pre-amp clipping?

Swift713 · #1 02-04-2007, 04:57 PM

I think I've asked about this before but I'm not sure where. I've had an OLP Tony Levin for about a year. At one point I started to notice some distorting action on the E and B strings when I play the least bit hard. It seemed to go away for a while but now it's back. It happens no matter what I plug in to. Could this be from the active eq? I would hate to think that all of my equipment is incapable of handling what this bass puts out.

darthplagis · #2 02-04-2007, 06:43 PM

it could be that the 9v isnt handling the lows of the pre, so a 18v mod may work, also it could be the strings, i like a tapered B as it cuts the tension so the strings dont distort the pre.

Swift713 · #3 02-04-2007, 09:34 PM

Darth, how does that 18 volt mod work? I've seen basses with 18volt pre's advertised as having more headroom but I figured it was probably hype as most seem to be 9v. Would that be just a matter of routing a bigger battery compartment or are you talking all new electrics? Does it make a real difference? Have you had this problem with your TL? It's not like I'm a heavy handed player.

1kinal · #4 02-04-2007, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift713

I think I've asked about this before but I'm not sure where. I've had an OLP Tony Levin for about a year. At one point I started to notice some distorting action on the E and B strings when I play the least bit hard. It seemed to go away for a while but now it's back. It happens no matter what I plug in to. Could this be from the active eq? I would hate to think that all of my equipment is incapable of handling what this bass puts out.

Are you sure the strings are not touching the pickup pole-pieces? Have you tried to lower the pickup on the bass (B-E strings) side?

Jaco D · #5 02-05-2007, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift713

Darth, how does that 18 volt mod work? I've seen basses with 18volt pre's advertised as having more headroom but I figured it was probably hype as most seem to be 9v. Would that be just a matter of routing a bigger battery compartment or are you talking all new electrics? Does it make a real difference? Have you had this problem with your TL? It's not like I'm a heavy handed player.

You just wire two 9-volt batteries in series. As for a second battery compartment, you can locate a battery clip on the elctronics cover (if you have space - I'm not familiar with the OLP).

Espidog · #6 02-05-2007, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaco D

You just wire two 9-volt batteries in series. As for a second battery compartment, you can locate a battery clip on the elctronics cover (if you have space - I'm not familiar with the OLP).

STOP!

Without knowledge of the OLP's circuitry, this 'mod' is reckless. It would only work if the circuit were designed to be able to cope with 18V. If not, doubling the supply voltage will do permanent damage or kill the circuit stone dead.

Swift713: OLP or not, it might be worth raising your issue with fellow Stingray owners over at the Ernie Ball forum: http://www.ernieball.com/forums/

Finally, it's Really Obvious Question time: You have changed the battery recently, yes?

Swift713 · #7 02-05-2007, 11:57 AM

I don't really remember when I changed the battery, I'll give it a try, but I would think that the symptoms of a low battery would be more universal.
I have already lowered the pickup so I don't think that's the culprit. Unless I lowered it too far and the magnet is hitting the back of the cavity? Does that make any sense? No, it doesn't really move that far does it?

I certainly am not about to just add another battery myself without some serious technical guidance.

Thanks all for the suggestions. Is it possible that the OLP pre-amp could be faulty?

Espidog · #8 02-05-2007, 12:04 PM

A battery that was just starting to fade off wouldn't necessarily affect all the strings equally. The lowest strings put out the largest signals by a mile, and demand the most "effort" from the pre-amp in order to be amplified cleanly. If your juice is dying, this is where it could start to show up first.

Swift713 · #9 02-05-2007, 01:26 PM

OK Folks, you heard it here first, I'm a dunce.

A fresh battery has resolved the issue. The 1st active bass I had, had a passive switch and I never used the active because it didn't really sound any different, maybe a little less character. The next active just fuzzed out quite rapidly when the battery went. This one really crept up on me.

Thanks again for all your suggestions.

joelb79 · #10 02-05-2007, 01:57 PM

Any good preamp will loose headroom before dying. My Sterling does the same thing.

Duracell's are your friend.

Espidog · #11 02-05-2007, 03:14 PM

Even better than Duracells: rechargables!
These days it's possible to get a decent fast charger and a set of NiMh batteries for a good package price, and in a very short time you'll be saving yourself a fortune. AND you'll be doing the planet a favour into the bargain!

All we need now are wind up active pre-amps and FX units, and we won't ever need batteries again!