Community: Pls recomend a tube preamp

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17903 Views 36 Replies Latest reply: Aug 31, 2009 4:55 PM by Jimmy_James

jesuscares

230 posts since
Feb 3, 2007

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Jul 2, 2009 10:34 PM

Pls recomend a tube preamp

I use all Line 6 products for my guitar but still in search of a real tube classic sound.Can someone recomend a small tube preamp I can use with the X3L? I know Duncans started to make them too.I want to know which should be good enough & priced within 200>

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Slingy
418 posts since
Jan 25, 2007

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Jul 3, 2009 12:34 AM (in response to jesuscares)
Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp

Tonebone Classic can be had for $199. It's been on my list of things to get for awhile. Most of these tube type pedals are really expensive.

http://www.tonebone.com/tb-classic.htm

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- mikey1
  524 posts since
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  Jul 3, 2009 7:34 AM (in response to Slingy)
  Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
  
  Really? I think they sound horrible.
  
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- geeker
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  Jul 3, 2009 12:34 PM (in response to Slingy)
  Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
  
  Slingy wrote:
  
  Tonebone Classic can be had for $199. It's been on my list of things to get for awhile. Most of these tube type pedals are really expensive.
  
  http://www.tonebone.com/tb-classic.htm
  Isn't this a distortion pedal? the guy aske about a tube preamp to warm up the POD.
  
  "The Tonebone Classic is a 12AX7 tube equipped true-bypass distortion"
  
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mikey1
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Jul 3, 2009 7:38 AM (in response to jesuscares)
Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp

If you're going direct I'd suggest a Groove Tubes Brick. It's a little spendy but it also makes an excellent front end for a DAW. You can use it for vox, basses, drums, horns. You name it. Very versatile and musical.

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- Slingy
  418 posts since
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  Jul 3, 2009 9:21 AM (in response to mikey1)
  Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
  
  That is twice the price he mentioned and has no tone shaping.
  
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  - mikey1
    524 posts since
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    Jul 3, 2009 5:44 PM (in response to Slingy)
    Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
    
    Thought he meant Euros.
    
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Karl_Houseknecht
3,374 posts since
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Jul 3, 2009 10:25 AM (in response to jesuscares)
Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp

Blackstar HT-Dual. Real tube distortion.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Blackstar-HT-Series-HTDUAL-Tube-Dual-Distortion-Guitar-Effects-Pedal?sku=152010

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- LoonyBin-Fizzbin
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  Jul 3, 2009 11:37 AM (in response to Karl_Houseknecht)
  Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
  
  I wouldn´t want to spill any liquids on that puppy! LOL
  
  "The HT-DUAL pedal from Blackstar's HT Range of tube overdrive pedals features true high-voltage (300V) circuitry"
  
  http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Blackstar-HT-Series-HTDUAL-Tube-Dual-Distortion-Guitar-Effects-Pedal?sku=152010#new
  
  The link worked when I repace "Guitars" with "www"
  
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  - Karl_Houseknecht
    3,374 posts since
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    Jul 3, 2009 11:38 AM (in response to LoonyBin-Fizzbin)
    Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
    
    Nah, it's completely sealed. No worries.
    
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    - jesuscares
      230 posts since
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      Jul 3, 2009 12:08 PM (in response to Karl_Houseknecht)
      Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
      
      Thanks guys.I don't own a tube amp myself & always go direct into the PA through an X3L.Will the tube preamp really make a difference? The fact that Line 6 has not released one yet makes me wonder.
      
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      - Karl_Houseknecht
        3,374 posts since
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        Jul 3, 2009 12:36 PM (in response to jesuscares)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        jesuscares wrote:
        
        Thanks guys.I don't own a tube amp myself & always go direct into the PA through an X3L.Will the tube preamp really make a difference? The fact that Line 6 has not released one yet makes me wonder.
        
        What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Are you looking for a guitar tube preamp for distortion or just a generic one to "warm things up". I can tell you that the latter use makes almost zero difference.
        
