Monique Bass Preamp, Noble Preamp, Demeter VTBP-201S, J-B15, London S-PRE. Tube bass preamp 2/3

[@darwinsaye]

My favourites by far, were the London S-PRE, and the Demeter. PERFECT bass tones!

[@bassadelica]

That S pre sounds freaking amazing. Demeter as well.

[@sumeursault]

I mean, once you put it in the context of the full mix, the Noble wins...no eq needed, already sounds perfect. Congrats on that '64 P-bass, wow what a stunning instrument

[@zoktoberfest]

The future of bass equipment is powered cabinets. Powerful and reliable, light weight and cool running class D plate amps that are permanently mounted in to the back of the cabinet and plug into a wall socket. It's the way to go. To control the sound signal going to these powered cabinets requires or would benefit innumerably by using a well designed preamp. All the warm colored tube sound or whatever sound preferences can be shaped in these devices. There are pedals and boxes that do similar things, but there is something about a dedicated preamp that sits on the cabinet in place of that heavy and expensive power amp that remains appealing...but maybe that's just me and my taste. I always thought that classic tube compressor circuitry should be at the heart of the preamp. Another feature that should be present, but never is: an active crossover for bi-amp potential, especially when using a 5 staring bass (low B). A dedicated subwoofer that can reach down to 30 Hz (low B) is a must. Most bass equipment can barely reach 40 Hz (low E). All you would need for the top end is a small bass combo or even a guitar amp since no bass below a 100 Hz would be sent to via the crossover. But again that's just me and my taste for extended low end.

[@Welshhomie]

Had the pleasure of using a Bergantinto powered 410 once. Earth shatteringly good with seemingly endless headroom.

[@KevinMajka]

Really nice side by side and bass line. Thanks for sharing this! Hats off to Yves for the nice line!

[@robertstapleton3598]

Man, that's a great video! Perfectly done so that the listener can really hear them both in and out of a mix. I was super impressed with the S-Pre for a deep, vintage sound. Not as much clarity, but that's not what vintage is. It sounded full all over the neck and blended beautifully into the mix - perfect for this kind of song. The Monique seemed to be on the other end of the spectrum with great clarity but less full on the G string and parts of the D. Of course, there are tone knobs to tweak, so maybe it could wind up the best of both worlds. :) The others seemed to fall in between and really they all sounded great. Thanks for doing a wonderful job recording these!

[@jochoui]

Thanks Robert!

[@bassplayer9432]

Great comparison - thanks for taking the time to make such a video!

[@daithiban]

great job! the ones you built really hold their own against the known brands!

[@reggaebass1857]

I’ve watched all your videos and they are all great, especially liking this one, I nearly bought a Jule Monique a while back but didn’t really think I needed it as I use an Ampeg V4B , so not sure, I’ve subscribed to your channel too, thank you for sharing your equipment

[@valbeccia8591]

The Demeter and your own pre are awesome

[@OsmarOliveira]

All of them are great, but there's something about that Jules preamp... It just sounds beautiful...

[@tminus1019]

I sold all my other preamps: Demeter, Aguilar, Noble, and my Kern after getting the J-B15. I later put NOS RCA tubes in it and it's on another level.

[@jochoui]

Hey thanks for the comment!

[@WallyBarnum]

very cool. great comparison, and nice playing to boot! nice work!

[@jojoba619]

Great preamp comparison. The Monique, Noble, and Jb-15 sound great: each preamp adding the right amount of mid-frequencies to cut through the mix perfectly. The Demeter and London Power S-pre sounded good, but in my opinion were a little thin in the mids when compared to the Monique, Noble, and the JB-15. Hopefully, you get the opportunity to demo a Shaw Tube Injection. I would like to hear how it compares to other preamps you have demoed. Thank you for producing these videos. Cheers!

[@halcyo]

Both of your DIY pre's sound better than the Monique and Noble to me. My favorite is the Demeter, but your DIY units are equally awesome for different tones.

[@minibuns5397]

Agree with this

[@andreyzolotarev3356]

Just wanted to say I've been watching your videos for a while now and I love your work mate. Awesome videos, awesome tones!

[@jochoui]

Nice! Thanks a lot Andrey!

[@propositionjohnston]

Your london power kit sounds easily as good as anything. Well done.

[@jettrex9287]

@Jerry Lachlan yup, I've been using Flixzone for years myself :)

[@ichouinard]

Nice demo Jo, ton J-B15 se défend particulièrement bien. Good job!

