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Average Price: $1,800

High-end/Boutique

$119

$300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Bass guitar sounds best through tubes, especially when running direct! Tubes distort gradually with low-order harmonics, which are perfect musical intervals. The second harmonic is an octave, the third harmonic is a fifth above the octave, the fourth harmonic is a second octave, etc. This is the reason tubes sound so good, and you will notice it. Their subtle distortion provides the natural harmonics lacking in electronic instruments, and restores the dimension and feel of your bass as it was intended to be heard.

Measuring just 7 1/2” x 5” and weighing less than 3 pounds, the Noble preamp DI will change the way you think about vacuum tube gear. To keep weight to a minimum the preamp is housed in a precision machined aluminum enclosure, which is three times lighter than steel. Aluminum also delivers 30X better electrical shielding, providing a super quiet low noise backdrop for studio recording or pristine live sound. And the Noble preamp DI includes six 2ft (0.6m) DC cables to power your tuner, compressor, octave, fuzz, or other pedals from the onboard filtered and regulated 9V DC supply.

Product specs

Brand Noble
Model Dual Vacuum Tube Preamp / DI
Finish Black
Year 2013 - 2021
Made In United States
Categories DI Boxes, Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What makes the Noble Tube Preamp DI stand out from other DI boxes?

The Noble Tube Preamp DI is renowned for its dual vacuum tube design, which provides a warm, vintage sound with an ultra-low noise floor. Its high input impedance is particularly beneficial for piezo pickups, making it a top choice for acoustic instruments.

Can the Noble Tube Preamp DI be used with electric bass guitars?

Yes, the Noble Tube Preamp DI is highly favored by bass players for its ability to enhance the natural tone of electric bass guitars, delivering a balanced and enriched sound.

Does the Noble Tube Preamp DI require an external power supply?

Yes, the Noble Tube Preamp DI requires an external power supply to operate, ensuring consistent performance and optimal sound quality.

How durable is the Noble Tube Preamp DI for live performances?

The Noble Tube Preamp DI is built with robust construction, making it highly durable and reliable for both studio use and live performances.

Is the Noble Tube Preamp DI suitable for home studio recording?

Absolutely, the Noble Tube Preamp DI is ideal for home studio setups, providing a tube-driven channel strip experience that enhances the quality of recordings with its rich, vintage sound.

IvanBassist

IvanBassist

Bass Preamp/DI Comparison (Noble, Darkglass, Sansamp, Aguilar)

Video thumbnail for Bass Preamp/DI Comparison (Noble, Darkglass, Sansamp, Aguilar) by IvanBassist

Bass Preamp/DI Comparison (Noble, Darkglass, Sansamp, Aguilar)

IvanBassist

IvanBassist

Video thumbnail for Tone guru Ian Allison shares his secrets for the perfect bass sound using the Noble preamp DI. by Noble Amplifier Company

Tone guru Ian Allison shares his secrets for the perfect bass sound using the Noble preamp DI.

Noble Amplifier Company

Noble Amplifier Company

Video thumbnail for Noble Preamp Demo/Review by FreeBassTranscriptions

Noble Preamp Demo/Review

FreeBassTranscriptions

FreeBassTranscriptions

Video thumbnail for Noble DI: Is It Worth the Hype? | Review after 3 years of use by IvanBassist

Noble DI: Is It Worth the Hype? | Review after 3 years of use

IvanBassist

IvanBassist

Video thumbnail for 【リッチな音圧】Noble Tube Preamp D.I 開封の儀!! by Bassist Naoto Tada

【リッチな音圧】Noble Tube Preamp D.I 開封の儀!!

Bassist Naoto Tada

Bassist Naoto Tada

Video thumbnail for Tube Preamp Comparison: Noble DI vs Olympic Preamp by IvanBassist

Tube Preamp Comparison: Noble DI vs Olympic Preamp

IvanBassist

IvanBassist

Video thumbnail for Noble Preamp DI Review | Sound Demo w/ Different EQ Settings by Gsus4

Noble Preamp DI Review | Sound Demo w/ Different EQ Settings

Gsus4

Gsus4

Video thumbnail for The Noble preamp DI is also a pedalboard power supply. by Noble Amplifier Company

The Noble preamp DI is also a pedalboard power supply.

Noble Amplifier Company

Noble Amplifier Company

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers warm, full tubey sound that enhances bass tone

  • Highly praised for tone clarity in live and recording settings

  • Simple design with high-quality color shaping capabilities

  • Consistently receives compliments on tone and signal cleanliness

  • Considered a high-tier option among pedal/desktop DI offerings

  • Offers excellent sound when not using an amp, ideal for studio or live DI use

  • Users express willingness to repurchase immediately if necessary

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Noble Tube Preamp DI.

Features and functionality

  • The Noble Tube Preamp DI lacks a mid-control, which some users feel limits tonal flexibility, though it's not essential for its primary use.

    Source
  • It's noted for adding a perceivable body to sound even when settings are flat, enhancing tonal richness before any adjustments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners find the Aguilar Tone Hammer can replicate the Noble's sound with AGS on, gain at 8:30, treble rolled back, bass boosted slightly, and mids adjusted.

