Multiple pre amps into one Power amp?

[Thump_The_E]

Hello everyone,

I own a slew of preamps (rack mount) and I want to connect them into one power amp. Not to be used at the same time, but rather power on the pre amp I do want use and then the power amp, kind of like what I'm in the mood for on this day...or something like that.

They are rack mounted into a 16 rack system and thought that maybe a patchbay? but I'm unfamiliar with that.

I don't know if this is possible....but I sure could use some help as the internet is turning up nothing for me.

This is for my home system and it does not travel.

Thanks for any input

Thump

 

[jsbarber]

It sounds like all you need is an line-level multi-input selector switch to select which preamp is fed to the power amp. Something like this:
Amazon.com: MT-VIKI 8 Ports 8-In 1-Out AV RCA Splitter Selector Switch Adapter MT-831AV: Electronics
You should check the impedance and voltage levels to verify compatibility, but you should be able to find something like this. It's not rack mount, as it's more intended for home audio, but it should work. It is also stereo, but you can do everything using the left channel and completely ignoring right channel and it should work.

The other option is a mixer, although you don't really need all of the functionality that it provides. You would just take the line level output of your preamps and feed them into the line-level inputs on the mixer. Mute the preamps that your bass is not plugged into and unmute the one you are using. Preset the levels on the mixer. If all of your preamps have DI outputs, then you could use a microphone mixer. I'm not sure if this is the best solution, but it should work.
Line Mixers | Sweetwater.com

I'm not sure if these are the optimal solutions, just trying to help.

Jim

 

[Thump_The_E]

Thank you Jim....I checked the MK and it would be perfect if it was 1/4 inputs and outs

Something like a patchbay would b perfect...rack mountable and multi ins tapped to one or two outs....1/4 jacks

 

[Passinwind]

Hello everyone,

I own a slew of preamps (rack mount) and I want to connect them into one power amp. Not to be used at the same time, but rather power on the pre amp I do want use and then the power amp, kind of like what I'm in the mood for on this day...or something like that.

They are rack mounted into a 16 rack system and thought that maybe a patchbay? but I'm unfamiliar with that.

I don't know if this is possible....but I sure could use some help as the internet is turning up nothing for me.

This is for my home system and it does not travel.

I have a setup like that, but using multiple rack cases. I just use one cable between the preamp and amp and switch it over to whatever preamp I feel like using; for me that is simple enough and the best use of limited space. If you just want to break out the connections to the front of your rack, or to simplify getting to the connections on the back panel, a patch bay is a very workable solution. If balanced connections don't matter to you then that RCA switcher may be just fine.

 

[Thump_The_E]

Thank you. Yup im kinda doing that now swapping the line between preamps.

Optimal would be...all preamps into a splitter or bay..then from there to the power amp.

Then switching on the preamp of choice and play. No wire swapping....

I was under the impression that a patchbay just works A-A B-B

 

[Bassmec]

Just build a passive summing box like this.
How to Build a DIY Passive Summing Box

 

[Thump_The_E]

Hmmmm that is interesting. Thanks for the help and link.

 

[rufus.K]

Set a mixer on top of the rack, or do a Google search for Rack mount Line Mixer

 

[Passinwind]

Thank you. Yup im kinda doing that now swapping the line between preamps.

Optimal would be...all preamps into a splitter or bay..then from there to the power amp.

Then switching on the preamp of choice and play. No wire swapping....

I was under the impression that a patchbay just works A-A B-B

You can wire a patchbay quite a few different ways, but (more convenient) wire swapping is pretty much the whole point of having one. Link Removed

 

[seamonkey]

If you're looking at line mixers you should take a look at the Behringer xr12
There's a great thread on it here
Behringer XR12 as a preamp
It will mix other pre-amps, and can work as a bass pre-amp itself.

 

[thebean]

If you wanted to get even crazier with the switching options you could use something like a GCX by voodoo labs to switch the Pres in and out remotely.

 

[two fingers]

How many is a "slew" exactly?

 

[rufus.K]

At least 4, preferably 6 or more