Bass Preamps
A bass preamp pedal is a DI box, with EQ and tone controls, that would be equipped on a bass amp. It replicates the sounds and functions of a bass amplifier’s preamp section, in a compact form. It is perfect for performing bass players, who need something smaller, and more compatible with a pedal board. It can perform as a full size, heavy bass amplifier does.
What is a Bass Preamp?
A bass preamp amplifies your bass signal. The signal from your bass is not very strong and sometimes can barely be heard. The preamp will raise the input signal to line level, which is an optimal audio signal level for electronics. It makes the signal easier to be heard and to work with in the electronic realm.
Orange Bass Butler Bi-Amp Bass Preamp
When your bass signal is at line level, the preamp can shape the tone with signal processors. This can be done in many ways, depending on the preamp and its features.
Your bass signal travels through various stages as it passes through all of the electronic circuitry of the bass preamp.
Using a Bass Preamp
There are many ways to amplify and enhance the sound of a bass guitar. Bass amps can be very bulky, and heavy. With modern technology, bass preamp pedals are a very practical, affordable, and convenient alternative.
Darkglass Electronics Microtubes Preamp
Bass preamp pedals can be used for live performances or playing in the studio. It can serve as a bridge between a bass guitar and a mixing board or audio interface. The pedal can be plugged directly into a PA system or computer. Bass preamp pedals can also be used in conjunction with a dedicated bass amp.
If you use it with your amp, it can create another tone level, or function as an overdrive. Its great for practice sessions, since most bass preamps are equipped with a headphone jack.
EBS MicroBass 3 2-Channel Preamp
Most sound techs like to have a direct signal from the bass instead of a bass amp. It’s easier to control, and adjust the bass levels, making it more effective. By connecting a DI, or direct injection box, to your bass, you can connect to a mixing console.
The intersting function of a bass preamp pedal, is that most devices are set up with a DI output. This gives the player control of their bass sound, before it reaches a mixing board. This gives the player the advantage to shape and refine their tone, before its amplified through a PA system.
Aguilar Tone Hammer Bass Preamp
Ampeg SGT-DI Bass Preamp
However, most modern bass amplifiers will feature DI outputs too. This means that you can use one onstage for monitoring and simultaneously send a DI signal to a mixing desk.
While this can be effective, some bass amp DI outputs produce a signal that is simply too hot for a mixer — causing a brash, distorted sound that can potentially damage a sensitive input. A preamp pedal’s output can be adjusted more easily, meaning that you can run one straight into a mixing console and find a good balance. Even if you can’t part way with your bass amp rig, you can always just own a preamp pedal as a backup!
Functions
Inputs
Connect your bass’ output to the input of the preamp with an instrument cable.
If your bass is active, it’s output is louder, or hotter, than a passive bass. The bass signal may be loud and may need to be adjusted. For an active bass with a single input, set the pad switch to attenuate the signal, to control the distortion. If there are two inputs, passive and active, be sure to plug into the correct input. Active bass into active input, and passive bass into passive input.
Gain
The gain knob is basically to adjust the level. It is an internal volume knob. By turning the gain all the way up, you will create a distinct distortion, like you hear in most heavy rock music. Your distorted signal can then be adjusted and tweaked with the other preamp stages.
EQ
The EQ, or equalizer, lets you increase or decrease specific frequencies. Frequency means how frequently a sound wave vibrates. It is measured in Hertz, or cycles per second. The low E string on a bass rings at 41Hz, or 41 vibration cycles per second. The slower the vibration, the lower the pitch.
Darkglass Harmonic Booster Bass Preamp
When you play a note on your bass, you will hear different frequencies. The main frequency is called the fundamental. When the E string is played, that low E fundamental rings at 41 Hz. The more subtle frequencies are called overtones. The overtones are the frequencies that give, your bass, unique tones. If you play the same note on a bass and a pipe organ, they would sound different. The overtones, played over the fundamental tone, of each instrument are unique.
Some preamps have the EQ frequencies already set. Simple units may have only have bass, mid, and treble knob options. High end units may have an adjustable, frequency range. This allows you to control each feature individually. Parametric EQ will have a knob for each frequency, (bass, mid, treble.) Graphic EQ will have a range of sliders to adjust each frequency. These can vary by price range, with some units having 20 – 30 sliders.
Tech 21 FlyRig 5 v2 Multi-FX Pedal
Limiter & Volume
A limiter limits the overall volume of the signal. Its like having an adjustable volume ceiling. It helps prevent damaging signal levels from reaching other components like your bass cabinet.
Then there is the master volume. Most people know this controls the output volume sent to the power amp.
Effects Loops
Many preamps have an effects loop, which sends the bass signal out to another device or signal processor. For example, if you have an effects pedal or a tuner. Effects loops have a send and return feature, or output and input. It loops your signal to an outside device. The signal gets processed and then returns to the preamp. Some effects loops let you blend the processed signal with the original signal.
Outputs
The main output is sent to the power amp. This may be marked as “line out.”
