Grreth Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 Hi All! The way things are working out for me at the moment, I've realised that I really need to look in to getting a bass di/effect unit. I've been thinking about it for quite a while and was only really looking at the Sansamp models but I couldn't make my mind up as to which of their models would be the best unit and/or the best value for money. However, to put a spanner in the works, I've discovered the existence of the MXR M-80 and the Aguilar Tonehammer and am now truly stuck. I'd really like some honest opinions and reviews on these if possible before I go and spend my cash. I'm currently using an '88 MM StingRay and a LittleMark II, if that makes a difference? Cheers, Gareth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Len_derby Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 [quote name='Grreth' post='1345888' date='Aug 19 2011, 09:55 PM']Hi All! The way things are working out for me at the moment, I've realised that I really need to look in to getting a bass di/effect unit. I've been thinking about it for quite a while and was only really looking at the Sansamp models but I couldn't make my mind up as to which of their models would be the best unit and/or the best value for money. However, to put a spanner in the works, I've discovered the existence of the MXR M-80 and the Aguilar Tonehammer and am now truly stuck. I'd really like some honest opinions and reviews on these if possible before I go and spend my cash. I'm currently using an '88 MM StingRay and a LittleMark II, if that makes a difference? Cheers, Gareth[/quote] It's all very subjective, but I've been very happy with my Sansamp. Robocopse has one in the Effects for sale section. I'm sure you'll be able to move it on if it's not for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdwardHimself Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 (edited) How much money do you have? If you've got a bit more cash, then you can also have a look at the EBS microbass. It's basically a 2 channel bass preamp on the floor. Edited August 20, 2011 by EdwardHimself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarethFlatlands Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 I've got the Sansamp BDDI Deluxe and an MXR on the way. I'm going to try the MXR and will let you know how the 2 compare when it arrives and sell the one I like least. Lots of threads on these but the Sansamp is basically Ampeg tone in a DI box. It sounds good but colours your signal and compresses the tone a bit which is why I guess FOH engineers like it. I use mine for recording (had a few complements on how convenient it was and on the sound) and into the front end of a cheap Peavey combo to make it sound better. Never used the Tonehammer, I really wanted one but couldn't find any and bought the Sansamp instead. Typically, 2 turned up straight after on here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 A good way to try the Sansamp is to get hold of a Behringer BD121. The two are very similar. The build quality of the Sansamp is much better, but if we`re talking tone here, I actually prefer the Behringer, as it doesn`t seem to colour the tone as much. Don`t get me wrong, the tones from the Sansamp are great, but if you already like the sound of your amp, the Sansamp will probably change it more than the Behringer would. The Behringer can be got hold of for about £30, and if you decide you do like it, and get a Sansamp, the Behringer is also a great backup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 I was never happy with the Sansamps. I ended up with an EBS and it was better in every regard.. IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Higgie Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 You've also got the Sadowsky Pre-Amp/DI which I've found to be awesome, although I haven't tried any of the others. I get all my overdrive from other pedals so it wasn't a needed feature for me, or I would have looked at the MXR/Sansamp/Tonehammer instead. For me it's the Sadowsky DI all the way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gafbass02 Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Big fan of the hartke vxl here, worth looking at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil.i.stein Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 [quote name='gafbass02' post='1346547' date='Aug 20 2011, 05:38 PM']Big fan of the hartke vxl here, worth looking at.[/quote] echoed.. great value for money compared to the alternatves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grreth Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 Hmmmm....Thanks for all the input! I wasn't aware of the EBS or Hartke models...It's more to think about! More research required, I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 I've used the MXR for a while now, and until recently have been very happy with it. The distortion circuit is pretty good, but it's not possible to bypass the "color" (mid scoop) when using this channel. I've just sold it, and am expecting a Dave Hall DHA EQ-DI, which doesn't have a distortion circuit, but is supposed to be a really clean DI with a very musical EQ section. I'll let you know how I get on if you still need the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funky8884 Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 I have been looking at the Bassbone and Tonehammer, but am interested in the DHA gear. Does anyone know if the Sadowsky or Tonehammer can send a neutral uncoloured sound like a Radial DI ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EskimoBassist Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Massive fan of the MXR-M80 here. I've gone on about it in other threads asking the same question so I won't bore you with details, but I've been using it live now for 4 years and never turn it off. If I lost my whole pedal board it really would be the first thing that I would replace. Switchable distortion, powerful 3 band eq, good noise filter on the distortion channel and a very clean DI. Each to their own, but I would pick it any day over the Sansamp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarshallBTB Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 +1 for the Behringer. I'm using mine full time at the moment until I can afford something with more options - but for £40 max (new!) you can't go wrong. Plus it sounds great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grreth Posted August 23, 2011 Author Share Posted August 23, 2011 Hey! Thanks for all of the feedback. I've managed to track down a cheap m-80 and I'm gonna give that a whirl...If I'm not sure, I think I'll have a go with the Aguilar. The EBS MicroBass looks cool but quite pricey. As does the Radial BassBone. Does anyone have any feed back on the BassBone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janmaat Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 big fan of the EBS here. It serves just for so many other great things so worth the dosh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Just took delivery of my Dave Hall DI EQ pedal today. Seriously good little box, highly recommended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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