Which preamp pedal should I buy?

Which preamp should I buy?

  • Aguilar Tone Hammer

    Votes: 24 14.0%

  • Ampeg Classic Analog

    Votes: 8 4.7%

  • Sansamp BDDI / Bass Driver

    Votes: 38 22.2%

  • Sansamp Steve Harris Signature

    Votes: 4 2.3%

  • Sansamp Frank Bello Signature

    Votes: 2 1.2%

  • Something Else

    Votes: 85 49.7%

  • Carrots / Don't Buy a Preamp

    Votes: 10 5.8%
  • Total voters
    171
  • Poll closed .
#82
Sansamp BDDI will win hearts and minds of studio/sound engineers.

For something a little more exotic you could try a Sushibox or ME preamp. I love my EAE Model feT too, excellent if you’re using high gain sounds with other drives, it makes them sound incredible.

The Jad Freer Capo is the best preamp I’ve tried but ain’t cheap. Many tonal options and having pre/post fx loops and DIs makes it an excellent recording tool too.
 
#83
MrAB4003 said:
Thanks for the suggestions! I do record on my computer and I've been using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to do so since Day 1. It's simple, reliable, and it works well for me, so I won't switch brands. However, I plan on retiring my current older 2i2 in favor of a newer model in the near future.

I use Audacity as my audio interface. It works well for me and my 2i2, so I have no plans to change. I also use it for my side gig producing audiobooks, so I would rather use the same program for multiple purposes. Now I do have plugins available through Audacity, but the sound on a lot of them is nowhere near the same quality as that from my Aguilar pedals. The Audacity distortion plugin is a prime example. I tried applying the distortion onto a bass track when recording and it sounded terrible! That's what got me into the pedal world in the first place a few years ago.

As I was typing my response, I got inspired to experiment with the EQ in Audacity and create a few presets for myself in lieu of buying a new pedal. I'm going to see how that works and go from there. If it works, I might use the money I would spend for a new preamp on a different type of pedal or a new Scarlett 2i2.
Click to expand...

Always better to experiment with what you have before splashing out!
 
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#86
MrAB4003 said:
Thanks for the suggestions! I do record on my computer and I've been using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to do so since Day 1. It's simple, reliable, and it works well for me, so I won't switch brands. However, I plan on retiring my current older 2i2 in favor of a newer model in the near future.

I use Audacity as my audio interface. It works well for me and my 2i2, so I have no plans to change. I also use it for my side gig producing audiobooks, so I would rather use the same program for multiple purposes. Now I do have plugins available through Audacity, but the sound on a lot of them is nowhere near the same quality as that from my Aguilar pedals. The Audacity distortion plugin is a prime example. I tried applying the distortion onto a bass track when recording and it sounded terrible! That's what got me into the pedal world in the first place a few years ago.

As I was typing my response, I got inspired to experiment with the EQ in Audacity and create a few presets for myself in lieu of buying a new pedal. I'm going to see how that works and go from there. If it works, I might use the money I would spend for a new preamp on a different type of pedal or a new Scarlett 2i2.
Click to expand...
I understand you, distortion models can sometime s..k, specially on bass. Try running a clean sound in parallel to your distortion sound and blend to taste.
Your Scarlett 2i2 is good enough for now. Here's a list of free bass amp VST plugins that you may use in Audacity: 13+ Best Free Bass Amp VST/AU Plugins that sound Great! - THR

If you want your fingers on hardware, definitely have a look at Pod Express (no additional AD-DA conversion as it's going direct to Audacity with usb-c). I used their bass amp models and they were very good. Can also serve you if you want to practice without starting your computer.

In the other hand, I sometime record with my Ampeg SCR-DI (can run on 9v battery ;)). When bypassed it's a nice active DI. Ampeg classic sound with nice EQ when activated and the Scrambler is very good when not pushed too hard (blend and drive at 11 o'clock), which can be a complimentary distortion (soft) to your Anguilar Distortion (hard).
 
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#87
Compared to some others, not as popular and probably more on the cheaper side, but I've always loved my MXR M80. Can them used for under $100. Never understood why they don't get more talk.

Can use the "color" button for your standard kind of Ampeg tone if that's your thing, but I prefer dialing in a tone. The distortion is something I sometimes pop on as either a boost or just with some low gain, and it can get a lot of gain.

Never had any complaints from engineers or FOH about the DI.

Personally, I never liked the Sansamp BDDI.
 
#89
DonaldR said:
I understand you, distortion models can sometime s..k, specially on bass. Try running a clean sound in parallel to your distortion sound and blend to taste.
Your Scarlett 2i2 is good enough for now. Here's a list of free bass amp VST plugins that you may use in Audacity: 13+ Best Free Bass Amp VST/AU Plugins that sound Great! - THR

If you want your fingers on hardware, definitely have a look at Pod Express (no additional AD-DA conversion as it's going direct to Audacity with usb-c). I used their bass amp models and they were very good. Can also serve you if you want to practice without starting your computer.