[@jochoui]

Heille merci Ian! Je vais mettre la main sur un Tonecraft 363 bientôt. Je vais refaire un démo avec tous les grands preamp de basse digne de ce nom...haha

[@Big_Boi23]

London S-PRE definitely fit the song the best. Deep, rich, smooth, and punchy. Very impressed, especially given the price. Jule Monique has the most character but too much midrange "honk" for this track. Would probably kill on more of a funk track or even rock. J-B15 sounds like, well, a nice B15. Not as deep as the S-PRE but sits nicely with its characteristic midrange sound. The Demeter sounds more neutral, hi-fi, and seems to have more dynamics (less compression) than the others. None of them are bad, and the "best" preamp likely depends on the application (genre, track, instrument, player, etc.).

[@luka3679]

Men what a perfect demo. I prefer stoner and pick playing but your bass line is so cool and your tone amazing. bravo.

[@vladimirvojinovic4026]

Great test !

[@jochoui]

Thanks Vladimir!

[@francisromero6300]

Good video, I like the Monique the most.

[@luigi.zanini]

Noble 4:15 London S-Pre 4:55 Monique 5:35

[@rome8180]

Unsurprisingly, I liked the most expensive one the best. They all sound great though.

[@ERGOtheEGO]

Dang dude. That London S-PRE sits in that mix sooooo clean. And with leftover parts!? GOODNESS. I'm seeing other requests for builds in the comments. How much could you build me one? Shipped to Nashville, TN

[@ERGOtheEGO]

Also, what cab and mic are you using to track? Sounds so killer man. Amazing work

[@jochoui]

Sry I don’t build preamps anymore.

[@jochoui]

They were recorded direct to the audio interface. ( DI )

[@octavelocity]

So bummed you're not making your pre's anymore! I think you won the shootout.

[@jochoui]

Haha thanks! There are some units on the way. Version 3.0 of J-B15!

[@octavelocity]

jo choui Awesome!! ETA? How long do I have to be patient (miserable) for? Also, have you ever tried a Broughton P-15? How do you feel your units compare?

[@jochoui]

@@octavelocity No I did not try the Broughton P-15. It’s probably the same circuit. The J-B15 have a vintage tone and feel. More colored than Fender preamps/ Demeter for exemple.

[@jochoui]

@@octavelocity I’m testing 2 different configuration right now. They will be ready for November. I’ll make a video about theme. Stay in tune!

[@octavelocity]

@@jochoui Killer. Can't wait!

[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

To me your B15 pre sounds the best , lovely bass is that a 64 65 My own 63 loves tube pres

[@jochoui]

Thanks Bob! Yeah it's a 64 refenish in the 60's. Life is too short to, not play a vintage Fender :) Cheers!

[@jcisme]

J-B15 was my fave..

[@ishta]

Demeter for me. The bass may be tuned sightly sharp. I have a vintage demeter before he called them VTB

[@octavelocity]

Agreed. Listening on monitors really shows how much more sub that unit offers compared to the others.

[@octavelocity]

But after listening to the "in the mix" versions on speakers, the J-B15 and the Noble are winning for me...Hm.

[@huublelieveld8918]

There is a level difference between the different D.I.s, that does make it hard/unfair to compare. I do appreciate the comparison. But even a difference of 0.5 db completely changes your perception.

[@jochoui]

You are right! My recording skills and tools were limited :)

[@pirhala]

Do you make anything with a fender showman preamp?

[@jochoui]

I’m making a really nice Fender « like » bass preamp. But not specificaly a Showman.

[@jochoui]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4nTiaKkq82Cmq8

[@davim.6073]

Wow -these are all awesome! And amazing results with the ones you built! Question: What was the signal chain? Anything else used besides the preamps?

[@jochoui]

Hey thanks! Signal chain is Preamp/audio interface/no software tweek.

[@justinmaldonado5613]

Your handmade pres sound better than the Monique dude

[@jochoui]

Haha! Thanks To the famous Ampeg B15!

[@jflbassgroove]

@@jochoui Je confirme ;)

[@davidhammers9708]

love this comparison, well done! have you tried the Jule Simone?

[@jochoui]

Not yet! Pretty new and it’s on a wait list. Would love to try it. I’m sure its fantastic!

[@jayl5941]

Always enjoy your videos. How was it recorded? Any post processing?

[@jochoui]

Nop! Straight from the audio interface. Di to my laptop.

[@jochoui]

Thanks!

[@HF1600ie]

I just love the tweed amp with 5 controls. Is there a schematic of it or where can i buy one ?

[@jochoui]

It’s a London power bass preamp kit. I made the tweed case and power supply. I can build one for you. /end of septembre.

[@edwardbrown561]

Have you tried a Broughton P15? Fryette Valvulator gp/di can get a lot those tones as well

[@jochoui]

I'm sure it does. It's the same schematic as the J-B15 except the J-B15 have a tube driven xfo/Line out instead of a MOSFET. I don't feel the need to buy something I can make ;)

[@jochoui]

Nop! I didn't try it.

[@matrud_bass]

Which tube are you using to drive the Jensen transformer? Is your line out also transformer driven? Cheers!

