sutherland
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Thought I would do a quick first impression write up of the new Xotic Custom Shop BBP-MB and how it compares to the stock and Timmons (BB-AT) model.
Xotic BBP-MB: First and foremost, really am impressed with the etched plating that Xotic has applied. The buffed silver top is a nice touch atop the raw enclosure and the Davies knobs were a nice modern appointment (in contrast to the stock classic pointers).
Prior to playing, my most major concern was if it retained the classic BB Preamp sound (unlike the BB+ Plus). That concern was quickly erased after the first couple chords. Just like the stock BB Preamp, it had a smooth and sweet overdrive with some crisp highs and smooth bass.
The Comparison: When A/B'd against the stock BB Preamp, the Output and Gain were about the same and I believe somewhere between 10 to 11 o'clock on the Mid Boost was equivalent to the mid response on the BB Preamp. 12 o'clock and up, brought forward a very assertive growl and in many ways, felt like an aftermarket hot-rodded BB Preamp. I found the sweet-spot for the Mid-Boost at 2, at that setting the Mid Boost did accentuate some treble frequencies (that were easily rolled off with the EQ). The most amazing thing about this active mid boost was the amount of presence and focus...it felt very alive and responsive.
Comparing to the BB-AT (Andy Timmons): The BB-AT is really a first generation BB Preamp. The most noticeable differences between it and the BB-MB/Stock version is the lower output and increased compression. However, the BB-AT is far more comfortable at delivering modern sounds. It's much smoother than the other two BBs and really is quite refined and very sweet.
I can definitely see myself putting away the Stock BB Preamp and using just the BBP-MB and BB-AT more. The fact is, although the BB-AT is compressed and lower in output, it also sounds incredible goosed up and yields a more modern distortion to the other two. The MB is amazing...very rich and has a very pronounced growl, all the flavors of the stock with a few more subtle tricks!
Here is a quick demo I slapped together....sorry for the shoddy quality. Did this all in one take and tried to keep it as simple as possible.
Cheers!
-Kris
Xotic BBP-MB: First and foremost, really am impressed with the etched plating that Xotic has applied. The buffed silver top is a nice touch atop the raw enclosure and the Davies knobs were a nice modern appointment (in contrast to the stock classic pointers).
Prior to playing, my most major concern was if it retained the classic BB Preamp sound (unlike the BB+ Plus). That concern was quickly erased after the first couple chords. Just like the stock BB Preamp, it had a smooth and sweet overdrive with some crisp highs and smooth bass.
The Comparison: When A/B'd against the stock BB Preamp, the Output and Gain were about the same and I believe somewhere between 10 to 11 o'clock on the Mid Boost was equivalent to the mid response on the BB Preamp. 12 o'clock and up, brought forward a very assertive growl and in many ways, felt like an aftermarket hot-rodded BB Preamp. I found the sweet-spot for the Mid-Boost at 2, at that setting the Mid Boost did accentuate some treble frequencies (that were easily rolled off with the EQ). The most amazing thing about this active mid boost was the amount of presence and focus...it felt very alive and responsive.
Comparing to the BB-AT (Andy Timmons): The BB-AT is really a first generation BB Preamp. The most noticeable differences between it and the BB-MB/Stock version is the lower output and increased compression. However, the BB-AT is far more comfortable at delivering modern sounds. It's much smoother than the other two BBs and really is quite refined and very sweet.
I can definitely see myself putting away the Stock BB Preamp and using just the BBP-MB and BB-AT more. The fact is, although the BB-AT is compressed and lower in output, it also sounds incredible goosed up and yields a more modern distortion to the other two. The MB is amazing...very rich and has a very pronounced growl, all the flavors of the stock with a few more subtle tricks!
Here is a quick demo I slapped together....sorry for the shoddy quality. Did this all in one take and tried to keep it as simple as possible.
Cheers!
-Kris
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Currently all I have is a DSC-H50 Camera that is absolutely HORRIBLE in movie mode....I'll see what I can do (after I get back from vacation)!