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      - geeker
        1,138 posts since
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        Jul 3, 2009 12:37 PM (in response to jesuscares)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        are you trying to warm up the POD tones or are you looking for a tube distortion unit?
        
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jesuscares
230 posts since
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Jul 3, 2009 12:58 PM (in response to jesuscares)
Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp

Well I might use the preamp along with the X3 or just straight .What I'm actually looking for is to get a real tube tone from my guitar & the sustain that comes from a Tube amp.
The tone that is in here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgJcaPf-z6Y&feature=related

Is there a setting for clean sound with the Blackstar HT dual?

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- jesuscares
  230 posts since
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  Jul 3, 2009 1:22 PM (in response to jesuscares)
  Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
  
  How about the VOX tone lab ST? It comes with built in fx.Worth buying?
  
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  - geeker
    1,138 posts since
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    Jul 3, 2009 1:26 PM (in response to jesuscares)
    Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
    
    check out these videos
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox2WqUiNbSw
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsS2OjCyF98
    
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- Karl_Houseknecht
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  Jul 3, 2009 1:29 PM (in response to jesuscares)
  Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
  
  jesuscares wrote:
  
  Well I might use the preamp along with the X3 or just straight .What I'm actually looking for is to get a real tube tone from my guitar & the sustain that comes from a Tube amp.
  The tone that is in here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgJcaPf-z6Y&feature=related
  
  Is there a setting for clean sound with the Blackstar HT dual?
  
  Yes, the Blackstar has a clean setting. Channel 1 has a clean/crunch switch. It definitely has that certain "something" that comes along with real tube distortion. I have two of them and use them for everything from 80's metal to to classic rock to praise & worship. I use them with a clean setting on my Spider Valve and it is fantastic sounding. Nice sustain, nice controlled feedback.
  
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  - Melbo
    7 posts since
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    Jul 9, 2009 1:00 PM (in response to Karl_Houseknecht)
    Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
    
    I've had POD 2.0's and now a X3Live and was also looking for that "feel" of a clean tube amp when running direct, similar to when I used to run my 2.0 into an old Fender Princeton, then mic it. I've been using one of those ART MP Tube PreAmp as a last stop before the board and/or JBL EON, and even tried one of Radley's boxes. However this topic has sparked new hope. The topic started with Seymour Duncan, I'm assuming Twin Tube, and ending with Blackstar HT-Dual. Is one better than another for what I want? Or is there something else?
    Mel
    
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    - Melbo
      7 posts since
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      Jul 26, 2009 1:46 PM (in response to Melbo)
      Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
      
      Since I haven't heard any replies, I'm out trying things...
      
      1. Guitar Center has Seymour Duncan's SFX-3 Classic Twin Tube Pedal on sale for $149 right now, ($314 list), so I just bought one. On the rhythm channel, it really does add a more realistic "punch" and takes away some of the digital "fizziness" when I play into my JBL Eon 10. The whole chain is EJ Strat into Keeley compressor, Seymour Duncan Classic Tube, POD X3L, then ART Mic Pre-Amp, then house/monitor. The overdrive is a nice feature as well similar to my Burriss Boostiest or Full Drive OCD.
      
      2. I found a stock '73 Fender Princeton Reverb in great condition. In this option, run my EJ into Keeley Compressor, X3L, then Princeton Reverb. I only use the delay/volume pedal/tuner and few effects of the X3L. I either skip Amp modeler, use the Tube Pre-Amp as a slight pre-amp, or exprementaling with one of the Amp Sim's as overdrive.
      
      Haven't heard/tried Blackstar yet. Any model better?
      
      Mel
      
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      - jesuscares
        230 posts since
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        Jul 27, 2009 10:29 AM (in response to Melbo)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        Is the duncan sfx 3 better than blackstar dual HT ? I ordered a blackstar but it's on a 30 day back order.The price offered on the duncan is great & if it's better than blackstar I met cancel my order & go for it.
        
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jesuscares
230 posts since
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Jul 27, 2009 10:39 AM (in response to jesuscares)
Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp

"Guitar Center has Seymour Duncan's SFX-3 Classic Twin Tube Pedal on sale for $149 "-Quote.

