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« A + DI preamp pedal very well thought »

Published on 07/28/12 at 04:34
EBS MicroBass Pro II Preamp / DI for Bass

Channel A has three settings: two eq (bass, treble), and a boost (to be stronger in volume without distortion).
Channel B has four settings: a drive (to saturate), a button "Edge" (sort of presence), a parametric medium setting with a button "frequency" (100 to 4000 Hz).

In functions include a button-10dB at the entrance, a bright button (great for worn strings), a simulation button lamp (nice), a simulation of HP (useful), one grounded ( ground lift for the problems of breath), a button enhancer filter (I can not hear the difference)
On new models, a button pre / post EQ was added to the DI output: very useful!
Otherwise the drive by pushing the B channel, there is a good distortion that happens, it is always useful.

The connection is perfect: one entry, a preamp output (measured by volume), a DI output (button with pre / post class!), A headphone jack, and finally a send and return for effects loop . I almost forgot: there is an output link for the tuner!
I note only 9 because I would have liked a switch for switching the effects loop, but I ask too much?



UTILIZATION

I was looking for a DI box between my bass (MusicMan Stingray 5) and my sound card.
In fact, I found much more: a preamp.
I use it in different configurations: in front of the amp preamp requisitioned (a Hartke A70 yuck!), As a DI at home in a mixing desk, in DI + preamp in concert!

You can switch between two channels with a push button solid. There are two choices: either Canala or canalB or Canala Canala + or B.
At first I did not see the usefulness of two channels now it is indispensable to me: I rule without changing the channel B and channel A with a little more level and treble for slap.

The huge plus is the effects loop with a potentiometer metering dry / wet. A 0% was the direct sound of the preamp. A 100% was the sound effect in the loop. Turning the knob to 100%, the dry signal is mixed with the signal progrssivement the effects loop. For me, this is the big plus of the pedal.
This allows particularly to keep clean and sharp attack of the bass and have effect at the same time. A treat on whas and other envelope filter (like Enigma: Qballs or bassballs).

In fact, the number of connections (input, send, return, di, preamp, link) makes the EBS very functional and useful. The possibilities are many!
I&#39;m not talking about food: either pedal 9v or phantom power or external power supply (not included).
Since it takes a little criticism, I will share the mute switch against a small push button (after all you mute the sound not very often) and replaced by a mute switch on / off the effects loop.

SOUNDS

Starting at noon with the buttons (or 0) on the Canala, we obtain a faithful reproduction of the kind of bass, and it is thought a pedal for the bass sound. I appreciate that BSE respects the sound, the character of my bass (MusicMan StingRay5).
However I find canalB not very "right": this is probably normal with the drive that brings distortion. I expected a preamp that colors may be less but I may be asking too much for a small bass preamp type.Je this is the distortion of channel B a little low frequency but still useful.

In general, the EQs are well thought out and super helpful.
The parametric eq canalB is welcome. I measured and remains doubtful for the adjustment of the EDGE channel B.
I love the button tube Sim &#39;which rounded sound (friend of Motown!)

Today, I use both channels separately, I think the A + B test with more interest.




OVERALL OPINION

The small size of the pedal and its strength can be an asset in the face of tube preamps fragile and bulky on the go.
This pedal with many advantages: it is thought for bassists, and (s) sound (s) is (are) in height.
The highlight for me (and I have not bought the pedal for that!), It is the effects loop with adjustable direct sound / his treatise, we can have middle sounds interesting.
I have not tried other DI / preamp, but it&#39;s been two years since I am more than satisfied with the EBS MicroBassII.
The most serious competitor seems to be the Lehle Basswitch but 100euros more!
I highly recommend buying this preamp (especially used!) Provided that the usefulness of having (DI, preamp, ...) but I think for a bassist who did a little concert, and who wants to transport its settings, it is a good buy.

the most:
- The sound!
- Ease of use
- Variety of Outputs: 6.35mm Jack for amp, XLR table mix, headphone jack, line out
- Runs on 9 volt battery, transformer, or phantom power (XLR or phone jack)
- The two channels
- The bonus: the effects loop with his knob dry / wet

the least (for picky!)
- Lack of transparency
- Power supply (transformer) not included
- I have liked a switch to engage the effects loop