Tips on running an active and passive bass into the same amp.

munkeyfish · #1 12-18-2009, 09:41 PM

Howdy good folks of TB.

I have a issue and would like some advice.

I have an active bass and passive bass that I like to use on gigs into the same amp, but I hate having to tweak the amp when I swap out and then have to keep tweaking until I get it just right, just to have to do it all over again when I swap back.. What are some suggestions to avoid having to do this? Or at least bring it to a min.

Thanks.

(and yes, I did a search on active/passive, didn't find what I was after

)

illidian · #2 12-18-2009, 09:50 PM

What all are you having to tweak? If it's just the gain/volume, try backing down on the volume pot of your active bass.

brokencode · #3 12-18-2009, 10:03 PM

Is is wrong to plug an active bass into the passive input on an amp?

munkeyfish · #4 12-18-2009, 10:04 PM

Go to the active Passive switch on the amp and Vol. and some EQing. As the active will blow out the amp in passive setting (ie:distort and sound bad) and the passive into the active setting sounds like a big turd for lack of a better way to say it.

Outside of having 2 amp heads or maybe a 2 channel amp, I'm at a lost.

**bass4worship** · #5 12-18-2009, 10:13 PM

Buy a deluxe Sansamp Tech 21 bass driver it has three memory switches on them and you can program each one for each bass.

Steveaux · #6 12-18-2009, 10:14 PM

Bassbone.

http://www.tonebone.com/tb-bassbone.htm

illidian · #7 12-18-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by munkeyfish

Go to the active Passive switch on the amp and Vol. and some EQing. As the active will blow out the amp in passive setting (ie:distort and sound bad) and the passive into the active setting sounds like a big turd for lack of a better way to say it.

Outside of having 2 amp heads or maybe a 2 channel amp, I'm at a lost.

How's it sound if you tame the active bass' volume? Plugged in with the passive setting?

munkeyfish · #8 12-18-2009, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illidian

How's it sound if you tame the active bass' volume? Plugged in with the passive setting?

Only way to keep the active sounding "ok" in passive mode is to turn it down so much so, it sounds almost muted. Ends up sounding limp and not "there" All the umpf taken out of it.

I think it mostly boils down to the fact that the outputs are just so mis matched.

munkeyfish · #9 12-18-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bass4worship

Buy a deluxe Sansamp Tech 21 bass driver it has three memory switches on them and you can program each one for each bass.

Never even thought of that.... Great idea, as is that BassBone.

I think that might lead me down the right path. And cheaper than buying 2 heads, lol.

illidian · #10 12-19-2009, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by munkeyfish

Only way to keep the active sounding "ok" in passive mode is to turn it down so much so, it sounds almost muted. Ends up sounding limp and not "there" All the umpf taken out of it.

I think it mostly boils down to the fact that the outputs are just so mis matched.

Yeah, I thought that might be the case.

You could try a volume or EQ pedal. Stomp it with one bass, and keep it off for the other. Significantly cheaper than a Sansamp or ToneBone.

bassman4jc · #11 12-19-2009, 02:25 AM

Another option would be to get a small mixer. (I use a Beheringer) Plug each bass into a different channel. (send line from mixer to your amp) Set your levels to be consistent and EQ each bass to your liking. Mute one while you play the other. If you use separate cables to plug in with it makes it even easier to swap basses.

stranded horse · #12 12-19-2009, 02:35 AM

Just get a Booster Pedal and use it with the passive bass. Will be less than $30 and should do the job.

Kraken · #13 12-19-2009, 03:20 AM

I run a Passive and an Active Jazz live, I use a Programmable BDDI and have set up one channel for the active and one for the passive and (as per the instructions that come with the Sansamp) run it through the passive input.

munkeyfish · #14 12-19-2009, 08:54 AM

Lot of good ideas here. I'm leaning toward the Tech21 route myself. Just makes since to me and less fuss.

A Boost could work, but I would still need to tweak the EQ. I'm all for less expensive, but I'm more for less fuss and better tone.

And the Tech21 w/ 3 channels is a great idea, I'm gonna be adding fretless soon too and maybe an electric upright.

Thanks guys, you all rock! I love this place