I did a search but didn't find what I was looking for. Maybe I'm using the wrong key words.
Anyway, of of my friends uses a Sansamp BDDI into a powered QSC K10.2 for his bass rig. I Have a QSC K10.2, so I would just need a preamp. I'd like to consider what my options are.
For those of you using a preamp into a powered cabinet, what is your setup?
I play a Ken Smith 5 string BSR if that matters. Low volume gigs, I need to cover everything from jazz to classic country.
Thanks.
I'd suggest you take a look at the Eden WTDI. I've owned one for many years now. When I bought it, it was $149. Best $149 for Bass gear I ever spent. It's a DI pedal with built in Eden WT preamp. I use DNA and Eden gear and their hallmark is clean, clear, warm, and articulate amplification with exceedingly low THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). I originally bought it because I was required to use a Peavey 112 combo at a small brewpub where we played almost every Friday (hosted Open Mic Night events). Just couldn't get a sound I liked out of it and they wouldn't let me bring in my DNS-410 cab.
So I bought the WTDI and plugged it into the effects-in/return of that little Peavey amp and suddenly it sounded just like I was playing one of my Eden or DNA rigs! That's because plugging the WTDI into the effects-return/in of virtually any amp will bypass that amp's preamp and send the signal from my DI pedal with preamp directly to the power section. This is basically the same thing you are talking about doing with a powered PA speaker.
It works great and I've made all kinds of amps such as Ampeg, acoustic, GK, Markbass, Peavey, Fender, etc. I don't even mess with trying to dial in an amp in the backline anymore. I just plug in my bass through my wireless to my WTDI and my WTDI into the effects-return of the amp. I already know what settings sound good with my '82 Jazz through it, so I don't waste time trying to figure out how to make a backline sound good...easy-peasy!
It also records beautifully. Was told I needed to go direct to the board at a Pro studio in Seattle in 2019 because they were getting too much bleed over between the bass and drums. So I plugged in my WTDI, plugged it into their wall jack, and played the 3-hr. session with it. At the end of the session both the sound engineer and the owner of the studio came out to see what I was using because it sounded so good they hadn't made any EQ changes or compression at all on the raw tape. I actually just run it flat with the mids toggled to the 500Hz position and boosted to 1:30 or so. I don't engage the adjustable compressor or the Enhance (shape) control with my passive Jazz Bass. Only weighs about a pound, so I always carry it in my gig-bag.
