Balancing Active and Passive Bass Signals

[Bassman1775]

So I started with an Ernie Ball Musicman (active) and just added an American PJ Bass (passive) and a custom build (passive). The output from the passive basses is almost half of what the active bass is. I'm playing through a Mesa Boogie WD-800 with volume and gain at about 12 o'clock. When I play the passive basses I have to crank the amp up to about 9 o'clock on both knobs to get close to the same volume and dialing back the volume on the Musicman to match. I didn't care for the results. I'd like to find a solution where I can leave my MM and my amp settingb at the 12 o'clock positions but boost the signal of the passive basses via a pedal of some sort.

I'm thinking a boost pedal, DI, or some type of overdrive pedal might work. I do not want any overdrive though. I play a very clean style.

I'm interested in the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI. It seems like I could use this pedal to increase the signal on the passive basses and I could program 3 distinct profiles (1 for each bass). Would that work? I'm just want to ensure that I'll be able to boost the "Level" with out adding too much "Drive" so I can get a clean boost.

I'm sure others have used a variety of basses at gigs. Let me know what you think and what gear you're using as a solution.

 

[Tom Bomb]

I go for this — LEHLE, or this — LEHLE, or the EBS MicroBass II Preamp/DI-box |. All do a tidy job. Any good boost'll get you there.

 

[erigod23]

Also, a Radial Bassbone would do the trick. I used one for a while when I was switching between a G&L and a Fender.

 

[dabbler]

I don't have this issue, but I think the first thing I would try is, set my volume up for the passive and use the on-instrument volume control on the active to make it match. Little is lost tone-wise when dropping volume on an active bass, IME.

 

[Liko]

Either set up for your passive and turn down your active, or if you like your onboard all-or-nothing, invest in a TC Spark Mini. 20dB of boost should be plenty to balance levels, and the Spark is a very clean boost as long as you don't overload your amp input.

 

[Torrente Cro]

Rise/lower the pickups?

 

[mikeswals]

Why aren't you using the active/passive switch on the amp?

 

[Killing Floor]

I hear you. No color, no OD, no compression, just clean boost. Plucky Sidekick from Bramofon is really just that.

Plucky Sidekick

Can also reduce volume so it might fill your need either way.

 

[Killing Floor]

And to your OP point I have a WD and I have passive and active basses. The active/passive cut switch is helpful if I am in my home playing but in a live situation the gap isn't always exactly what I need. I'm glad it's there but all basses have different levels. Another answer is a volume pedal.

 

[Stevorebob]

My Music Man basses have a special feature that adjusts the output. It’s fantastic. I can dial in just the right output to match my passive instruments. They cleverly put this device right on the bass, right up front. I’m amazed. Couldn’t be any easier.

 

[Jakeman]

Radial Bassbone

 

[scuzzy]

I use a cheap, reliable pedal for this. Donner boost killer. It's basically an xotic rc booster. I boost lower signals to match higher ones. Can even use to boost low end or treble. A nice pedal.

 

[micguy]

You can make yourself a pad pedal - bypass when playing the passives, and a pot to turn down the actives. You'll need a box, a switch, a pot, and two jacks - that's it. Add an led and a resistor is you want to see when it's on.

 

[Crash 56]

Another vote for the Radial Bassbone. total control of two different channels, worksgreat!

 

[Ggaa]

An advantage to wireless is you can balance 2 basses with different outputs via the gain control on the xmitters.

 

[Jebberz]

Best tool, Lehle or Radial. On a budget, Boss LS-2 does the job perfectly (I use one to balance 3 basses with different level)

 

[Pings Bass]

Best tool, Lehle or Radial. On a budget, Boss LS-2 does the job perfectly (I use one to balance 3 basses with different level)

I use the LS-2 to switch between DB and BG; it can cut or add gain (+20db). Pretty quiet, too, but I never boost, only cut for balance.

 

[Nick1234]

https://www.thegigrig.com/three2one

 

[The boa]

Active/passive switch is on the left on that amp. Did you try that? Is the result the same?

 

[Plain Old Barry]

Honestly, I move between two actives and a two passives with same rig, and just memorize either compressor input setting or amp gain setting, depending on my setup.