Active DI with active bass

[MSK_Bassist]

Quick question for here and searching the internet and TB have both been fruitless in regards to finding an answer. So, basically, I have a performance at my job tomorrow, and I am planning on running a DI into the mixer. I am using an Eden WTDI, but the PA is only accepting the signal from my Squier VM jaguar bass when it is in bypass mode. My question is this: can I use my active bass and still use the preamp of my pedal, or do I have to use a passive bass?

 

[Eric Moesle]

I use an active bass with an active DI all the time.... You'll be fine. Just watch your gain.

 

[Dave W]

the PA is only accepting the signal from my Squier VM jaguar bass when it is in bypass mode.

What do you mean by this?

 

[TimmyP]

Did you remember to use the WTDI's power supply?

It could be that the console has phantom power on the bass channel, and the WTDI does not like this.

Or that the level from the WTDI is too hot for the console.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I use an active bass with an active DI all the time.... You'll be fine. Just watch your gain.

Same here. If the mixer is seeing too hot of a signal, either the trim is set too high, the DI is waaay too hot (unlikely), or your should be using the mixer's line level input (frequently a 1/4" TRS) instead of the mic XLR input.

Riis

 

[JimmyM]

I think this active bass with passive DI/passive bass with active DI nonsense is a load of crap that got spread around because some famous bass player said it in a BP Magazine article.

 

[perkjos]

I tried using a Warwick corvette into a sansamp and it sounded like trash. Maybe those two were just a bad pairing but it sounded so bad that I've never wanted to try an active bass with a active DI since.

 

[JimmyM]

I tried using a Warwick corvette into a sansamp and it sounded like trash. Maybe those two were just a bad pairing but it sounded so bad that I've never wanted to try an active bass with a active DI since.

A Sansamp is a preamp with DI capabilities. If it didn't work for you with the Warwick, it wasn't because it's active, but because you didn't dig the preamp.

 

[jimfist]

A Sansamp is a preamp with DI capabilities. If it didn't work for you with the Warwick, it wasn't because it's active, but because you didn't dig the preamp.

agreed...or perhaps taking a little more time to fine tune. The blend/mix knob on the BDDI can play a key role in making or breaking the tone, especially if you find the BDDI tone to be too aggressively mid scooped. But, true enough the BDDI is not everybody's favorite flavor.

I've used the BDDI and other preamps for years with active basses. I've no idea what the fuss is about with the exception of some very specific and unique bass/pre combinations. Generally not an issue if paying attention to gain structure.

 

[perkjos]

A Sansamp is a preamp with DI capabilities. If it didn't work for you with the Warwick, it wasn't because it's active, but because you didn't dig the preamp.

I loved it with my passive jazz bass. I used those two together for above two years before getting the Warwick. Combining the two just wasn't for me. I thought the blend of two preamps was weird.