. I got mine to shape my tone when needed...
Click to expand...

Well that's another reason to use a DI pedal.
 
NeonVomit said:
Yeah, I think if you need a DI/preamp to make your amp sound good enough to you, maybe you need a different amp...
Click to expand...

That was certainly how the SansAmp gained its fame, the idea of making your "not so great" amp sound better. But that's just not the case anymore. I'm a progressive/hard rock guy, and every pro I'm influenced by uses some sort of bass driver - and they run the absolute top of the line gear...
 
My Mark Bass doesn't do pleasing "valve-style" warmth or overdriven filth, my EBS microbass does (so does sansamp, MXR etc), plus you get a top quality DI box.

If I got a Tubepath, I'd probably retire the EBS (I'd still keep it, though, for emergencies)
 
I have run through di boxes and used the di on my x-treme. I still say the best sound I have ever had through a pa was when my amp was mic'd. I have achieved a sound that cuts through, and supports the bands sound, so I don't want a sound guy telling me where to stick my pricey rig and use his thoroughly awful box. When I get some more cash I think I will buy a decent mic to carry around with me, and bash the sound man on the head till he agrees thats what I'll be using.

It makes me MAD :evil:
 
Mr Bassman Sax said:
I have run through di boxes and used the di on my x-treme. I still say the best sound I have ever had through a pa was when my amp was mic'd. I have achieved a sound that cuts through, and supports the bands sound, so I don't want a sound guy telling me where to stick my pricey rig and use his thoroughly awful box. When I get some more cash I think I will buy a decent mic to carry around with me, and bash the sound man on the head till he agrees thats what I'll be using.

It makes me MAD :evil:
Click to expand...

My sound guy used to take a DI out from my V-type (all Valve) head, and he would also mic my cabinet.

Then, he would pan each signal hard left and hard right through the PA... so the DI sound came from the left side and the mic sound came from the right...

The final mix front-of-house was one of the best I have heard.

Lex
 
I have a DI somewhere, may be in Canada for all I know. Not played a gig in over dacade, and wouldn't do it again. But I got the DI because that was the first thing you didn't have at a gig. I had times where the bass amp was facing the back wall, with a curtain thrown over it, with some crappy little mic on it, because the DI was either missing, or didn't work, so I got my own.
 
This is something Ive been looking to invest in.. A good DI box. I dont really need the extra Preamp.. Ive never found one that I really agree with. There just seems to be heaps of choice around for one too.

Lex, you have to remember Chris really is one of the best around. I love a good soundguy that is willing to experiment. He's another member of the band now hah.

The combos we've come up with is..
Bass into a DI as the main mix and then a DI from the amp to fullen it up.
Bass into a DI and a Mic in a 50/50 mix.
Mic'd cabs - Plenty of options on placement - and then take the DI from the amp.
10's we do right in the middle of 2 10s.
12's/15's speakers we do towards the side of the speaker and next to a port.

Its almost a studio type setup with the channels but it really does work well in a live situation. But that said, the band has been doing the same room with the same soundie for years.
 
so why is a good DI box still needed if most amp heads have DI outs? plus you can also still get a good gritty sound with tube amps isnt it?
 
I've used a Sansamp DI in the past and it was ok... It didn't do wonders to my sound like everyone said it would.

My setup right now is to my ears... perfect. And I dont see needing an eq pedal or di... My amp has di built in and I've used it at a few shows already everything works and sounds great.

So for myself... I dont see the need for one.
 
Z3r0_G said:
so why is a good DI box still needed if most amp heads have DI outs? plus you can also still get a good gritty sound with tube amps isnt it?
Click to expand...

I like the solid state sound, and I can get dirty without having a tube amp also. I don't always want the dirt or tube sound. Works well for me...
 
Dirt without having a tube amp... also works for me!

My Mark Bass doesn't do dirt. Has an incredible slap tone though, which is probably why Casey likes his "unadulterated"!
 
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