Preamp pedal recommendations/advice

[StephenR]

Looks like the newer Acoustic Image amps have a slightly different control layout than the one I have. I got mine around 12 years ago. As Jimmy pointed out they now have a "filter" knob. Mine has a similar control but it can be set to either a notch filter or low cut, low cut seems to essentially be a HPF. The range of frequencies either control affects is 30Hz-800 kHz. I have always found the notch filter more useful than the low cut. Unfortunately with either you can't control the amount of cut, just the frequency, but they are still a useful addition to the AI controls. I don't play upright but if I was using the AI for that I can see the low cut filter being very helpful for tightening up the lowest frequencies in certain rooms.

[gil]

Thanks Jimmy J. It’s actually not the SL but the 2R and it does have an effects input. You guys have been giving me some good advice and I can’t wait to try it out.

[gil]

RV bass,
Thanks. I’ve always been interested in the Alembic F preamps, I’m sure they are awesome! In fact, I got to hear someone live once running his Alembic through one and that was what I’m looking for. I just wish it ce in a pedal form — I have enough to carry as it is.

[edwardofhuncote]

My Acoustic Image Clarus 2 is an older model as well... I've only ever used the filter for to notch out problems with my upright, but it is switchable to a high pass. It sounds positively fantastic with all my Alembics when the eq center detents are just set to flat. My one and only gripe with this setup is this, (and its a small one) the DI out level is determined by the input gain. If you want a case of the stink-eye (and maybe worse) from a sound guy, set that knob to 12 o'clock and watch his headphones jump when he unmutes your channel.

*FWIW, mine does have an effects return, but I never use it either.

**Jeannie came separately!

[gil]

Thanks again, Edwardo. By “flat” do you mean to turn it all the way counterclockwise?

[JimmyJ]

Ah, sorry, I was looking at the wrong head.  I think when Greg says "flat" he means no boost or cut from the tone controls, knobs at 12 o'clock like in his pic.  If you have that same model amp, then with a simple adaptor you could use channel-1 for your electric, find a good tone and set it, then leave channel-2 set up for your acoustic.  If you are dead set on carrying an extra preamp ... you can use the "effects return" of channel-1 to skip the built-in pre and connect directly to the AI's power amp section.  That would be the cleanest way to go - but it seems like a waste of what is probably a fine sounding built-in pre.

edit: Just realized there's only the one "filter" control on that model so if that effects both channels - and is "post" effects returns - then so much for my idea of quick changing between axes with no knob twirling.  If you're never in a situation where you need to quickly switch between acoustic and electric with the amp, then you should be able to get your Alembic to sound good through channel-2 by playing with the notch / HP filter.  Let us know what you discover.

Jimmy J

[elwoodblue]

I bet this T.C. unit could be a contender.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/T-C-Electronic-Dual-Parametric-Equalizer-MINT-in-BOX/192718350636

[hieronymous]

I keep wanting to contribute to this thread - very interesting questions. What is the sound you are really looking for? Is it the sparkely top end that Alembics are famously capable of or is the Sire giving a classic Jazz Bass scooped sound (or something else)? My theory is that Alembics have a broader and flatter frequency response - as in, all the frequencies are well represented, modified of course by where you have the filter set. Whereas Fenders don't have the true low-end frequencies that Alembic do, but make up for it with a low-midrange bump and high-mid bump in P basses, with more of a mid-scoop with J basses.

I think the Ampeg stuff doesn't necessarily work for the glassy sparkle that a cleaner, more full-range preamp might give, but take my opinion with a grain of salt, I have very limited experience with anything Ampeg. But the sparkle may not be what you're looking for either. Can you figure out what's different between the Sire & the Alembic? Sometimes the classic Fender design just naturally works for certain things, whether it's the bolt-on neck or the pickup configuration or something else. Plus, each Alembic is different, as opposed to the assembly line Fender consistency.

[edwin]

Edwin, thanks for your recommendation. That Grace Design preamp seems to be designed for acoustic instruments. Have you had experience with electric basses, particularly Alembic?

Yes. Well, at least with Alembic equipped basses. My Guild Starfire has Series II pickups and electronics. Prior to getting an IN-2, I used the Felix as a stereo blender/DI and it is simply superlative. Although it's centered around acoustic instruments, it has no problem handling electric instruments and is a veritable audio Swiss Army knife. The only drawback is that it's pricey, but in terms of flexibility and audio quality, it's worth every penny. Most of the Grace Design stuff is very high end and their design and build quality is part of their instrument preamp line. No corners cut.

[edwin]

RV bass,
Thanks. I’ve always been interested in the Alembic F preamps, I’m sure they are awesome! In fact, I got to hear someone live once running his Alembic through one and that was what I’m looking for. I just wish it ce in a pedal form — I have enough to carry as it is.

I think people have made pedals based on the F preamp design. The design is taken from a Fender Showman front end and isn't all that complicated. A solid state version could be put together pretty easily. The hardest part would be making the box and getting the power supply right. Frogpedals.com has built one.

[gil]

Edwin, both those pedals (Grace Design and Frogpedals) sound interesting — I’ll check more into them. Have you heard of anyone with experience with the Frogpedal? It seems too good to be true.

[gil]

Edwin, the Grace Design BiX is more affordable, any thoughts?

[edwin]

Edwin, the Grace Design BiX is more affordable, any thoughts?

It's excellent. I have one that I use as a basic DI. It's not all that flexible when it comes to EQ and that kind of thing, though. Pretty barebones.

The Grace Channelstrip might be the best bass preamp I've ever used. It's just a little awkward in terms of gain for FOH vs. on stage and I went stereo, so I sold it. Completely direct coupled with very low phase shift. The bottom end is the best I've ever heard. Of course, it doesn't really have the wonderful tone stack that the Alembic pres have, so they work well together. http://www.gracedesign.com/products/m103/m103.htm

There's also this, which seems great except for the garish paint job: http://www.dextersworkshop.com/shop/preamp-full-tube-high-voltage-guitar-bass-preamp/

And then this: http://www.suncoastanalog.com/F2p%20Tube%20Preamp.htm

It also seems like you can get PCBs pretty easily to do your own if you search around the net.

[gil]

Thanks for all the feedback and great advice -- you guys are the best.
This time of the year is particularly busy so, as much as I'm excited to try out some settings on my AI, I still haven't had a chance to play around with it. Having said that, I've checked out some reviews on youtube of some of the pedals and have narrowed it down to two: Grace Design BiX and Suncoast F2P. Two dilemmas: 1) I couldn't find any reviews of the Grace Design featuring electric bass. 2) The Suncoast doesn't have a DI -- am I making too big a deal of this?

[xlrogue6]

The Radial Bassbone is a great affordable tool for doublers. Only one channel has rotary EQ controls, but in my experience that works just fine. Really good DI too. http://www.radialeng.com/product/bassbone-v2