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Rolls PM351 Distortion - Question

MNAirHead

MNAirHead

Nov 22, 2008
14,050
2,440
Minnesota - Twin Cities
#1
Hello.

I'm about 90% done converting one of my setups to a PM351 .. totally digging it and loving it (after getting used to headphones AND the guilt of not bringing 400# of expensive gear)

SITUATION - DISTORTION=====
I rotate basses frequently. My active stuff seems to over drive the Rolls. I looked at the manual and there was not a cut/boost setting etc.

TEMPORARY SOLUTION TEST======
We tested adding a Groove Tubes DI to the mix... then going GT DI => Rolls for the headphones.. running DI from the Groove Tubes DI solved the distortion.

I have a temporary loan of a MXR DI+.. the rason to go DI is to get rid of boxes.. not add another one... want to ensure I don't have GAS syndrome on the DI Preamp.

Questions=====
Do I have a bad 351 DI?
Are there any solutions?
Anyone else had this issue?

Overall buck for bang this is the coolest thing since buying my stadium rig. $140 well spent.

Thank You.
 
#2
If you don't feel like modding the Rolls unit (I wouldn't either, honestly), you can pick up an in-line attenuator. They're about the size of an end converter, and you can find them in ranges from -6db all the way up to -30db. Check out the PA/Cable section of your local music store.
 
#4
After a quick read of the manual, it seems that the instrument outputs are transformer isolated. They shouldn't be affected by being hit with phantom power. However, the line input doesn't like phantom power unless it's 12VDC. It says anything over 16V will damage the unit.

Are you sure the distortion is present on the output, not the input of your FOH mixer? The PM series seems to put out a significantly hotter signal than most DI's. I'm assuming that the headphone output isn't distorted, as well?

You're going to want to isolate the problem to make sure you know where it is before taking it in for service.
 
#5
Nick.

Thanks...

The confusing thing is that ROLLS stuff isn't really sold to guitar stores.. it's more a pro-class live perfomance sound reinforcement product.

I'd imagine a box like this shouold be able to take some shocks from phantom power (since it's designed for live sound).

FOH ---- Our FOH is a Mackie Board.. unfortunately I'd have to be 30 feet away to find the exact settings.. it is interesting that a passive DI worked....

HEADPHONES -- I do not get a distorted signal through the phones.

WE used an MXR passive box yesterday (with preamp) sounded great.. .. I'd prefer as few boxes in the chain as possible.

Not upset at all with the ROLLS - Cool box - I'm getting addicted (at not hauling gear).. just going through the learning curve.

Anyone PM me if you have questions.

Would appreciate feedback and input from tenured experience.

Tim



You're going to want to isolate the problem to make sure you know where it is before taking it in for service.
 

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