Dingwall ABZ w weak g string

[lowphatbass]

Even using a set level LED on an amp could serve a similar function. What I try to do is set the pickup height so that the LED lights up close to equally across the strings. Actually, given that the lower strings are deeper, they get just a little bit more level. Basically, the idea is to use a meter or level indicator of some kind to get the output balanced from string to string. Even patching into a sound card and monitoring on the mixer window could do in a pinch. Height-wise, I usually find that the pickups end up just slightly closer to the G-side (when measured between bottom of string to top of pickup).

I honestly think this is a wast of time. Your rig is bound to have peaks and valleys, even if you were setting-up a bass to play exclusively "direct" in the studio there's only two screws which are easily accessible. The process of trial and error and gradual stages of improvement should suffice. There's also the possibility that staring into a metering bridge while trying to play naturally, the way you would normally play in the hopes of getting a "real life" reading could be problematic as well.
I tend to be a little on the old fashioned side of some things so most of you would probably disagree with what I'm saying, but I've never had to use any type of meter to dial-in pick-up height.

 

[12bass]

The idiosyncrasies of the rig will be reasonably consistent from string to string. Plus, they are largely irrelevant when using a D.I. for FOH. A metering device at least gives a way to quantify the level across the strings. IMO, that is somewhat better than just adjusting by ear.