[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]As the title suggests, I am considering selling my DPA to part-fund a Wilson.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]I have scoured this forum, other forums, and various websites for reviews, and understand that different pickups and amplification systems produce different results depending on the bass itself, the other equipment, the venue etc, but talking in generics, I was hoping for some further advice, help, and recommendations before I go ahead and make the switch from the DPA to the Wilson. [/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Contrary to so many good reviews of the DPA 4099B that ultimately persuaded me to get one in the first place, I have really struggled with it in the six months I've been using it.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Despite experimenting with a multitude of positions and distances from the top of my bass, experimenting with all different input, gain, output, and master levels, in the end I struggle to get enough volume, even with my ART Tube MP V3 preamp. The mic just seems to pick up everything else around it, resulting in a muddy sound that feeds back at ease.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]I have used it on both small and medium-large stages (good size coffee shops, to 500 capacity theatres), and in situations where I've had the other band members less than a metre away from me, crammed on stage, as well as gigs where I've sometimes been 8 metres or so from the guitarist - Still however, I seem to get poor results.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]I currently use a Westbury bass with my DPA going into an ART Tube MP V3, then always to FOH. I have also experimented with both in-ear monitoring, and floor monitors.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]I mainly play country and folk, with hints of folk rock every now and again which is a bit louder in volume. Nothing too crazy loud though.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]The past couple of months I have been working with a very well renowned sound engineer in my area of England, and he is shocked by the DPA's performance. We have spent a lot of time together experimenting with the DPA, often before gigs on an empty stage (although we understand things do change slightly when all the other musicians are on stage). We've been desperately trying to get the best out of the DPA, but he has really struggled.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Has anyone else experienced anything like this with the DPA, and/or are there any recommendations, tips, or words of advice anyone can give?[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]My bridge doesn't have adjusters, so although I've read good things about the Full Circle, I'm not sure about switching to one of these.[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]I have read mixed reviews about the Wilson, but it sounds like the way to go if decent volume without feedback is required, although I have read contradicting reviews re its sound. Some say it sounds real and acoustic, whilst others say it sounds very 'electric'?[/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]I guess the only way to really find out is to bite the bullet, purchase one, get it installed, and see how it sounds. As with anything to do with our beautiful instruments though, as we all know, that becomes a mighty expensive experiment![/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Any help or experience would be greatly appreciated![/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Many thanks [/font][/color]