connection to PA

[somerset04]

Hi,
I am pretty new to bass playing. My group just purchased a YAMAHA PA system( emx512 2x500W) with speakers. My question is how to connect my bass to PA system. Which connection method is better? Directly from my bass to the PA mixer or through a bass amp to the PA mixer? Thanks.

 

[iamthebassman]

DI box.

 

[scottbass]

To expand:

If you want a "dry" sound through the PA (your bass only, nothing added or subtracted by the amp), then connect your bass to the DI box. Connect an XLR cable from the DI box to the PA, and connect a 1/4" cable from the DI box to your bass amp.

If you want a "wet" sound (your bass and your bass amp's preamp), then connect your bass directly to your bass amp. Connect a 1/4" cable from you bass amp's "effects send" jack to the DI box. Connect an XLR cable from the DI box to the PA.

Many bass amps have a DI built in. Many bass amps with built-in DI's also have a "Pre/Post" switch. If so, "Pre" is a dry signal, "Post" is a wet signal.

 

[somerset04]

Thanks and why is a DI box needed in both cases? Is it wrong to connect a bass to a PA mixer directly?

 

[scottbass]

Some PA mixers will accept a high-impedance, low-level signal from an instrument (bass or guitar). If so, you can plug directly into the PA, but then you won't be using your bass amp at all. A DI box simply changes the impedance (and usually the level) of the instrument's output so it can be plugged into a microphone (XLR) input on any mixer. Also, low-impedance (XLR) cables don't suffer as much signal loss over longer distances as do high-impedance (1/4") cables. And they're less susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Also, a DI box allows you to split your signal so you and your band mates hear the bass through your onstage bass amp and the audience hears the bass through the PA. This gives you more control of both the onstage volume level of your bass and the level of your bass in the mix the audience hears.

Every bass player who gigs should own a DI box, especially if your band supplies its own PA.

 

[somerset04]

great thanks.
One last question. Which DI is better?

 

[Pako]

Might I suggest a Tech21 SansAmp Bass Drive DI Box?

More than just a DI. Great little box. Radial makes a cool DI box for bass also. Lots of options, just giving up a couple.

 

[hmjuice]

Sadowsky pre-amp and DI

 

[froovs]

dont know why nobody else has said, but that sort of size PA is really only good for vocals and maybe an electro-acoustic

if you start running all your bands instruments through it, particularly bass, its going to run out of headroom *really* quickly

cheers
froovs

 

[Pako]

dont know why nobody else has said, but that sort of size PA is really only good for vocals and maybe an electro-acoustic

if you start running all your bands instruments through it, particularly bass, its going to run out of headroom *really* quickly

cheers
froovs

Not knowing size of venues, band requirements, ect, it's hard to make that recommendation. Might be fine for a coffee shop gig at low volumes. Do they have a separate powered sub? No idea what they have for mains... As far as we know, there aren't even speakers. Maybe they're just using it to record.

But yes, if they are pushing any kind of volume, yes they will run out of headroom quickly.