Avalon U5 DI/Preamp.....x2?

[bass_lord_mutha]

Ok, please forgive my ignorance, but can someone tell me why alot of bassists use TWO Avalon U5 DI/Preamp boxes in their rigs? I've seen alot of people using them, but they always have two instead of just one. What am I missing in this equation?

[bongomania]

I have never seen that, and I can't imagine why anyone would do that, unless they have (a) money to burn, (b) a roadie, (c) two basses that they want different level and tone settings for, and (d) no awareness of the many other options out there that would be more portable and effective.

[SteveC]

Backup.
Multiple basses.

[chicago_mike]

Ive seen 2 on stages before as well. One was always plugged in, the other for show maybe, or backup.

[Swift713]

A very expensive way to fill out a rack space?

[Silent Fly]

I think they connect them in this way:

bass-->U5#1--(thru)-->U5#2

U5 #1 goes to the PA
U5 #2 goes to a power amp.

The two inputs are connected in parallel and the power amp volume can be changed without changing the signal sent to the PA.

It is a very common issue. The majority of my customers have this problem with their preamp: send a signals to the power amp and a signal to the PA with independent volume controls.

[bongomania]

Good point, actually! I don't know why I didn't think of that, as it's a problem I have wrestled many times.

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Silent Fly

I think they connect them in this way:

bass-->U5#1--(thru)-->U5#2

U5 #1 goes to the PA
U5 #2 goes to a power amp.

The two inputs are connected in parallel and the power amp volume can be changed without changing the signal sent to the PA.

It is a very common issue. The majority of my customers have this problem with their preamp: send a signals to the power amp and a signal to the PA with independent volume controls.

I suppose, but you can do it by using the "Thru" to your amp (I assume it has a volume) and the "XLR" to the PA. Actually, there are 2 XLR outs (mic and line) on the U5. Add the Thru on the front and it seems like you have enough output options.

Although, if you are big time I suppose it's an issue. I guess having 2 so you could run with/without the pre engaged, or boost or whatever would be advantageous. Someone has a pair for sale. I was thinking of getting 1, but maybe 2 would be fine.

[Silent Fly]

Originally Posted by SteveC

I suppose, but you can do it by using the "Thru" to your amp (I assume it has a volume) and the "XLR" to the PA.(...)

True, but if you use a power amp instead of a pre+amp (or a combo) you need something to convert the signal to line level.

Moreover, if the owner of the two U5 likes the tone of the U5 s/he may like to have the same sound on his amp and not just for the PA.

Originally Posted by SteveC

(...)Actually, there are 2 XLR outs (mic and line) on the U5. Add the Thru on the front and it seems like you have enough output options.(...)

I know ...but the problem is not the number of outputs but is the level control.

Originally Posted by SteveC

(...)
Although, if you are big time I suppose it's an issue.(...)

Exactly

[scotch]

Originally Posted by bass_lord_mutha

Ok, please forgive my ignorance, but can someone tell me why alot of bassists use TWO Avalon U5 DI/Preamp boxes in their rigs? I've seen alot of people using them, but they always have two instead of just one. What am I missing in this equation?

Curious who you've seen with this setup? I've never seen a bass player w/ 2 of them.

[bass_lord_mutha]

Originally Posted by Silent Fly

I think they connect them in this way:

bass-->U5#1--(thru)-->U5#2

U5 #1 goes to the PA
U5 #2 goes to a power amp.

The two inputs are connected in parallel and the power amp volume can be changed without changing the signal sent to the PA.

It is a very common issue. The majority of my customers have this problem with their preamp: send a signals to the power amp and a signal to the PA with independent volume controls.

See, that's what I was thinking, I just wasn't sure. But it makes sense to me.

Originally Posted by scotch

Curious who you've seen with this setup? I've never seen a bass player w/ 2 of them.

I've seen Victor Wooten using two on his Groove Workshop DVD's, but then again, Anthony Wellington was with him, so he may have been using the other. I played a gig this weekend opening for Roger Creager and Mark McKinney and McKinney's bassplayer had 2 with an SVT-4 going through 2 Ashdown 410 cabs. And I've seen a handful of other people live with two of them in their setup.

Thanks for the help guys. I should get one of these sometime. Or two.....hehe.

[TaySte_2000]

Tube amp users?

Bass - U5
Amp - U5 - Speaker Cab