1U Mixer question

[Alz®]

Does anyone here have experience in using a 1u mixer for obtaining balance between different Basses before the signal gets to the amp?

I am exploring the idea of using perhaps a RANE MLM42a as a 4 into 1 so that I can have all my basses hooked up simultaneously. I need this ability to change bass very quickly on stage. Any thoughts are most welcome!

Can it be used as a DI unit for the main PA too?

I would ideally have 2 x 5 string basses (one as backup, i have been know to break strings quite often) and the fretless hooked up.

 

[Bass Control]

I just looked at the model. Very nice choice.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to use it for DI, I don't think. Unless you use the unbalanced lines to the amplifier, then you'd probably be able to use the XLR Out, but that switch that makes you select line/mic is making me think you can only have one out. I doubt it, but I'd call tech support with that question.

For your application, it think it would be a great thing to have. I rarely change instruments (I usually only use two with one rarely seeing action), but if you have to constantly change then I see it as a cool idea. The ONLY question I pose to you then is how you plan to mute all the bass' lines (not just the basses) when they aren't used? Yes, you can turn the volume down on the guitar, but any noise from the line (just a theory, as I haven't tried this yet) would interfere with your sound.

I advise you evaluate your rig situation with those questions in mind. How will I mute individual instruments? Will I have to access the mixer to mute the line? If you can answer them easily, then it's practical and I'd say go ahead and do it.

Hope this helped, dude. I'm usually not a helpful guy (ask my students!). Good luck with the idea, I like it!

 

[Bass Control]

THIS JUST IN:

Just figured out how to solve that little problem of only having one out.

Run the effects loop provided! Use the effects send to the amp and the regular out to your PA. Set the effects dial on the front to DRY. That should work.

 

[Psycho Ward]

I use an Ashley now and I've used Rane stuff too, both are excellent! But this was in keyboard applications. I run the master outs to two DI’s and the mono out to my MarkBass Club 450, PA guys love me, and guitar guys say I’m too loud… it’s a win win situation!

 

[oddjob]

PA guys love me, and guitar guys say I’m too loud…

All is right with the world when this happens!!!!!!!!!

 

[tadawson]

Even better news: You DON'T have just one out!

I Just looked at the schematics for the Rane (on their site), and both outputs clearly run at the same time (actually, no way NOT to . . . ) the mic/line level switch affects the level out of the XLR ONLY - the 1/4" is always going to be at the same level, and both run behind the master level control together. It appears that the idea is exactly what you are thinking of - 1/4" on stage, and the XLR for an FOH send, at whatever level is needed.

So, no problem with this unit - looks like a good fit, and I have never been disappointed with any of my Rane gear . . .

- Tim

I just looked at the model. Very nice choice.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to use it for DI, I don't think. Unless you use the unbalanced lines to the amplifier, then you'd probably be able to use the XLR Out, but that switch that makes you select line/mic is making me think you can only have one out. I doubt it, but I'd call tech support with that question.

For your application, it think it would be a great thing to have. I rarely change instruments (I usually only use two with one rarely seeing action), but if you have to constantly change then I see it as a cool idea. The ONLY question I pose to you then is how you plan to mute all the bass' lines (not just the basses) when they aren't used? Yes, you can turn the volume down on the guitar, but any noise from the line (just a theory, as I haven't tried this yet) would interfere with your sound.

I advise you evaluate your rig situation with those questions in mind. How will I mute individual instruments? Will I have to access the mixer to mute the line? If you can answer them easily, then it's practical and I'd say go ahead and do it.

Hope this helped, dude. I'm usually not a helpful guy (ask my students!). Good luck with the idea, I like it!

 

[thunder]

to mute a channel slide a fader, mute the other channel. is takes the same time time and energy as if you look at the engineer signal him to mute the channel to plug in the new bass. with keyboards it makes more sense because, keyboards are quiter and allows the ability to play two or more keys at the same time. if you have that many different tuneings that you need to line mixer.... i can't can't convince myself, i think its a waist. its not that practical from former sound guy opinion the less you have between the instrument and the source the better the signal, sound and the abiliy to trouble shoot any problems!

 

[mynan]

As a sound guy myself, I think it's a great idea and that mixer looks like a good fit. It would be even better if it had a mute button for each channel, but I guess rolling back the volume on your bass would do the same thing.

Being able to set a specific volume level for each bass to even out the volume you send to the FOH is great. Nothing irritates me more than having to chase the keyboard player all night because he/she didn't take the time to program all of the different patches they use to get a somewhat even output level.

 

[Alz®]

Thanks for all the input guys. Yeah, it's a shame not to have a mute on the mixer, but I guess the volume pot on the guitars used as an on/off switch would be a practical compromise.

Now turning off the batteries of the basses on standby is another problem! hehehe