• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

RBI setup/settings

So I've just started using the RBI and QSC GX5 and got decent tone, but wasn't able to get a good 'cut through the mix' tone. I had it set up flat with a little bit of mid boost and little bit of treb cut. I would like a mostly clean tone but occasionally want a pick with the drive all the way up. Is there a way to do this without having to readjust the levels everytime? Does anybody have any recommended settings outside the manual? BTW I am using Eden 210xst, SWR goliath jr II 210 and a Ibanez Soundgear w Bart mkiis.

Second question. I am using the XLR out into the GX5 with the 0dB pad engaged and the active button on the front also engaged. I have been using both channels on the GX5 with a TRS jumper. Is this a good way to do this or does it matter?
Thanks again,
Dale
 
The key to cutting through with the RBI is the blend control. All the settings in the manual have it all the way up and this just scoops the heck out of the midrange you need to cut through. Roll the blend back to halfway or straight up and go from there. I always ran the drive about 1 oclock and got good results, the RBI has a tube flavor but not that great a tube distortion.

The 1/4" out works great for feeding a power amp. Try that and save the XLR for the sound guy. I gigged an RBI for about 6 or 7 years and think they are great.
 
I never thought to try the blend but will as soon as I get the chance. I knew somebody would have an idea to try. Thanks!

I've been using the XLR because with my GX5 it is either that with a 1/4" TRS jumper cable (so that it is using both channels) or....well I'm really not sure. A 1/4" splitter maybe? I don't know if it's possible to use the XLR inputs on the GX5 as a jumper but will check on that. It is rare I actually go through the board but when I do I just bring one cab so the drummer and I are guaranteed to hear each other. So at that point I would use the 1/4" input and only one channel on the GX5.
 
I put something similar to this on my QSC GX5 thread, but the majority belongs here.

So I'm trying to get a good punchy tone and wondering if this is possible with this RBI. I got a few hours with the band the other night and after tweak after tweak never really got it where I liked. I could get growly and warm, thick and chunky, even phat and fuzzy, but never a good thumpy that punches in the chest.

Here is the closest I could get:
Drive 2-7, pres. 2-4, blend 5, bass 4, mid :confused:, treb 3-5, xlr 5-7. These numbers are based on a 0-10 dial.

I am used to the sweepable mids on my peavey so I am really having trouble getting this punch out of this. How should I approach the mid on the RBI? Boosting seems to add mud and cutting seems to take away balls......:help:

Also should I be using a hotter signal from the RBI to the QSC? a.k.a. 8-9 on the RBI XLR and 3-5 on QSC or the other way around? I know QSC recommends not going below 5 on their inputs. :hmm: Don't want to blow my cabs either.

Hopefully somebody can steer me in the right direction here as I can't afford a new cab, amp or bass right now so I need to make this work. I am not too picky but I have this GREAT drummer and I want to be nice and tight, thumpy and percussive as I can be. I know this bass isn't great for that, but I'm gettin there. BTW I am running the bass 60/40 bridge/neck, bass cut a little, mid flat but occasionally boost for volume, and treb cut according to strings/picks etc. Dr Hi-Beams straight into RBI.

Thanks again,
Dale
 
When I used to run an RBI I would put the blend at 50%, add a little bass, take the mids and treble down a bit, turn the presence WAY down (to me that knob should be labeled 'clank' instead) and juice up the gain to the point that I'd get some breakup when I really dug in but it would stay clean when I laid back.