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

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Alright! After doing lots of research, I found the problem! The lugs from the output jack were making contact with the conductive paint inside the control cavity. A little electrical tape and the problem is solved! It was also true that the bass was just too hot! I have it turned way down now (to about 2 or 3) and turned up the amp volume more. Thanks!

 

[JGbassman]

Active preamps are a different world coming from a passive set up. I had a learning curve with a Spector and it’s very hot tonepump pre. I was used to diming my controls with a passive bass, but I learned to take it all out and adding just enough to sound good.

I killed two speakers before I figured it out. Hard but lasting lesson learned.

 

[aproud1]

Glad you sorted it out.

EMG Recommends 18V when using any of their dual coil active pickups or active pickups + preamp combos. I've done both. Not a world of difference. Maybe clearer more controlled sound & better battery life. No noticable changer in total output.

Per EMG's powering tips sheet:

"Dual-Coil Pickups for Bass: Dual-Coil Bass Pickups like the EMG-CS and DC Series should be supplied with 18-Volts. The amount of output from slapping the lower strings will benefit with more headroom. As above, if you use any EMG EQ products, like the BT, or BQ controls and use a generous amount of boost then the signal will be cleanest with 18-Volts.

Powering your instrument with more than 9-Volts will not make it louder. You may notice some difference in the distortion quality of your guitar, or a different result from your bass amp. We encourage you to experiment."

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Alright! Faced my fear of soldering and wired it up 18v! I actually have to turn the volume down even more now, but the low notes are much more clear. This pickup is extremely aggressive! I wonder if a better amp could handle it better, though. Using a Fender Rumble 25.