Quilter Interbass Alternatives

[jimerson]

Thanks to TB, I've gotten interested in the quilter interbass. It has a nice collection of features and seems perfect for headphone or low volume playing. I wonder what else is out there, though, because I'm very new to this kind of DI or headphone amp apprach.

Other than going to sweetwater and searching "Bass DI", what other pedals should I compare against the interbass? If it helps, I am drawn to cleaner vintage-y bass tones. I'm not sure that I can point to a specific sound or reference that I'm after, but I really like Cake and early Elvis Costello. I've been told these bass tones are more mid-forward, so nothing too scooped, I guess?

Price: Up to ~$350. Any more would need heavy justification.

I have studio monitors and a mixer, but no cab. So I guess a balanced DI out and/or Headphones are a must.


Hopefully this hasn't been asked ad nauseam!

 

[gtirard]

Thanks to TB, I've gotten interested in the quilter interbass. It has a nice collection of features and seems perfect for headphone or low volume playing. I wonder what else is out there, though, because I'm very new to this kind of DI or headphone amp apprach.

Other than going to sweetwater and searching "Bass DI", what other pedals should I compare against the interbass? If it helps, I am drawn to cleaner vintage-y bass tones. I'm not sure that I can point to a specific sound or reference that I'm after, but I really like Cake and early Elvis Costello. I've been told these bass tones are more mid-forward, so nothing too scooped, I guess?

Price: Up to ~$350. Any more would need heavy justification.

I have studio monitors and a mixer, but no cab. So I guess a balanced DI out and/or Headphones are a must.


Hopefully this hasn't been asked ad nauseam!

The Interbass is a Swiss Army Knife: it combines in a small package features that are usually not present in small packages (either combined in bigger packages, or in separate packages).

What makes the Quilter Interbass unique AFAIK is the combination of preamp features and small amp in a tiny pedal shape package.
As soon as you remove one of these elements, you get an almost infinite list of possible alternatives.

Examples of alternatives if you remove one of its charasteristics:

• Same features with no size constraint: any amp
• Same size and features execept the you don't need the power section, just headphone out and line out (for example you can plug it in a combo): dozens of preamp pedals
• Same size, with power amp but more basic features: micro heads like the Trace Elliot ELF Basshead.

So basically if you want an alternative, you have to abandomn either the small size or the ability to plug the preamp directly to a cab, or some specific features.

By the way, the Interbass doesn't have a real DI out, it's a TRS line out, you have to use a TRS to XLR adaptor if you want to send a DI signal to the FOH.

Let's focus on the Trace Elliot ELF Basshead because it's very similar: compared the the Interbass, I believe it only lacks the FX loop and cab sim. And the controls are on the front instead of behing on the top. If you don't need FX loop or cab sim, then the Elf is a possible alternative.

In terms of tone, I believe any modern amp can let you get a mid forward tone like Bruce Thomas or Cake (I love them too by the way).

By comparison, I don't care for the Elf because of its ugly color, and more importantly I think the top facing knobs of the Quilter are much more usable that the front facing controls of the Elf.

The Elf has more power (200W compared to the 45W of the Interbass), but:
1. 45W is louder than you think, it's more than enough for home practice, and probably enough for small reheasals
2. When I need more than 45W I don't need an amp to be so tiny

I'm also debating buying the Interbass - I don't really need it because I've already have several amps, but I've read several Talbass comments that say it sounds incredibly good, specifically with a great tube feel when you push the gain. When the the Interbass came out, I thought it had the same tone (preamp section) as the Quilter Bass Block 800 that I already have and love, so I didn't buy it. But I saw that some TB members use it as an external preamp for the BB800 because of that cool tube emulation associated to the gain knob, that the BB800 lacks.

So I would prefer the Interbass over the Elf even if I don't need the cab sim and the FX loop.

Last, if you don't really need the 45W because you will meanly use it with headphones of the line out, then you have an incredible number of alternatives, so many preamps available for bass guitar nowadays, you will enter a huge rabbit whole.

Sorry for the very long answer - I didn't want to write such a novel initially, but I found out that your question was very interesting actually.

 

[lomo]

The only thing I will add is that the tone of the Interbass is exceptionally satisfying!

 

[jimerson]

The Interbass is a Swiss Army Knife: it combines in a small package features that are usually not present in small packages (either combined in bigger packages, or in separate packages).

