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Make Passive Bass Active

A

atlboriqua

Nov 13, 2007
55
0
#1
I have an American Fender Jazz and I love the sound. The only problem is I would really love to get more volume out of it during my cover gigs and have a little more EQ control coming off the bass. I currently use an MXR-M80 DI to boost my clean signal and run that into my SWR 750x head.

First off is it possible to put an onboard preamp into an passive bass? Second, would it make that big of a difference to make it worth it.
 
#6
i'd suggest a bigger cabinet instead, why would you want to ADD a variable to the equation? like when something weird happens with your rig, that's just one more thing to worry about (bad batteries). but i'm all about simplicity.

I actually just ordered a GK 115MBE Cabinet. The 400w 8ohm version to add. I currently have an Ampeg BSE410 cabinet the handles only 200w so I think the extra cabinet would help the volume.
 
#7
Jumbotron said:
The Audere preamp drops right into your jazz control cavity, and it's cheaper than the East. If you like the tone of your bass, but just want more of it, an Audere is a great way to go. They're very transparent if you want them to be. I love mine.
Click to expand...

Since my jazz is passive their is no control cavity. Any idea what the cost would be to have that drilled out to put one in?
 
#11
Okay so I'm seriously considering the Audere preamp. It looks easy to install and is a good price.

From those who have played it, what about the tone do you like about it? How does it compare to the standard jazz bass tone of the american fender jazz standard?
 
#12
Best sounding active basses imo are ones that sound great passive but just need that extra which loZ imp switch gives along with hotter output. So yes adding preamp of your choice is good idea. My fave for low cost and switcheble treble 2band is the basslines blackout 2band active preamp. It is however a bit more modern voiced so if your wanting more just louder passive voice voice, the audere is prob bettrer choice.
 
#13
I installed an Audere (V,V,2bandEQ) in my Fender Jazz. Very easy to install. I wish even the passive control plates had the same type of connectors as opposed to having to solder.

As for the sound. With the eq controls set flat and the z mode switch in the middle, this is the exact sound of your bass passive. It's a transparent pre which will not change the character of your bass. Just gives you on board options.
 
#14
I installed an Audere Z3 (V, Mid/Bal stack, Treb/Bass stack) on my passive 96 American Std Jazz last night. The improvement was amazing to my ears. I love the flexibility. I'm typically not one to do any mods to a bass (except for maybe a pickguard change). Like everyone else has said, the install was a breeze. Make sure you have a very small screw driver before you start the install. I used one from an eyeglass repair kit. I would definitely recommend this preamp on a passive jazz.
 
#16
Why would you really want to add a preamp to a jazz bass when you love the sound of it? Why not go out (or online) & order yourself a bass EQ pedal? I also wanted to boost my jazz bass & shape its tone, I bought the GLX Boss-Hog EQ to try out, seeing as it wasn't going to cost me much. I was blown away by the volume & the different tones I got out of it, the EQ only cost me £40! The pedal cost me a LOT LESS than a bass preamp would have done & I reckon I get bags more tone & volume out of it...with NO BACKGROUND NOISE!! I've gigged with it & would not want to be without it. Save your pennies, pounds & your jazz bass & buy yourself a bass EQ (not necessarily the GLX Bass EQ)...it makes sense & it isn't much more to have to carry around. Read my review on Harmony Central guitar review.

I hope this helps
Garcey14
:bassist:
 

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