The sfx 03 has a great reveiw on the GC site but the price is $219 & not $149

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Seymour-Duncan-SFX-03-Twin-Tube-Classic-Preamp-Pedal-103646469-i1124941.gc

Please let me know if it's still available for $149.

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- Melbo
  7 posts since
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  Jul 28, 2009 6:11 AM (in response to jesuscares)
  Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
  
  I called the Atlanta GC last night and they still had two for $149 each! Their number is 404-320-7253
  
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spaceatl
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Jul 28, 2009 2:19 PM (in response to jesuscares)
Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp

I have used my ADA-MP1 with Flextone III XL...That worked really nice as a programable EQ/Tube screamer as that is more how I used it...midi program change is pretty nice...It was probably the first analog modeler...

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- PJ73
  4 posts since
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  Jul 31, 2009 4:51 PM (in response to spaceatl)
  Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
  
  Try this. Might work for you. With your budget you can get a higher model which sound better.
  
  http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp?type=79&cat=1&id=115
  
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  - spaceatl
    3,833 posts since
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    Aug 1, 2009 7:44 AM (in response to PJ73)
    Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
    
    I still have my ADA...Thanks though...
    
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    - Melbo
      7 posts since
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      Aug 6, 2009 12:32 PM (in response to spaceatl)
      Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
      
      Just checking for updates from those who may have compared more than one pre-amp/pedal. For my ear based on an EJ Strat with DiMarzio VV 58/67/HB bridge P/U's, going into a Keeley Cmpressor, after trying the Burriss Boostiest, ART MP-1, Blackstar Dual Dist, and the Seymour Duncan Classic Tube, I believe the SD Classic Tube brings my X3Live to life the best of all 4. I will say, if I want to get really picky, I will run EJ/Compressor/SD/X3L, then ART into JBL Eon10.
      
      Any other expierences from others?
      
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      - jesuscares
        230 posts since
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        Aug 6, 2009 3:04 PM (in response to Melbo)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        My Blacstar is on its way.From the clips I've seen it looks like it has a wider variety of tone.Also I'm not sure if the sfx 03 has a clean tone like the blackstar.Any I will have to try it hands on before deciding.Do I need to use it before the x3L or after?
        
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        jesuscares
        230 posts since
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        Aug 8, 2009 2:06 PM (in response to jesuscares)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        Just got my blackstar ht dual.Boy what a gadget! I've never played in tube amps before except in guitar stores for testing.What adifference this makes !I was amazed at the sustain & smoothness it gives to the sound of the guitar.Makes me want to play more now! I still haven't hooked it up to my pod yet & was wondering if I need to have it before or after the effects & if I need to set the blacstar to clean or crunch.Anyway I will check it out.I'm sure this one is a blessing.I haven't tried other tube gadgets to tell the difference though but I like the british & american tone in this & the fact that it is made in UK tells me the British sound couldn't be more authentic!
        
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        jesuscares
        230 posts since
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        Aug 9, 2009 6:44 PM (in response to jesuscares)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        Do I use the Blacstar preamp ht dual after the x3L or before? Why do some of you guys use a comp before the x3L?
        
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        fester2000
        1,050 posts since
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        Aug 10, 2009 8:25 AM (in response to jesuscares)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        jesuscares wrote:
        
        Do I use the Blacstar preamp ht dual after the x3L or before? Why do some of you guys use a comp before the x3L?
        I'd put it before the X3. It's not an iron clad rule, but distortion boxes are almost always best run pre amp (and the HT Dual is kind of a preamp in a box sort of thing). You can then add reverbs, delays and mod fx afterwards, should sound killer.
        
        Cheers,
        
        Fester2k
        
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        Melbo
        7 posts since
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        Aug 10, 2009 2:45 PM (in response to fester2000)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        I run mine in front of the X3L. Personally, I preferred the Seymour Duncan Classic over the Blackstar, but to be sure, I just ordered a Seymour Duncan "Blue Tube" after speaking with SD Tech. Then, I'll make my final decision.
        
