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Audere preamp users - how often do you use the Z-mode switch?
- Thread starter fourstringbliss
- Start date
budman
Commercial User
- Oct 7, 2004
- 1,785
- 106
- 62
- Disclosures
- Owner/Builder of LeCompte Electric Bass
I built a bass for the Summer NAMM show with an experimental Audere preamp that has a six-way Z-mode switch. I'm not sure how top secret it is, but I did have it at the NAMM show so I guess it's OK to mention it here. It blends the different modes between the two pickups. There's six different combinations that use all the modes. For example, you can have low-z on one pickup and high-z on the other. You can really hear the difference when you mess with the blend control. Makes for some really cool tones. The bass was a hit at the show. The knob with the dot is the six-way switch.
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You're not helping me here!
Now I want one of those preamps!
The JZ5D has a 5 way rotary switch for 5 different combinations.
I understand. I was just making sure you know that the 5 way rotary switch/knob is an option. A very good one at that, IMO.
Sorry about that! Is the 5-way switch an option on the 3ZB or do they have a configurable preamp with a 5-way switch?
I've corresponded with David Meadows about the possibility of a separate Z-mode switch for each preamp on the modular... a 9ZB essentially
He told me that there were engineering problems preventing the existence of that configuration.
However, he let me know that the rotary style switch is possible on the modular preamps. So that's a viable option for you!!Cheers,
-T
I'm going to drop David Meadows an email about it to find out how much that would cost.I've corresponded with David Meadows about the possibility of a separate Z-mode switch for each preamp on the modular... a 9ZB essentially
He told me that there were engineering problems preventing the existence of that configuration.
Cheers,
-T
I like the 5-way rotary switch on my Martin Keith bass. If I'm not in the middle Z-mode, I probably use the two mixed modes (as opposed to both in high- or low-z).
It's the bottom knob on my bass (the single switch is a humbucker/single coil switch).
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M
It's the bottom knob on my bass (the single switch is a humbucker/single coil switch).
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M
Here's the response I got about the 5-way switch:
Hi
It is actually a 6 way switch
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You can add it to a standard 3ZB system of any configuration but please note the short threaded shaft length might or might not be an issue for your bass.
Thanks
David
It's a really cool idea but I don't think it's going to work for me. The threads are too short to go through the top.
Hi
It is actually a 6 way switch
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
You can add it to a standard 3ZB system of any configuration but please note the short threaded shaft length might or might not be an issue for your bass.
Thanks
David
It's a really cool idea but I don't think it's going to work for me. The threads are too short to go through the top.
All the time. I just mentioned in another thread how I'm able to get a near-perfect "dub" sound on Low Z, an unaffected sound (just "regular kick butt tone") on Mid Z, and a gritty tube-like sound on High Z. The options are really nice, and to me sound more "organic" than using a pedal or changing the EQ just for one song. I am VERY happy with my preamp.
Where do you live in Fort Collins? My wife's parents live there.
The 6-way rotary switch is definitely not going to work for my 55-01 because all the other pots have a 1/2" thread length and this 6-way switch only has a 1/4" thread length. The only way I could use it is if I had it coming out the control cavity cover - I'm not sure I'm down with that!
It gives some really cool pickup combos, though:
Z-Mode combinations:
Low, Low
Low, Mid
Low, High
Mid, Mid
Mid, High
High, High
It gives some really cool pickup combos, though:
Z-Mode combinations:
Low, Low
Low, Mid
Low, High
Mid, Mid
Mid, High
High, High
I think I'm going to stick with the regular 3-way Z-mode switch. I know it sounds good in Mid-Z - we'll see about the rest.
budman
Commercial User
- Oct 7, 2004
- 1,785
- 106
- 62
- Disclosures
- Owner/Builder of LeCompte Electric Bass
I counter-sunk the switch area from inside the control cavity using 1" diameter forstner bit, just making that part of the control cavity thinner. It worked great.
It's too bad I don't live near you! I don't have a drill press - just a hand drill. It sure would be nice to have that 6-way switch, though.
That sounds pretty cool, but my mind can't handle too many options....I like things simple. The three position switch works for me.
I think I am going to go with the Audere with the 6-way Z-mode switch.
My main concern was whether the threaded part of the rotary switch would be long enough to go through the top of my 55-01 without removing more wood. When I took one of the current control pots out it looks like there's only about three or four milimeters of wood there - the rotary switch needs six milimeters. Now I just need to decide whether to drill another hole for it or use a stacked knob for some other controls.
My main concern was whether the threaded part of the rotary switch would be long enough to go through the top of my 55-01 without removing more wood. When I took one of the current control pots out it looks like there's only about three or four milimeters of wood there - the rotary switch needs six milimeters. Now I just need to decide whether to drill another hole for it or use a stacked knob for some other controls.
do any of you use the gain adjustment on the low-z to balance that tone and the mid-z for somewhat of a boost or slap countour effect?
i use low z most of the time. and mid z when i on the 'color' function of my m80 for a scooped sound. high z occasionally when im doing some bass solo stuff with chords/arppeggios etc.
the z mode is my favourite feature of the preamp, however mine creates a 'pop' noise when i switch modes, am i the only one?
the z mode is my favourite feature of the preamp, however mine creates a 'pop' noise when i switch modes, am i the only one?
