Power supply Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Alembic Basses & Guitars » Power supply « Previous Next »

Author Message
Jure Lopatic (jure_the_second)
New
Username: jure_the_second

Post Number: 4
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 9:22 am:   Edit Post

Another quick question:

I noticed, that some basses also have a power supply. Why is it needed? Just an alternative to the battery or is there something else?

Thanks.

Valentino Villevieille (valvil)
Moderator
Username: valvil

Post Number: 66
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 12:42 pm:   Edit Post

Jure,


I'm sure some folks can give you even more detailed info, but let me share what I know.
Series I & II basses come with a rackmountable power supply that connects to the bass with a special 5 pin stereo cable. This is in addition to the battery; you can use them either way, when not using the stereo 5 pin jack( & the power supply) you have to use the 1/4 inch jack , which will give you a mono signal I believe. Also the battery runs down fairly quickly if you decide not to use the power supply. In short, the power supply will give you stereo sound and save you lots of money in batteries. Series I & II electronics are energy hogs so the power supply really helps.

Valentino
Paul Lindemans (palembic)
Advanced Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 263
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 2:37 am:   Edit Post

Hi Jure,

brother Valentino is right.
To my knowledge however a SI and SII are not coming with the DS5-R. That "rack" version is an option. The guitar comes with a small DS5 "box". At least that was in my case.

Paul
Mica Wickersham (mica)
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 691
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 8:59 am:   Edit Post

The Series I and II instruments now come with the DS-5R power supply, and the small box like you have Paul is discontinued.

The reason the power supply exists in the first place is because we simply don't have a concern about battery life on the Series I and IIs. Once you include long battery life in your design goals, sacrifices in fidelity and distortion have to made.

The DS-5R has the outputs on the front and the back of the unit and you can come out in stereo or mono mode. These also have a modular line cord (like a computer) and the voltage is switchable, so it's great for travellers.

I see the DS-5 power supplies come up on eBay a couple times a year.
Gerald E. Greene (flash)
New
Username: flash

Post Number: 9
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 8:55 pm:   Edit Post

Valentino's right, Series I's are power hogs. when I use mine with a wireless I have to change batteries just about after each set. because these babies eat'em. I also had to have the output jack switched to stereo because the jack on my Series I only had the front pick up come through. Is that normal for the late 70's models?
I'll tell ya what though, it was worth changing the batteries for the sound. There is a great difference when you hook up the DS-5 though...Man oh man!!!

See ya down range

Flash
Mica Wickersham (mica)
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 700
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 3:35 pm:   Edit Post

The batteries typically last about 40 hours on a Series I/II, so you may need to check the jack on yours, Flash.

I think you must have changed your jack to mono, because the 70s basses were wired with a stereo 1/4" output, and if you use a mono guitar cord, you'll only get one pickup. Now they come standard with a mono 1/4" jack. On a custom order you can have us install a mono stereo switch or wire it in stereo if it's your preference.

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration