Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen. and Bass Guitar Re String problem

[Sefer]

Hi lads.
I bought Focusrite solo 3rd gen last week, yesterday I had the chance to test the product. However, there is a problem. I'm using the device with new a bass guitar I just bought with the Scarlett. I don't use speakers or amps. I prefer headphones. When I play the 4th string of the guitar (the Re string), the green light on the front panel of the device does not work properly. Every time I touch another string, the device receives a signal. But on the 4th string, the device does not reach the signal properly and the volume is always low compare to rest of the strings.
When I increase the gain level, the device detects the signal/vibration better that produced by the 4th strings, but at this time when I use the 1st and 2nd strings (Si and Mi strings), the red light flicker. I have to keep the gain to a minimum to stay away from clipping. But in this case, I cannot use the 4th string as I mentioned above.
How can i solve the problem? I shot a video about the problem. I attached the link below.
Is the problem about the bass or audio interface? Can the problem be pickups?
Waiting for your suggestions.



Bass guitar and equipment I use:
Sterling By Music Man Sub Ray5 (5 strings)
Audio Technica ATH-M20x
Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen.

 

[AGCurry]

It's much more likely that your instrument has uneven output than that the Scarlett has uneven response. A rough test would be to play the bass through an amp and hear if there is any difference in output from string to string.

 

[Sefer]

It's much more likely that your instrument has uneven output than that the Scarlett has uneven response. A rough test would be to play the bass through an amp and hear if there is any difference in output from string to string.

Hello Mr.
How can I determine the exact problem? I have no amp. Is there any alternative in order to test the bass? I will send the bass back to the supplier. But before sending it, I'd like to be sure. Because I bought the bass from abroad. If I send it back, it takes 2-3 weeks to get it back at least. How can I be sure whether there is a problem with the bass or not? I need an expert's opinion. I suppose that the problem is about pickup and the magnet behind the 4th string. Is it possible?

 

[AGCurry]

It could be the pickup. It could be a faulty string, or the way the string is installed. Either way, fixing it would not be very expensive. If you can visit a music store, plug it into an amp and see what happens.

 

[Sefer]

It could be the pickup. It could be a faulty string, or the way the string is installed. Either way, fixing it would not be very expensive. If you can visit a music store, plug it into an amp and see what happens.

I will do what you suggested. We will see the result. Thanks a lot. Have a lovely day.

 

[Sefer]

It could be the pickup. It could be a faulty string, or the way the string is installed. Either way, fixing it would not be very expensive. If you can visit a music store, plug it into an amp and see what happens.

Mr Curry
I realized just now that the pickup has few slopes. Can this be a reason? Have a look pictures below, please. I drew two lines that indicate the heights of both ends.

 

[AGCurry]

I don't see anything wrong with the pickup height, and if the slant were bad, your G string would also be weak, right?

Where are you? In case you didn't know, your screen name is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "book."

 

[Sefer]

I don't see anything wrong with the pickup height, and if the slant were bad, your G string would also be weak, right?

Where are you? In case you didn't know, your screen name is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "book."

The signal G string produces is better than the D string. You are right. I am just helpless and looking for a solution. I waited for a month for the bass. And I can not learn how to play it due to technical problems. It is so disappointing.

I currently live in Ireland. But I am originally from Turkey. My name means 'Voyage' in Turkish. I didn't know it. Wonderful! I checked it and the full name is Sefer Torah!

 

[DirkP]

Agree that it is 99% not the audio-interface. And I'm pretty sure, nothing in general is wrong with your bass.

A 5 string bass has an enormous dynamic range, changing the set-up of the bass might improve the overall volume balance.
Try to get the exact setup of your bass. Musicman will offer this typical setup for sure on their webpages or in the manual of the bass. This includes the distance between the lowest string and the pick-up as well as the highest string and the pick-up.
Have a look at my Stingray Classic (hard to take pictures with installed strings, but I hope it can be seen):
The polepieces of the A- and D-strings are raised to make them louder. This can be done in a professional set-up or by yourself.
On your bass, all the polepieces are flat. Most instruments come like this from the factory, even some very expensive ones

You didn't tell us, how the preamps are set, I wouldn't dial in too much bass on the bass, esp. if it is an active bass.



Not to recommend buying just more gear and not recommending it as a dirty solution to your problem, but if you have some money left, the next time: buy a cheap compressor-pedal, maybe a used one.
Esp. when listening with headphones, I would always use a compressor with bass. It prevents the audio-interface from clipping and is good for your ears and equals the volume of your strings and of different playing techniques.

 

[C Stone]

Some difference in volume between strings is not totally un-common with a bass but the first thing I would do is detune the string in question if you watch the ball end (it may spin a little) you would be able to tell if the string was twisted during installation.

Twisted strings can sound dead and lifeless, doubtful it's a bad string from factory yet possible, also just throwin it out there, maybe whomever installed didn't crimp before cutting those strings

 

[Swipter]

I personally think your stings are too close to the pickup. That can cause issues.

 

[clickclack]

Hi. Use a compressor of any kind. Software or hardware.

 

[themickster]

Hi lads.
I bought Focusrite solo 3rd gen last week, yesterday I had the chance to test the product. However, there is a problem. I'm using the device with new a bass guitar I just bought with the Scarlett. I don't use speakers or amps. I prefer headphones. When I play the 4th string of the guitar (the Re string), the green light on the front panel of the device does not work properly. Every time I touch another string, the device receives a signal. But on the 4th string, the device does not reach the signal properly and the volume is always low compare to rest of the strings.
When I increase the gain level, the device detects the signal/vibration better that produced by the 4th strings, but at this time when I use the 1st and 2nd strings (Si and Mi strings), the red light flicker. I have to keep the gain to a minimum to stay away from clipping. But in this case, I cannot use the 4th string as I mentioned above.
How can i solve the problem? I shot a video about the problem. I attached the link below.
Is the problem about the bass or audio interface? Can the problem be pickups?
Waiting for your suggestions.



