2 inputs, 1 output? Preamp question

[GradyBass]

Hey all

I've been rollin around on Bob Gollihur's site, as I've been considering an H-Brace for my bass. But then I stumble onto the K&K Preamps, namely the golden trinity and the 2-channel RB.

So if I'm correct, the 2-channel RB, or even the Boss LS-2 will allow me to have my full circle and say, an AMT microphone (or other pickup) blended and sent out a single output? And from there into my Pro EQ Platinum?

And while I'm confused as all heck, the Golden trinity would allow me to dial in my Full Circle and a large-diaphragm mic into a single output? And is it a good idea to blend a microphone and pickup?

I've searched these forums and gotten about 9 out of my 10 questions answered, but there's number 10. Thanks for your help guys!

[bolo]

Originally Posted by GradyBass

So if I'm correct, the 2-channel RB, or even the Boss LS-2 will allow me to have my full circle and say, an AMT microphone (or other pickup) blended and sent out a single output? And from there into my Pro EQ Platinum?

I don't know about the Boss, but yes the two channel K&K preamps will do what you described. Somewhere in the equation your XLR cable for the mic has to be converted to a 1/4" cable, but there are adapters for that. Some of the K&K units have this already built-in. Some inputs like on the D-TAR Solstice or the AI heads are "dual" inputs that will accept either a 1/4" cable or a mic cable.

Originally Posted by GradyBass

And while I'm confused as all heck, the Golden trinity would allow me to dial in my Full Circle and a large-diaphragm mic into a single output?

I think so. The two K&K stereo preamps that I've owned had independent level and EQ settings for each channel, blended into a single 1/4" output cable. [ Edit - The D-TAR Solstice does a really nice job of this, blending a pickup and a mic. I like the sound of the unit too (i.e. no added color, transparent and accurate.) ]

Originally Posted by GradyBass

And is it a good idea to blend a microphone and pickup?

I would say so. I got the idea here a long time ago of course. I like the flexibility of soloing either pickup or mic, and more often than not, blending the two.

I'd call or email Bob G. if you still aren't clear on how everything you have / want is all gonna hook up together.

[tranquilitybass]

I got a DTAR from (ALL HAIL!) Bob Gollihur awhile back, partly for blending a pick-up and mic. It does the job well.

The best thing about the DTAR is the options it gives you. You have 4 inputs to play with, 2 xlr and 2 quarter inch, and two channels. Even using a bog-standard vocal or instrument mic (like a Shure), you can quickly get a really good blended sound. In a pinch, you can run vocals or another instrument into one channel as well, making it a sort of mini-mixing desk.

Also, sound men love it because they get separate d.i. signals from your pu/mic channels, while you can run a blended signal into your amp for your stage sound.

Highly recommended as a blending solution.

Just be aware that the bass eq pots are fairly useless. To cut bass, I have to use the eq on my amp, and for FOH, the soundguy has to know to do it from the desk. At some point, I'd love to mod mine to make the bass pots into high-pass filters. . .

[bolo]

Originally Posted by tranquilitybass

Just be aware that the bass eq pots are fairly useless. To cut bass, I have to use the eq on my amp, and for FOH, the soundguy has to know to do it from the desk. At some point, I'd love to mod mine to make the bass pots into high-pass filters. . .

If memory serves. the bass EQ control on the Solstice is centered at 155 Hz, which is almost a high E on our G string, or two octaves above an open E string. I think that's why it doesn't help much w/ control of deep bass.

Your HPF mod is a cool idea.

[tranquilitybass]

Spot on Bolo: the DTAR is set up for guitar, so the bass pot on the unit is centered on or near the low E string of a standard guitar.

I actually corresponded with DTAR about changing the frequency center of the bass potentiometer of the Solstice for Bass applications--they were very responsive and helpful. In the end, however, they said it might be too much R@D on their side, and they suggested getting the Equinox, with all of its parametric eq possibilities, to deal with the problem.

I just want to use the one unit, to be honest. The Equinox is a very nice piece of gear, but it is one more thing to bring to the gig, and one more bit of kit to buy, so...

I soon hope to come up with an HPF solution with the help of an electronic engineer friend of mine. I'll post any results so that others can avail of the modification.

@Gradybass:
Sorry to have moved all of this somewhat off topic with talk of the DTAR, as your original question was to do with using a 2 channel RB and a golden trinity mic set up.
I have not personally used either of these, so I can't comment. (ALL HAIL!) Bob has yet to let us down. It would be worth a phone call to him to see what can be done with your particular circumstances.

All I can say with authority is: using the DTAR to blend a full circle in conjunction with even the most humble of mics, I have gotten a nice, solid blended signal, in live and recording situations. YMMV.

Hope this info helps, at any rate.