Active bass stereo jack?

[spinynorman]

I've just bought a Spector Rebop5 and thought the jack was a bit loose in the socket. Then I had a look under the covers and realised it is a stereo socket. After a bit of Googling, looks like that is quite common for active basses. Then I looked for cables and found a Planet Waves stereo instrument cable, but it's stereo both ends. I'm assuming the active input on my amp is mono (Hartke 3500).

So I'm confused now. What is the point of having stereo output from an active bass, how do you use it for best effect, and what do you do for cables?

[Alien]

The output is mono - the third pole of the jack (along with the screen) is used to switch the instrument on when a plug is inserted.

Andy

[spinynorman]

That's a relief, I'm glad I asked that before I spent 20 quid on a cable.

Except that if I push the mono jack in all the way it cuts out, it only works if the jack is slightly out, whereas that doesn't happen with a stereo jack. Possibly I have a worn socket?

[OutToPlayJazz]

[quote]Except that if I push the mono jack in all the way it cuts out, it only works if the jack is slightly out, whereas that doesn't happen with a stereo jack. Possibly I have a worn socket?[/quote]

Sounds like it - I had the same problem on my Warwick Triumph upright just before Christmas & it definitely needed a new socket. No problems since

[martthebass]

I get this problem occassionally with my 'wick Thumb. Thing is it only happens with one particular lead. Sound doesn't cut out completely - just loses a lot of volume.

[bass_ferret]

EBS amps can phantom power 9 volts by sending it down the stereo lead. I use it to phantom power my Microbass II. Works on their pedals and the effects loop as well.

BTW did you ever get Dinsdale?

Edited January 13, 2008 by bass_ferret