Bigwan

Perhaps they could be persuaded to make a V2 of the super vintage which was switchable between svt and b15! Maybe too much like the newer Ampeg preamp then though...

Never been on my radar before, but I really want to try one now!

You'd have to spend A LOT to get much better than the Hartke. If necessary HPFs, cab sims and IRs can all be done "inside the box" in software for free. While a Tech21 VT bass will sound different, it's not necessarily better just a different flavour... and given Tech21's total lack of interest in controlling the cost of their products for anybody outside the US I wouldn't be buying one unless it's used. There's probably a cheap/free plugin out there that does a better Ampeg anyway if that's what you're after. My only problem with the Hartke is its size, but since I'm not gigging it's not exactly a problem!

Is it something to do with your settings to have the app running in the background? Don't have my iPad near me at the minute but I'll check later.

This

I don't think they've actually been released yet

Until they improve the paintjob on the "burst" models they can keep them...

Has anybody with experience of these basses tried a Markbass Gloxy GV5 by any chance? Not the prettiest basses around but they sound pretty killer, have my preferred P-bass body shape and they're well under budget...

I'd be on the lookout for a Roland Bass Cube if I were in your position. Lots of sound options. You should be able to pick up the Bass Cube 30 for under a ton I should think. I've no experience of the others on your list I'm afraid, but I'd stay well clear of the Spark.

Considering a 5 string Jazz guys and kind of have it narrowed down to either a Lakland DJ5 or an Elrick NJS5. No chance of road testing either before buying - Northern Ireland is truly a bass wasteland... So has anybody got experience of both these instruments? I've previously owned 4 Lakland Skylines (JO4, 55-01, 55-02 dlx, BG5) and love their 5 string neck so I'm leaning that way myself, but could do with further input! And maybe suggestions of alternatives in the usual Basschat style! Preferably a passive 5 with 70s pickup spacing, 18-19mm string spacing, available used for around a grand. I've already considered a Sire V5 but I'd need hands on before I'd go that route.

Yeah the lack of plugin compatibility kills it for me. I suppose I could capture my fav Parallax sounds but... meh...

I suppose it depends on whether you want to select from a set list of effect/amp/IR blocks or a huge capture library!

Interesting... https://neuraldsp.com/nano-cortex

When you say the Muff and Darkglass were too much, what do you mean? Too much distortion? Which Darkglass did you try? My go-to distortion pedal at the minute is the Darkglass Alpha-Omicron clone by DemonFx.

The HX stomp CAN do it, but it's awkward in how you have to set it up and you're restricted to 8 processing blocks total (used to be 6 but an update upgraded it!) and doesn't have XLR ours. You need to go to the HELIX LT for that. Go the whole hog...