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please help me with my On/Off switch
- Thread starter BloodBass
- Start date
By on/off switch, you mean a killswitch?
If so, place an SPST (Or SPDT, DPST or DPDT.) switch across the tip and sleeve terminals of the output jack.
If so, place an SPST (Or SPDT, DPST or DPDT.) switch across the tip and sleeve terminals of the output jack.
If it's the preamp you want to switch on and off we're gonna need to find out what kind of preamp you have, some can be switched (G&L's for instance) but some needs battery power to function (EMGs for example).
This diagram shows a DPDT switch.
You can choose either an SPST, SPDT, DPST or DPDT, just wire the terminals as shown.
I also add the mute or kill switch to many of my basses. It is really handy between sets, etc.
However, I don't know if you can short the output of the active preamps in this way without damage to the preamp. Anyone know for sure?
However, I don't know if you can short the output of the active preamps in this way without damage to the preamp. Anyone know for sure?
It's fine.
Remember that if you have a volume control after your preamp, turning it to "0" shorts the output to ground.
It depends on how the volume control is wired.
The wiper can ground the output of the pot rather than the input, much the way tone controls are wired. The preamp always sees the constant resistance of the pot. The switch is always 0 Ohms when closed.
I think that it is best to check with the preamp maker before installing the switch.
The wiper can ground the output of the pot rather than the input, much the way tone controls are wired. The preamp always sees the constant resistance of the pot. The switch is always 0 Ohms when closed.
I think that it is best to check with the preamp maker before installing the switch.
It doesn't matter either way, it isn't going to hurt anything to ground the output or the input of a preamp.
Don't worry about it.
Well, it is shorting the output of the preamp to ground. The circuit may or may not be able to tolerate a short without blowing the output devices.
Of course it is very low level, but it is all dependent on the design. The preamp expects to see a load of 250-500K or more and is designed for this and not a short.
Of course it is very low level, but it is all dependent on the design. The preamp expects to see a load of 250-500K or more and is designed for this and not a short.
Dumb Question (I'm NOT an engineer)
Why not just simplify it and kill one of the plug terminals?
Wouldn't this be the lowest risk?
Why not just simplify it and kill one of the plug terminals?
Wouldn't this be the lowest risk?
If the bass is passive with no preamp, you just use the switch to short the 2 terminals on the output jack, connecting the output to ground. = total silence. Works great, no click or pop.
If there IS a preamp, this connects the output of the preamp to ground, short circuiting it. This may or may not be damaging to the preamp.
If there IS a preamp, this connects the output of the preamp to ground, short circuiting it. This may or may not be damaging to the preamp.
The problem with simply disconnecting the signal is that then you get that "open guitar cable" buzzing sound.
In order to get a totally silent output, you have to ground the signal.
If you wanted to disconnect the preamp, and short the output to ground, you could do that, like in this older diagram I have.
I'm confused as hell now
tis is the diagram that im using now. were do i have to put the kill switch?
Between the tip terminal of the output jack and ground.