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        Guitarpima1
        12 posts since
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        Aug 18, 2009 9:39 PM (in response to Melbo)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        I used to use a tube pre. It was ok but made more noise than it was worth. Recently, I bought a little gadget made by Tonebone called the Radial Dragster. It was intended for use before a wireless for load correction. I forget all the particulars. It's there if you look it up. It made more difference to the tone of my Pod XT than the tube pre did.
        
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        LoonyBin-Fizzbin
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        Aug 10, 2009 3:30 PM (in response to fester2000)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        fester2000 wrote:
        
        jesuscares wrote:
        
        Do I use the Blacstar preamp ht dual after the x3L or before? Why do some of you guys use a comp before the x3L?
        I'd put it before the X3. It's not an iron clad rule, but distortion boxes are almost always best run pre amp (and the HT Dual is kind of a preamp in a box sort of thing). You can then add reverbs, delays and mod fx afterwards, should sound killer.
        
        Cheers,
        
        Fester2k
        
        Sidebands!
        
        You get sidebands with tubes. Put a clean 1 kHz sine wave into a tube amplifier and turn up the gain. You will get additional frequencies at whole-number multiples of the input frequency.
        
        Something I read! Here. Gives you a whole lot of depth to your signal!
        
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        Jimmy_James
        69 posts since
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        Aug 31, 2009 4:55 PM (in response to jesuscares)
        Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp
        
        What your really saying is Chinese British. The company is British, but there made in china baby. I tried usin one for a few. I returned it. I hated the way it colored my sounds. I knew it was goin to color it because its a stomp box and not a pre. So I went with my first impulse I had. It comes highly recommended. PreSonus Tube Pre. Its very simple. Doesnt cost much. And it doesnt change your tone. It warms up your line. You can use it to record as well. If you ever use one of these. You will take your Black Star "BS" and use it to improve the tone of paper on your desk
        
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Rainald
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Aug 11, 2009 8:42 AM (in response to jesuscares)
Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp

From my experoience I like to give the advice to try both preamp tubes and power amp tubes. I think that power amp tubes have the much greater effect to make the X3 sound more like a tube amp. Since the pramp of the X3 is digital the preamp tube concept don`t work that well especially for distortion cause you only have a limited level for a digital preamp which the digital preamp can take/handle (hope you het what I mean I don`t know the exact words I`m german).

So try power amp tubes as well before you buy something and might discover it was not what you are looking for. X3 into a Spider Valve is a good try. Atomic amps are a good try as well or any other stuff going into that direction. From the XT days I remember some guys cheering red iron amps or something like that. Might be a good advise to do some research on that as well. It was a small tiny tube amp after the pod to warm up the pod sound. Made in the US so good luck on that one.

To my exoerience and my ears tube preamp had a much more little effect to the tone with a pod than I would have likes it to do that it was not worth to become part of my rig. But my two Spider Valves which are feed by my Pod X3 Pro made a big difference which is simply a tube power amp with regular guitar speakers (Celestion Vintage 30`s).

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Jeremy_Shirland
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Aug 17, 2009 2:55 PM (in response to jesuscares)
Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp

The Two preamps I've owned are great. Duncan Twin Tube and Carvin Quad X.

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joshleewilson
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Aug 20, 2009 9:40 AM (in response to jesuscares)
Re: Pls recomend a tube preamp

okay, scince no one has posted this., Im assuming not a whole lot of people know about it. Its a Tube preamp from Grant Fidelity out of Canada.
Watch the youtube videos in the description. The guy is long whinded but its pretty awesome. Oh, and dont buy the PC1.5 cable, waste of money. I sent mine back for a refund as it was 150usd.
Seirously, check it out. They have some on ebay from the builder for 170 w/ free shipping on ebay

http://www.grantfidelity.com/site/node/75

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsRhIFJzFug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_x2D4VJ7r0&feature=related

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Jul 2, 2009 10:34 PM

Pls recomend a tube preamp

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