Pedals to switch between active and passive basses?

[kyral210]

I want to switch between my active and passive basses live with just the use of one pedal.

The EHX Signal Pad comes to mind as the obvious choice, but is there another way?

Should I still use a compressor with my active pickups as I do with my passive?

 

[el murdoque]

When I was faced with that issue, I used a booster. I used the bass with the strongest output to set my pedalboard and then marked the necessary boost settings for the other two basses on the pedal.

 

[dreamadream99]

They make pedals that have two channels, each with their own gain and EQ. They are designed especially for a player who doubles on two instruments. The Radial Bassbone comes to mind.

Beyond that, they function just like an A/B switch, jumping between the two channels.

 

[Wasnex]

Lot's of options.

At a very minimum you want gain controls so you can match levels.

1. Boss LS-2
2. Radial BigShot I/O

 

[johnk_10]

i use a Providence dual bass station. it allows me to switch basses and set the level and eq for each bass to match each other. it also has a mute and tuner out.

 

[tpa]

Depends on how want to sound. Generally I use my passive basses with volume full open. The volume regulation on my active bass doesnt really affect tone, so, if needed I often roll it back a little on that bass. On passive basses I adjust the amplifier. I dont use a lot of effects, so my life is simple.

 

[sunbeast]

Another vote for the Radial Bigshot IO- simple and rugged. Put the louder active bass on Channel 2 and engage the adjustable trim to balance the volume and you are golden.

 

[Jhili]

If you don't want to change amp settings, you have two options - boost or cut (on the bass or the board).
In my experience boosting changes tone more than cutting. I therefore turn down the volume on my active basses. There are also passive attenuation pedals, though I have no personal experience.
If you anyhow think (or don't mind) about altering the tone of your passive bass, you might want to use a tube, or a germanium preamp-, boost- or drive- pedal. Whatever you like tonewise.

 

[SpiderBass1965]

I second what "el muroque" said with using a booster(gain) pedal. Start with your signal from the active bass, then set your boost pedal to match your active bass signal with your passive bass. And "yes" to using a compressor for both, just make sure your boost is before the compressor so you get the best use out of it. If you bring the passive bass signal up to the active with the boost option, you shouldn't have to adjust anything else in the signal path after it.

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[HolmeBass]

We got a smart lot here! Great advice and list of all the devices I would use has already been provided. Good work folks!

I in fact use my Cali 76 CB for this, but my basses are not all that far apart in volume. If I was switching between a really quiet passive and something like a G&L I would probably go with a Bassbones/Big Shot or that great looking Providence pedal.

 

[TonyP-]

Lots of good suggestions.
I use the Darkglass Harmonic Booster for this. I call it my pedalboard Swiss Army knife.
It has a light eq option if needed, so if another bass “needs something”.

I don’t like my board for ampless situations (I built something specifically for that). None the less, if I was stuck with no backline the DK HB has enough EQ we’re I could sculpt a bass tone that would sound good for the situation. My main board is use RNDI and I tend to use that with backline only.

 

[TonyP-]

Just to add to this concept.

I use the MXR compressor with the led gain reduction meter. There are a few compressors that have that feature.

This is nice to use what boost and/or additional EQ. You can actually see the signal differences without getting a false perception with your ear (which can easily happen).

I do see some talk about cutting volume. I don’t suggest that unless you spiking input gains / distorting ect.

IMHO, I think it’s better to bring up the weaker signal.

 

[Meriphew]

You can put a 29 Pedals OAMP at the end of your chain.

 

[WaldoNova]

I used to use a Source Audio Programmable EQ for this. The newer PEQ2 would work as well but might be overkill for your use.

 

[Swizzledoop]

Broughton BBA

 

[joe5cent]

I want to switch between my active and passive basses live with just the use of one pedal.

The EHX Signal Pad comes to mind as the obvious choice, but is there another way?

Should I still use a compressor with my active pickups as I do with my passive?

I have used Tech 21, Radial and Grace Designs for such solutions. For modern sounds the Two Notes is my tube pedal.

 

[Killing Floor]

Source Audio EQ2. Set a patch for every bass you own. Then your amp or DI gets a consistent signal from everything. It’s easy. If space is a concern it has a built in tuner.

Serious. It’s brilliant for that.

 

[HolmeBass]

You can put a 29 Pedals OAMP at the end of your chain.

This could work, but for me I prefer to try and balance levels before my drive and EF pedals so they all work roughly the same with each bass.

 

[soundsupport1]

I use a Radial Bigshot I/O, which is purpose-built for exactly this. Input A is the passive instrument, input B has a passive cut-only gain control; input your active bass and dial it down to the level of the passive bass in input A. It requires no power; a power supply is only used to light the LEDs.

Peace, SoundSupport

 

[Jeff Elkins]

As has been mentioned multiple times, Radial has the goods. The Big Shot IO is super simple and is what I use (works for electric and upright switching, as well). Tuner out (muted or un) and just enough eq options to balance for my needs.