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Is an external preamp redundant with active pickups?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by jhibert, Jan 15, 2009.

  1. Jan 15, 2009 #1
    jhibert

    jhibert Guest

    Jan 15, 2009
    San Diego CA
    I'm putting together a new rig to go with my MTD Kingston Z bass. I've got a very nice Yamaha 200 watt power amp that only has balanced inputs, no unbalanced inputs. I'm hoping that all I need is a DI box, since there's a preamp already in the bass.

    The external preamp has EQ. So does the bass. The external preamp accomodates unbalanced in and balanced out. So does the DI box.

    Am I missing anything other than the external preamp might have more than 3 bands of EQ and some other audo processing?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Jan 15, 2009 #2
    line6man

    line6man

    Jun 20, 2008
    Close to Los Angeles, CA
    The only concern is your volume.

    Driving a preamp into a second preamp could cause your signal to clip out.

    Is there a reason for the preamp?
    If your amp has only balanced inputs, all you need is a direct box.
    A $40 passive box will do ya'...
     
  3. Jan 15, 2009 #3
    bongomania

    bongomania Supporting Member Commercial User

    Oct 17, 2005
    PDX, OR
    owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
    Check out the "preamps explained" link in my sig for more info.

    Some DI boxes are unity gain or lower, providing no signal boost, and your onboard pre may not be strong enough to drive a power amp.

    Not every outboard preamp can provide enough gain either, so be sure of that before spending the money.
     
  4. Jan 16, 2009 #4
    jhibert

    jhibert Guest

    Jan 15, 2009
    San Diego CA
    Thanks! Keeps things simple!