Preamp help, please!

[gregoire1]

I have a Dean Edge Q4, with EMGhz's and a Dean preamp. The output is low. This guitar is quieter than my Epi T-bird which is passive. I think I would like to swap-out the preamp, or wire it passive. It has 4 knob holes, and the preamp appears to be "integrated" into the bass knob.
Any suggestions on what a good replacement might be? Is there anything I should look for? And Is passive a viable option?
Also, the cavity is not shielded. Is this a problem?thanks.

 

[mech]

Can't comment on the preamp problem but it looks like the pocket is painted with conductive shielding paint......and to ask a silly question...is the battery good?

 

[JustForSport]

That looks like an EMG BTC preamp so it should have plenty signal.
I agree... be sure the battery is hot and the leads on the pigtail are not starting to miss strands.

 

[gregoire1]

Ah! Conductive paint! That explains why the cover has foil on the inside. Yes the battery is fresh. I've had this guitar for almost a decade, and it's always been quiet.

 

[quarternote]

My question; are all strings quiet?

 

[gregoire1]

Yes, all strings are quiet. This bass sounds good, just has a lower output than my passive bass (both knobs set flat) and maybe a little hiss.

 

[gregoire1]

Looks like the Artec BE-2 might be an easy replacement. The hole pattern looks the same. Any thoughts?