hot bongo!

[dubbeats cb]

So, as we all know bongo's are hot and they have a hot output.

How do you guys cope with that, I mean having a hot output?

For example, when using my overdrive pedals, I have to set everything really low because the bongo's signal is so powerful. Is there a way i can pad it? I thought about running a compressor in front of my signal, but then you loose dynamics....

Any ideas? Its just a little frustrating using it with some of my pedals because the bongo signal drives them pretty hard...

Thanks!

 

[nicjimbass]

I've noticed that I've had to change the settings on my compressor (dbx 160 xt) since using my Bongo more often. I've had to compress the signal alot more than with my SR5, or else my GK 1001RB-II's clip light would come on intermitently. I usually run the comp before my effects (currently a modded Boss ODB-3 and a DigiTech Bad Monkey) with good results.

 

[Big Poppa]

start with the bass gain knob first....if your gain is tto high you are going to compress the heck o0f of it and ruin the sound set the basses gain with the compressor off and then gingerly add compression

 

[AnthonyD]

BP is right onn (as if that comes to anyone's surprise!)

Personally I am not a fan of the "limiting pad" or "active input" option on some amps. I run into the standard/passive input and find I use less of the initial gain and less of the compression compared to what I dialed in for my Sterling.



Now the Master Volume? Well that's an entirely different story!

 

[dubbeats cb]

start with the bass gain knob first....if your gain is tto high you are going to compress the heck o0f of it and ruin the sound set the basses gain with the compressor off and then gingerly add compression

I run my effects before they get to the amp, not in the effects loop, so I don't exactly follow how that would help.

What gain knob exactly are you talking about....the amp's, the pedal's....

sorry, just got a little confused

 

[Spectre]

BP is right onn (as if that comes to anyone's surprise!)

Personally I am not a fan of the "limiting pad" or "active input" option on some amps. I run into the standard/passive input and find I use less of the initial gain and less of the compression compared

+1 I do exactly the same and boycot the active input on amps.
Great minds

 

[Aussie Mark]

I run my effects before they get to the amp, not in the effects loop, so I don't exactly follow how that would help.

What gain knob exactly are you talking about....the amp's, the pedal's....

sorry, just got a little confused

BP was referring to the volume knob on the Bongo itself. That knob is the first preamp control in your signal chain, if you get that wrong you mess up your entire gain structure.

 

[oddjob]

BP was referring to the volume knob on the Bongo itself. That knob is the first preamp control in your signal chain, if you get that wrong you mess up your entire gain structure.

You are right on that one!!! It has taken me a while to get used to but it makes a HUGE difference in the sound.

 

[dubbeats cb]

Thanks for the help, I guess I'll have to get used to not having the volume knob dimed....

 

[Big Poppa]

Dub The whole point of an active bass is that you never dime the gain. You really shouldnt dime the tone either Start with flat and make your adjustments there.

A passive instrument nearly demands both vol and tone dimed but it is the opposite with active basses especially the Bongo.

We had to throttle down the bongo because of the the propensity of players to jst dime everything...its too bad because there were cool sounds there

 

[AnthonyD]

Ok - I'll ask...

What's the "ideal" setting for the bass volume? Is there an "ideal" setting for the Bongo? Or does it depend upon your amp and how well it handles it the input?

I usually set the Bongo volume at 75-80% initially... And then, of course, volume creep takes charge...

 

[tkarter]

I keep the gain on the Bongo 5 H at 25% most of the time never above 50% and sure do like what I hear now. Thanks BP for the lesson.

tk

 

[mammoth]

similar for me too.. i started with it 100% when i 1st got my bongo, cue constant bass fart noises from my cab...

now i usually run at about 50% dependant upon how i've got the eq dialled in...

 

[dubbeats cb]

Dub The whole point of an active bass is that you never dime the gain. You really shouldnt dime the tone either Start with flat and make your adjustments there.

A passive instrument nearly demands both vol and tone dimed but it is the opposite with active basses especially the Bongo.

We had to throttle down the bongo because of the the propensity of players to jst dime everything...its too bad because there were cool sounds there

I never dime any of the eq knobs, i just never thought to treat the volume/gain knob the same way. Lesson learned, and its time to make adjustments.

Thanks for be patient and helping us understand this stuff, it is very much appreciated!

 

[Big Poppa]

Dub no problema and enjoy your bongo It takes a secure man to play one

 

[1Echo]

I never dime any of the eq knobs, i just never thought to treat the volume/gain knob the same way. Lesson learned, and its time to make adjustments.

Thanks for be patient and helping us understand this stuff, it is very much appreciated!

I have to admit I'm the same way. I knew better than to dime EQ but I treated the gain knob more like a master volume where 10 is wide open and the rest is attenuated instead of approaching from a gain perspective. Learn something new everyday.

Oh, and BP ...... I love my Bongo. How secure does that make me?

 

[jamesattard]

I think the volume 'dime' thing applies to the stingray H 4 as well, right? wow it never crossed my mind and I think that's the source of all problems I'm having lately with my sound!!!!!! geez

 

[bovinehost]

I think the volume 'dime' thing applies to the stingray H 4 as well, right?

Yes.

Just wondering, for you guys who have been diming the volume on your bass, what do you do when you need a little more oomph? Walk back to your amp?

 

[tiffles]

i always like to do the 25% thing so that i have power over the occasional crappy soundman lol

 

[jamesattard]

Yes.

Just wondering, for you guys who have been diming the volume on your bass, what do you do when you need a little more oomph? Walk back to your amp?

yes, and the result is an extra ****ey sound! This thread is in my favorites now. This is a very crucial point which unfortunately many bassists take for granted!