Single EMG 40DCX with BTC control: 9v or 18v?

[el_Bajo_Verde]

I have an Ibanez fiver which only has one pickup and two knobs. I'm going to put in an EMG 40DCX and the BTC control which has a bass and treble controls concentric on one knob.

I did a lot of searching but I couldn't find anything about a configuration like this. So I'm not sure if I need a 9v or 18v here.

It's a DC pickup and I like to slap, and I see that 18v is suggested for DC pickups for more headroom. I also have an EMG two-band EQ which I've seen people suggest using 18v for.

However, it is an X-Series pickup which some say doesn't need 18v, and this is a single-pickup bass.

This bass only has two knobs so I can fit in a second battery with no problem, but I would like to hear some opinions!

 

[line6man]

Try it at 9V and see how it sounds. If you aren't getting enough headroom, then add another battery.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Try it at 9V and see how it sounds. If you aren't getting enough headroom, then add another battery.

I'm not familiar with the concept of headroom, my last bass was a passive one. Could you explain? How can I know that I am not getting enough headroom?

 

[line6man]

I'm not familiar with the concept of headroom, my last bass was a passive one. Could you explain? How can I know that I am not getting enough headroom?

Headroom, in a nutshell, is how loud you can get before the preamp will distort. If there is not enough headroom, then the bass will start to distort when you hit loud notes.

Headroom (audio signal processing) - Wikipedia

 

[rwkeating]

I can't find it now, but I remember reading on the EMG site that the X series pickups on 9 volts perform like the non x series on 18 volts. With that in mind, I'd just go with 9 volts. If anyone finds that info. on the EMG site, please post a link.

 

[Aidil]

However, it is an X-Series pickup which some say doesn't need 9v, and this is a single-pickup bass.

you've got this mixed up...

the X-Series pickup doesn't need to be on 18v.

I've got two EMG TWX pickups on my Ibanez SRC6 and the EMG BQS Control 3 band EQ powered by only a 9v. No clipping/distorted or whatsoever on hard strumming nor slapping.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

you've got this mixed up...

the X-Series pickup doesn't need to be on 18v.

I've got two EMG TWX pickups on my Ibanez SRC6 and the EMG BQS Control 3 band EQ powered by only a 9v. No clipping/distorted or whatsoever on hard strumming nor slapping.

Thanks. That's what I meant to say

 

[Aidil]

anyway.... what Ibanez model is it?

I'd imagine the two knobs can be both concentric pots so it can have 3 band EQ (vol/mid and treble/bass).

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

anyway.... what Ibanez model is it?

I'd imagine the two knobs can be both concentric pots so it can have 3 band EQ (vol/mid and treble/bass).

It's an Ibanez GSR105EX

I don't really want a mid control, I rarely ever mess with mids. The treble pot has switches so I can choose what treble freq gets cut, though.

 

[Aidil]

Yes, I'm aware of the treble freq selection using mini DIP switch. My BQS Control also has it. But regarding the mid control, on the contrary, I often rely on mid boost to make my presence in live band mix.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Interesting...well I'm not against drilling another hole, but I'll wait to see how I like the current system. Heck, I was content with a passive tone knob for the longest time

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

okay, I decided to use the Active Tone control instead of the BTC, as I prefer the tone control.

I am getting some weird noise when I play the B or E note hard. Kind of the sound of helicopter blades, if that makes sense. I might need the 18v!

 

[Aidil]

did you get the 40DCX?

still not sure whether what you're experiencing translate the same as distort/clipping sound due to lack of headroom on the pickup side...

 

[walterw]

I am getting some weird noise when I play the B or E note hard. Kind of the sound of helicopter blades, if that makes sense.

they might just be too close and hitting the pickup.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

they might just be too close and hitting the pickup.

I thought so, but then I put the pickups as far away as I can, and the effect is a bit less but it's still there! The B and E strings basically sound like a fart if I hit them too hard, but only within the first half-second of hitting the string. Then it sounds like normal

 

[walterw]

I thought so, but then I put the pickups as far away as I can, and the effect is a bit less but it's still there! The B and E strings basically sound like a fart if I hit them too hard, but only within the first half-second of hitting the string. Then it sounds like normal

that doesn't sound right.

the setup should be loud and clear. are you sure the battery is good? also, are you turning the amp up too much? that can cause the amp to distort.

 

[JW56789]

HERE's EMG's installation / instruction sheet for that range of pickups (including the 40DCX) . . . .

Invalid Link Removed

. . . . . . and at the bottom right of the last page, read 'Diagram 10'. In it, if I'm reading it correctly, EMG suggests using 18v when this pickup is used with an onboard EQ (BT, BQ, etc,). Is that how you guys understand it?

 

[JGbassman]

okay, I decided to use the Active Tone control instead of the BTC, as I prefer the tone control.

I am getting some weird noise when I play the B or E note hard. Kind of the sound of helicopter blades, if that makes sense. I might need the 18v!

Sounds like your pickups are too close to the strings. That will happen on passive pickups, not sure about active EMG’s though

 

[JGbassman]

Also check your wiring and battery, it might not be good. the farting could be the bass cranked too hot for your amp and distorting.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Sounds like your pickups are too close to the strings. That will happen on passive pickups, not sure about active EMG’s though

I adjusted the pickups so they're as far from the strings as possible but I still have the same problem

Also check your wiring and battery, it might not be good. the farting could be the bass cranked too hot for your amp and distorting.

Wiring is solid, battery is brand new. You might be right about the bass cranked too high. I have been trying it with the volume dimed.