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Live setup... Decisions, decisions!!!!!!

JCRob

JCRob

Sep 14, 2010
238
0
www.jazzchrist.com
#1
Guys I need all wisdom I can get:

I'm preparing my live rig for a big concert our jazz group has, live recording included, and want to make sure to get all the things I can so my signal chain can be at its best.

Here's what I have right now:

(1) 18V Pavel Aryel Dlx 6
(1) Vintage Fender P/J
(1) Pedal Reverb
(1) Pedal Delay
(1) Markbass CMD mini 121P

Here's what I want:

-A two channel DI (I have a Radial Bassbone, which doesn't work with 18V pres)
-REDDI (both basses going through it. Almost buying it from a fellow TBer)
-Markbass compressore (Maybe going after the DI)

So, what suggestions do you have?? I really need to do this, without having to spend a huge amount of money.

Thanks,

Roberto
 
#5
Do you use the delay and reverb pedal?

What I'd do:

Bass-->delay-->reverb-->REDDI. Then plug the Thru of the REDDI into the MB combo to be used as a monitor for myself. I would also run a tuner pedal in line with the other pedals to be used as a mute when switching between the two basses.

Personally, I'd skip the delay & reverb unless you use it often. I'd also skip the compressor unless it's an integral part of your sound. that you need to get to FOH. If you use that stuff, by all means, keep it in there. I don't know if the compressor is going to work well behind the DI though.

Why do you want another DI when you already have a REDDI? It doesn't get any better than that.

When in doubt, keep it as simple as possible: Bass-->REDDI-->REDDI XLR sent to FOH/REDDI Thru sent to Amp (monitor for yourself)
 
#6
First of, thank you for your time and words. Now let me reply accordingly:

kedo said:
I'm no genius, but from what I can see, you've listed a bunch of gear and asked how do do what you need to do?
Click to expand...

Yes! Exactly that. Of course, these will be advices from your behalf. I'll make the decisions after I get enough info from your experience.


bassgod0dmw said:
Do you use the delay and reverb pedal?


Why do you want another DI when you already have a REDDI? It doesn't get any better than that.
Click to expand...

1. Yes, I use them for soloing.

2. I actually don't have a REDDI, but would like to buy one...


I want to use both basses on one channel, and be able to use the same effects for both, to balance them (gain wise), and for both to go into the REDDI (which I don't have as of now).

There are several options I've seen, like the Basswitch which seems like the best one, but if I want to buy a REDDI, we're talking about over 1K in just these two things. I know that to sound good, I have to invest, that is, to have the best tools so that my playing goes through with ease... It's just I wanna be sure there isn't a cheaper path with the same sound quality.

Regarding the compressor, never have I used one in my signal chain, but I think it's fair I give it a try, since my playing involves a lot of low-to-high runs (and vice versa), and in this the compressor could have good use.

I hope this explanation makes it easier for you to chime in with your experience, so I can save time and $$$.


Thanks again.
 
#7
Sorry, I totally missed the part where you clearly said "this is what I want..." :)

If you haven't previously used a compressor in your signal chain, adding one for the recording probably isn't the best time. I find it's best to use equipment you're accustomed to when doing some sort of important recording. I guess the same could be said for anything new you'd be getting, but I'll vouch for the REDDI as it sounds great right out of the box and there are no controls besides the gain.

I can understand the gain matching thing between two different basses, but what do you do currently?

Also, the Radial JDI/J48 or Countryman Type 85 are excellent as well but significantly cheaper than the REDDI.

Just out of curiosity, where are you located?
 
#8
bassgod0dmw said:
Sorry, I totally missed the part where you clearly said "this is what I want..." :)

If you haven't previously used a compressor in your signal chain, adding one for the recording probably isn't the best time. I find it's best to use equipment you're accustomed to when doing some sort of important recording. I guess the same could be said for anything new you'd be getting, but I'll vouch for the REDDI as it sounds great right out of the box and there are no controls besides the gain.
Click to expand...

Totally get it... The bass I'm using now was supposed to arrive one day before last year's gala, and it didn't... so I guess it was for the best.

bassgod0dmw said:
I can understand the gain matching thing between two different basses, but what do you do currently?

Also, the Radial JDI/J48 or Countryman Type 85 are excellent as well but significantly cheaper than the REDDI.
Click to expand...

Actually, I'll be needing two DIs: one to take both basses, and even the gain (and maybe EQ them) before sending them to the REDDI, for sound improvement. I have a Radial Bassbone, which, although I liked it, didn't work well with my 18V pre (the Bassbone handles up to 15V). So this kind of DI is what I want for the first part (two inputs with gain leveling). I think a passive DI like the Radial JDI will need for me to add an EQ to the passive bass.

bassgod0dmw said:
Just out of curiosity, where are you located?
Click to expand...

