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Gear Discussion Forums => Bass Amps & Effects => Topic started by: pilgrim9 on March 14, 2021, 11:30:12 AM

Title: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
Post by: pilgrim9 on March 14, 2021, 11:30:12 AM

Hi, all of my basses are passive and I just got a Gibson LPB2 that has Bartiloni actives with no on off for the preamp. The signal from the Gibson is so hot I have to turn the input gain to where it just turns on to make the bass useable. I use 3 older amps in my rig and none have the -15db input pad switch for a active bass like newer amps. I can get it to work by rolling the volume back on the bass but there is treble loss. I tried a EH signal pad and that thing really kills the tone, completly worthless. I am looking for a external -15 db pad I can just turn on and off for just when I use the Gibson, any ideas?

Title: Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
Post by: Granny Gremlin on March 14, 2021, 04:44:00 PM

You can easily build in a pad to a cable or a barrel connector.  Just a coupla resistors. I am not aware of any mass marketed products for this but have seen various custom builds.

http://www.uneeda-audio.com/pads/

Middle left diagram (unbalanced symetrical).  You can get female 1/4" to female 1/4" in barrel connectors vs the XLR ones shown.  Or use a nano size pedal box. Neutrik even has a modular series of parts specifically for making stuff like this but a tad expensive last I checked: https://www.neutrik.com/en/neutrik/products/accessories/modules

Title: Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
Post by: pilgrim9 on March 16, 2021, 08:57:19 PM

Thanks for the help but just reading the info to do the math gave me a headache, way over my abilities.  I am really looking for something pre built with an easy on off. I do have friend that might be able build what I am looking for, have to give him a call. thanks again!

Title: Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
Post by: Pilgrim on March 17, 2021, 09:37:09 AM

Something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Passive-direct-instrument-balanced-unbalanced/dp/B009AARY2I/ref=asc_df_B009AARY2I/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312305907549&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8051143930482211782&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028895&hvtargid=pla-568765538099&psc=1

I'm sure that someone will correct me if this is not the right kind of device.

Title: Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
Post by: Granny Gremlin on March 17, 2021, 10:28:54 AM

No, that's a DI.  A pad is a fixed attenuator.

Title: Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
Post by: Pilgrim on March 17, 2021, 12:42:50 PM

Quote from: Granny Gremlin on March 17, 2021, 10:28:54 AM

No, that's a DI.  A pad is a fixed attenuator.

Thank you.

Title: Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
Post by: pilgrim9 on March 23, 2021, 05:00:30 PM

I had looked at DI's also but the pad only effects the loZ out not the pass thru signal unfortunatly.

Title: Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on April 02, 2021, 02:33:47 PM

This  (https://www.fullcompass.com/prod/239673-sescom-ses-mkp-31-single-channel-inline-balanced-audio-level-control-with-1-4-connectors?dfw_tracker=36058-239673&gclid=CjwKCAjwgZuDBhBTEiwAXNofRJoUukMrPDyMS8NZCAfKD0YUP6wzPjx5uAZ-ulR_RBiK5FjQxLZBjhoCNowQAvD_BwE) oughta work.