• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Need switch to mute line to DI box for bass player changes

G

Gladowsky

Apr 30, 2007
241
46
Iowa
#1
A cry for help to the bass community ... I'm looking for a floor switch that will mute the line to the PA (DI box) during bass guitar changes (actually to change from me to another bass player).


These are the conditions / criteria:

- I play 5-string, the other bass player plays a 4-string. Once in awhile we need to do a quick switch. Sometimes I play the entire set.

- There is no way to indiscreetly communicate to the soundman to mute the bass channel without waiving to him or ... :hyper:. I want to avoid the large pop and embarrassment if the channel is not muted.

- A floor preamp (like a Sadowsky / Sans Amp) is not an option.

- I tried using the floor tuner (BOSS TC3) to mute between bass changes but it does not completely (100%) mute the output (unplugging the bass affects the mute-ability).

- We do not want to switch to the silent plugs on instrument cables as we already have $$ invested. This may be a last resort though.

- An A/B switch is not a preference as the other bass player may not play at all during the set and I don't want more cables in the area.

Is there an off-the-shelf mute available on the market (the best that will not degrade the signal)?

Thanks
 
#4
Gladowsky said:
- We do not want to switch to the silent plugs on instrument cables as we already have $$ invested. This may be a last resort though.
Click to expand...

Actually, given the situation you describe, I think a cable with a built-in mute switch such as Planet Waves etc. make, might be the cheapest and most efficient route - it will add the least amount of gear to your setup.
 
#5
Gladowsky said:
- I tried using the floor tuner (BOSS TC3) to mute between bass changes but it does not completely (100%) mute the output (unplugging the bass affects the mute-ability).
Click to expand...

If you mute at the tuner and then remove the instrument cable only from your bass (leaving the other end plugged into the tuner), it should stay muted when bassist #2 plugs that cable into his/her bass.

Are you saying that isn't your experience with the Boss tuner, or are you removing the cable from the tuner's input jack?
 
#9
If you run an A/B box, you don't want to just leave one input open, as that will give you a nearly infinite output impedance to whatever you're plugged into. Instead, buy a 1/4" TS "mono" connector and solder the tip and sleeve together, and insert that into the unused input. This will allow whatever you have the A/B box plugged into to see a zero-Ohm output impedance, which will prevent a high impedance input from amplifying noise/hum. Otherwise, you're going to end up with "open guitar cable buzz."
 
#10
Gladowsky said:
A cry for help to the bass community ... I'm looking for a floor switch that will mute the line to the PA (DI box) during bass guitar changes (actually to change from me to another bass player).

[...]

- An A/B switch is not a preference as the other bass player may not play at all during the set and I don't want more cables in the area.
Click to expand...

Whatever blows your skirt up. I have exactly the same situation (I play a 5 string and my alternate plays a four banger). We use an A/B switch. It's just one more cable (well, 2 if you count the one from the switch to the amp, but if you put anything in line you'll have that one anyway) and it allows the transition to go really fast, much faster than if we had to putz around with plugging and unplugging cables. I don't understand why dealing with an extra cable would be more of a problem to you than that, but DSFDF.
 
#11
ggunn said:
Whatever blows your skirt up. I have exactly the same situation (I play a 5 string and my alternate plays a four banger). We use an A/B switch. It's just one more cable (well, 2 if you count the one from the switch to the amp, but if you put anything in line you'll have that one anyway) and it allows the transition to go really fast, much faster than if we had to putz around with plugging and unplugging cables. I don't understand why dealing with an extra cable would be more of a problem to you than that, but DSFDF.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. I'm actually leaning this direction. I didn't want one more cord in the area to get tangled or stepped on (tight quarters for guitar/bass/electronic drums) but it might be worth it.

Now I need some recommendations on an A/B switch. I'd like to stay away from batteries and ext. power source for ease of use (one less thing to worry about).
 
#12
line6man said:
If you run an A/B box, you don't want to just leave one input open, as that will give you a nearly infinite output impedance to whatever you're plugged into. Instead, buy a 1/4" TS "mono" connector and solder the tip and sleeve together, and insert that into the unused input. This will allow whatever you have the A/B box plugged into to see a zero-Ohm output impedance, which will prevent a high impedance input from amplifying noise/hum. Otherwise, you're going to end up with "open guitar cable buzz."
Click to expand...


Not sure what you mean by soldering the tip and sleeve together.
 
#13
Gladowsky said:
Thanks for the tip. I'm actually leaning this direction. I didn't want one more cord in the area to get tangled or stepped on (tight quarters for guitar/bass/electronic drums) but it might be worth it.

Now I need some recommendations on an A/B switch. I'd like to stay away from batteries and ext. power source for ease of use (one less thing to worry about).
Click to expand...
EH makes a passive switch called the SwitchBlade; that's what we use. Passive switches make a bit of a thump when you hit the button whereas active switches are quieter, but as you say, then there's a battery or power supply to deal with.

The A/B's work well for us. When we swap instruments, he puts his guitar on a stand and I put my bass on a stand. We swap places, pick up our respective instruments, hit the A/B switches, and we are good to go. We can make the transition in about 5 seconds if we have to.
 
#17
This will get the job done: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

bigshotio-top.jpg
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back