Double Bass DPA4099B with LR Baggs Venue DI

[YTFC2010]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has experience with using a DPA4099B with an LR Baggs Venue DI?

I have been playing upright bass for a few years now and am starting to get a lot more live work, however I am a novice when it comes the amplification side of things, mainly due to finances restricting my wish to experiment with lots of different pickups, preamps and amplifiers etc.

For all previous gigs I have done with the DPA, I have tried putting my DPA4099B straight into my Schertler Unico amp via the mic input, experimented with the volume and gain controls on the amp, and experimented a bit with the mic position, but generally get pretty low output all-round, before I get feedback.

I recently tried ditching my amp, and going straight into the PA at a gig at a theatre I did recently, and although it sounded ok in soundcheck, come the actual performance, it was a disaster. The output was still so low, and my DPA4099B just ended up picking up all the other instruments on stage.

I only play in acoustic/folk/country bands, generally consisting mainly of acoustic guitars, vocals, drums (mainly with brushes), violins, mandolins, banjo's etc, with the odd electric guitar on occasions.

I have therefore come to the conclusion that I need a preamp? Am I right in my thinking?

I love the look of the LR Baggs Venue DI which has great reviews and a lot of functions that I know would come in handy for my live work, however my DPA4099B has a male XLR on the end of the cable, and the LR Baggs Venue DI only has a 1/4" Jack input.
Any ideas if it would work if I was to use a good quality (Neutrik?) female XLR to 1/4" Jack adapter to plug the DPA cable into the Preamp input?
Would I need a mono adapter, or a stereo adapter?

Apologies for my naiveity! Really hope someone can help!

Regards,

Henry.

 

[neddyrow]

I have both the DPA and the venue DI but unfortunately you would have trouble using them together. The DPA requires 48v phantom power and the venue does not have phantom. You might be able to plug your DPA into a phantom power power unit and then go into the venue but I've never tried it. I too play in a couple folkie bluegrassy bands and have most luck with using my full circle into a preamp or countryman DI. When I use the DPA, I go into an art tube preamp then into the PA.

My future plan is using both my full circle and DPA into the AI flex preamp coming out soon. It has 48v phantom and 2 inputs and eq for both. Looking forward to it!

If you want me to try running my DPA into a phantom and then the venue DI, I will and report back. Let me know.

 

[YTFC2010]

I see. Many thanks for your help! I struggle getting my head round the technicalities of amplification etc!

If you do get chance to run your DPA into a phantom and then the Venue DI, I would be very interested to hear the outcome!

Many thanks!

 

[jrlynch]

If it is a reasonably professional venue, the board will have phantom power. It is a microphone, so plug and play and let the sound person eq it ... the dpa is dead flat, so all should need is cutting the lows, should things get too muddy ... or save your money and buy a summit mic preamp.

 

[neddyrow]

So I had time to run my DPA into the Art tube mic preamp I normally use and then run a 1/4" into the venue DI. I hope the picture shows. I then ran the 1/4" out to my GK 150 MBS 112. After comparing the sound with and without the venue DI in the chain, I couldn't tell much difference. I thought it would be noisier with the venue in the chain but it sounded relatively clean. I also still have a DI out to the board from the venue.

I can see why you wanted to try this out. The mute and tuner on the venue are great. And it's battery powered which is nice. In my bluegrass band, the guitar player normally uses the venue DI. It's perfect for him when he needs that boost for his breaks. Unfortunately his need is greater than mine, or I'd take this thing back!!

So overall, I like the sound. Not enough to shell out another $300 for a second one. Bet you could do the same with a radial pre pz if all you wanted was a little eq and a mute button for a little cheaper.

Hope that helps. Just my $.02

 

[YTFC2010]

Thanks for taking the time to help out there neddyrow! I have ordered myself an ART Tube MP V3 and will see how that does on its own. I may then look at adding the Venue DI at a later date if I feel it's necessary.
Thanks again!