Recommended Bass Preamp for Recording/Live

Posted on Oct 24, 2008 09:00 pm
boedonaldson
Sir SM57
Member Since: Jan 29, 2008

Ok im a guitarist so I dont need a rig but I do play bass for a band at the moment and I need some recommendations for a reasonably priced bass preamp thats great for recording and live applications (I dont mind plugging straight in to the mixer). Doesnt necessarily have to have a billion effects, just a nice dry bass sound and preferably around/below the $250 mark. Cheers, Boe

[ Back to Top ]

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Oct 24, 2008 11:23 pm

Look at both SansAmp and I believe Tech 21 is making one now. I'll have to look at another place and get back to the thread, but there is another DI unit that works great as well.

Herb Utsmelz
Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006

Oct 24, 2008 11:39 pm

Plugging straight into the mixer works too. Get one of these and adjust the gain.

www.audiogear.com/cgi-bin...p;preadd=action

I always look for the simplest solutions first.

TallChap
Answer:On a good day, lipstick.
Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004

Oct 27, 2008 12:07 pm

er...Hue....Sansamp is made by Tech21, but you're on the right track. I know you know that but had a brain fart.

I use either the SansAmp Bass Driver DI (about $189 retail), or my SansAmp Tri-AC (a guitar pedal) which is around the same price (or less). The Bass Driver DI seems to have a fuller 'woolier' sound replete with that tube 'oomph', while the Tri_AC has a very biting, SVT with balls, almost "Tool" type sound. They can both do either sound to a point, but I find they have certain characteristics that lend themselves better to the sounds above. Hope that helps. The Tri-AC is also a mean guitar pedal.

Seymour Duncan have a couple of new DI/Pedals that are very nice too.

Also, look into a free VST called "Helian 2nd Bass", very meaty sound remeniscent more of an old "Acoustic" (The smp manufacturer) set up. Direct into the mixer, and a little of this VST is nice.