Author Topic: external -15db input pad for an active bass?  (Read 1506 times)

pilgrim9

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 62
    • View Profile
external -15db input pad for an active bass?
« 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?
If you push something hard enough it must fall over.

Granny Gremlin

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2942
    • View Profile
    • Granny Gremlin home page
Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
« Reply #1 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

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (drummer and bassist of Deep Purple, Jake!)

pilgrim9

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 62
    • View Profile
Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
« Reply #2 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!
If you push something hard enough it must fall over.

Pilgrim

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9982
    • View Profile
    • YouTube channel
"A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any other invention with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila."

Granny Gremlin

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2942
    • View Profile
    • Granny Gremlin home page
Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2021, 10:28:54 AM »
No, that's a DI.  A pad is a fixed attenuator.
Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (drummer and bassist of Deep Purple, Jake!)

Pilgrim

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9982
    • View Profile
    • YouTube channel
Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
« Reply #5 on: March 17, 2021, 12:42:50 PM »
No, that's a DI.  A pad is a fixed attenuator.

Thank you.
"A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any other invention with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila."

pilgrim9

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 62
    • View Profile
Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
« Reply #6 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.
If you push something hard enough it must fall over.

Psycho Bass Guy

  • Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 2312
    • View Profile
Re: external -15db input pad for an active bass?
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2021, 02:33:47 PM »
This oughta work.