{"id":3538,"date":"2013-03-20T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-03-20T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/?p=3538"},"modified":"2013-03-19T13:10:22","modified_gmt":"2013-03-19T18:10:22","slug":"amp-of-the-week-preamps-processors-pedals-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/bass-of-the-week\/amp-of-the-week-preamps-processors-pedals-and-more.html","title":{"rendered":"[AMP Of The Week] Preamps, Processors, Pedals and More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Brian sent us a very<\/em> long email (which is cool) with a lot of photos about his rig. To say it’s “involved” is a big understatement.<\/p>\n

There’s a lot to read and see here<\/strong>, but that’s great because it’s a very interesting setup. Thanks for sending it in, Brian!<\/p>\n

~~~<\/p>\n

Hi, a friend encouraged me to submit my rather unsual bass rig. <\/p>\n

I’ve been playing bass since 1990.  I’ve owned dozens of bass amp rigs, and about 30 basses since then.  Every rig I have ever owned has always left me wanting or was unable to handle changes in my tastes or changes in my needs depending on what recording projects or bands I was involved with.  I’ve owned Ampeg SVTs, SWR, GK, Hartke, Line 6 …. tube, solid state, digital .. many others …  the works. <\/p>\n

After having spent too many munnies on too many rigs that never seemed to be the ~right thing~, I decided to design my own system.  I’ve been playing analog synthesizers since 1978.  I have always loved how flexible the modular systems are, and own a modular synthesizer of my own.  I decided to apply the modular ethos to my bass system in an attempt to design and build “the last bass amp system I will ever own”.  So I set about designing a fully modular bass rig, one that had completely separate modules for each section of the system.  This approach set the tone for the entire design.  The modules include: <\/p>\n

** Power Amp:  Solid State, rack mount. Replaceable, or changeable should the situation demand it.  I can even go without it if needed. <\/p>\n

** Preamp:  Consisting of completely separate modules for each stage (bass controls, midrange controls, treble controls, and so on).  Imagine a bass amp where each single control knob consisted of a separate module that you could replace with any number of available control modules. Well, that is precisely what I have done.  I use a combination of modular synth filters, rack mounted fully parametric EQs, aural exciters, and digital modeling processors.  I’m currently using a Rane PE-17 seven band parametric EQ, and an APHEX 204 2-channel aural exciter with Big Bottom, as well as a Line 6 POD Pro rack mounted modeling system.  I also use a modular synth State Variable voltage controlled filter that has Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Notch filter states as well as being fully resonant and highly controllable. <\/p>\n

** Parallel processing stage:  This stage is for adding other EQs, processors, and overdrive\/distortion devices.  It is a four-channel parallel processing rig that has four separate active “sends” and eight separate “returns”.  The send unit is a modular synth module that is a four channel active distributor that sends four separate active parallel feeds to whatever I please.  The “remixer” is another modular synth module in the form of an eight channel modular mixer.  This parallel processor allows me to process any type of device while still retaining the original integrity of the genuine original bass signal.  I can mix any type of processor at any level of “mix” with the unprocessed “dry” signal.  Among the processors I use is a Line 6 M13, a Line 6 M9, two Boss DD-20 Gigadelays, and a Boss RE-20 Space Echo.  I also use a few Farndurk BGC Bass Compressors and several Farndurk BGX Bass Overdrives.  I also employ my modular synthesizer as well, using the Ring Modulator, VCA, and modulators to produce any number of tones. <\/p>\n

** Multi-amp distributor:  Another modular synthesizer four channel distributor allows me to send a final processed mix to up to four separate amplifiers with four separate cabinets.  I currently use a Mackie FR 1400i 1400 watt 2 channel power amp that powers a Carvin ported 2×10 BRX cab, and a Carvin sealed 4×10 BR cab, as well as a Marshall JTM45 tube guitar head that drives either a 2×12 closed back cab with Greenback Celestions in it, or a 2×12 open back cab with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers in it.  I also have one more feed that may be used as a send to a FOH connection, or PA, or DAW recording system.  With this distribution system I have much flexibility and a wonderful monitor setup. <\/p>\n

** The bass that I use for the most part is a modded Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass 70s.  Each pickup has it’s own output jack and it’s own discrete volume control.  Each pickup is connected to a mixer after they have been run into separate input buffers and EQs.  They are sent to a modular synth mixer that mixes the pickups down to a single signal feed which is then split into four parallel feeds (as described above in the “Parallel Processing Stage”). <\/p>\n

Here’s some pics.<\/p>\n

So ….. This is my Bass Rig.  \ud83d\ude42 <\/p>\n

