active/passive bass
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Posted on Dec 07, 2005 10:03 am
Mauz
grrrrrrr
Member Since: Mar 29, 2004
Whats the difference? Can I still go direct from the bass to the audio interface with an active bass. Or is it a good idea to go through an amp and then the line out? THis guy guy gave me an active bass and said that it might mess up my equipment if I do not do this. I found this hard to believe, but i dont want to run any risks..
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Dec 07, 2005 10:10 am Active bass pickups have a sort of preamp built in them...they are easier to run direct into the sound device, I've done it before, but it's still better to run it thru a real preamp.
Also, make sure you don't leave a cord plugged in to the bass when not in use if it's active or you will drain batteries on a regular basis.
MauzgrrrrrrrMember
Since: Mar 29, 2004
Dec 07, 2005 10:16 am so if i run it to a bass amp and then from the line out of the amp to the audio interface I should be cool right?
Dec 07, 2005 10:23 am yeah, thats what the line out is for.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Dec 07, 2005 10:57 am It's always best to run through some kind of pre-amp (I use a SansAmp Bass D.I. Driver).
I only use passive basses - just a personal preference. On the one occasion I did use an active bass, I had a battery die on me during a gig (borrowed bass). Not fun.
I'm not saying I don't like active basses (drools over Alembic), but for my taste, and playing style, passive works.
The bottom line is to go with whatever sounds right for you, or more importantly, the music you're playing.
cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
Dec 08, 2005 09:56 am My bassist is looking to buy teh Sansamp bass DI (sorry to butt in) Tallchap, can u maybe give a small review? how you like it? does it help live?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 08, 2005 11:01 am I don't think I've ever heard anything bad about the Sansamp DI. I don't use one, but seems like everyone that uses one likes them alot.
(just my .02$us)
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Dec 08, 2005 12:54 pm Hey there Crux:
The SansAmp Bass Driver D.I. is probably the one piece of kit I couldn't live without. It was designed to give the same sound whether your in a studio, a garage, an arena (dreamer...). The manual gives some great ideas for sounds - I personally use it to emulate an SVT sound. When plugged into an amp, it gives a lovely "HOOOMPH" that is very tube-like. When used with my acoustic bass guitar, the blend knob allows me to perfectly mix between the piezo p/ups and the SansAmp's circuitry. Very nice.
It has an unaffected out (perfect for tuners etc.), and an XLR out (with phantom power in) for going to the mixer. Plus the affected 1/4" output. Very quiet in use, and perfect size for your guitar case (no more carrying around 8x10's). I recommend this unit very highly. They also make a rack version, which is just lovely, but I like the portability, and the fact that it's bulletproof. I've used it with a 1x15" & 4x10" set up, into my mixer for recording, and into a little Princeton for small gigs. Every time, I get a fabulous tone.
I've had mine for about ten years, and I've notice that the price hasn't changed a bit. Usually, any gear that's "marginal" has price drops...Not this one.
cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
Dec 09, 2005 02:14 pm Thanx a bunch, i love almost everything out of sansamp, but those things are really pricy here in thailand, so i wanted to do more research.
