active electronics and my amp???

[screaminhugger]

Hello,

I just purchased a stingray and it is my first "active" bass. My SWR 350X amp head has two inputs, one for active/passive and one for active. When I plug into the active one, my bass seems to lose power? Should I be using this? When I use the active/passive input, I have to turn the gain way down or it clips the pre-amp something awe-full. thanks for any advice with this.

james

 

[Randracula]

Try the passive input but back off on your volume and EQ a bit and see what happens. IME SWR amps tend to clip rather easily.It may take some experimenting to find a setting that works for you without clipping...So, how about some pics of your new Stingray?

 

[maddog]

the active input has a pad on it so you are less likely to clip. Use the "active" input and raise the gain until it starts clipping then back of a nudge.

 

[Randracula]

the active input has a pad on it so you are less likely to clip. Use the "active" input and raise the gain until it starts clipping then back of a nudge.

IME using the active input on the SWR 350 will be way too quiet.Just to clarify when I said to back off your volume/eq I meant on your bass. Active inputs usually decrease the gain by 12-14 db and you might find a happy medium between active/passive by just using the passive input and adjusting volume and eq on your bass.

 

[LowDownDave]

When I had an SWR Workingman's amp, it actually mentioned in the instruction manual that not all "active" basses should be plugged into the active input port, and I actually seem to recall it actually mentioned some specific basses that should and shouldn't be considered "passive", and I'm pretty sure it stated that MusicMan basses were better plugged into the passive input port (despite the fact they are active basses).

 

[PocketGroove82]

Screaminhugger, Welcome to the forums!
Your observation is astute. The active input cuts the gain so the amp doesn't clip, which can damage it. So, you should notice a HUGE difference in the gain between the active vs. passive inputs.
If you do decide to plug into the passive input, then you must reduce the gain nob by a lot, or else you might damage your rig.
Personally, I plug an active bass into the active input, because only passive basses need the boost that the passive input gives.

 

[Caca de Kick]

You could use either input...MM's are obviously louder than passives, but their preamps aren't as loud as most other more 'modern' preamps. My Spectors, Ken Smith, Ibby's and others had much louder preamps you definitely use the active input.

When I play gigs, I switch between actives and passives, so I use the appropriate input and I don't have to mess with the volume levels on the amp...and I find my MM's volume works better in my passive input. YMMV.

 

[silverburst]

I use the active input on my SWR Super Redhead with all of my MM basses. For what it's worth.

 

[Rano Bass]

I've always used the passive input, but i don't turn the eq knobs too much, just a little bit of bass, and treble when needed.

 

[screaminhugger]

thanks, here is a pic!

Try the passive input but back off on your volume and EQ a bit and see what happens. IME SWR amps tend to clip rather easily.It may take some experimenting to find a setting that works for you without clipping...So, how about some pics of your new Stingray?

thanks for all your input. I just got back from my first rehearsal with my new stingray. I ran in the passive input, and just kept the gain down. It just sounds fuller and brighter from that input, not just louder. they didn't have an swr pro series head in the store where I bought the bass, so I wasn't sure it would sound as good, but man...creamy smooth with all the punch I will ever need. My band mates are pleased as well. My wife will be mad at me for quite some time, but it was worth it!!

thanks again,

james

 

[jamesattard]

hey screaminhugger, i use a different amp head than yours, but i too use the passive input. It depends on the effects pedals you use as well as the EQ on the EBMM. If you have a VU meter on the amp, make sure it's between the 80% and 90% when you play.

 

[Caca de Kick]

My wife will be mad at me for quite some time, but it was worth it!!

Just remember...it's easier to ask for forgiveness, than ask for permission.

-Mike