Built In DI Idea for my white custom jazz

joelb79 · #1 09-02-2007, 08:37 PM

I've got an Idea. I have this side jack, control panel, and the only thing inside my bass is three CTS pots and a tone cap. What if I used a 4 hole plate for that and had a top jack 1/4", and a side jack XLR with a built in Jensen Tranformer DI.

The only thing holding me back is the DI. Should I just buy one and integrate it myself, or should I build my own? I have enough control cavity to fit one, and it should be lightweight once integrated.

JimmyM · #2 09-02-2007, 11:43 PM

If you want to add more weight than you think to your bass and never be able to use a wireless, I'd say do it. My honest opinion is it's a complete waste of time that's of no benefit to you in any way.

However, since you didn't ask my opinion, I'll answer your question legit. If you're handy with tools and electronics, build one. If not, buy one and gut it.

joelb79 · #3 09-03-2007, 12:55 PM

Thanks for the troll. I fail to see how still having a 1/4" in addition to a XLR makes my bass less functional.

Oh, and the guts of a DI weigh a little more than a Pot and knob, so your other point is useless too. Maybe if your such an expert you could provide a schematic?

!Rob! · #4 09-03-2007, 01:09 PM

There wouldn't be much weight added, but I fail to see any advantage(s).

In a live setting are you planning on having a 1/4" running to your amp, as well as an XLR running to the snake? That's just asking for trouble IMO. It may however work well in a studio setting with the balanced output, I guess, but in my studio I have several DI's and like to try different ones from time to time.

JMO

joelb79 · #5 09-03-2007, 01:18 PM

The Little Mark II has an XLR input, why is this hard to understand? Also Isolating me from potential bad grounding is a BIG deal if you've ever been shocked on a microphone before.

!Rob! · #6 09-03-2007, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelb79

The Little Mark II has an XLR input, why is this hard to understand? Also Isolating me from potential bad grounding is a BIG deal if you've ever been shocked on a microphone before.

So do it then

....btw, I had no idea about the LMII....and there are other ways to stop mic zaps.

Passinwind · #7 09-03-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelb79

The only thing holding me back is the DI. Should I just buy one and integrate it myself, or should I build my own? I have enough control cavity to fit one, and it should be lightweight once integrated.

There are schematics on the Jensen website, and their engineers will happily answer any questions you may have. They sell direct and IME their customer service is great. Why pay for a case and extra jacks that you're just going to discard anyway?

BTW, be sure to ask about the threaded bushing mounting option, it saves a ton of hassle.

JimmyM · #8 09-03-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelb79

Thanks for the troll. I fail to see how still having a 1/4" in addition to a XLR makes my bass less functional.

Oh, and the guts of a DI weigh a little more than a Pot and knob, so your other point is useless too. Maybe if your such an expert you could provide a schematic?

Who said I was an expert? And why is your original premise changing? You said you want a built-in DI at first, not an XLR out like what you're saying now. Those are two completely different things.

PB+J · #9 09-03-2007, 01:42 PM

Why not? Interesting that no one's ever done this. I have no idea--would there be noise issues? Grounding hum?

So you would run your bass via the XLR nto the XLR in of the little mark?

I'm not sure the XLR input of the little mark would sound good. I have the combo version of the little mark and I run my double bass pickup (a schertler dynB, which is a contact dynamic mic and uses an xlr cable) and it always sounds better if I take the XLR cable and, using aa passive transformer adapter, run it into the 1/4 input. Some kind of impedance issue that is hard for me to understand. I wrote to Markbass and got some hard to understand replies

I'm speaking from ignorance here, but I suspect your bass won't sound as good through the xlr in of the markbass. I may be completely wrong.

IMHO the alternative, having two cables coming out of the bass and sending one to the amp and one to the PA, would be a pain to deal with

!Rob! · #10 09-03-2007, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PB+J

Why not? Interesting that no one's ever done this. I have no idea--would there be noise issues? Grounding hum?

I seem to remember Ric having a version of their 4001 series (I think) that had an XLR out as well as the usual...

Anyone remember the exact model?

T-Bird · #11 09-03-2007, 02:00 PM

Hi.

Why not? I have a Lo/Hi-Z transformer in my Thunderbird as I bought an obsolete Nady VHF wireless with just a handheld-wart with a xlr connector.

The transformer I'm using doesn't work well with the HiZ plug in place, but a simple On/Off jack cured that problem. I can't use them both at the same time, but that was never my intention anyway.

Might be just a some stupid mistake I made while wiring the thing, but I was in a hurry and that's always a good excuse. "I will fix it later, for sure I will"

+1 for the Passinwind's suggestions, buy just the transformer if You don't need the leftovers for another project.

Just my 0.02€
Sam

PB+J · #12 09-03-2007, 02:02 PM

Early alembics had an xlr out,--they used one pin to power the preamp, I think

seanm · #13 09-03-2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelb79

The Little Mark II has an XLR input, why is this hard to understand? Also Isolating me from potential bad grounding is a BIG deal if you've ever been shocked on a microphone before.

A regular DI will also isolate you from potential bad grounding. If you own a DI, I would try running through that first to see if you like the sound. If you do, go for it.

If you want it really light weight, Rolls has a cool active DI that needs phantom power. But it weighs nothing, basically just the weight of the XLR.

PilbaraBass · #14 09-03-2007, 05:25 PM

You know, you don't have to have an XLR...although, I think XLR would be the way to go...
all you need is a stereo 1/4" jack and with 1/4" stereo on one end, and XLR on the other end of your lead.
A balanced output is a great idea for helping to squelch noise issues...a simple, passive, center-tap transformer is the way to go for an onboard...especially if the bass is already passive...

cybersnyder · #15 09-03-2007, 05:45 PM

XLR outputs were kinda popular in some basses in the late 70's early 80's IIRC. But it died out because nobody really wanted them. My personal opinion is to keep it simple and stick with a 1/4" out unless you really want an XLR. If you really, really want one, do some experimentation with the electronics outside of the bass before committing to cutting wood. Usually stuff that dies out, dies out for a reason. Just my .02.

joelb79 · #16 09-03-2007, 07:47 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. If I decide to do this i'll make sure to update the thread with build pictures and sound tests!

Mr_Dave · #17 09-03-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PilbaraBass

You know, you don't have to have an XLR...although, I think XLR would be the way to go...
all you need is a stereo 1/4" jack and with 1/4" stereo on one end, and XLR on the other end of your lead.
A balanced output is a great idea for helping to squelch noise issues...a simple, passive, center-tap transformer is the way to go for an onboard...especially if the bass is already passive...

This sounds like a good idea because i really don't like the idea of having a locking jack (1/4" or XLR) on a bass because i wouldn't want it to get ripped out of the body if you stepped on the lead. sorry its a bit of a trivial point, but it bothers me.

joelb79 · #18 09-03-2007, 11:01 PM

That was much what I thought about doing. I guess the first part is auditioning transformers. I'll borrow a JDI and see if it helps me out any. I'm pretty sure I can get one for this weekend, a 3 day show.