Output/Gain Question

[nashman]

Firstly, I'm not sure if this is a "problem" or not ... let's call it an observation for now ...

In order to clip my amp (Eden WT550)/get compression to come on, I have to dial the gain to 2 - 3 o'clock when using my HH Ray - and dig-in pretty good ... with Ray volume ~3/4 and ray EQ bass and mids slightly boosted. I'm wondering what others have observed ... and whether this is a "low output concern" ... or not a problem at all. It's not the battery, cable, amp EQ tube, or -db input pad.

I would expect to set the gain this high for a passive bass perhaps, but not on an active HH Ray (although this is my first one, so I don't have a lot of experience/comparatives).

My bass is under warranty for only a few more weeks ... just wondering if this is something I should have checked-out or if it's a "non-problem" and just forget about it. Looking for any "input" you might have in this regard ...

Thanks!

 

[StingRayzor]

I have never owned an Eden, but my GK never clips (yes, it will distort) with any bass I have put through it. Sounds like the Eden has lots o' headroom. Have you tried another bass through the Eden, just to make certain? Does the SR sound good?

But, just to be on the careful side, check your PUP height. Raising them by an
1/8" can increase output by quite a bit.

 

[nashman]

StingRayzor ... thanks! I'll recheck the pup height ... good suggestion.

 

[nashman]

PUP height is at factory spec.

I'd like to know your observations on how HOT your bass is/what gain settings you use on your amp please and thanks.

 

[Big Poppa]

why do you want to clip your amp and why is 2 oclock high to you? sounds like a well matched amp/bass here

 

[StingRayzor]

Yeah, two o'clock is fine. I run my GK up around two, and my old ampeg at around 3. Don't sweat it. It is called "headroom" and it is a good thing. Does that amp have a limiter or a compressor built in? Turn the compressor off, it will clip earlier.

 

[nashman]

Thanks for the responses Guys. I don't want to clip the amp per se BP ... I was just thinking that an active bass should provide a "hotter" signal such that the gain should be closer to 12:00 o'clock versus 3:00. I was thinking more gain might equate to degredation in sound quality etc. relative to a lower gain setting. The amp does have a built-in compressor (limiter really), so it's not really a matter of clipping, rather the point at which I have to set the gain before compression activates. Maybe it's not a problem ... I will assume it's not - just an observation. Based on my inexperience with gear in general, I didn't know if this was a concern or not. I know others set their gain closer to 11:00 or 12:00, making me suspect the output of my Ray is lower than what might be expected.

 

[Big Poppa]

Gain or volume? they are different... If we disigned a bass that clipped at 10 it would be useless...the advantage of active is not gain it is eq and consistancy on your volume knob

 

[nashman]

Thanks BP. Just my inexperience ... but with the help of you, this forum and other forumites, I'm learning! Thanks!

I don't think there are any volume issues ... although it's hard to know when I don't have any comparatives.

I think the observation is specific to gain, therefore a concern with my Ray's output. The EQ on this bass works great ... minor adjustments result in audible differences. If having the gain at 3:00 o'clock before compression kicks-in is not an issue/normal etc., that's great. I thought it might be unusual, so figured I would ask in case there is a concern that might be addressed while still under warranty.

 

[oli@bass]

I have the impression that the output level of MM basses is closer to passive basses, and quite lower than other active basses. IMO, that's not such a bad thing, because many amps are actually designed to work with passive basses, and have an active input that lower the original signal in order not to overdrive the input stage.

As long as you don't have either excessive clipping (bass output too strong) or excessive hiss or buzz (bass output too low must be amplified too much), there's no problem.

 

[nashman]

This is why I love this Forum and EBMM in general. I put forth a concern, no one gets bent out of shape, I get constructive comments back and we all learn and grow. Fantastic!

The Internet is endless .... this is one of my favorite and most frequented sites.

All I can say is thanks ... I especially appreciate being able to ask "newbie" questions .... things that are grey area mysteries to me, yet common knowledge to others, which can sometimes be frustrating to those in the know.