[@edwardbrown561]

@@jochoui I wasn't challenging your build, just stating and observation. But with the output, FET or tube cathode follower, either shouldn't effect tone correct? I have both 1st and 2nd gen Arkham Zephyr, one with a AX7 and one solid state output, I cant tell a difference when I A/B each. Same with Sonic Farm tantra

[@jochoui]

M R a 12AU7. Yes the line out is transformer driven.

[@DavidJones-hd7jj]

Jb15 sounds the warmest.

[@tomforde8321]

🤯

[@geekguitars]

Thank you so much for doing the comparison!! The Demeter has been on my radar for awhile now too. I just recently visited Basscentral down in Orlando FL and they had a bunch of Demeter heads...this gives me a rough estimate of how the rack compares to the bass 800d heads they had in stock. Was the bright switch on with the Demeter??

[@jochoui]

Hi geekguitars! No switch at all engaged on the demeter in this demo! I'm glad it helps

[@geekguitars]

@@jochoui WOW!! That Demeter sure is bright!! That p bass definitely had that magic tone with that unit. How does it compare to your all tube amps like the Traynor YBA300 or Super Bassman?

[@jochoui]

The Demeters are very clean preamps. They add a warm tone without overdrive/saturation. Pretty straight foward and easy to use like an all tube amp. Paired with a classD power amp, you are close to the Superbassman. It will never be a monster all tube amp but you can dial nice bass tone!

[@geekguitars]

@@jochoui thank you for the feedback. I think if I go all tube, I will probably start out small like an Ampeg vb4, Traynor YBA100 or ashdown ctm 100 etc. I've had a few all tube peers who've struggled with power tube reliability and then there are who've never had an issue at all. I can totally live with being close and having less to worry about. Again thank you so much. You've been a huge help.

[@giffswart4729]

Hi! Do you have a website from which we can order the J-B15 preamp? Thank you!

[@jochoui]

Hi! I do have a FB page. JoC Bass Amplification. Also: [e-mail]

[@jochoui]

facebook.com/107935305188191/posts/128909779757410/?d=n

[@harrisonwagner6597]

When will you make more J-B15s? I would like to buy one.

[@jochoui]

Some more units on the way.

[@nakkamarra]

Hey Jo, do you still build the J-B15? Is there any where / any way I could order one from you?

[@jochoui]

Hi Nick! I can build one for you. Are you in North America? Contact me here for more informations [e-mail]

[@francoislefebvre2469]

Aurais tu d’autres J-B15 de prévu ? Je suis intéressé.

[@jochoui]

Tu habites quelle région Francois?

[@francoislefebvre2469]

@@jochoui J’habite en france.

[@jochoui]

D’accord. Malheureusement je ne fait pas de produit pour le 220v/50hz. Je peux peut-être te suggérer le Broughton P-15 ou le Chillabass 15..?

[@francoislefebvre2469]

@@jochoui j’oubliais ce détail en effet. Merci pour tes suggestions, je vais y jeter un œil. Connaîtrait tu des kits DIY ou des plan de PCB qui se rapproche de la sonorité du J-B15? J’ai une formation en électronique, mais je n’ai pas les connaissances suffisantes pour concevoir le preampli en partant de zéro.

[@jochoui]

@@francoislefebvre2469 Il est possible de commander un kit DIY de Trinity Amps. Le Triptop est un clone de Ampeg B-15. C’est un ampli complet cependant. À partir de là, tu devrais être capable de te débrouiller :)

[@carjepseb]

Have you tried the Usefull Arts preamp/linedriver?

[@jochoui]

Carsten Neumann no I don’t! Would love to, but I found that all purpose tube pre sound good in studio (bass wise) but are just doing ok in live situation (when doing your own monitoring). Pretty much like the Tonecraft 363. They would no be my first choice. (It’s my humble taste and opinion). For the same prix, I would go all in Demeter.

[@misultimostiempos]

What gear is Yves wearing on the original recording?

[@jochoui]

The bass was a Fender P bass AVRI with flats. I don’t know about preamp/Di/studio gear.

[@cmcshan89]

Great video. Do you still make/sell the J-B15? I may be interested in getting one if so!

[@jochoui]

Yes, some units on the way.

[@nickweathers1917]

Where do I buy the J-B15? Can I get one fully assembled?

[@jochoui]

Some more units on the way. Direct from me.

[@HoldenItaly]

what kind of strings you used? great...!

[@jochoui]

Thanks! I used Ernie balls power slinky bass rounds 110-55

[@kthughey]

what kind of roundwounds are on the P bass?

[@jochoui]

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 105/50

[@preciseaudioblog]

1:49 😂

[@rodrigocostamagna3896]

IMO, Noble.. then you add whatever you want...