Why don't my active basses work?

[FenderP]

Originally Posted by jmclearnon

^^^ LOL, you also might have turned all your EQ up on your active masses and therefore it would sound a mess.

Simple solution go to GC and try it in an actual amp.

Or use a real interface to plug it into the computer. The OP keeps saying that's not the issue, has done it with his passive basses, but the reality is you need some sort of DI/interface to really plug any kind of guitar (bass or not) unless the computer natively handles it as some have pointed out. Look at any real amp - they usually have different jacks or switches to handle passive vs. active input. That's done for a reason.

I would almost put money on the fact you're wrong (as many of us have pointed out) and sticking to your guns and being stubborn will be counterproductive. The basses aren't the problem.

[ArvindJayaram]

As the others suggested, it's your input signal getting distorted. Those microphone input jacks don't work well for almost anything other than a microphone. With an active bass, the signal is too hot, so you just get sounds of mush.

On the off-hand chance that something is getting messed up with your basses, maybe something is getting messed up in the electronics, doesn't seem like a wiring issue because there are too many basses by different manufacturers to be a coincidence.

Maybe some kind of radical voltage fluctuation or bad earthing connections in your house. That stuff can really kill electronics. Get an electrician to make sure all connections are grounded, can't stress that enough, can kill everything from computers to your television over a period of time.

But yeah, my advice to get a nice small amplifier, will save you from having to use computer speakers and an interface, etc.

Quite a bass collection, how did you manage all of that without ever buying an amplifier of some kind?

- Jimmy Rage

[jmclearnon]

I use an interface with ANYTHING i plug into my Mac. (musical instruments that is anyways lol)

[LukeFRC]

This is simple - MAC inputs will just about do a passive bass, but not an active one.
If I do it with my warwick in active mode no sound, in passive sound. Get an interface, a secondhand line6 bass pod (the second lot) is a cheap way to get am interface

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by cfsporn

I always plug my basses directly into my computers (Macs and PCs), and I can always hear myself. I can try my Sansamp, but since the problem only occurs with my active basses (my Lakland, Fender, Aria, Squier, and Ibanez are sound fine), I doubt that is the issue.

Tomorrow, I will also try getting all new batteries.

Two things here. The input on the computer is not made for a high impedance source. It's made for a low impedance source. So it's loading down your passive bass, which reduces the level. I'd bet it's also making it dull sounding.

The active basses have low impedance outputs and can drive the input on the Mac stronger, which is causing the issues. I can easily clip the input on my iMac with an active bass.

If you don't think it's a problem, then explain why none of your active basses are working? I'll bet you money if you take them and plug them into a real amp they will work fine.

I've been using Macs to record music since about 1995. They do not work well when you just plug a bass into them. This is true of PC sound cards too. They aren't made for that. That's why there are audio interfaces on the market.

You can get a USB audio interface pretty cheap.

I'd give it a try with your Sansamp between the bass and the Mac. Also, don't crank your tone controls all the way up on the bass.

Apple actually started removing the audio inputs on the new mac Book Pros, since everyone uses a USB or Firewire interface.

[cfsporn]

Boy do I feel like an idiot...

While my Spector did have a loose solder that fixed everything except the sound cutting out , my Status wanted for nothing except new batteries. Apparently, the ones that my mother has in her battery box are dead. I should warn her. Those are the batteries that we use in the smoke detectors.

Many thanks to all who provided useful hints and suggestions, and I am sorry for wasting your time with my ineptitude.

[Frenchy-Lefty]

Glad you figured it out I thought it was bad juju