PREAMPS AND DI TEST (aDesigns REDDI, Caveman Audio BP1 Compact, Origin Effects Bass rig, Trickfish Minnow)

[johnpaulbass]

Sound test of various bass preamps.

WHICH SOUND DID YOU LIKE THE MOST ?

 

Link: https://on.soundcloud.com/FLCVtsWYG71TQNR57
 

The recording went in THIS ORDER:
 

1. STRAIGHT INTO THE SOUNDCARD (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)
2. ADESIGNS REDDI
3. CAVEMAN AUDIO BP1 COMPACT
4. ORIGIN EFFECTS BASSRIG
4. TRICKFISH MINNOW
 

Basses used:
 

Alleva Coppolo KBP 5
Alleva Coppolo LG5 Classic Supreme
 

Both strung with Pyramid Strings Nickel plated string (1 week old)

 

Preamps and DI's used:
 

- Adesigns REDDI
- Caveman BP1 compact
- Origin effects Bassrig
- Trickfish Minnow

[joel406]

Interesting match up.

 

I've always been interested in Pre Amp DI pedals. I run ampless with IEMs. But I have Mesa Subway cabs. 212 and 410. I prefer the D-800+ and the Epifani UL901.

 

But after listening to the clips. 

 

You should check out "Two Notes". The Revolt is something you should hear. And, if you can find one. A Le Bass is amazing.

 

But a Quad cortex takes em all out.

 

Best clarity by far.

[Belka]

Honestly, listening to that on decent headphones, I preferred the sound straight into the soundcard with no DI box. The Reddi and the Minnow were fairly inoffensive, but apart from making the signal louder I don't think they improved anything, while the Caveman and the Bassrig seemed to suck all the high end out of your tone. Straight into the soundcard had the most dynamics to my ears. 

 

I can understand the use of these boxes when going straight into a PA without an amp, as they can make the signal less sterile, but as effects to make you sound better in front of an amp (or mixing desk if recording), IMO it's the Emperor's new clothes. I'd include the Noble in that category too. 

 

To be fair to the Bassrig, I have heard people demo it and it does sound good with some saturation/drive on it, but as a clean DI it's nothing special.