Review/Test Report: The RMI Basswitch IQ DI – my new preamp/EQ/DI/A-B switch…

Hi!

UPDATE [5.14.18]
Link to impedance setting video!

I’m exited to share some info about my latest Ubass (and for any other bass) tool – The amazing Ruppert Musical Instruments (RMI) Basswitch!

I met Jacques Ruppert at this years Musikmesse in Frankfurt. (More about my visit there here). We talked about his take on a preamp/EQ/DI/booster/switcher – the Basswitch. I did know about it before we met, having read about it on various Internet sites, but meeting Jacques made me want to know more about the Basswitch. The rooster of player’s that use the Basswitch is really diverse and features players like Richard Bona, Marcus Miller and…

As it happens I met Mr. Ruppert’s business partner, Mr. Lehle – the maker of the great Lehle switch pedals, at another trade show and was able to try out a Basswitch on my gig (with M&M’s) at that show!

Now I have used it for almost two month’s and I really like it!

Features
The first thing you will notice when you first pick up the Basswitch is that it is super rugged, no plastic and flimsy pedal here, that’s for sure! The construction feel really, really solid and all of the connectivity, switches and hardware is top notch!

The Basswitch really covers a lot of ground. It is a…

Preamp parametric EQ and A/B-switcher
It has two inputs. Input A has the ability to accomodate both low-impedance instruments (passive/active electric basses) and high-impedance instruments (like acoustic bass guitars with built in piezo, upright basses and of cause Kala Ubasses). Input B let’s you connect a second instrument. The A/B switch let you switch between two instruments on input A and B OR, if you only use input A, between two sounds.

Input A has a preamp and EQ and input B does not. You can use input A either at 1MΩ or 10MΩ. The later is especially good for acoustic instruments without preamps and with a piezo as the original acoustic Kala UBass. If you have a newer acoustic UBass (with built in preamp) it’s better to use the 1MΩ setting. Input B is not routed through ”unnecessarily…electronics (but) leaving it as pure and natural as possible. Channel B therefore has neither a preamp nor an EQ”. The preamp for input A has a boost/cut function that allows you to balance the sound of the two instruments. A very handy feature!

The EQ of input A has filters especially designed for bass. with filters for bass, semiparametric low‑
and high‑mids, and treble.

FX Looper and/or boost (clean boost)
The Basswitch has two FX loops for effect pedals. A passive serial loop and ”a switchable infinitely variable mixing loop, that enables you to go from a completely dry signal (100% original; 0% FX), via parallel (100% original; 100% FX) to FX‑only (100% FX; 0% original)”.

Typically you would use the serial loop for compressors and other dynamic effects and the parallel loop for time based effects as reverbs and delays.

If you need to send more signal to a drive/distortion pedal you can use the boost knob. If you haven’t connected anything to the mix loop it can be used as a clean boost. Could be used to add more volume to a basssolo or melody playing…

DI box
The Basswitch is also a DI (Direct Inject or Direct box).
”The high‑quality components and features of the Basswitch IQ DI (high‑end preamp, Lehle transformer, ground‑switch, pre/post signal‑processing switch, pad for output attenuation, rugged construction) make the Basswitch IQ DI an excellent D.I. box, be it in a live setting or in the studio”.

Xtra feature
The Basswitch can also be used as a line-mixer. Ex. connect a MPE/ipod/iPhone to the Return jack of the Mix loop and adjust the volume with the Mix knob. This makes for a perfect practice solution jammin’ with music or loops.

So how do I use it?
I have used it in a few different settings. And I guess your imagination is the only limit 🙂 These are a few of the situations so far:

• Standalone with a PA and monitor speakers or with a amp. With an amp you can use the ”B-channel” as the main channel, making your basic sound on the amp, and the ”A-channel” as a second sound utilizing the built in EQ of the Basswitch! If used with a power amp do the opposite and use the ”B-channel” as the main sound!

• On a pedalboard using both FX loops, A/B switch and DI.

• In my studio as a high quality recording device/splitter. Making it possible to record a clean signal and a miked cab signal.

For a more in depth explanation of the different settings on the Basswitch please go to this page.

Detta bildspel kräver JavaScript.

 

Links and resources for the Basswitch

Ruppert Musical Instruments

Videoreview by Ed Friedland

Review at notreble.com

Gollihur Music

Facebook page