Bass guitar and equipment I use:
Sterling By Music Man Sub Ray5 (5 strings)
Audio Technica ATH-M20x
Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen.

Is the pickup the same height at both ends? Does bottom string high fret trip the green light?

 

[AGCurry]

Hi. Use a compressor of any kind. Software or hardware.

Compression would tend to mask this kind of problem. I don't think that's a good idea.

 

[Basslice]

You seem to have a two variable problem with no way of directly checking either.

Are the bass and interface new or used? If either is used then you have more difficulty.

A properly functioning Scarlett should give you plenty of signal at around mid-dial. Pickup height would make almost no difference - at least in terms of rough signal output. Is the bass active or passive? If active, change the batteries.

You really need to check the interface with a known good input (bass, guitar, whatever). Or, as others have said, play the bass through a working amp.

My guess... Your bass has issues. If the Scarlett it getting input on some strings, I find it highly unlikely that it is frequency (string ) dependent.

 

[Sefer]

Hi again.

I bought the bass and the interface just 2 weeks ago. They are firsthand. I did not receive any manual or set-up instructions with the bass. And I checked the Sterling website but there is no manual guide. I sent an email to them and I demand it. I did not receive a response yet due to the weekend.

I also sent an email to Scarlett Focusrite. And you can read the response below I got:

“Thanks for getting in touch. Sorry to see these issues. As all of the other strings are able to send audio to the Scarlett correctly and the Solo detects it this would indicate an issue with your Bass as the Solo is getting all audio from the bass using the same input connection.”

Yes, all polepieces of the bass are same level. But I do not know how to fix it. I am inexperienced. This is my first bass guitar. I totally am clueless regarding any technical issue. I can fix it but I need some guidance.

The bass is active. (here is the link: [This invalid link has been removed]) It came with an unused 9v battery.

I did not change anything on the bass. I did not change the strings, the battery, levels of the bridges, or levels of the polepieces. Nothing. I just tuned it. Should I replace the strings right away? I had thought that I could use them until I learn how to play a little bit. I don't wanna invest my money in extras before a little learning. But if it is a necessity, nothing to do except change them.

The pickup has not the same level of height at both ends. The top side is higher than the bottom. The G string produces signals better than the D string. But the last 2 strings ( D and G) are suffering.

I have not any other guitar or bass to test the interface. I will try the bass through an amp at the first opportunity.

Thanks a lot to all of you one by one. I really appreciate it.

@Basslice @AGCurry @themickster @C Stone @DirkP

 

[DirkP]

Thank you.
Again, your interface is o.k., the setup of the bass is the problem.

There is a general manual for bass set-up at the MusicMan page:
FAQ | Ernie Ball Music Man

There are a lot of YT videos about setting up a MusicMan / Sterling bass, as an example:


But this might be too complicated for you now. Relax and just play the bass

One easy thing to try with your d-string: simply lower the string height at the bridge. This might result in the string buzzing when fretted, but when you play the open strings, you will immediately recognize that the volume is higher, because you have reduced the distance between the pick-up / polepiece and the string. And the greater distance is the reason for it to have less volume.

 

[C Stone]

FYI, if you leave the cable plugged into the bass the battery drains pretty fast, in the spirit of eliminating/troubleshooting the issue I would try a new battery. You should also make it a habit to unplug your cable when you're done playing and unless you opened the battery yourself no telling how old/drained it may be.

 

[dougfr67]

Hi again.

I bought the bass and the interface just 2 weeks ago. They are firsthand. I did not receive any manual or set-up instructions with the bass. And I checked the Sterling website but there is no manual guide. I sent an email to them and I demand it. I did not receive a response yet due to the weekend.

You demand it. How cute...

 

[themickster]

Hi again.

I bought the bass and the interface just 2 weeks ago. They are firsthand. I did not receive any manual or set-up instructions with the bass. And I checked the Sterling website but there is no manual guide. I sent an email to them and I demand it. I did not receive a response yet due to the weekend.

I also sent an email to Scarlett Focusrite. And you can read the response below I got:

“Thanks for getting in touch. Sorry to see these issues. As all of the other strings are able to send audio to the Scarlett correctly and the Solo detects it this would indicate an issue with your Bass as the Solo is getting all audio from the bass using the same input connection.”

Yes, all polepieces of the bass are same level. But I do not know how to fix it. I am inexperienced. This is my first bass guitar. I totally am clueless regarding any technical issue. I can fix it but I need some guidance.

The bass is active. (here is the link: [This invalid link has been removed]) It came with an unused 9v battery.

I did not change anything on the bass. I did not change the strings, the battery, levels of the bridges, or levels of the polepieces. Nothing. I just tuned it. Should I replace the strings right away? I had thought that I could use them until I learn how to play a little bit. I don't wanna invest my money in extras before a little learning. But if it is a necessity, nothing to do except change them.

The pickup has not the same level of height at both ends. The top side is higher than the bottom. The G string produces signals better than the D string. But the last 2 strings ( D and G) are suffering.

I have not any other guitar or bass to test the interface. I will try the bass through an amp at the first opportunity.

Thanks a lot to all of you one by one. I really appreciate it.

@Basslice @AGCurry @themickster @C Stone @DirkP

Take the bass back to the shop for pickup height adjustment, if you bought it from one near enough. If not, turn the screws at the low end to bring it to the same height as the other.