Switching between active/passive basses live?

shannons · #1 07-30-2007, 10:57 AM

Hey guys. Hopefully this is the right forum for this.

I've been using my Spectors with active electronics for the last year, but I've recently bought a Fender Jazz V w/ passive electronics. Given there are substantial output differences between active and passive, what are you guys using to switch between them? Do I need a some sort of booster pedal for the Fender so it'll equal out to the Spectors output?

What are you guys using?

Jazz Ad · #2 07-30-2007, 11:09 AM

A Boss LS-2 does the job fine for me.

i_got_a_mohawk · #3 07-30-2007, 11:17 AM

Why not just turn the volume on the spector down a little bit so its about the same as the fender?

shannons · #4 07-30-2007, 11:48 AM

Thanks for LS-2 suggestion. I used one years ago in my guitar rig, but I completely forgot about the independent volume knobs. That's a great idea.

As for turning down the Spector. Well....I could, but there's still too much potential for accidently hitting the volume knob and getting a huge spike in overpowering volume. I run my volumes on full, but they are mainly for turning down, not turning up.

i_got_a_mohawk · #5 07-30-2007, 11:56 AM

Heres another thought, which might work better.

Sometimes active basses have a trim pot internally, so you can set the output.

if the spector has one, you could turn down the max output it would have, so you could have the dial on the front at full but the output would be similar to that of your passive fender.

Again im not sure if the spector will have that, i just know some of my ibbys have that.

shannons · #6 07-30-2007, 12:44 PM

I'll take a look at the Spectors when I get home later today. Thanks for the suggestion.

RobertUI · #7 07-30-2007, 01:19 PM

I always used an MXR MicroAmp when I swapped from a lower output bass and it was pretty much perfect. Now I tend to use one of the Mosfet boosters that I've made.

Robert

Rota · #8 07-30-2007, 09:56 PM

Does your amp have an active/passive switch? That's what I use when switching between my active and passive basses.

shannons · #9 07-31-2007, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rota

Does your amp have an active/passive switch? That's what I use when switching between my active and passive basses.

Yes, it does, but there's still a volume difference.