What makes the Quilter Interbass unique AFAIK is the combination of preamp features and small amp in a tiny pedal shape package.
As soon as you remove one of these elements, you get an almost infinite list of possible alternatives.

Examples of alternatives if you remove one of its charasteristics:

• Same features with no size constraint: any amp
• Same size and features execept the you don't need the power section, just headphone out and line out (for example you can plug it in a combo): dozens of preamp pedals
• Same size, with power amp but more basic features: micro heads like the Trace Elliot ELF Basshead.

So basically if you want an alternative, you have to abandomn either the small size or the ability to plug the preamp directly to a cab, or some specific features.

By the way, the Interbass doesn't have a real DI out, it's a TRS line out, you have to use a TRS to XLR adaptor if you want to send a DI signal to the FOH.

Let's focus on the Trace Elliot ELF Basshead because it's very similar: compared the the Interbass, I believe it only lacks the FX loop and cab sim. And the controls are on the front instead of behing on the top. If you don't need FX loop or cab sim, then the Elf is a possible alternative.

In terms of tone, I believe any modern amp can let you get a mid forward tone like Bruce Thomas or Cake (I love them too by the way).

By comparison, I don't care for the Elf because of its ugly color, and more importantly I think the top facing knobs of the Quilter are much more usable that the front facing controls of the Elf.

The Elf has more power (200W compared to the 45W of the Interbass), but:
1. 45W is louder than you think, it's more than enough for home practice, and probably enough for small reheasals
2. When I need more than 45W I don't need an amp to be so tiny

I'm also debating buying the Interbass - I don't really need it because I've already have several amps, but I've read several Talbass comments that say it sounds incredibly good, specifically with a great tube feel when you push the gain. When the the Interbass came out, I thought it had the same tone (preamp section) as the Quilter Bass Block 800 that I already have and love, so I didn't buy it. But I saw that some TB members use it as an external preamp for the BB800 because of that cool tube emulation associated to the gain knob, that the BB800 lacks.

So I would prefer the Interbass over the Elf even if I don't need the cab sim and the FX loop.

Last, if you don't really need the 45W because you will meanly use it with headphones of the line out, then you have an incredible number of alternatives, so many preamps available for bass guitar nowadays, you will enter a huge rabbit whole.

Sorry for the very long answer - I didn't want to write such a novel initially, but I found out that your question was very interesting actually.

This is an amazing answer! Thank you for sharing this perspective. it makes a lot of sense!

 

[Nebadon2000]

The Interbass is a Swiss Army Knife: it combines in a small package features that are usually not present in small packages (either combined in bigger packages, or in separate packages).

What makes the Quilter Interbass unique AFAIK is the combination of preamp features and small amp in a tiny pedal shape package.
As soon as you remove one of these elements, you get an almost infinite list of possible alternatives.

Examples of alternatives if you remove one of its charasteristics:

• Same features with no size constraint: any amp
• Same size and features execept the you don't need the power section, just headphone out and line out (for example you can plug it in a combo): dozens of preamp pedals
• Same size, with power amp but more basic features: micro heads like the Trace Elliot ELF Basshead.

So basically if you want an alternative, you have to abandomn either the small size or the ability to plug the preamp directly to a cab, or some specific features.

By the way, the Interbass doesn't have a real DI out, it's a TRS line out, you have to use a TRS to XLR adaptor if you want to send a DI signal to the FOH.

Let's focus on the Trace Elliot ELF Basshead because it's very similar: compared the the Interbass, I believe it only lacks the FX loop and cab sim. And the controls are on the front instead of behing on the top. If you don't need FX loop or cab sim, then the Elf is a possible alternative.

In terms of tone, I believe any modern amp can let you get a mid forward tone like Bruce Thomas or Cake (I love them too by the way).

By comparison, I don't care for the Elf because of its ugly color, and more importantly I think the top facing knobs of the Quilter are much more usable that the front facing controls of the Elf.

The Elf has more power (200W compared to the 45W of the Interbass), but:
1. 45W is louder than you think, it's more than enough for home practice, and probably enough for small reheasals
2. When I need more than 45W I don't need an amp to be so tiny

I'm also debating buying the Interbass - I don't really need it because I've already have several amps, but I've read several Talbass comments that say it sounds incredibly good, specifically with a great tube feel when you push the gain. When the the Interbass came out, I thought it had the same tone (preamp section) as the Quilter Bass Block 800 that I already have and love, so I didn't buy it. But I saw that some TB members use it as an external preamp for the BB800 because of that cool tube emulation associated to the gain knob, that the BB800 lacks.

