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==Live --- Active bass directly to the board with 1/4 input==

MNAirHead

MNAirHead

Nov 22, 2008
14,052
2,446
Minnesota - Twin Cities
#1
Howdy.

Dumb quesiton.. I have a trio that is trying to become VERY nimble.

Is there any reason why I can't run an active Bart bass directly to a mixer?

I do this when I'm alone - not at concert levels all the time.

I'll be playing a GT7 and NS WAV

WE will all be playing within 15 feet of the rack..

This would eliminate the need for DI boxes and simplify everything.

Looking for real world experience and opinions.

Tim
 
#4
In my experience it often sounds a bit thin. It really depends on the bass you are using though. If you care about your sound, a $50 DI could make a huge difference.

Here's some more impedance info: Link Removed
 
#5
Thanks for the link.

I'm not trying to be flippant.. everyone says you need a DI.. when asking if they've tried without they either don't comment OR haven't

With only 3 players (roland VDrums, Keys and Bass) and zero amps, we have the flexibility to tailor the pieces to fit.

Tim
 
#6
I've tried without a DI. An active bass doesn't lose tone through unbuffered effects pedals, or long cable runs, but the wrong impedance will still rob your bass of signal and sound thin. Especially the NS Wav; 1/4" mixer inputs don't respond well to piezos.

Definitely get a DI. If you really need nimbleness, velcro it to the side of your mixer or zip-tie it into a rack, but don't play bass without it.
 
#7
WalterBush said:
I've tried without a DI. An active bass doesn't lose tone through unbuffered effects pedals, or long cable runs, but the wrong impedance will still rob your bass of signal and sound thin. Especially the NS Wav; 1/4" mixer inputs don't respond well to piezos.

Definitely get a DI. If you really need nimbleness, velcro it to the side of your mixer or zip-tie it into a rack, but don't play bass without it.
Click to expand...


Thank you.. this makes sense.. drats -- was hoping to leave my zillions of DIs at home.
 
#8
What kind of PA? With subs? It's gotta be a good one if you're happy with the sound without any kind of bass specific preamp. A SansAmp Programmable would give you both DI and 1/4" outs in addition to some great tone options that you can store. What do you do for a tuner? One small gig case would carry your cords, DI, tuner, music, and a bologna sandwich. Leave the 810 and rack amp at home but really... how hard is it to load and carry one pedal along.
 
#9
MNAirHead said:
Thank you.. this makes sense.. drats -- was hoping to leave my zillions of DIs at home.
Click to expand...

DI box all the way. I know you're trying to go simple but really, all you're doing is adding a small box and mic cable. The benefit in terms of making your bass sound more alive will be well worth it - particularly if you've got some extra sonic space to fill up.

Lonnybass
 
#10
davecanady said:
What kind of PA? With subs? It's gotta be a good one if you're happy with the sound without any kind of bass specific preamp. A SansAmp Programmable would give you both DI and 1/4" outs in addition to some great tone options that you can store. What do you do for a tuner? One small gig case would carry your cords, DI, tuner, music, and a bologna sandwich. Leave the 810 and rack amp at home but really... how hard is it to load and carry one pedal along.
Click to expand...

Howdy..

I called Rolls.. the guy freaked out that I couldn't get it to work. Said the PM box already had -10 DI

Long story short, I learned the sound guys had turned up the input trim on the board...

-10 on the board and it's solved--- I knew I was overcomplicating this..

I'm donating the gear to a church.. I"m generous - not donating a ToneBone (not that generous)

I was using a Radial JDI.. my boss requested a change as the color was jumping out... (too greeen - not black enough)

Thank you.
 
#11
Lonnybass said:
DI box all the way. I know you're trying to go simple but really, all you're doing is adding a small box and mic cable. The benefit in terms of making your bass sound more alive will be well worth it - particularly if you've got some extra sonic space to fill up.

Lonnybass
Click to expand...

It's contemporary church music.. I play a Cirrus.. I've tested my Tonebone etc..

We install one setup and then have it all very stealthy installed on the stand clip.

For most uses tone improvement is good - this one is overkill

I do own several tone shaping boxes.. for this installation passive is the key (fewer batteries and cords).

I sincerely appreciate the coaching - the key was to trim down at the board.

Lesson learned.

Tim
 
#12
MNAirHead said:
I was using a Radial JDI.. my boss requested a change as the color was jumping out... (too greeen - not black enough)
Click to expand...
you brought out the very best tool for the job, and got hassled because of the color?

wrap a black handkerchief around it and tell him i said to shut up.:D
 
#14
If your board has a high impedence mic input then there's no reason why not - I used to work a venue where we had to switch rooms with a band that did just that and I got a good sound pluggin straight in.

However, if you are used to having your own amp next to you it'll take a while getting used to the different overall stage balance.

Try it !!
 
#18
I like plugging straight into the board. If it has a 1/4" input, then yes go for it! Forget what anyone ( including me) says and just try it for yourself, If you like the sound, then it sounds good!!
 
#20
+1 for Vail. Try it. Worst that happens is you don't like the sound. But I've plugged my bass directly into a mixer before and have been satisfied with it. Well, at least as satisfied as when I used a DI.
 

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