Double Bass EDB Preamp Line Out Help

[overit]

I'm running an EDB-2 HE line out into a Quilter Bass Block > AI Doubleshot. I'm using a 1/4" > XLR cable into the Bass Block. I'm able to dial in sounds that I like with the preamp but not getting enough headroom. I pretty much have the gain and master nearly dimed on the EDB and the master volume on the Quilter at around 7-8. This doesn't seem right as it is quite a powerful head. I primarily use it on EB with louder non-jazz groups and rarely have the master over 5. I'm using this DB setup with a jazz trio - drums and keys and we are only playing restaurant loud.

Plugging my DB direct into the Quilter without the EDB, it is definitely louder, but I don't get the preamp flexibility of course. I'm using a KNA DB-1 as a pickup. Any thoughts?

 

[BobKay]

Can't offer a specific suggestion because I never had any volume issues using the EDB 2 into a Clarus head and Upshot cab via a KNA DB-1 pickup. I'm not sure I understand how you are getting from the EDB to the Quilter - are you using the line out (1/4) jack, converting it to XLR? If so, why not use the XLR out on the EDB directly to the Quilter?

 

[overit]

Yes, I’m using the EDB line out to the XLR in on the Quilter. Alot of people use their Quilter Bass Blocks as power amps with preamps so I tried that first.

Never thought of the way you suggested, I’ll give it a shot.

*Bummer, I have no female XLR to 1/4" to try this at the moment.

 

[Povl Carstensen]

I do not mind running the master volume on my BB maxed out. To achieve max headroom in the pre amp. Also do it with other amps

 

[overit]

I do not mind running the master volume on my BB maxed out. To achieve max headroom in the pre amp. Also do it with other amps

OK great, this is good to know. Testing right now with the BB maxed out and the gain on the EDB maxed out I could probably get the volume I need between 3/4-maxed out on the EDB's Volume control. I guess at this point, I'd ask if that's normal or should I try @BobKay's suggestion above (need to get a cable) or something else?

 

[bherman]

I was using a Quilter that way with several different preamps, ultimately I found that I got the best results with just running the line out on the preamp directly into the front (1/4" passive input) of the amp. I kept the BB controls flat and used the preamp to tweak eq as needed

 

[Povl Carstensen]

I don't know whether using a XLR-XLR would make a difference

 

[bherman]

I don't know whether using a XLR-XLR would make a difference

FWIW when I was using a preamp in front of the quilter and tried it that way, XLR out on the preamp to XLR in on the back of the quilter, it seemed to me like the signal level was lower. Never really looked into it as I found I was totally fine just using the 1/4 line in.

 

[overit]

I was using a Quilter that way with several different preamps, ultimately I found that I got the best results with just running the line out on the preamp directly into the front (1/4" passive input) of the amp. I kept the BB controls flat and used the preamp to tweak eq as needed

I get no signal running from the EDB's line out into the front of the BB with a 1/4" cable. I'll give the XLR out from the pre into the line in a shot though and see what I get there.