Dealing With Different Basses And Their Outputs Live

[Jaco Taco]

This is probably a really naive question as I haven't played live in a long time.

If you are playing a live set and you are using several different basses that all have different output levels, some louder than others, how do you deal with that exactly? For example, recording at home into Logic, I've got three different bass guitars that have totally different output levels, which require a different input level from the direct box into the computer, which require different compression, etc.

When switching basses live, do you just have to change/tweak settings at the amp or pre-amp to make everything be the same? Is this something that in a professional setting is taken care of by a roadie or mixing engineer?

Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[silky smoove]

If you're just using two, you could use something like a Radial Bassbone to handle this. If you're using more than two, you're getting into small mixer territory.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

This is probably a really naive question as I haven't played live in a long time.

If you are playing a live set and you are using several different basses that all have different output levels, some louder than others, how do you deal with that exactly? For example, recording at home into Logic, I've got three different bass guitars that have totally different output levels, which require a different input level from the direct box into the computer, which require different compression, etc.

When switching basses live, do you just have to change/tweak settings at the amp or pre-amp to make everything be the same? Is this something that in a professional setting is taken care of by a roadie or mixing engineer?

Inquiring minds want to know!

any of the below in order:
turn down volume knob on the bass with the loudest output.
2 channel amp.
clean transparent boost pedal for the low output bass.
use the -15 DB switch on the amp (passive active)

 

[Downunderwonder]

Two channel pedal here. Deluxe sansamps are another common solution.

With the rise of digital mixers everywhere I guess everyone is getting friendly with the soundman and getting multiple channels soundchecked.

 

[4Mal]

Radial Bassbone user here. I kind of got over 'several' basses at a gig. Generally I carry the right pair. Whichever pair that might be...

 

[Geri O]

The Bassbone or a small mixer is a great idea.

I've been fortunate enough to have two basses equipped with active preamps that use trim pots. So I've been able to normalize the outputs of both of them pretty easily. It's just lucky that it worked out that way for me, though.