Divising a Master output for Series Bass Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Owning an Alembic » Troubleshooting » Archive through February 17, 2014 » Divising a Master output for Series Bass « Previous Next »

Author Message
flpete1uw
Intermediate Member
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 142
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Saturday, January 05, 2013 - 12:41 pm:   Edit Post

OK this may be a bit over the top, however I’ve grown used to having a Master output to set the overall level after the mix between the pickups are set right. In order to do that now I either have to set the volume of the Amp or readjust the pickup volumes again which messes with the balance that I was going for. This will more than likely become second nature but in the mean time has anyone setup a Potentiometer in a box in line with the cable pre amp? I mainly run in mono mode into a Mesa Walkabout
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1834
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Saturday, January 05, 2013 - 1:37 pm:   Edit Post

What about using a volume pedal between the DS5 and amplifier?

Keith
flpete1uw
Intermediate Member
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 143
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Saturday, January 05, 2013 - 7:06 pm:   Edit Post

Keith,
That would work. I guess I'm such a minimalist in not using any pedals or outboard of any kind that the pedal approach didn’t cross my mind. I’m just looking for a set and forget overall level changes as needed. Any inexpensive suggestions?
~Pete
edwin
Senior Member
Username: edwin

Post Number: 1390
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Saturday, January 05, 2013 - 7:35 pm:   Edit Post

Can't you just install a master volume into the bass? Series II basses come with one. Should be a simple 10k dual ganged pot. I intend on getting around to this for my Series II equipped Starfire at some point.
flpete1uw
Intermediate Member
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 145
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2013 - 4:06 pm:   Edit Post

Edwin,
Adding a 10k pot could be done but I'm somewhat uncomfortable in changing the original designs. And besides I'm sure I’ll get the hang of on the fly changes the more I play her.
Keith, in the interim your idea sounds like the way to go. Doing some research I’m finding that some pedals (Passive ones) color the sound more than others (Active Ones)? Curious of the real life experiences that may be out there and how much is Urban Legend.
As I stated I’m a minimalist that’s why I just Love Alembic direct to Mesa Walkabout. The least amount of in the chain disturbance the better.
Thank You for all the input
Pete
dfung60
Senior Member
Username: dfung60

Post Number: 576
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2013 - 8:46 pm:   Edit Post

Your Series has active electronics, so there's no change in tone when you reduce the signal level with a potentiometer. This would be true for a master volume onboard your bass if it's after the preamps/EQ, and an external volume pedal or pot-in-a box as well. There's sometimes a psycho-acoustic effect that turning the volume changes the tone, but for active circuits it's not a measurable change to your tone.

There's one other thing you might think about. I certainly understand not wanting to cut another hole in the top! A Series II has a master volume which is implemented as a ganged dual pot. This lets the master volume adjust both pickups and still maintain true stereo output.

If you don't run your pickups to separate amps, you can combine the pickup outputs inside the bass and control the volume with a regular single pot. If you can find an appropriate stacked pot with individual controls, then you could move the bass and treble volume knobs onto a stacked pot and put the master volume in the freed-up hole.

Another possibility is to switch to a master volume/pan setup. I don't like pan pots myself, but this is a reasonable solution for some. The pan pot is a harder component to find.

Good luck!

David Fung
flpete1uw
Intermediate Member
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 146
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2013 - 1:49 pm:   Edit Post

David,
Thank you for that input I was thinking about the Ernie Ball VP Jr which either comes with an active or passive model. But if there isn't really an issue I'll go for the cheaper one. The thing is for the first time I’m finding it a challenge to dial in what I want this Bass to be. Any small change in Low Pass or Q switch’s (Neck and or Bridge) settings makes a profound change in the sound. This will probably be like the other Alembics I have and She’ll change me. I spend so much time fussing around in amazement on the nuances of the sounds I get lost in the direction I thought I was going. The way these Series Pickups breath is something I never experienced before. Wonderfully intriguing!

~Pete

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