2 channel pre

[u84six]

Just curious if any of you plug your bass into both channels of your preamp. What do use to do that, splitter, DI stereo out?

[bongomania]

Most preamps do not have two channels. What preamp are you using?

[u84six]

Ok, let me reword the question. If I were going to use a 2 channel preamp, OR 2 preamps feeding into each channel of a power amp, how would you split the bass signal?

[u84six]

I thought at first that I can use a DI box with 2 outputs, but will it be ok to plug that signal into a preamp?

[bongomania]

I understand now. The best thing is an active (or transformer-isolated passive) splitter box. The Lehle P-Split is an example with a transformer, the [sfx] Split and Boss LS-2 are examples of active ones. You can also use a cheap chorus pedal with stereo outputs--just turn the chorus effect itself to minimum.

The reason you want active/isolated is to avoid problems with volume loss, tone loss, and even feedback that can happen with a passive splitter.

That said, lots of people use a plain old Y cable or a passive ABY box with no complaints. I just steer people away from that route because for some people--depending on the specific gear they're using-- it will sound like total crap.

A DI will not work because one of its outputs is balanced (3 wire) and the input of most bass-oriented preamps is unbalanced (2 wire). Also, in the case of a passive DI, its balanced output will be much, much lower volume than the regular guitar-cable jack.

[RickenBoogie]

+1 I first used a Morley AB/Y, (passive) splitter, and found it to be not ideal. Now using a Lehle, transformer isolated outputs, and have 2 perfectly matched outputs, without any extra noise or loss of signal. It's the way to go.

[u84six]

Thanks for the info!