EBS Stanley Clarke Acoustic Preamp

[Bilbo]

I have a problem and it looks like this piece of kit may present a solution.

 

I have long been using an Acoustic Image Clarus using both a pick up AND a microphone for my double bass. My amp is looking like it may be on its way out and, as we all know, AI are no longer operating. I have various options for replacing the amp but none of them have two channels I can use to continue with the pick up/mic approach. This looks like it may do the job ( I have used a Fishman pre-amp to date but that is getting old now as well). Can anyone confirm that it has phantom power on the mic line and whether you can use both inputs simultaneously? It looks promising but I am an idiot when it comes to tech so need the help of a grown up.

 

Many thanks.

Edited yesterday at 15:24 by Bilbo

[JPJ]

Yes it has phantom on the XLR (mic) input and yes you can combine both channels (there’s an A + B switch on the side between the two jack inputs). 
I must admit I’ve never used that option as I’ve always used mine on doubling gigs with EUB and electric fretless, or more recently with upright but I only have a Realist Copperhead on my upright and no mic.

They really are a great bit of kit. My only complaints are the post clip light is a bit sensitive, and the selector for tuner always on is inside the case requiring a screwdriver session to change to on mute only. Other than that, they are built like a tank and do exactly what they say on the tin.

[Bilbo]

Thanks for the reply, JPJ. I will put this on the shopping list along with a suitable replacement for the dying amp.

[SimBass]

Unusually I use it to switch between DB and BG but have used it as you describe for DB only gigs. Works really well, independent HP filter/notch filter plus EQ on each channel means you can make the most of the microphone whilst managing feedback and use the pick up channel to boost more volume without the same feedback sensitivity. Works great!

[pete.young]

The Headway EDB2 also allows you to blend a mic and pickup and provides 48V phantom power. So does the EDB1 but it's now discontinued though they pop up second-hand occasionally. Neither of these units is really designed for switching between two instruments, unlike the EBS.

[NickA]

I acquired a stan Clarke  from bass chat before Xmas.  Quality bit of kit.

 

I've only done one gig with it, dB into A and eb into B.  It will take a mike with phantom power too and is also a di box.

 

Must say, being able to set independent gain and eq for both basses and then between songs, mute, swap basses, swap channels, unmute, play ( with no clinks or pops) is brill.

 

The notch / HP filter is quite subtle.

 

Our sound guy wants my bass through the pa so DI to the mixer and normal output to my little pjb flightcase for use as a stage monitor.

 

Clean sound,no distortion, no hiss.