So I would prefer the Interbass over the Elf even if I don't need the cab sim and the FX loop.

Last, if you don't really need the 45W because you will meanly use it with headphones of the line out, then you have an incredible number of alternatives, so many preamps available for bass guitar nowadays, you will enter a huge rabbit whole.

Sorry for the very long answer - I didn't want to write such a novel initially, but I found out that your question was very interesting actually.

I to like Cake and Elvis Costello Bassist
Bruce and Andrew for Elvis forgot Cake player name

I am guessing your favorite Costello song

Is 'Every Day I Write the Book' I kid

Good food for thought in post for OP

 

[gtirard]

The only thing I will add is that the tone of the Interbass is exceptionally satisfying!

Yes, you made me question if I should buy it. I have already 3 great amps, so I don't need it, but I'm tempted anyway because of you, and I don't thank you for that.

I love the BB800, except the fan noise at home.

My hesitation today is: should I wait for release of the Quilter v803 (3 voicings, parametric mid) and sell the BB800, or should I buy the Interbass now

 

[gtirard]

This is an amazing answer! Thank you for sharing this perspective. it makes a lot of sense!

I've forgotten something: the Interbass has no fan.
Once you've discovered the pleasure of home practice with a fanless amp, it's hard to come back.
Very few amps are completely silent (fanless).

 

[gtirard]

I to like Cake and Elvis Costello Bassist
Bruce and Adrian for Elvis forgot Cake player name

I am guessing your favorite Costello song

Is 'Every Day I Write the Book' I kid

Good food for thought in post for OP

Bruce Thomas is really one of my heros, he's one of the 3 or 4 bassists who really made me start playing bass in the 80's, and the only one I'm still listening to 40 years later: I can't get enough of him.

Take any of these 6 albums: This Year's Model, Get Happy, Trust, Armed Forces, Imperial Bedroom, Punch the Clock.
Listen to them, and just focus on the bass: it kills, from the first note to the last.

Back in the days, I never missed their gigs when they came in Paris (Casino de Paris). So I've seen them play these songs a dozen time, and it was always different because they were always refining the arrangements and improvising in such a musical way. Sadly gigs are much more 'controlled' nowadays.

Hum… Like we say in French: "nostalgia is not what it used to be"

 

[Passinwind]

I've forgotten something: the Interbass has no fan.
Once you've discovered the pleasure of home practice with a fanless amp, it's hard to come back.
Very few amps are completely silent (fanless).

For me, not just home use benefits from fanless operation, as I play as the only electric instrument in a small quiet jam space quite often.

 

[pyrat56host]

If the Quilter Interbass was my ONLY amp, I think I'd be good w/ that. It is singularly the best bit of bass gear I have ever owned in 45+ years behind the bass. I love the low volume element...it sounds the same as it does louder...and boy, does it get LOUD. I rehearsed w/ my band, a very loud 4pc, through an efficient 4x10 and it didn't break a sweat. Plug it into the Quilter 802 (my other amp) and you have the sweet, sweet tone options as well as a load of headroom. I really dig how intuitive and simple the eq sections of Quilter's products are, out of the many amps I have owned I don't have to twiddle much and depending on the gig it's a snap to get MY sound. I know there are loads of pre-amp pedals out there and I'm sure many of them are great, but it's Quilter for me and their little Interbass is a sorely underrated GIANT.

 

[gtirard]

If the Quilter Interbass was my ONLY amp, I think I'd be good w/ that. It is singularly the best bit of bass gear I have ever owned in 45+ years behind the bass. I love the low volume element...it sounds the same as it does louder...and boy, does it get LOUD. I rehearsed w/ my band, a very loud 4pc, through an efficient 4x10 and it didn't break a sweat. Plug it into the Quilter 802 (my other amp) and you have the sweet, sweet tone options as well as a load of headroom. I really dig how intuitive and simple the eq sections of Quilter's products are, out of the many amps I have owned I don't have to twiddle much and depending on the gig it's a snap to get MY sound. I know there are loads of pre-amp pedals out there and I'm sure many of them are great, but it's Quilter for me and their little Interbass is a sorely underrated GIANT.

