Twanger Posted November 21, 2018 Share Posted November 21, 2018 I've been using a sansamp for a long time....well, more accurately, I've had a Sansamp BDDI for a long time, but haven't been using it as I haven't been playing out for the past 10 years. When I was gigging, I often used to go through the FX in of the house bass amp (this was Ankara, Turkey, and the better class bars tended to have a house bass amp). Always a solid, usable sound. So I was thinking - what are the do's and don'ts of using the BDDI into a powered speaker as a regular rig. What speakers work, which don't work and where are the pitfalls? Any info info gratefully appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted November 21, 2018 Share Posted November 21, 2018 I've done this on occasion, I've even just plugged an active bass straight into one. Given that a powered speaker is just effectively a combo without a conventional preamp, I can't think of any pitfalls. If you can get the tone you want from the BDDI, why bother having another EQ section in the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twanger Posted November 21, 2018 Author Share Posted November 21, 2018 (edited) Yup, that's what I was thinking. I was thinking that as the BDDI is designed to emulate an amp through a PA, then having an uncoloured powered speaker would actually be an advantage. Less uncontrolled low end. Perhaps less wooliness. But maybe there are brands to avoid, issues with crossover, I don't know.... Edited November 21, 2018 by Twanger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted November 21, 2018 Share Posted November 21, 2018 I've used Sansamp into 1x10 RCF powered speaker (my own vocal monitor for gigs) for quiet(ish) rehearsals and the overall tone is great, the only limitation is the cabinet driver's ability to reproduce the bottom end. I'd think a 12 or 15" powered monitor/cab/wedge would be far better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrixn1 Posted November 21, 2018 Share Posted November 21, 2018 There is a large thread here - https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/315455-interesting-frfr-story/ Myself, I use a SolidGoldFX Beta as a preamp and/or a Zoom MS-60B for eq, straight into an RCF, and I've never been happier. A small thing from a practical point of view - since the speaker's volume control is generally on the back panel, I find it useful to use a pedal with an output volume control. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twanger Posted November 21, 2018 Author Share Posted November 21, 2018 3 hours ago, jrixn1 said: There is a large thread here - https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/315455-interesting-frfr-story/ Myself, I use a SolidGoldFX Beta as a preamp and/or a Zoom MS-60B for eq, straight into an RCF, and I've never been happier. A small thing from a practical point of view - since the speaker's volume control is generally on the back panel, I find it useful to use a pedal with an output volume control. I got some way into that thread before it overpowered me. I once saw Tangerine Dream playing in Croydon in the 70s, with a stage full of Moogs and it was impressive tech. That thread made me realise that by modern standards TD were still painting on cave walls.... Thanks for the link. I've saved it and will get back into it at some stage. I know now a bit about what powered speakers are available, and the effect speaker size might have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsmedunc Posted November 21, 2018 Share Posted November 21, 2018 I've been using an Ampeg scr-di through a Barefaced FR800 to great effect. All I've found that is necessary, is to make sure the Ampeg is switched on with the level down before powering up the BF. The BF has no volume control and so is on full whack all the time. Same applies when using the Behringer BD or any preamp really, Phenomenal with an RCF 745 too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muppet Posted November 22, 2018 Share Posted November 22, 2018 10 hours ago, itsmedunc said: I've been using an Ampeg scr-di through a Barefaced FR800 to great effect. All I've found that is necessary, is to make sure the Ampeg is switched on with the level down before powering up the BF. The BF has no volume control and so is on full whack all the time. Same applies when using the Behringer BD or any preamp really, Phenomenal with an RCF 745 too! Slight aside - Have you checked out the FR800 through the power amp's software? It's a long way off being set on full whack - there's a lot of headroom there! I also have FR800 and I've used it with a Sansamp, a Zoom B3n, a Helix and a Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig and they all work really well. You're only sticking an external preamp in front of a power amp and cabinet after all, so just like a combo... The only slight problem is exactly what @jrixn1says around easy access to a volume control.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsmedunc Posted November 22, 2018 Share Posted November 22, 2018 3 hours ago, Muppet said: Slight aside - Have you checked out the FR800 through the power amp's software? It's a long way off being set on full whack - there's a lot of headroom there! I also have FR800 and I've used it with a Sansamp, a Zoom B3n, a Helix and a Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig and they all work really well. You're only sticking an external preamp in front of a power amp and cabinet after all, so just like a combo... The only slight problem is exactly what @jrixn1says around easy access to a volume control.. Aye, I've got the software and only have it set on 10. They just seem to come on with a bump unless everything else is turned on with levels down first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted November 22, 2018 Share Posted November 22, 2018 Ive used my P bass in to a BDDI and in to one of our powered db750 PA speakers as a bass rig a few times. Sound better than my normal rig for some reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milesBguitar Posted November 25, 2018 Share Posted November 25, 2018 This is exactly what i am planning to do. Be great to hear how you get on with this set up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twanger Posted November 26, 2018 Author Share Posted November 26, 2018 12 hours ago, milesBguitar said: This is exactly what i am planning to do. Be great to hear how you get on with this set up It's a post Christmas project, so no news any time soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milesBguitar Posted November 27, 2018 Share Posted November 27, 2018 Ha ha i can wait. Sansamp coming soon either way 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted November 27, 2018 Share Posted November 27, 2018 I normally go straight into the desk pre EQ from an active bass so the front of house only has the digital desk EQ before it hits the audience, I'm hopefully going ampless altogether, bass to BDDI (or similar) to desk, Desk to in ears, done. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bam Posted November 27, 2018 Share Posted November 27, 2018 Why not try a rack mount version? There's so many more routing options. Let - xlr sansamp, xlr clean, Jack sansamp, Jack clean, fx loop, 50/50 fx, pads, dual inputs and easier to get to if you need to change anything when playing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted November 28, 2018 Share Posted November 28, 2018 I use my dUg pedal straight into a Yamaha DXR10 sometimes. Works well and it's fekking loud. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twanger Posted November 28, 2018 Author Share Posted November 28, 2018 Thanks @fretmeister for the Nick Mason quote 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twanger Posted November 28, 2018 Author Share Posted November 28, 2018 20 hours ago, la bam said: Why not try a rack mount version? There's so many more routing options. Let - xlr sansamp, xlr clean, Jack sansamp, Jack clean, fx loop, 50/50 fx, pads, dual inputs and easier to get to if you need to change anything when playing. because it's too complex. I prefer a one trick pony with an excellent trick. My dream is to turn up, plug in and go. With too many options I tend to spend time playing with the options rather than playing the bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bam Posted November 28, 2018 Share Posted November 28, 2018 Pretty much exactly the same on the front panel (tech 21 rbi and rpm- rack versions of sansamp pedals). Just more routing if needed on the rear. It's as simple as they come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Blank Posted November 28, 2018 Share Posted November 28, 2018 On 21/11/2018 at 20:11, Twanger said: I got some way into that thread before it overpowered me. Keep going, it’s one of the most informative threads on this forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twanger Posted November 29, 2018 Author Share Posted November 29, 2018 16 hours ago, la bam said: Pretty much exactly the same on the front panel (tech 21 rbi and rpm- rack versions of sansamp pedals). Just more routing if needed on the rear. It's as simple as they come. Thanks, I get that. But it's still more options. I've spent my life fretting over options. It's enough. And what's more, I don't want to carry a rack. The BDDI works. My only interest is to make it louder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billleivers Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Bit late to the party , but I often use my Sansamp as a preamp, driving a Phil Jones PB300 powered cab. Absolutely no problems and sounds great. TBH for most of my gigs, 250 watts is fine and it's mega easy set up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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