This is what I guess you’d call my PREAMP.  It is a 12U rack that houses everything I need except for the Mackie power amp.  The rack and the Mackie comprise my Bass Amplifier.  The rack houses the parallel processing setup, as well as the modular State Variable Filter, the Rane Parametric EQ, the APHEX 204, and the POD Pro.  Everything is connected to the patchbay below.  The synth modules are normalized to the patchbay as well, which allows me to produce most of my sounds without using a single patchcord because the most used connections are pre-connected in back. <\/p>\n

\"IMGP9417\"<\/p>\n

One of the parallel processing channels is also used to feed a computer where I apply a few stand alone VSTs as filter and EQ stages.  Primarily I use a program known as FILTER by Antares. <\/p>\n

\"IMGP9433\"<\/p>\n

Panning further to the right is my modular synth and the second computer system that is typically used as a sequencer.  The modular synth has two more voltage controlled filters, five oscillators, a three channel ring modulator, a panner\/fader, and another four channel mixer as well as a few other tricks and bits.  It weighs only 35 pounds and is easily transported if needed.  I frequently patch the various modules into the rack unit to further process my bass. <\/p>\n

\"IMGP9431\"<\/p>\n

These are the foot controllers for the bass rig.  I am presently modifying a set of vintage organ bass pedals to be used as momentary footswitches in concert with bypass relays that will serve to bypass and engage various EQs and processors in the rack.  The Line 6 Flooboard is also being modified to add more footswitches for controlling bypass relays.  The two solo expression pedals are used to sweep the State Variable filter as well as change my bass pickup mix. <\/p>\n

\"IMGP9421\"<\/p>\n

This setup allows me to switch between two pickup presets with a momentary footswitch on the fly.  The first mixer can be set up as two separate pickup mixes, then those two mixes may be A\/Bd between via the footswitch in mid-flight. <\/p>\n

\"IMGP7913\"<\/p>\n

This is one of the bass overdrives I use …. <\/p>\n

\"BGX2-2\"<\/p>\n

The two Mackies and the Marshall JTM45, they reside below the 12U rack array. <\/p>\n

\"IMGP6285\"<\/p>\n

Here’s the 2×12 guitar cabs that are driven by the JTM45. <\/p>\n

\"IMGP6293\"<\/p>\n

The two bass cabs. <\/p>\n

\"Carvin%20210%20and%20Carvin%20410-1\"<\/p>\n

Other than some silly pictures of the other FX pedals I use, that about covers it.  I have played live with this rig and it works great.  I typically use 70’s Rock Bass tones (Geddy-esque bass tone). <\/p>\n

This is most certainly the last bass amp rig I will ever own.  It is highly flexible, and can change with whatever situation I find myself in with very little effort.  It is highly mobile and easily set up.  I can actually just use the 12U rack array if the venue has a good enough house system.  The ported 2×10 is plenty enough stage monitor for those FOH\/PA situations.  It is one of the last Neodymium equipped cabs Carvin had in the BRX210 series.  So it is very light and portable.  I can use the Mackie, the 12U and both bass cabs for most live venues.  Since it is in “chunks” it is relatively easy to transport and set up. <\/p>\n

With this system I will never again be enslaved to an amplifier that I cannot get what I want out of, or isn’t correct for a changing situation.  It is super-easy to repair since each stage is removable leaving the entire rig in service while I either replace the module in question, modify it, or repair it.  Should my tastes change this system is easily adaptable by simply replacing any given module(s) to suit my needs.  It is highly configurable, and easily set up to any number of routings and purposes.  It is easily the best bass amplification rig I have ever owned or used.  I can produce any type of tones, from modern to classic.  And it works with any type of bass or bass cabs as well.  It can be as sophisticated as imaginable, or as simple as a 12U rack.  Studio or stage. <\/p>\n

So that is the short story of my fully modular bass rig.  It may not be “what you’re looking for” to be eligible for consideration.  If not, I totally understand.  I figure you’re probably looking for something more “slick” and presentable.  In any case I thought I’d let you see what it is I put together.  Sorry my studio is not the neatest thing, it is in daily use and in a neverending state of flux. <\/p>\n

~~~ <\/p>\n

Well, if you made it this far, thanks for sticking around. \ud83d\ude42 Please be sure to post a comment or two. <\/p>\n

And remember, if you want your bass or<\/em> your amp\/rig setup featured, send an email with photos and a story to <\/strong>featureme@bestbassgear.com<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Brian sent us a very long email (which is cool) with a lot of photos about his rig. To say it’s “involved” is a big understatement. There’s a lot to read and see here, but that’s great because it’s a very interesting setup. Thanks for sending it in, Brian! ~~~ Hi, a friend encouraged me … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3542,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[19],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3538"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3538"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3538\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3542"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3538"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3538"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}