EBS Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp

THE EBS STANLEY CLARKE SIGNATURE ACOUSTIC PREAMP. AMPLIFYING AN ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT - LIKE AN UPRIGHT BASS - IS CHALLENGING. WITH SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY, POWERFUL FILTERS, AND ESSENTIAL FEATURES, THIS PEDAL IS THE PERFECT TOOL TO DEAL WITH ALL THESE CHALLENGES.

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Designed by EBS and Stanley Clarke

The Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp is a 2-channel preamp, built exclusively with premium components. It is engineered and designed by EBS together with the legendary bass player and composer Stanley Clarke.

Professional grade signal level

Since the preamp operates at a signal level equal to professional mixing consoles it provides a huge amount of headroom. The superior signal quality makes it suitable to use as a preamp in combination with any power amp. The headroom and specific features make it ideal for handling the complex sonic characteristics of an upright bass.

Two channels - with a secret weapon

The A and B channels both feature an input GAIN control and an EQ strip with BASS, MIDS (pick the frequency range with one knob and cut or boost in that range with another) and TREBLE. They both also have a secret weapon, a control knob that can be used either as a HIGH PASS or NOTCH filter. A switch decides the function, while the control knob picks the frequency range. The notch and high pass filters are excellent tools to prevent unwanted feedback and adjust the sound to the characteristics of the room and your instrument.

Individual input options

With 10 Mohms input impedance for both the A and B channels, it handles any instrument with passive, active, or high-impedance piezo pickups. The A channel also provides support for Electret pickups when activating a dedicated switch. The B channel allows you to use a 48V Phantom-powered (or passive) dynamic or condenser microphone as the source via an XLR input.* Choose whether to use the XLR or 1/4"-input for the B channel with a switch. The preamp lets you jump between the A and B channels to allow for different settings when you play with a bow or pizzicato or mix the two if you use two different input sources. Blending two different sound input sources can sometimes cause a phase issue. If that occurs, a Phase Inverter switch, attached to the A channel, will solve the problem.

* Important! A switch is now installed to be able to switch off the Phantom power when needed, but on the original version the Phantom power is always on, so if you got that one, do not connect microphones sensitive to 48V power, such as passive ribbon-type mikes, to the XLR-input. If using a passive ribbon mike, connect it via the 1/4" input on Channel B instead to avoid the risk of damage to the mike. 

Outputs and additional features

Hook up additional effects in serial or parallel through the EFFECTS LOOP (requires a Y-split insert cable). A TUNER OUT lets you plug in an external tuner. A BALANCED XLR-OUTPUT sends a studio-quality line signal to the front-of-house or a recording device. Use it in conjunction with a Speaker Simulator and use the Ground Lift to prevent hum. The Aux Input and professional-grade Headphones output makes practicing and learning new songs easy.

Key features:

• 2-channel preamp (A/B or A+B)
• Operates with Studio-grade signal quality
• 10 Mohm Impedance inputs (both channels)
• Individual High Pass/Notch Filter for each channel
• XLR microphone input with 48V Phantom Power (channel B)
• Electret pickup support (channel A)
• Tuner output
• Effects Loop (serial/parallel)
• Balanced Output (with Speaker Simulator and Ground Lift)
• Aux Input and professional-grade headphones output.

Can this pedal be used with other instruments?

Yes, of course. The frequency range of an upright bass is wide and complex, which means most other instruments - acoustic or electric - fits within the range that this pedal covers. Other acoustic instruments benefit from the same specific features that this pedal is equipped with to handle the upright bass. Electric bass players may find the two similar channels an excellent way to make individual EQ settings for two different instruments and make it possible to switch between the two smoothly at a gig.

Stanley's words about his new preamp

"I have been using this new preamp on every show and in the studio since November 2019, when I got the final sample in my hands. It has become a mainstay of my upright bass sound. I think it is absolutely essential for every acoustic bass player to own one of these. The 2-channel preamp allows you to have a completely different setting for bowing and pizzicato at the push of a button. The effects loop, EQ, ¼", and XLR input, and outputs make it extremely versatile for stage or studio. It even sounds great on the electric bass." - Stanley Clarke, October 2020.

