Using two basses live and the differences in output

JSmith

JSmith

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This is for you guys that use more than one bass live, how do you deal with basses that have drastically different outputs? For instance, my Thumb is very hot but then when I want to switch over to my passive Corvette, I have up the gain to compensate. I'd rather not have to do this because I don't want to be messing with knobs during a live set. What do you guys use to over come this or should I just put active pups and preamp in my passive bass?
 
Hi jeff, the easiest way is to set the thumb's trimpot lower, so it will match the corvette volume, and that's it.
Don't trust your ear, ask the soundguy to tell you about the perceived volume in the mix, not about the soloed volume difference ;)
 
Great question. So far I just smash my bass on my face and wish I didn't have to turn the knobs... I think there might be a better answer out there though.
Does anyone have a good cheap solution besides modifying your bass? I have a volume petal that works perfectly for this type of thing (and has a few filters on it as well) but I use it for adjusting the volume for tapping sections and I don't know if I would shell out the 90 bucks just so you don't have to turn a knob (or should I say another 90 to have two).
 
Turning the trimpot down a bit should not affect the tone, and it is reversible. I think this is by far the best solution, I don,t see any reason not to do it...
 
Since the thumb is hotter than the corvette, it means the trimpot may be louder anyway...
 
Thanks Flo. :) I checked the trimpot on my Thumb and it was at max. Is that the factory setting for the MEC 3 band EQ? In any case I'll give it a try. A lot cheaper than buying another pedal.
 
you can use something like this



works up to 4 insturments:-)
 
In the past i have used a switchable EQ on my head as a setting for a different guitar, EQ pedals also usually have a volume control that can be used as a volume preset, and can be pretty cheep.
 
Jeff, the factory setting should be around half way. Active position should be as loud as passive, not louder.
 
Florin said:
Jeff, the factory setting should be around half way. Active position should be as loud as passive, not louder.
Click to expand...
Thanks Flo! I'll test it out tomorrow on my mixer so I can watch the db meter.
 
It is normal that passive and active basses have different output levels. I noticed that when using my P-bass along with the Infy in my former cover band. I solved that with my Sansamp Programmable, using one channel for each bass, adjusting the output levels to match them.

There is a lot of pedals in the market, like A/B pedals with channel level trim pots to match different output basses.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yeah Nacho I've been looking at some of those pedals. I have the Sansamp BDDI and it seems to work so I shouldn't need to buy another pedal. I'm going to try the trim pot trick too because the one in my Thumb was cranked. I'm going to back it down to half way as Flo suggests and see what happens.
 
I use a SS1 Fretless and a SS2 fretted bass during our shows. The SSI is 9v and the SSII is 18v. When I am setting up I set the volume levels and switch the 10db pad on the amp so there is no change in volume when switching. It's something you'll want to experiment before you get to the gig.
 
Of course the pedals are a good choice. I owned BAsswitch, and one of the channels had a gain, so I could make 2 basses to sound even.
But the trimpot trick is for free, and it can give better results than the pedal, since there is not an extra unit in the signal chain.
 
Florin said:
Of course the pedals are a good choice. I owned BAsswitch, and one of the channels had a gain, so I could make 2 basses to sound even.
But the trimpot trick is for free, and it can give better results than the pedal, since there is not an extra unit in the signal chain.
Click to expand...

I agree, the trim is good when you have it. for those that don't, the other options are valuable to know about.
 
Sure... I focused on Jeff's case, and he haz trimpotz.
 
I dont think any of my wicks has trimpotz, 05s and an 06. when did they stop using those preams? or is it some models that have them and not others?
 
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