Preamp for bass / guitar going into Octatrack?

jmoney202 · 2014-01-10T21:39:40.000Z

I’m actually pleasantly surprised that it doesn’t sound awful when I record bass or guitar directly into the OT, but I know it could sound way better.

Anyone have any suggestions for under $300? I know I’m not going to be getting API or whatever quality but I just need something to heat the signal up a little bit, hopefully cleanly.

Should I really be asking this on gearslutz?!

GovernorSilver · 2014-01-10T23:47:13.000Z

For my acoustic viola pickup, I’ve seen using a Presonus Tube Pre. It does the job fine and is inexpensive.

LaughingAnimal · 2014-01-10T23:59:00.000Z

I use a couple Tech 21 Sansamp Character series pedals for my bass and electric guitar and they work great as ‘amp-in-a-pedal’ type boxes. I think they have some less specialized versions that might be more versatile for using with both, but I got away with using my guitar through the VT Bass model before also getting the Liverpool (Vox model). The Liverpool pedal is good enough that I don’t really use my handwired Vox AC15 anymore (it’s just soo loud). Maybe not what you’re looking for but I dig them.

Angstwulf · 2014-01-11T04:46:59.000Z

+1 on the Sansamps. Any of the pedals are good but you can also get a Classic new for under $300.

EHX has some tube pre-amps such as the English Muffin that are worth looking at. So does Carl Martin.

What about a modeler? You can get a Line6 Pod in your range.

I personally use a Roger Linn Adrenalinn. You can get one used easily for under $300.

It’s a real PITA to program but it’s insanely deep. You can use the sequenced filters and effects for some serious mangling but I also just happen to like the amp models. I prefer it over my old Pod because it has some really great bass amp models that I thought are more satisfying.

I’ve never used an Octatrack but I can imagine that you can find other uses for an Adrenalinn that play to the Octatrack’s strengths. For example, patching the Adrenalinn’s drum sounds into the sequenced effects have given me some truly out there rhythmic squelches that are Machinedrum-esque.