Photo by Toshi Sakurai

 

Channel Specifications:

• Input Impedance: 10 Mohms // 22 pF
• Gain: Gain Range -oo/+30 dB Gain Peak LED (ch A = RED, B = yellow) +10 dBv Frequency Response +0/-3 dB 20-20.000 Hz
• Bass Filter: Type Shelving Gain Range +/- 15 dB @ 40 Hz
• Mid Filter: Type Bandpass Filter Gain Range +/- 13 dB Frequency Range 70 - 2500 Hz Q 0.8
• Treble Filter: Type Shelving Gain Range +/- 15 dB @ 10 kHz
• HP Filter: Type 12 dB/octave High Pass Frequency Range 20(off) - 450 Hz
• Notch Filter: Type Bandpass Notch Frequency Range 70 - 2200 Hz Q 7 Attenuation 7 dB (typically)
• Electret Power (Channel A): 5V, 2mA

 

Common Features:

• Effects Loop: Loop Signal Level -10 dBv (nominal)
  Gain Unity (1:1)
  Output Impedance 2 kohms
  Input Impedance 100 kohms
  Modes Serial or Parallel
• Phones Out: Recommended Imp. 32 - 200 ohms
• Aux Input: Input Impedance 20 kohms
  Nominal Level -10 dBv
• Output: Output Impedance 1 kohms
  Signal Level 0 dBv (nominal)
• Balanced Output: Output Level -20dBv (nominal)
  XLR Connections 1-GND, 2-Hot, 3-Cold Options
  Gnd Lift, SPKR Sim
• Balanced Input (Channel B): Input Level -30dBv (nominal)
  XLR Connections 1-GND, 2-Hot, 3-Cold
  48V Phantom Yes
• Auxiliary Info: Power Requirements Idle 500mA @9V
  max 800mA @9V (with headphones at max output level)
• Dimensions (WxDxH): max 168 x 124 x 53 mm / 6.6" x 4.9" x 2.1"
• Weight: 660 g (1.5 lbs.)

 

Subject to change without notice.

 

Stanley Clarke and his tech Travis Rogers talks about the EBS Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp - and why it's an essential product for upright bass players. Part 1: Bass player Rubem Farias & acoustic guitarist Steinar Aadnekvam on their experience working with the EBS Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp live and in the studio. Bass player Rubem Farias & acoustic guitarist Steinar Aadnekvam perform the song Caminho da Praia by Rubem Farias. Both bass and guitar recorded through the EBS Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp (details below) Bass and guitar signal chain: Internal pickup of the instrument to channel A on the pedal mixed with an external microphone to channel B, via XLR input -> Balanced out signal from the Stanley Clarke pedal to studio soundboard (one for bass and one for guitar). Other: Room microphone for a natural reverb effect. Special thanks to Rubem Farias, Steinar Aadnekvam, Willem Bleeker (and the rest of the crew at Baggpipe Studios), and not least our film crew with producer Peder Carlsson and Damón Zurawski (B camera operator). French EBS artist Pascal Mulot guide you through the EBS Stanley Clarke preamp with example settings with double, electric upright, acoustic, and electric bass. Acoustic guitarist John Smith is an English solo artist and sideman to David Gray, Lisa Hannigan, and Joan Baez. His music has more than 50 million streams on Spotify. See what benefits he found in the Stanley Clarke Preamp as a guitarist. Flamenco guitarist Robert 'Robi' Svärd gives the Stanley Clarke Acoustic Preamp a 'go' along with an EBS Session 60 and an EBS DynaVerb in this video. How does it sound? Find out by listening to the guitar in the video! This promo video features upright bass by Rubem Farias, recorded with the EBS Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp. If you have trouble getting started with the EBS Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp, this video will show you the different ways to connect to the EBS Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp. Learn how to use one or both channels, mix a line with a microphone input, switch between two instruments, or connect an instrument with dual outputs. More demos coming soon...

