Waddycall

Another vote for the peavey

It’s a piece of “outboard” studio gear that takes a low level signal and amplifies it to line level and incorporates some e.q. and maybe some dynamics controls. Its similar to the strip of controls for each channel of a recording console. Some only have a pre amp and e.q. and some include a compressor. The eq can be a bit odd too as they’re generally intended more for microphone use although that could be mic’ing a bass or guitar cab/amp. They’re normally used to amplify and add some light adjustment to a signal that’s being recorded. They’re generally less tonally coloured than a bespoke bass amp or preamp so allow the voicing to come from the instrument if that makes sense. The amplified signal is more faithful to the sound coming from the bass (both good and bad). i was using a focusrite channel strip until my TL Audio unit came along. I found the e.q. on that a bit challenging for on the fly adjustment. It was very versatile but took some thinking about to get the best out of it. The TL Audio unit is more intuitive with a four band e.q. with selectable frequencies for each band. not all studio/mic preamps are channel strips as many don’t include e.q. or compressor. I wanted to try a channel strip as I like to have some compression but don’t really like pedals or want to have a bigger rack set up than necessary. It’s all just for fun though and it’s an enjoyable learning curve.

Awesome - I have the 210 LNT and love it. If a 212 comes up for sale locally I’ll be grabbing it!

Actually also bear in mind that getting a power amp is a top of a slippery slope into building a rack set up. I first bought a power amp quite recently to use with my line 6 bass pod and have since ended up buying a 4u rack case and two different preamps ! No regrets though🙂

iWell it looks a bit OTT 🤣but its so easy to dial in a nice bedroom tone. Not sure when I’ll get to try this out with the/a band which is a shame. I think it’s going to be ace. v

Bear in mind the input sensitivity as well as not all preamp pedals put out a high enough voltage to get the most out of a power amp. They’ll still amplify it but won’t get full output

I reckon that’ll pan out very nicely!

My new to mic preamp/channel strip is here. Only used it into the effects return of my little rumble head as a headphone amp but so far very pleased. Pots are a bit scratchy but some use seems to be doing it a lot of good. I really like the e.q. and compressor. The surprise bonus is the gate which works a treat. Not sure when I’ll get to try it out in anger as the band just fell apart🙄😂 ill stick it in my rack with the power amp tomorrow and blow the paintings off the wall for a bit while Mrs Waddycall is out.

Could there be a difference between the quality of class d technology used in a large rack mount power amp and that squeezed into a tiny bass head?

Is it this one ........ https://bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Danelectro_59DC.html

Well I just pulled the trigger on a used TL Audio 5051 from eBay. Got it for a fair price so we’ll see how it’s goes. Some info here -https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/5051--tl-audio-ivory-2-series-5051

Finally got to try out my power amp and focusrite channel strip with the band last night. Sounded great but the eq on the trakmaster isn’t great for on the fly tweaking. I wanted to boost and cut two frequencies covered by the one parametric bass control so I’m confident I’m going on the right track for me. I'm after something similar but with more comprehensive eq. Drummer liked it to - “sounds amazing” 👍

Seem to be a few TL Audio 5051 available. Anyone ever tried one of those?

Thanks for the info. Currently looking around for different options for rack mount pres and channel strips. I’ve put a post in the wanted section so it’ll be interesting to see if anything turns up. i dreamt of having a rack set up years ago. Quite nice to have a go at putting one together while I’m still strong enough to carry it.

Paging @BassAdder27

Following on from this thread .... and my acquisition of a rack mount power amp and focusrite channel strip I’ve been disappearing down a rabbit hole of outdated heavy rack gear and have come across a few old threads wihere people are/were using mic pres and channel strips in their live rigs. Anyone still doing this and if so what are you using?

My SR1820. Nothing else I’ve played has so much presence. It’s bright and zingy but can do round and mellow too. Glad I changed my mind about selling it.v

What about he VK210 LNT in the For Sale section. A bit over budget but a fantastic punchy loud cab.

I did hear that VU stands for virtually useless!

Power amp?

There’s a trace Elliot GP11 pre amp on eBay for £175

Here- https://www.basschat.co.uk/forum/22-items-wanted-no-trades

You could try posting in the wanted section. Seems to be quite active.