Catlinbread DLS vs. Xotic BB Preamp?

[Guitar55]

I've tried a BB Preamp and really like it. I've been checking out the DLS and it seems great. I'll get to play with it tomorrow. I can get the BB used for $150 or the DLS new for $160.

Any opinions either way?

 

[andyothling]

I love my BB. I've heard it's more compressed than the DLS. I've never tried a DLS myself though.

 

[soopajeanmi]

They're 2 very different pedals. The BB compresses *a lot* and doesn't react particularly well to playing dynamics. It has way more gain than the DLS. The DLS is middly compressed, and reacts to playing dynamics very well. The DLS reacts more like an amp and the BB like a pedal (it's not a criticism of the BB).

They're more complementary than comparable.

 

[Kelsey]

I had both, but I recently traded my BB Preamp away for a second EP Booster. I prefer the tone and feel of FET-based ODs over opamp/diode-based ODs, so the DLS stayed. I can get the gain I need by stacking the EP Booster into the DLS. Even if I was using only one pedal, I would prefer the open, dynamic character of the DLS over the BB.

 

[FXMonkey]

I have both and like them both a lot. If you have to pick one though, it shouldn't be too hard once you play them as they really are quite different from one another.

 

[wck]

I've tried both but not side by side.

I think the DLS sounds more open and has better picking dynamics and clean up, plus it stacks with fuzzes really well. The bass is abit loose and doesnt have enough mids for me.

The BB preamp is much more compressed esp the AT model and i prefer it as a compressed lead boost. Boosts really well. The eq controls are very useful for different setups and sounds too.

Overall, the BB is darker sounding than the DLS as they're both very different pedals. I personally prefer the DLS but go try them both and you'll know why everyone says they're different animals. Hopefully u can decide

 

[Guitar55]

Does the BB clean up nicely with the guitar's volume control?

 

[Kelsey]

I thought it was OK at clean-up, but not as good at that as the DLS.

 

[wck]

It wasnt good enough for me actually. DLS is better, boss BD-2 is the best..heh

 

[venivici]

I have an Andy Timmons BB Preamp which is slightly different than the stock BB right now. In the low-mid gain settings, its pretty dynamic IMHO, and sounds pretty good. It stacks well with my timmy as well.

I have heard nothing but good things about the DLS. One of these days I will have to get one.

 

[wck]

Gotta agree on the AT BB stacking well..really like how its compressed and has enough gain for a lead boost, better than the DLS in that aspect for sure.

 

[venivici]

Yeah, it def stacks well. I don't run the gain very high on the AT, which i think once you get into the higher range of gain on the AT, it becomes less usable. It works well adding gain and contour to my sound. At times I just leave it on then roll back the volume on my strat.

 

[wck]

I've tried the regular BB and the AT BB, i think its best with the gain at about 9-11 o clock and stacked with a more nasty/hairy OD.. The eq n compression of the BB is where the DLS loses out if thats what u want but i prefer my zendrive for that.

I would choose the DLS if i were the TS just cos i have 3 fuzzes to stack it with and they sound great..