• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Amp Input Splitter?

Spinal Tapper

Spinal Tapper

Nov 15, 2007
6,797
348
Chicago
soundcloud.com
#1
I'm hoping this is a simple question...and in the correct section...

My amp head is a Markbass R500 - it has only one input jack for my bass.

I was thinking of buying an analog keyboard to lay down some bass lines through the same amp with my band - but I'd want to have them both running into my amp at the same time so I dont need to unhook my bass live, or switch back and forth...

Is there a type of DI Box/pedal that acts as a "splitter" so-to-speak? (Sorry, I'm not super technical when it comes to this stuff)

I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks!
 
#2
You want an active mixer. Simplest/cheapest option in stompbox format is the Boss LS-2. There are many other options if you don't need a stompbox format, but a used LS-2 will still be cheaper than most of them.
 
#5
If you don't want the synth and bass playing at the same time, all you need is a simple passive A/B box that costs peanuts. The Boss LS-2 however would let you blend the signals or adjust the volume of each.
 
#7
For cheap, Morley makes an AB/Y, but when I was doing the exact same thing, (bass and synth), one side was always weaker than the other. Hence, the "active" mixer solution. For the money, that Boss unit is probably your best bet. It'll do more than you need, but it'll do what you need very well.
 
#8
RickenBoogie said:
For cheap, Morley makes an AB/Y, but when I was doing the exact same thing, (bass and synth), one side was always weaker than the other. Hence, the "active" mixer solution. For the money, that Boss unit is probably your best bet. It'll do more than you need, but it'll do what you need very well.
Click to expand...

Cool! Thanks for the suggestion. I noticed Behringer makes an A/B splitter too - anyone have any experiences with that?
 
#9
Never tried it- most around here avoid Behringer due to quality/ethics reasons. It doesn't have very good reviews over at Harmony Central:
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/product/Behringer/AB100/10/1

I'd still advise a used LS-2 as it will give you the option of using either your bass or keys or using both at the same time. I just sold mine as I had a tiny mixer made that has both signals always on, but if I had wanted the option of switching back and forth, I'd have kept the LS-2.
 
#10
Bryan R. Tyler said:
Never tried it- most around here avoid Behringer due to quality/ethics reasons. It doesn't have very good reviews over at Harmony Central:
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/product/Behringer/AB100/10/1

I'd still advise a used LS-2 as it will give you the option of using either your bass or keys or using both at the same time. I just sold mine as I had a tiny mixer made that has both signals always on, but if I had wanted the option of switching back and forth, I'd have kept the LS-2.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help Bryan

Anyone else is welcome to chime in - but it does sound like the LS-2 is the best option right now.
 
#11
you could always look at the small mixers on the market.
I have a behringer xenyx 502 which does the job admirably. It retails for less than the LS2, which, if you want to go the pedal route, will work well.
 
#12
The Xenyx 502 would be pretty huge to put on a pedalboard :p I had the Behringer MiniMix or whatever it's called- a tiny 4 channel mixer that was smaller than a Boss pedal, but it was on the noisy side so I sold it. It may have just been its proximity to my power adapters that brought on the noise though.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back