In the other hand, I sometime record with my Ampeg SCR-DI (can run on 9v battery ;)). When bypassed it's a nice active DI. Ampeg classic sound with nice EQ when activated and the Scrambler is very good when not pushed too hard (blend and drive at 11 o'clock), which can be a complimentary distortion (soft) to your Anguilar Distortion (hard).
Click to expand...
My Agro pedal gives me every distortion I can think of from a slight overdrive to Al Cisneros level distortion! I even disabled the distortion plugin in Audacity because it sounds so terrible. I'm still messing around with the built in EQ in Audacity, but I think the plugins you posted might work better and will be simpler to use. Audacity's EQ is complicated as there's about 20 different frequencies to mess with. Thank you again!
 
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#90
MrAB4003 said:
So I'm thinking about adding a preamp to my small, but growing pedal collection. I currently have an Aguilar Agro and an Aguilar TLC Compressor, but I feel like a preamp pedal is necessary to further sculpt my tone and to take on the role of a traditional amp when I'm recording with my DI.

Please let me know your thoughts.
Click to expand...

I have used various preamp pedals for recording but I highly prefer using amp and cab sim software so that I can change the sound at any time after the fact. If you use a pedal you're stuck with that sound unless you run a parallel dry signal that can be re-amped.
 
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#93
MrAB4003 said:
My Agro pedal gives me every distortion I can think of from a slight overdrive to Al Cisneros level distortion! I even disabled the distortion plugin in Audacity because it sounds so terrible. I'm still messing around with the built in EQ in Audacity, but I think the plugins you posted might work better and will be simpler to use. Audacity's EQ is complicated as there's about 20 different frequencies to mess with. Thank you again!
Click to expand...
Update - I made some EQ settings in Audacity and it's a good solution that didn't cost me anything. It's also nice for experimenting on existing bass (and other) tracks. I took inspiration from the presets found in the owners manuals of the Steve Harris and Frank Bello SansAmps.

I'm going to keep experimenting with the different effects in Audacity whenever I get the desire to buy a new pedal. If I don't like what I hear in Audacity, but I still want the effect, I will then look for a pedal. That's how I discovered and acquired my two current pedals.

As of right now, the winner of the poll is "Carrots". Plus, I still have my 100 watt combo amp (with a built in EQ) should I decide to play live or practice out loud.
 
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#97
Eric Mull said:
What do you use for a clean power amp? I was considering switching over to a setup like this.
Click to expand...
I have a QSC GX5 which is super clean and seems more powerful than it’s rated at and a used Behringer Europower EP4000 that slightly colors the tone. I use the Behringer for rehearsals and the QSC for gigs. I have a hard time getting a satisfying tone combining the Behringer and basses with flats.
 
#98
DonaldR said:
I'm assuming you are recording on your computer. If it's the case:
  1. I wouldn't use you pedal compressor as I would use a compressor plugin when I'm mixing
  2. I would use a plugin for you EQ
  3. I would use a plugin for amp simulation
  4. I would invest in a good analog pre with Instrument input
  5. I would invest in a better audio interface
That said, BDDI sounds more like a Fender Bassman, nothing like my Ampeg preamps.
The Ampeg Classic has an Ampeg sound but it's not as bake-in as my Ampeg SCR-DI.
The AGS circuit in the Tonehammer should be used as always on, part of the sound and not a distortion you kick on and off.

Since you are only recording, Line 6 Pod Express gives you 7 bass amps + usb-c recording.
Boss Katana Go gives you 3 bass amps + many effects + usb-c recording.
Those two can be used for live or for headphone practice also.

IK Multimedia as nice audio interfaces for recording guitars and basses. I have the Axe I/O One and really like the input circuit. Comes with Amplitubes 5.

Finally, never let a "Cannot run on 9v battery" stops you. I'm using this adaptor when I have to:
DC_to_9V_Cable__88358.1638906061.jpg
Click to expand...
Those 9v adapters are awesome! I second your recommendation. Used with all my preamp pedals except the 2112. Cheers!
 
#100
WRM said:
I'll second the DI+ recommendation, but nobody who has one wants to part with it. ;)

For $110, I'd suggest you try a Zoom B1FourX, even if you end up with something else. It doesn't have EQ knobs, but EQ is one of the patches/effects. For headphone use, just plug in to the output. Very versatile.
Click to expand...


the Zoom series is great for bass amps, preamps, and drives.

i've owned the B1-Four twice. The amps are great.

i ultimately landed on the old B3

B3 over the B1-Four: XLR/DI, Monotone (polytone) amp sim, metal case

the B3 is limited to 3 "blocks" - i'm only using it for amp-in-a-box tone shaping.

i like the limitation. at least i'm not fooled into thinking i can stack 5 blocks without a "buffer underrun" or whatever it's called with the B2-Four and B6.

i use my MG-30 for post-amp effects. the B3 is in the MG-30 effects loop.

plus with the Pre/Post DI switch, i can get wet/dry signals.

great for recording and live.

the Monotone amp with 50% cab blend sounds frigging amazing with my new Ibanez SRH-500 fretless and laBella black tapewounds.

Ron Carter who?
 
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