Ok I think I'm going to order it from Thomman (with the option to send it back if it fails to keep its promises).
It will be you and @lomo's fault.
You both should work in the Quilter's marketing team, you would have done a better job than they did when they launched it

 

[pyrat56host]

Ok I think I'm going to order it from Thomman (with the option to send it back if it fails to keep its promises).
It will be you and @lomo's fault.
You both should work in the Quilter's marketing team, you would have done a better job than they did when they launched it

I've seen you gear posts...I think it'll be a nice addition to your already fantastic choices~

 

[SOUTH PAW]

Thanks to TB, I've gotten interested in the quilter interbass. It has a nice collection of features and seems perfect for headphone or low volume playing. I wonder what else is out there, though, because I'm very new to this kind of DI or headphone amp apprach.

Other than going to sweetwater and searching "Bass DI", what other pedals should I compare against the interbass? If it helps, I am drawn to cleaner vintage-y bass tones. I'm not sure that I can point to a specific sound or reference that I'm after, but I really like Cake and early Elvis Costello. I've been told these bass tones are more mid-forward, so nothing too scooped, I guess?

Price: Up to ~$350. Any more would need heavy justification.

I have studio monitors and a mixer, but no cab. So I guess a balanced DI out and/or Headphones are a must.


Hopefully this hasn't been asked ad nauseam!

Another to consider, since you asked, is the Joyo BanTamp - 50 watts @4ohms, two channels, has a tube preamp, compressor, effects loop, headphone out, no aux in, but has Bluetooth instead. Around $150 and comes with a foot switch pedal to change channels

It's not in a pedal format - it's a mini head, but just as useable as a headphone amp. I have one and like it a lot. Maybe someone has compared them. Let us know if you did

 

[micguy]

I have a TC BH250 - does what the Quilter does, and it has a couple hundred extra watts if you need them. It has a real XLR Di output, a headphone amp, and it doesn't have a wall wart which makes it less clumsy to move around. (I loathe wall warts).. It also has a Tone Print section - if you want your tube-esque sound, you load up one of their tone prints that does that, and you are suddenly in "vintage territory" = could also be used for other effects. It costs about $20 less than the Quilter to boot.

 

[roccobass]

A guy who just recently bought a cabinet of mine, brought one to check out my cab. It sounded great.
They're pretty versatile. I've been looking into one.

 

[jimerson]

I am guessing your favorite Costello song

Is 'Every Day I Write the Book' I kid

Good food for thought in post for OP

Funny you should mention! I was talking with a friend very recently about Bruce Thomas and decided to write up a selection of my favorite EC basslines (edit: yes, I know Bruce didn't play on My Aim Is True). "Everyday I write the book" is definitely on there, along with the following:

Album	TRack	Length	Cover video	Why
My Aim Is True	Blame it on Cain	2:49	NA	A fun little bassline
My Aim Is True	Sneaky Feelings	2:09	NA	Teenage angst with a bouncy bassline
My Aim Is True	Watching the detectives	3:47	link	This bassline is a damn novel
My Aim Is True	(The Angles Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes	2:47	link	Including this more for the song than the bassline. More angst
My Aim Is True	Pay it Back	2:33	NA	This is a lot of fun to play. Take it for a walk!
This Year's Model	This Year's Girl	3:16	link	Fun patterns in this song
This Year's Model	The Beat	3:42	link	Great call & response toward the end.
This Year's Model	Lip Service	2:34	This guy Rules	Fun to play, more bounce
This Year's Model	Lipstick Vogue	3:29	This guy Rules	Strap in.
Armed Forces	Party Girl	3:20	This guy Rules	Using the whole neck
Armed Forces	Goon Squad	3:14	This guy Rules	It gallops.
Armed Forces	Two Little Hitlers	3:18	This guy Rules	Guitar hook lifted from "Rebel Rebel". Fun bassline adventure
Get Happy	Radio Radio	3:05	This guy Rules	There's just a lot going on here. also SNL Controversy
Get Happy!	Love for Tender	1:57	Link	Great bassline. The number of money puns are off the charts
Get Happy!	Opportunity	3:13	Link	Possibly my favorite EC Bassline.
Get Happy!	The Imposter	1:58	Link	This is a damn workout. Good luck.
Get Happy!	Clowntime is Over	2:59	NA	Personal bucket list item to learn
Get Happy!	B Movie	2:04	link	throw some stank on it
Get Happy!	I Stand Accused	2:21	closest thing	Another workout. And who doesn't love a song with spelling?
Get Happy!	So Young	3:26	NA	This is such a weird bassline
Trust	Clubland	3:42	This guy Rules	I dare you to try to listen to this with a straight face
Trust	New Lace Sleeves	3:48	NA	Great tone, fun punctuations, and great songwriting
Live Cover	Don't Look Back (Live)	4:41	NA	fantastic cover of a Temptations Classic
Imperial Bedroom	The Loved Ones	2:48	This guy Rules	Very fun flourishes, and gorgeous piano lines
Imperial Bedroom	You Little Fool	3:10	NA	This just sounds like a Mentos commercial.
Punch the Clock	Everyday I Write the book	3:58	This guy Rules	Twice!