A DI output is a direct injection. It can send the signal directly to a mixing board or a recording device.
Some preamps are bi-amped, so the signal is split into separate highs and lows. The highs are sent to one speaker, and the lows are sent to another. A crossover unit determines the frequency where the split occurs. Some crossovers are fixed while others are variable.
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver
JOYO Cabinet Simulator Preamp House
Some outputs are marked pre or post, which means the output would be before or after the eq processing stage.
A tuner out allows you to send your bass signal to an outboard electronic bass tuner.
A ground lift switch disconnects the grounding of the preamp. If there is a power surge, it will be sent to the ground, instead of you. If equipment or electrical outlets are not properly grounded, you will hear a buzzing noise in the signal. The ground lift switch safely disconnects the ground and eliminnates the buzz.
Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI
Some preamps come with a footswitch. The footswitch, simply allows you to use your foot, to control the settings on your bass preamp. This is great for live performances, where your hands are busy playing.
Disadvantages
Some bass players are old school or traditional, and will argue against using a preamp. They feel that preamps produce an unnatural, over-produced sound. They prefer a true bass amp because of the quality of sound it delivers. However, modern technology has influenced more advanced and authentic sounding devices. In fact, some of the boutique models can produce tones above the quality of a bass amp.
Radial Bassbone V2 Bass preamp
Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp
Modern preamps can create bigger, more complex tones. Some can blend the frequencies into a fluid sound. You can add more layers on top of that, and spread the sounds throughout a stereo field. It delivers a smooth, surrounding sound.
Since preamp pedals do not have speakers, they can’t deliver a room-filling sound alone. You would need to be connected to a PA or bass amp. If you’re a gigging musician, make sure you have a speaker setup to plug your preamp pedal into.
Ibanez Pentatone Preamp
Origin Effects BassRig '64 Bass Preamp
Quality components and a FULL RANGE OF TONAL OPTIONS. Well worth the price of admission here. No International or Overseas wait times! Bringing some of the best sought after sounds at a real nice price. The inspiration for this unit comes from the super popular unit that has many bass players talking. Part Pre-amp, part Overdrive. Numerous set options by toggle where you cab dial in a distinct overall signature sound or switch subtle voicings between songs. The original unit is much sought after and carries a high price tag as well. Your chance here to capture the spirit of that sound for a fraction of the price.
Origin Effects BassRig ’64 Bass Preamp
Tech 21 Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp
Dual all-analog SansAmp circuits with individual levels. Drive for gain and overdrive. Saturation for low-end beef with separate. Level control. Blend to control the ratio of SansAmp Tube Sweepable semi-parametric. Tight switch adds definition to your notes.
Expect a a deep clean tone coupled with the edgy crunch output from the SansAmp RPM
Tech 21 Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp
Jim Dunlop Bass Preamp
The MXR Bass Preamp combines a pristine bass preamp with astudio-quality Direct Out in a Phase 90-sized box, providing clear tonewithout hogging precious pedalboard space. Use it to add a new voice toan old passive bass, sweeten up any amp, or put some special sauce on aparticular song. Dial it in just the way you want it and send itstraight to the house—pre or post-EQ—with the built-in Direct Out.
Jim Dunlop Bass Preamp
Orange Acoustic Guitar Preamp
Acoustic Guitar Preamp Pedal by Orange, with XLR 1/4″ Outputs Buffered FX Loop
All-in-one Solution for Pro-quality Acoustic Performances
Orange Acoustic Guitar Preamp
Demonfx Microtube ''Bass'' Preamp
Demonfx Microtube ”Bass” Preamp
Quality components and a FULL RANGE OF TONAL OPTIONS. Well worth the price of admission here. No International or Overseas wait times! Bringing some of the best sought after sounds at a real nice price. The inspiration for this unit comes from the super popular unit that has many bass players talking. Part Pre-amp, part Overdrive. Numerous set options by toggle where you cab dial in a distinct overall signature sound or switch subtle voicings between songs. The original unit is much sought after and carries a high price tag as well. Your chance here to capture the spirit of that sound for a fraction of the price.
Genzler Amplification Magellan Pre Analog Bass Preamp
The MAGELLAN PRE brings the performance and preamp feature set of our popular Magellan series bass amps into a powerful, feature-laden, compact bass preamp/DI pedal. From natural, pristine, transparent reproduction of the bass instrument to classic, vintage harmonic textures with a “weighted feel to the notes”, the MG-PRE-PEDAL provides the tonal palette needed to cover all of the bassist’s tone requirements.
Genzler Amplification Magellan Pre Analog Bass Preamp
NUX NGS-6 Amp Academy Amp Modeler
NUX NGS-6 Amp Academy Amp Modeler
Amp Academy features 6 legendary amp models like Vintage, Classic, Modern, Brown, Red, and Iridium. Amp Modeling offers you realistic amp feeling and fast playability response.
1024 samples IR resolution with 3rd party IR loader capacity makes it easy to bring your favorite amp sound everywhere.
