new amp

[the unrepentant]

So after two years of a Behringer ultrabass BX1200 120W pile of crap, today i picked up my Ampeg BA115, and it's pretty sweet Only had about 10 minutes of jamming time on it but already it's better than the behringer. It's got a really versatile sound to it so i've not really found 'my' sound yet, but i will do! Still a smallish combo, but i like it

I have noticed however, that plugging an active bass into the active jack is pretty quiet compared to the passive, are there any repercussions from plugging an active into the passive jack?

 

[carpedebass]

Passive/aggressive? I dunno....I really don't think it would hurt anything at all.

 

[boristhespider7]

It usually won't hurt it. The active input or switch reduces the input by about 15 dB I believe. It's to prevent overload. However, I always found it a strange feature, because on many amps it can essentially deaden the punch and dynamics of active pickups and make them sound passive. Well, why would you want that if you bought an active bass?

The best way to deal with it is to plug right into the standard "passive" or "high" jack (or not switch on the active "pad" switch) and monitor your amp closely. If you hear distortion or overload, try messing with the EQ on the amp or bass. If you're still getting it or at risk of blowing the speaker, then you may have to use the active input to soften the load. This is how some amp manufacturers say to do it now rather than automatically using the active input. As you progress and upgrade to more powerful amps in the future, it won't be as much of an issue, but is still a consideration (I have a full stack and 500w amp and still carefully use the passive input for my active basses). Good luck with the new amp. Your next purchase should be a HS Sterling to go with it!!

 

[the unrepentant]

Thanks for the advice man, i was thinking near enough what you said, i just wanted confirmation, wouldn't hurt to try a passive bass through it to see how far i should be able to push it but i don't own one haha

 

[asianjeff]

Its fine as long as you don't clip. I can't use the passive jack for my SWR rig... I tend to grind the crap out of my bass when I get really into it when I play live.

 

[the unrepentant]

What do you mean clip?

 

[mynan]

What do you mean clip?

To overdrive the input...usually causes distortion, crackles, farts, or a complete loss of sound from the amp.

 

[boristhespider7]

The clip just means your overloading it and the amp will automatically compress your signal so you don't harm the speaker. It will happen more with active basses due to the increased output. A lot of small combos like yours will have a red light that comes on that indicates clip. Some amps use a different name for it. A little clipping is ok, but a lot is bad and means you need to adjust the signal (i.e., lower the bass or volume usually) or go into the active input to prevent damaging your speaker. You'll also be able to hear it as your amp is being overdriven and will sound strained and distorted. If you find you're playing with a band and the only way you can be heard is if your amp is clipping all the time, it's time to find a quieter band, tell the guitar player to turn down, or buy a bigger amp!

 

[carpedebass]

Clipping will eventually release the magic smoke!

 

[the unrepentant]

ah fair enough, cheers... i can't stand distorted tone anyway unless it's meant to be there!