    Source
  • The Neptunium was swapped for an RNDI and DCX Bass, offering more drive and fuzz options, highlighting the flexibility of alternative setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for acoustic gigs where users play electric bass through a PA system, offering a sound reminiscent of Ampeg amps without the bulk.

    Source
  • The Noble Preamp DI is praised by sound engineers during gigs, enhancing the bassist's tone and professionalism in live settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users experience the law of diminishing returns with the Noble, noting that while it's phenomenal, cheaper alternatives like the Tone Hammer suffice for most needs.

    Source
  • An owner reports integrating other preamps like DCX and bassman/svt origin through the Noble, resulting in a noticeably fatter sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • There's a sentiment that while the Noble is excellent, its price may not justify its benefits compared to less expensive options that deliver similar results.

    Source

Critic Reviews

“Zen Personified” – Noble Amplifier Company Preamp | Bass Gear Magazine

bassgearmag.com

The Noble Tube Preamp DI is a minimalist's dream, offering a streamlined, high-quality build that delivers exceptional clarity and fullness. Handmade in California, its compact design is perfect for musicians on the go. While it excels at enhancing piezo electric bass pickups, some might find its simplicity limiting if they desire more tonal control or tube saturation. Overall, it’s praised for its ability to enrich sound without overpowering the natural tone, earning admiration from both seasoned musicians and discerning critics. Perfect for those looking to achieve a balanced, organic blend between amplified and acoustic bass tones.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
derricktaylor

Great sound!

Adds a warm amp sound especially for situations where you’re not using an amp, eg studio or live DI. Great tone and warmth.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rex Brown uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Rex Brown

Bassist

Pantera

...
Verified via Photo

Rex's pedal tray, showing the preamp.

See how Nicole Row uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Nicole Row

Singer, Bassist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In this Premier Guitar Rig Rundown you can find it on her pedalboard.

See how Tim Lefebvre uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Tim Lefebvre

Bassist, Composer

Empire of the Sun

...
Verified via Nobleamps

"Official DI for Tedeschi Trucks Band studio. We've used it on every track of the new record. Bobby Tis the engineer loves it." Tim Lefebvre (David Bowie, Tedeschi Trucks Band, others)

See how Sean Hurley uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Sean Hurley

Bassist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via Photo

"I'm hooked! Had a great time filming a little @nobleamps video with the gang. Thanks to: @kennycorsomusic @thepatchen"

See how Ian Martin Allison uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Ian Martin Allison

Bassist, Composer

Soul Asylum

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post Ian Martin Allison shows his pedalboard where the Noble Tube DI is seen. This board is regularly used in Ian’s videos for Scott’s Bass Lessons.

See how Nick Harmer uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Nick Harmer

Bassist

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via Photo

In this post, L.A. Sound Design shared the pedalboard they made for Death Cab for Cutie. There's a Noble Tube Preamp seen on Nick's pedalboard.

See how Tim Feerick uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Tim Feerick

Bassist

Dance Gavin Dance

...
Verified via YouTube

This video that Tim Feerick posted on his YouTube channel features him performing "Head Hunter" from his band "Dance Gavin Dance". In the description, he lists the gear he used for this performance, which includes the Noble Tube Preamp DI. In the comments, Tim further explains that he used the Noble DI in his signal chain for the entirety of their newest album. Given the time frame this comment was made, it would suggest that the album Tim mentioned using the Noble DI on would be "Afterburner" by Dance Gavin Dance.

See how Joey Howard uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Joey Howard

Bassist

Paramore

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by jellyquinn, Joey Howard's pedal board features the Noble Tube Preamp DI, highlighting its use during his tour with Paramore.

See how Amos Heller uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Amos Heller

Bassist

The Agency

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this March 10, 2016 video by Noble. Heller is also quoted on the official product page.

Three knobs and the truth. It is so killer. I'm rethinking my entire signal chain.

See how Nick Campbell uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Nick Campbell

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In video description:

"Recorded on a custom Fender 70's Music Master with a Noble DI/Preamp and a Cali 76 Compressor in Abelton 9."

See how Conner Green uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

Conner Green

Bassist

Haken

...
Verified via Photo

Preamp can be seen on bottom left of Connor's pedalboard in this video

See how David Hartley uses Noble Tube Preamp DI

David Hartley

Bassist

The War on Drugs

...
Verified via YouTube

As seen on Dave's pedalboard throughout the video.

Album Usage

The Noble Tube Preamp DI has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Noble Tube Preamp DI, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

5 alternative and related items for Noble Tube Preamp DI, curated by the Equipboard community.

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cheaper alternative

A very different kind of DI box but a solid alternative at a fraction of the cost.

A Designs REDDI Tube Direct Box

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similar sound

A tube DI box with a lot of mojo and similarities to the Nobel

Line 6 HX One

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similar sound cheaper alternative

The HX One models many pedals, the Nobel DI being one. While it doesn’t sound exactly the same, it’s close enough for the bar audiences to not know the difference and costs £1k less!

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Gear Guides

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    Gear IQ 1304