 

[gtirard]

Funny you should mention! I was talking with a friend very recently about Bruce Thomas and decided to write up a selection of my favorite BT basslines. "Everyday I write the book" is definitely on there, along with the following. These are some of my personal favorites:

Album	TRack	Length	Cover video	Why
My Aim Is True	Blame it on Cain	2:49	NA	A fun little bassline
My Aim Is True	Sneaky Feelings	2:09	NA	Teenage angst with a bouncy bassline
My Aim Is True	Watching the detectives	3:47	link	This bassline is a damn novel
My Aim Is True	(The Angles Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes	2:47	link	Including this more for the song than the bassline. More angst
My Aim Is True	Pay it Back	2:33	NA	This is a lot of fun to play. Take it for a walk!
This Year's Model	This Year's Girl	3:16	link	Fun patterns in this song
This Year's Model	The Beat	3:42	link	Great call & response toward the end.
This Year's Model	Lip Service	2:34	This guy Rules	Fun to play, more bounce
This Year's Model	Lipstick Vogue	3:29	This guy Rules	Strap in.
Armed Forces	Party Girl	3:20	This guy Rules	Using the whole neck
Armed Forces	Goon Squad	3:14	This guy Rules	It gallops.
Armed Forces	Two Little Hitlers	3:18	This guy Rules	Guitar hook lifted from "Rebel Rebel". Fun bassline adventure
Get Happy	Radio Radio	3:05	This guy Rules	There's just a lot going on here. also SNL Controversy
Get Happy!	Love for Tender	1:57	Link	Great bassline. The number of money puns are off the charts
Get Happy!	Opportunity	3:13	Link	Possibly my favorite EC Bassline.
Get Happy!	The Imposter	1:58	Link	This is a damn workout. Good luck.
Get Happy!	Clowntime is Over	2:59	NA	Personal bucket list item to learn
Get Happy!	B Movie	2:04	link	throw some stank on it
Get Happy!	I Stand Accused	2:21	closest thing	Another workout. And who doesn't love a song with spelling?
Get Happy!	So Young	3:26	NA	This is such a weird bassline
Trust	Clubland	3:42	This guy Rules	I dare you to try to listen to this with a straight face
Trust	New Lace Sleeves	3:48	NA	Great tone, fun punctuations, and great songwriting
Live Cover	Don't Look Back (Live)	4:41	NA	fantastic cover of a Temptations Classic
Imperial Bedroom	The Loved Ones	2:48	This guy Rules	Very fun flourishes, and gorgeous piano lines
Imperial Bedroom	You Little Fool	3:10	NA	This just sounds like a Mentos commercial.
Punch the Clock	Everyday I Write the book	3:58	This guy Rules	Twice!

I can sing almost all of these basslines as if they were lead vocal melodies. I love your comments.

 

[Nebadon2000]

I can sing almost all of these basslines as if they were lead vocal melodies. I love your comments.

I have mentioned before how I used Bruce's style of tracking Vocals in Basslines influenced my playing in Original Band and playing cover song's on the spot[not knowing] and improvising

One of my favorite Bass lines 'Watching the Detective' just learned recently was Andrew Bodnar

 

[gtirard]

OK, maybe a bit off topic, but…

I have mentioned before how I used Bruce's style of tracking Vocals in Basslines influenced my playing in Original Band and playing cover song's on the spot[not knowing] and improvising

That's super promising, but I haven't found where you mentioned that before?
Maybe should I ask this by DM or start a new thread, but I'd love to know how you worked on that…

 

[jimerson]

OK, maybe a bit off topic, but…

That's super promising, but I haven't found where you mentioned that before?
Maybe should I ask this by DM or start a new thread, but I'd love to know how you worked on that…

@ me if you start that thread, I'm also interested