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

Wiring a Switchable Mono/Stereo Output Jack

C

chipbasschao

Jul 8, 2008
16
0
Kent, England
#1
Hey guyz...

I was wondering if anyone has a Wiring Diagram for a Switchable Mono/stereo Output Jack. My 10 String Bass Project is using two Independent twin Pickup systems to control Upper & Lower Registers, and I'd like to be able to run Mono & Stereo from one Jack. For Reference, each system is two Single Coils running to two Volume Pots and one Tone Pot. There is no Balance or Switch between the Pickups (I figure each Pickup having it's own Volume should give enough Control, plus it cuts down on unnecessary controls) At the moment, I have configured it with two independent Output Jacks at the Bridge, but one Switchable Jack would be way cooler. Thanx in advance....MARK
 

Attachments

  • Bass_WIP2.jpg
    Bass_WIP2.jpg
    25.5 KB · Views: 134
#4
The best way to do it is to use jacks with break terminals.
Wire the tip terminal on jack 1 to the break of jack 2, and the tip of jack 2 to the break of jack 1.

If one cable is inserted in either jack, the two signals are summed to that output. When a second cable is plugged in, the physical insertion of the connector will cause the break terminal to disconnect the two signals giving you separate signal paths.

No extra switching required, just plug a cable into one jack for mono, or both jacks for stereo.
 
#5
BTW, if you have two volumes per output, you might want to be careful of what values you choose, because in mono mode, that will be four pots in parallel, which will decrease the resistance to ground significantly.

Four 250K volumes= 62.5K resistance to ground.
Four 500K volumes= 125K resistance to ground.

Were you hoping to tame the high end response of the single coils?
 
#6
line6man said:
The best way to do it is to use jacks with break terminals.
Wire the tip terminal on jack 1 to the break of jack 2, and the tip of jack 2 to the break of jack 1.

If one cable is inserted in either jack, the two signals are summed to that output. When a second cable is plugged in, the physical insertion of the connector will cause the break terminal to disconnect the two signals giving you separate signal paths.

No extra switching required, just plug a cable into one jack for mono, or both jacks for stereo.
Click to expand...

and yet again line6man shows us why when it comes to wiring, he's the man :D
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back