A splitter to go to 2 different amps?

AlstottMVP2 · #1 10-26-2008, 10:56 AM

I wish to run two different bass amps and speakers at once.

What is the pedal or device I should use to send the signal in 2 different directions? I don't want any signal loss - I want the same strong signal going to both rigs.

Thanks!

bongomania · #2 10-26-2008, 11:03 AM

If your bass is active then you can use a Y cable or a simple passive splitter box with little to no loss. If your bass is passive then you need an active or transformer-based splitter. Some people use stereo effects pedals for this purpose, since often one of the outputs from those is clean/uneffected anyway. Lehle makes a killer little xformer based splitter called the P-split, but it's expensive. I bet Barge could make you a simple buffered active splitter for relatively cheap. And Radial makes a nice active splitter box as well.

AlstottMVP2 · #3 10-26-2008, 11:05 AM

I have a musicman stingray bass, it's active.

I'm terribly worried about signal loss - my band is VERY loud and any drop in volume will hurt.

Can I use an 'active' splitter, along with an active pickup?

Thangfish · #4 10-26-2008, 11:10 AM

If you need to switch between one or the other or both, I would suggest this:

If you don't need that functionality, I'm sure there are much cheaper options.

leeeroy57 · #5 10-26-2008, 11:11 AM

I've been wondering about this too. I'm thinking of going clean into my bass amp, and then having a line-out through some effects into a guitar amp. Does that sound acceptable?

bongomania · #6 10-26-2008, 11:38 AM

Oh yeah, people do that all the time, it's a very cool way to go, especially with distortions.

To the OP, yes you can use an active splitter with an active bass, no problem.

leeeroy57 · #7 10-26-2008, 11:42 AM

Excellent. I only ever used to use a Bad Monkey for some drive, but I've recently been bitten by the effects bug and want to start trying something a little more exotic!

AlstottMVP2 · #8 10-26-2008, 02:32 PM

I found a "y" splitter - one female into 2 males, and in the 1/4 audio size.

Is it that simple? Just split the signal from an active pickup bass into both amps and plug it in?

Any fears of any potential problems? thanks!

dmilt23451 · #9 10-26-2008, 02:43 PM

It possibly could be that simple but with a simple Y cable you will probably have some signal loss...while the lehle is very nice the whirlwind a/b/y switcher will do just the trick...it is silent, it lets you pick between one or the other or both...I use one and it works perfect with active basses and passive

hibbs · #10 10-26-2008, 03:13 PM

Radial makes a good ABY pedal

hibbs · #11 10-26-2008, 03:14 PM

The Boss TU-2 also has a convenient bypass in it as well

voodoobassist · #12 10-26-2008, 03:29 PM

I'm using the signal flex sf-dab, does a great job and retails for around 60 bucks. I use it sometimes to switch basses without having to unplug, and lately, to switch on my Roland CB-100 amp for FX along with my aggie 500sc. Works well and they're relatively cheap.

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ser1960 · #13 10-26-2008, 03:47 PM

I would have more worry about my ears and if they still work after a couple of years than worry about that drop in volume. What's wrong with playing with less volume? The intensity of music doesn't come with volume but with skill and control. After a couple of years you need a hearingaid with two amps and a splitter (LOL)

anyonefortennis · #14 10-26-2008, 04:07 PM

If no need to switch and got $150 - Axxess Electronics is pro quality stuff

http://www.axess-electronics.com/sc/...r-p-16133.html

I think lehle makes a simple splitter as well that is passive but with a transformer that may work if no switching is required.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...RWXGB&ZYXSEM=0

If you need actual switching,bigger lehle units or framptone is quality stuff also.

http://www.framptone.com/

AlstottMVP2 · #15 10-26-2008, 04:13 PM

well - I did it.

Ampeg B2R3 running to an ampeg 1x15 for highs/mids.
Hartke HA2500 running to a Hartke 4x10 for the lows.

Ampeg set to clean and snappy, Hartke set to low thump. I know I have the setup wrong - the 10s running the low, and the 15 running the highs - will that be a problem? I didn't want to mix hartkes and ampeg speakers/cabs. Right now they're with the same type.

AlstottMVP2 · #16 10-26-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ser1960

I would have more worry about my ears and if they still work after a couple of years than worry about that drop in volume. What's wrong with playing with less volume? The intensity of music doesn't come with volume but with skill and control. After a couple of years you need a hearingaid with two amps and a splitter (LOL)

I wear earplugs every night. I have a guitarist who thinks he is SRV, and his tone sucks until he's on 9.

Plus we play open air bars, and the drummer is loud as can be. I love low stage volume, but this project doesn't allow it and the pay is good!

ser1960 · #17 10-27-2008, 01:52 AM

Clever thinking and doing as you wear earplugs. Keep using them as long as you play with SRV in the band. Lehle is a good spitter. Keep on rockin' and greetzzz from the Netherlands!

JimmyM · #18 10-27-2008, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

If your bass is active then you can use a Y cable or a simple passive splitter box with little to no loss. If your bass is passive then you need an active or transformer-based splitter.

Why's that? (he asked knowing that there will probably be a very obvious explanation that flew right over his head)

cheapbasslovin · #19 10-27-2008, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Why's that? (he asked knowing that there will probably be a very obvious explanation that flew right over his head)

I'm guessing that it is because the high impedance output of a passive bass is easier to load down than the low impedance output of an active bass. But I would be inclined to change that slightly to:

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

If your bass is passive then you may need an active or transformer-based splitter.

I think that if you hit a buffer pretty quickly on both sides after the split, and your pickups are pretty hot, and your initial cable length isn't killing you, you can get away without a buffered Y. I say this mostly because I just started doing this without a drastic change in tone.

There's a lot of caveats there, but it's not impossible. Full disclosure, I'm a cheap SOB(see username), so you may want to go with the less iffy solution.

JimmyM · #20 10-27-2008, 03:07 AM

I see...well it was something I guess I should have been able to figure out, but it's getting harder and harder to think without sleep, so I have an excuse