What preamp?

[Kaytwoso]

I was just wondering what preamp people are using and why 

[Teebs]

I use the Eden WTDI pedal - I have the matching amp head (WTX264), I have the same settings dialled in on both,  so dependent upon if I'm taking the amp or DI-ing, I have the same preamp.

I use the DI preamp pedal at open mic night & go through the PA so I don't have to cart the amp & speakers about.

It works for me and I love the sound

[Cosmo Valdemar]

Tech 21 DP-3X, becuase it's the sound in my head that I've been chasing for 25 years.

[EliasMooseblaster]

If I'm using my own amp, I just use the preamp that's built into that.

If I'm not, I've a Hotone B-Station. My reasoning: I wanted something with a midrange control for as little money as I could get away with. The Behringer BDI-21 had been fine, but I felt like I was fighting the mid-scoop the whole time. The B-station also has a drive circuit and compressor, which put it in the same ballpark as things like the EHX Battalion, and I was able to get my hands on a B-station for a good price. I've been pretty pleased with it so far, though I've yet to try it out in a live setting.

[EBS_freak]

Kemper running channel strip profiles - typically SSL,, Neve, Focusrite and Chandler.

I seem to much prefer the desk strips to "bass specific" pres...  and that is where I would be looking if I were to ever move from the Kemper.

Staying in the digital world, I also love the little HX Stomp. Very versatile and in a small box with a few added toys. What's not to like?

[PatrickJ]

I'm currently using a Tech21 Q Strip.  I like it because it's a highly versatile EQ pedal but doesn't add any colour to your tone.  I do quite fancy a Tonehammer though.

[Jonse]

Had a Darkglass vintage ultra, sansamp deluxe, sansamp programmable, mxr m80/81. Now on the Sansamp BDDI V2 and I think this one will stick around. 

[SuperSeagull]

Sansamp BDDI v2 simply because every review was positive and I’ve found no reason to think about changing it. 

[BigRedX]

Whichever EQ module in my Helix that gives the correct sound.

[Twigman]

I use a DHA-VT1-DI Bass Mk2 for the controllable valve crunch

Edited October 7, 2019 by Twigman

[ped]

Roland VB99 🙂

[LeftyJ]

I have an Ampeg SVP-PRO, SVP-CL, SWR Grand Prix and an EBS Microbass II. The SVP-PRO is my favourite, with a host of classic Ampeg tube tones, a versatile EQ and plenty of drive at the turn of a knob if I want it. It's basically the preamp section of the SVT2PRO in a single rack space. The SVP-CL is the preamp section of the SVT Classic and maybe even better than the PRO, with less bells and whistles and the ability to produce a fairly flat and uncoloured tone too, but I just really enjoy the drive of the SVP-PRO. 

Edited October 7, 2019 by LeftyJ

[bigjohn]

Yep, I run an SVP-Pro too. It's a great pre. I used to have an SVT-IIP, which is the front end of SVT II,  and that was okay, but nothing like as alive an SVP-Pro. And I use fairly clean settings on it. It's just nice and musical. 

I also have an Alembic F1-X, which is a Fender Showman clone, that's cool too.

I sometimes run the Ampeg through the FX loop of the Alembic, there's some real deep, fat and glassy overdrive down there. 

 

 

Edited October 7, 2019 by bigjohn

[pete.young]

On-board or external?

[Lozz196]

Tech21 Para Driver v2 - similar to the well known Sansamp Bass Driver but it has sweepable/adjustable mids making it more versatile.

[Ed_S]

I’m currently playing with blending Sansamp VT-RM and RPM rack units for a new recorded tone. Initial results seem positive!

[Bolo]

I use the Verellen Meatsmoke preamp pedal. Two lovely tube stages with full gain-low-mid-high-master each. 

[KingPrawn]

I love my Radial Bone OD. An amazing pre amp. 2 channel and a great Overdrive section. Loads of great features 

[steve-bbb]

Standard sansamp DI box

[Skybone]

Line6 HD500x. Preamp, MultiFX, sounds great and a fraction of the cost of a Helix second hand.

[paul_5]

Ampeg SVP PRO if I’m using backline, DHA VT2 EQ if not.

Job done.

[dave_bass5]

At the moment I’m using a Helix Stomp. It offers me quite a few pre amps, along with all the effects I’ll ever need.

Ironically I’m using it as a BDDI at the moment, because my BDDIv2 is my all time fav preamp. Ive also got a Q/strip that I never use these days, but it’s been sold and brought back, so I guess that’s a keeper now. I’d say it’s more EQ than preamp, but I have used it direct in to a power amp. 
Also very happy with my TC Electronics Spectradrive, although again, the Stomp has made that redundant as well. 

[Muzz]

Onboard I have East U-Retros in all my basses, Externally I use a Stomp for everything, backline-based or DI.

[jacko]

I've had a Fender TBP-1 for around ten years. It's a very versatile 1u pre-amp with tube overdrive and  the classic fender tone controls. I've tried allsorts over the years including SVP-pro and Alembic F1-x, not to mention several Mesa Boogie heads but i keep coming back to the fender for it's lovely rounded tone.  It's coupled to a QSC PLX 2402 power amp and Mesa 410 and 210 cabs.  

[three]

If you can find one, I'd try a Warwick Hellborg PR40.  I've been through countless pres, all with their benefits and plus-points, though it's the Hellborg pre that I've found to have the qualities that I prefer.  It's super clean, very responsive and has an extremely fat, almost slightly compressed tone.  It offers a sort of produced gloss to pretty much any bass that you use with it.  Horrendously expensive when released (around £1800 I think) but they pop-up occassionally at more reasonable prices.  Indeed, I think there's one on BC now (certainly on e-bay for around £400?)