Tripehound Posted February 14, 2022 Share Posted February 14, 2022 Now that I only play Helix straight to PA (and through an FRFR speaker for rehearsals) I'm aware that I'm vulnerable to it lacking out on me on a gig and that I should have something in reserve. Just a straight bass tone would do - classic SVT or GK etc for a pop/rock/disco covers band. I keep looking at the Atomic Bass Box which looks good in the few videos of it and is now heavily discounted (is this significant?) - there don't seem to be many reviews. The GK Plex is also a possibility if I could pick one up used. I know the obvious answer is probably a Stomp but cheap git that I am I'd like something less expensive. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted February 14, 2022 Share Posted February 14, 2022 Cheap & reliable that will do an SVT type sound says Behringer BDI21 to me. They’re pretty hard wearing too. I believe there’s still one up for grabs on here - Thunderbird bring the seller. For something more expensive Aguilar Tonehammer is worth a try. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted February 14, 2022 Share Posted February 14, 2022 Zoom b1-four Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matybigfro Posted February 14, 2022 Share Posted February 14, 2022 2nd the Behringer as a standby it'll absolutely do the job. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boodang Posted February 15, 2022 Share Posted February 15, 2022 Sansamp VT di if you want straight SVT tones. TC Electronic Spectradrive if you want a pre with 4 band eq and toneprint compressor and drive circuits. Plus the latter makes a nice practice preamp as it has a headphone out and mini jack in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SumOne Posted February 15, 2022 Share Posted February 15, 2022 (edited) If you're just after a small backup pedal in-case the Helix dies then I'd consider the Zoom MS-60B (or the B1 Four as mentioned, but it's more bulky to carry about as a usually un-used backup). It can do EQ, Compression, Overdrive, Tuner, and other effects (including synth effects that might be useful to use in the Helix FX loop), and it takes batteries so no need to carry a backup (non Helix) power supply. Or on a bigger budget as you're considering the Atomic Bass Box or the GK Plex which are both about £250 new (and I'm not sure if they take batteries- which would mean you'd also need to carry a backup power supply) I'd consider the Sansamp pedals - they take batteries, are small/sturdy, have EQ and drive and the XLR DI (which the Helix and Zoom don't have, so could be useful). If the Helix dies on you though would you also need a Tuner, and possibly Compressor? I've recently ordered a Fishman Platinum Pro which takes batteries and has EQ (including HPF), XLR DI, Tuner, Compressor...not drive though so perhaps not suitable for what you're after. Edited February 15, 2022 by SumOne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted February 15, 2022 Share Posted February 15, 2022 https://www.gak.co.uk/en/tech-21-sansamp-bass-driver-di/29869?gclid=Cj0KCQiAu62QBhC7ARIsALXijXTkzf69uAlBV2zBEdyhp4Fm254DZvYbeZCEWlCEv8u42rtweXbcmgYaAv2yEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted February 15, 2022 Share Posted February 15, 2022 Laney's Digbeth DB-Pre? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boodang Posted February 15, 2022 Share Posted February 15, 2022 Just looked up the Atomic Bass Box.... what the hell is a 'digital vacuum tube'?! Is that an iTube?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassmidget209 Posted February 15, 2022 Share Posted February 15, 2022 Also recommend the Laney digbeth. Clean and drive no problems along with a 4 band eq. The zoom ms60b also great and does all the bells and whistles you would associate with a multi, including tuner. Why not both! 🤣 Sansamp also obviously great but you could get both the previous pedals for the price of a sansamp....still cheaper than a stomp though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinterMute Posted February 17, 2022 Share Posted February 17, 2022 Grab a second hand Line 6 Bass Pod XT, if you can find one, I've used mine in reserve for donkeys, it works brilliantly for emergencies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 On 14/02/2022 at 20:37, Lozz196 said: Cheap & reliable that will do an SVT type sound says Behringer BDI21 to me. They’re pretty hard wearing too. I believe there’s still one up for grabs on here - Thunderbird bring the seller. For something more expensive Aguilar Tonehammer is worth a try. Another shout out for the BDI21. For around £20 for something that sounds good you can't go wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmorris Posted March 19, 2022 Share Posted March 19, 2022 On 25/02/2022 at 11:31, MacDaddy said: Another shout out for the BDI21. For around £20 for something that sounds good you can't go wrong. +1. OP is looking for a safety net in case the Helix fails and can't be sorted atm ? Eg by "Turning it on and off". So imo doesn't warrant a high outlay. And if the Helix does prove to be prone to flipping out then a proper solution is needed really. fwiw I'd recommend putting some sort of mains filter in the power feed to the Helix to reduce susceptibility to electrical issues at different venues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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