Haha, I was born, raised, and am actually living in my beautiful Dominican Republic. ;)
 
#10
JCRob said:
Actually, I'll be needing two DIs: one to take both basses, and even the gain (and maybe EQ them) before sending them to the REDDI, for sound improvement. I have a Radial Bassbone, which, although I liked it, didn't work well with my 18V pre (the Bassbone handles up to 15V). So this kind of DI is what I want for the first part (two inputs with gain leveling). I think a passive DI like the Radial JDI will need for me to add an EQ to the passive bass.
Click to expand...

You'd really be looking for a switcher, not necessarily a DI. You wouldn't want to take a DI and plug it into another DI, it's kind of redundant and may not work as you want due to the signal levels going into and coming out of each DI.

As for EQing, I find it's best to send a pre EQ signal to the board and let the soundguy EQ everything together. If you send him a post EQ signal, it may or may not work with the room and he'd have to EQ it differently anyways. I know you're not getting "you're sound" that way, but you wouldn't be getting you're sound anyways unless you hire your own soundguy and he knows exactly what you want.

I've never used a switcher to recommend anything. I've always heard good things about the Bassbone, but it doesn't work for you.
The Basswitch IQ DI looks like it would do everything you want.
The only other unit I can think of is an EBS Microbass II, which also offers 2 channels, EQ, and a DI. Wither either of these and you wouldn't even need a REDDI as they have a built in DI.

The VT Bass Deluxe would also do what you want, it's just a different unit than the others. I don't know how it would compare, I haven't used it either. I know plenty of people on here swear by the VT stuff though. If you want a Ampeg sound in a box, it's a good option.
 
#11
bassgod0dmw said:
You'd really be looking for a switcher, not necessarily a DI. You wouldn't want to take a DI and plug it into another DI, it's kind of redundant and may not work as you want due to the signal levels going into and coming out of each DI.
Click to expand...

I think that will be the easiest, safest way to go.

Was just checking the Lehle splitter, but since they don't have gain (they do seem like the best quality product though), and given that I need it to balance my two instruments, my best option will be the BOSS LS-2.

Any thoughts? Other options?
 
#13
I'm checking the Lehle 3at1 SoGS right now, and it looks great!!
The only thing with it is that I need an FX loop, and I don't know if just placing the effects after the output will be a misuse of the unit, since my pedal won't have the same quality that the Lehle has...
 
#14
To give this story and end (at least for the chapter), here's the setup I had for our recording...
 

Attachments

  • Setup1.jpg
    Setup1.jpg
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#16
Jacques said:
Would be interested in the exact signal path and the sound files

Regards

Jacques
Click to expand...

Hi Jacques. I actually had two signal paths:

1st:
Pavel Aryel Dlx 6 (humbuckers with East/Pavel 18V Pre) >>> Basswitch (Channel A) with its parallel FX loop for reverb and delay >>> XLR out to REDDI >>> soundboard.

2nd:
Roland GK-3B internal hex mic >>> Roland GR-55 >>> Stereo through 2 DIs to soundboard.

And for the samples, now we have to enter in our post production phase...
 
#17
Thank You Rob,

Highly interesting signal path.

Can't wait to hear the result, let me know.

Regards

Jacques



JCRob said:
Hi Jacques. I actually had two signal paths:

1st:
Pavel Aryel Dlx 6 (humbuckers with East/Pavel 18V Pre) >>> Basswitch (Channel A) with its parallel FX loop for reverb and delay >>> XLR out to REDDI >>> soundboard.

2nd:
Roland GK-3B internal hex mic >>> Roland GR-55 >>> Stereo through 2 DIs to soundboard.

And for the samples, now we have to enter in our post production phase...
Click to expand...
 
#19
JCRob said:
I have a Radial Bassbone, which doesn't work with 18V pres
Click to expand...
huh?

says who?

the fact that an onboard pre has two 9V batteries powering it has nothing, nothing to do with how hot the signal coming out of the bass is, and whether a subsequent piece of gear can "handle" it.
 
#20
walterw said:
huh?

says who?

the fact that an onboard pre has two 9V batteries powering it has nothing, nothing to do with how hot the signal coming out of the bass is, and whether a subsequent piece of gear can "handle" it.
Click to expand...

I SAY IT!! :)

I'm not speaking just about technical reasons, I'm speaking of my experience with both devices...

The output of my 18V bass with humbuckers does distorts the Radial Bassbone, where with other basses that I have (not 18V) doesn't.

I'll let the more technical ones to wrap it up. ;)
 

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