Author Topic: Which preamp? (Read 367 times)

gregduboc · « **on:** June 09, 2011, 12:43:54 PM »

Hey guys, one question.

I want to give my Ritter basses an Alembic tone, a tone that I had when I had my Signature. Ideally, I want to add filters to my bass, but that won't happen. So a preamp is what I need. The question is? F-1X, F-2B or SF-2??
I wished I could go somewhere and try them, but that's not a reality here in Brazil!

Any help is highly appreciated, as always!!

Greg

pace · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2011, 01:49:28 PM »

The SF-2.

gregduboc · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2011, 02:16:00 PM »

The thing is, I wanted to build a simple rig with preamp, poweramp and cabs. But, I am a newbie regarding these questions, so how would I control the volume, if I set it up: SF-2 into poweramp into cabs? Will the power amp have such feature, or would I have to get a proper preamp as a F-1X and connect the SF-2 to it?

Thanks,

Greg

(Message edited by gregduboc on June 09, 2011)

hifiguy · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2011, 02:24:41 PM »

An SF-2 can be used as a stand-alone preamp. You do not need an F-1X unless you want a tube preamp rather than the solid state one that is a part of the SF-2.

gregduboc · « **Reply #4 on:** June 09, 2011, 02:29:39 PM »

I see. But how would I control the volume, as I don't see a dedicated knob on the SF-2?

Greg

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #5 on:** June 09, 2011, 02:36:09 PM »

The SF-2 is like having Series 2 electronics in a rack unit, so it will definitely help get the Alembic sound. However, I think it would sound better to use an F-1X though for the preamp if price isn't too much of an issue. The SF-2 is designed really for more of a tone shaping device than than to act as a stand alone preamp (although it could work as such). If you really wanted to get wild, you could run an SF-2 in stereo, into an F-2B (also stereo) into two separate power amps (or a stereo power amp).

hieronymous · « **Reply #6 on:** June 09, 2011, 02:59:40 PM »

If you really wanted to get wild, you could run an SF-2 in stereo, into an F-2B (also stereo) into two separate power amps (or a stereo power amp).

Or if the bass is stereo, run it into the SF-2 in stereo, then use the F-2B to sum the signals to mono...

If the bass is mono, though, it might make most sense to go SF-2 --> F-1X

I haven't used the SF-2 as a preamp either, only as a tone-shaping device. There are a couple of threads on here about using it as a preamp though - would be worth checking those. If running in mono, there are basically three volume controls - the direct signal volume, and then volumes for both filters. It's important to note that the controls work differently depending on stereo vs. mono operation.

gregduboc · « **Reply #7 on:** June 09, 2011, 05:33:19 PM »

I see. So would the direct signal volume when running in mono be the output level (master volume)?

Greg

David Houck · « **Reply #8 on:** June 09, 2011, 06:13:01 PM »

In mono parallel mode, the knob on the far left, Input Gain, is the master volume.

gregduboc · « **Reply #9 on:** June 09, 2011, 06:22:20 PM »

Perfect Dave, thanks for that. That's what I really needed to know. Time to get an SF-2 then!

Greg

smokin_dave · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2011, 08:06:11 PM »

My rig is an SF-2 running into a Crown XTi 1000 power amp and hooked into an Eden D410 XLT.I've used this setup for a few years now and absolutly love it.Although I'm toying with the idea of selling my Epic(the old war horse,it really needs to played)to purchase an F1-X for the tube and direct out.I've had many a compliment for the sound it produces.

gregduboc · « **Reply #11 on:** June 09, 2011, 08:26:55 PM »

David, that is the sort of rig I'm going to get myself. Good to know that someone actually uses it and likes it! Have you ever tried to get an Alembic tone out of a non-Alembic bass using the SF-2?

Greg

sonicus · « **Reply #12 on:** June 09, 2011, 08:42:19 PM »

In stereo I like to go from the DS5-R to SF-2 to F-2B to power amp. I have used this for a Series Bass or Non -Series. The DS5-R can provide a parallel mult for a mono non-Series to run through both channels of the SF-2 and thus dividing the signal and being able to be shaped at dual response curves. I did this at the Northern California Alembic Gathering with my single pickup Distillate .I think it works well . ____I like to think out of the box
. Greg _ you might love the SF-2 ! Experiment and indulge yourself and you will find new ways to get what you like to hear.

smokin_dave · « **Reply #13 on:** June 10, 2011, 06:25:52 AM »

Ya' know Greg,I've never played another bass through my rig but an Alembic.Back in 94'I was looking for a tone processor and was turned on to the SF-2.While I was waiting for the sales clerk to gather it up I spied a rack of Epic's hanging on the wall,pulled one down and was instantly hooked for life.Told the sales clerk when he got back that I want both and made his day.The only other bass that has ever been played through my rig is my Rogue fiver.

sonicus · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2011, 06:45:18 AM »

Greg___ , I have done what I describe in my post 1885 (above) with several NON-Alembic instruments as well and was able to get pleasing results for both myself the other players and the audience as well.