From Bass Player Magazine, issue 407

"This exceptional pedal brings high-quality amplification possibilities, for double bass and other acoustic instruments, at an affordable price." - Jon Thorne, Bass Player Magazine, scoring 29 out of 30 points

From Guitar Interactive, issue 79

"I set about trying the pedal out with my electric bass, the Gillett Guitars fretless acoustic, and even my full-bodied acoustic guitar and found so many useful ways of utilizing the device." Dan Veall, review for Guitar Interactive Magazine, earning the 'Guitar Interactive Recommends'-award

From Bajos & Bajistas Magazine, Spain

"Da gusto cuando una marca tan profesional se alía con un músico de la talla de Stanley Clarke para traer al mercado un producto que sin duda va a solucionar la vida de muchísimos contrabajistas, todo ello en una unidad compacta, robusta, muy bien pensada y que considerando todo lo que hace, sale al mercado con un precio fantástico. ...este previo nos merece una calificación de 10. Súper recomendado." See more at https://www.bajosybajistas.com/ebs-stanley-clarke-acoustic-preamp-review/

From Bonedo.de 5 out of 5 stars

"The Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp is a thoroughly professional work device that provides especially double and acoustic bassists, but also electric bassists, with an incredibly versatile tool that offers the right solution for every conceivable situation." - translated to English from the FAZIT section of the review, written in German. Check out these sound samples from the review in the video above, and read the whole review here (in German): https://www.bonedo.de/artikel/einzelansicht/ebs-stanley-clarke-signature-preamp-test/

Erik Arkö - the EBS Stanley Clarke Acoustic Preamp in a metal pedalboard?

Youtuber Erik Arkö finds a different and unexpected way to implement the Stanley Clarke Acoustic preamp.

From the recording session with Rubem Farias and Steinar Aadnekvam

Bass player Rubem Farias and guitarist Steinar Aadnekvam share their experience on working with he Stanley Clarke Acoustic Preamp

One of the filters will function as a Notch or High Pass filter depending on what you choose to deal with unwanted feedback or frequencies that you want to exclude.

A Phase Inverter deals with any possible phase issues from mixing two sound sources.

Pick "XLR" as the source for the input on the B channel to connect a Phantom-powered or passive microphone. 

Using the Effects Loop requires a Y-split insert cable, such as the EBS ICY-30 (sold separately).

 

A dedicated 9V DC Power Supply with replaceable plugs to handle Worldwide socket standards is included.

"I have been using this new preamp on every show and in the studio since November 2019, when I got the final sample in my hands. It has become a mainstay of my upright bass sound. I think it is absolutely essential for every acoustic bass player to own one of these. The 2-channel preamp allows you to have a completely different setting for bowing and pizzicato at the push of a button. The effects loop, EQ, ¼", and XLR input, and outputs make it extremely versatile for stage or studio. It even sounds great on the electric bass."
Stanley Clarke, October 2020

"[This] is the perfect tool to deal with all the challenges of amplifying acoustic instruments."
Adam Blackstone, bass player/MD for Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, etc

"I absolutely love his Stanley Clarke Preamp!"
Darryl Jones, bass player of the Rolling Stones, and many more.

"This...is perfection."
Divinity Roxx, bass player and musical director for Beyonce.

"Bass players, I highly recommend checking out this pedal….AND it can be used with other instruments. It’s a keeper for sure!"
Michelle Marie Osbourne, session bass player on Broadway and beyond. michellemarieosbourne.com

"All the engineers all raved about my bass sound. The Stanley Clarke Preamp was totally key to that! The tone-shaping possibilities are really endless. A ton of great features packed into one pedal. The aux-in, the A/B channels, separate tuner out - it's great. I've retired a few pedals with this one. ;)"
Ganessa James, NYC singer, songwriter, guitarist & bass player - ganessajames.com

"Darn good for violin too."
Mads Tolling, two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist

"This EBS acoustic preamp is an amazing tool for any upright bass player who wants to blend signals from a pickup and a microphone. I recorded with it at the National Austrian Radio/TV Broadcasting, ORF, and it sounded so extremely wonderful. Big fat warm with great presence and punch. Bravo again EBS!"
Per Mathisen, a prominent Norwegian bass player based in Vienna

"Probably this is the best 'plugged-in' double bass sound we have heard so far."
Doctor Bass, bass specialist shop in Burgos, Spain www.doctorbass.net

"If it had cost twice as much, I had still bought it."
From a German customer and professional bass player for 35 years.