Bongo weak signal

andsard · #1 02-06-2013, 01:37 AM

Hi

I own a Bongo 4HH and i realize that there is a problem. When connecting to PA (thgough DI or not), it delivers a relatively weak signal. Weaker than my Fender P MIM even with the volume knob turned up.

Through the amp i hear it loud enough but when playing live, the soundman always complaining for weak signal.

I have tried new batteries. So what might be the problem?
A wire loose maybe? And how can i check it?

Thank you in advance

bassgod0dmw · #2 02-06-2013, 08:03 AM

I very well could be that's just the way it is. There is common misconception that active basses are much louder or send out a stronger signal than passive basses. It's simply not true in all cases. I can tell you that my P basses are stronger than my active basses, and my 18v bass has the weakest signal of them all.

If you find out that is true you can always grab a DI with a level control on it.

Have you checked the pickup height?

andsard · #3 02-06-2013, 12:55 PM

i have checked the pickup height.

the bass is not quiet. it is pretty loud. but the signal it sends is weak. i cannot explain it...

FunkMetalBass · #4 02-06-2013, 02:56 PM

Sounds like an EQ issue. It's possible that your Bongo is emphasizing a bunch of frequencies that are blending too well with the other instruments.

bassgod0dmw · #5 02-06-2013, 03:52 PM

Is your DI signal pre or post EQ?

abemo · #6 02-07-2013, 12:46 AM

Could just be the way it is. I haven't played a bongo, but I know my all passive p is the loudest bass I own, by far. Even if I set my j-style with qp's in series mode (very hot pups with a hot wiring setup), the p blows it out of the water.

djaxup · #7 02-07-2013, 01:14 AM

my Bongo was definitely on the loud side, PA/DI or amp. Sounds like a problem with the build in preamp. Does it work like it should? I'd say contact the guys at EBMM, they have great customer service.

andsard · #8 02-07-2013, 01:15 AM

Thank you all for your help. I'll take an advice from EBMM customer support and hopefully I will find a solution.

wvbass · #9 02-07-2013, 04:09 AM

If my bass was fine through my amp and not through the PA, I wouldn't look for a problem with the bass. I'd look closely at what is between the bass and the PA. I'd also look at my soundman a little - some will complain about too low a signal if they have to turn the gain too far too the right and too hot a signal if they have to turn the knob to the left. It is best to work with the soundman to find a solution, but is this just his way of saying he likes your P bass better?