So if you’re a gigging musician, you’ll always need to make sure that a venue has a speaker setup that you can plug your preamp pedal into. This means that they can’t emit a room-filling sound unless connected to a PA system or bass amp/cab. This is something that older units are guilty of, but modern bass preamps are far more advanced and can offer tones considered more authentic - especially those that feature cabinet emulation.Īnother downside is obviously their lack of physical speakers. Some bassists simply believe that preamp pedals do not deliver a convincing “amp-like” sound or feel, which ultimately leaves them feeling uninspired. The most debated issue is their supposed lack of realism. While it’s clear that bass preamp pedals have many plus-points, there are some snags that put traditionalists off buying them. Even if you can’t part way with your bass amp rig, you can always just own a preamp pedal as a backup! Disadvantages of Bass Preamp Pedals A preamp pedal’s output can be adjusted more easily, meaning that you can run one straight into a mixing console and find a good balance. While this can be effective, some bass amp DI outputs produce a signal that is simply too hot for a mixer - causing a brash, distorted sound that can potentially damage a sensitive input. This means that you can use one onstage for monitoring and simultaneously send a DI signal to a mixing desk. However, most modern bass amplifiers will feature DI outputs too. So essentially, the main advantage of a bass preamp pedal is that it allows you to precisely sculpt and refine your bass guitar’s tone before it is recorded or amplified through a PA system. As most examples of these boast DI output capabilities, they let you control your bass sound before it reaches a mixing board. This is where a bass preamp pedal can come into play. However, a dry bass signal can sound anaemic and sterile - lacking any of the tone-shaping wizardry that comes with bass amps or pedals. This can be achieved with a standard DI (direct injection) box, which lets you plug your bass into a mixing desk via an XLR connector. It’s simply easier to manage, and allows for greater separation in a mix. Many sound engineers prefer to take a direct signal from a bass guitar instead of mic’ing a bass amp. But to remain somewhat impartial, we’ve also detailed a few of their drawbacks. However, in the next section we reveal several of the additional benefits that a bass preamp pedal can offer - even if you’re already happy with your rig. You may wonder why you’d need a bass preamp pedal if you already own a bass amplifier. They’re also great silent practice tools, as many bass preamps come equipped with handy headphone outputs! Popular Bass Overdrive & Preamp Pedals They can serve as another tone-sculpting stage, or even as an overdrive of sorts. However, bass preamp pedals can be used in conjunction with dedicated bass amps too. Acting as a go-between for your bass guitar and a mixing desk/audio interface, a bass preamp pedal allows you to plug directly into a PA system or computer with convincing bass amp tone. Its purpose is to ultimately replicate the sound of a bass amplifier’s preamp section, and to therefore be used as a more compact and pedalboard-friendly alternative to a full-fledged bass amp.īass preamp pedals are employed for both live and studio situations. By the end of this piece, you just might consider one for yourself! What’s the Purpose of a Bass Preamp Pedal?Ī bass preamp pedal is essentially a flexible DI box that features the tone-shaping EQ controls you’d typically find on bass amps. It’s therefore no surprise why they’re becoming favoured by the latest generation of bass players who prioritise portability and ease-of-use over sheer power.īut what does a preamp do for bass? In this extensive blog, we go into great detail about how bass preamp pedals work and also reveal just how adaptable they can be - particularly for performing bassists and even home hobbyists. Using a bass preamp pedal is considered one of the most practical, modern and affordable solutions available. There are multiple ways to amplify and capture the sounds of bass guitars.
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