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Why no rackmount DB preamps?


Clarky
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Just wondered, given the multitude of DB pickup and preamps on the market, why noone does a rack-mounted DB specific preamp (as in with DB-specific features like notch control, phase switch etc)? Would have thought one of the specialist North American companies at least would make one.

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In a similar vein, I've often why, given that most of us use an outboard preamp with our piezo pickups, no-one does powered cabs for double bass.

I run my fishman Platinum Pro straight into the FX return on a LMII, without using any of the EQ on the amp so really, I could get away with running the signal from the fishman into a power amp.

I'd have thought that something like an Acoustic Image contra cab with a built in power amp, which allows you to use whichever pre rock your boat, would be rather popular.

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[quote name='TheRev' post='1229829' date='May 13 2011, 12:13 PM']In a similar vein, I've often why, given that most of us use an outboard preamp with our piezo pickups, no-one does powered cabs for double bass.

I run my fishman Platinum Pro straight into the FX return on a LMII, without using any of the EQ on the amp so really, I could get away with running the signal from the fishman into a power amp.

I'd have thought that something like an Acoustic Image contra cab with a built in power amp, which allows you to use whichever pre rock your boat, would be rather popular.[/quote]
The QSC K10 comes quite highly recommended by various DB'ers (eg, Bassace) - its a powered 10" PA speaker but apparently sounds very clean. Those using microphones on their DBs especially seem to like it

[url="http://www.dv247.com/pa-systems-and-live-sound/qsc-k10-k-series-active-pa-speaker--65721"]http://www.dv247.com/pa-systems-and-live-s...-speaker--65721[/url]

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I think its because the 19" format and a double bass just don't go well together - even in American cars.

I've got a lovely valve preamp that sounds great with upright - but I almost never use it (even with EUB) because of the extra carry a rack box (even the soft variety) demands. There's also the potential damage a rack box can do to a double bass in the back of a car. I've heard of a few nasty incidents.

If you're touring a lot at a decent level its different - have a look at Steve Rodby's set up with Pat Metheny. But most of us will be happy to use rental, or the GK combos..not so long ago.

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[quote name='Clarky' post='1229662' date='May 13 2011, 09:28 AM']Just wondered, given the multitude of DB pickup and preamps on the market, why noone does a rack-mounted DB specific preamp (as in with DB-specific features like notch control, phase switch etc)? Would have thought one of the specialist North American companies at least would make one.[/quote]
A potential disadvantage for those of us with piezo pickups and passive on-board electronics is that you have a longer cable run into a high impedance than if you ran the output to a pre-amp that was located close to or on the DB. That's a Bad Thing as it increases the potential for stray noise.

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