active bass - does amp need hi and lo inputs?

[Fishybob]

hey all

sorry for nooby question, it's something I'd not thought of before. I'm presuming that without a lo level input on my new amp my active bass would just overload the preamp. have I got the right idea and are there any work around?

chdsrs
Joe

[mart]

You're on the right lines, I think, but it's not quite so simple. Some active basses have lower levels than some passives. But the hi/lo inputs are there so you can take down the level of an active bass, if that is necessary. I often play actives and have never needed to use the lo input. If your amp only has the one input, then the preamp volume control should achieve the same thing.

[Roland Rock]

Even if your active bass has a particularly high output, it also has a special control which helps you ensure that the optimum signal reaches your preamp ;-)

[Blademan_98]

I have both active and passive basses.

My Orange 50w practice amp only has one input and they all work through that.

It shouldn't make any difference.

[Fishybob]

Haha thanks for the advice (and sarcasm! lol).

[Lfalex v1.1]

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1351975269' post='1857550']
Even if your active bass has a particularly high output, it also has a special control which helps you ensure that the optimum signal reaches your preamp ;-)
[/quote]

This!

[Guest bassman7755]

AFAIK the "hi" and "low" inputs on amps refer to the impedance of the input.

The "lo" input will, being low impedance, try to draw a lot more signal current which when used with an active bass resulting in a higher current flow down the cable giving better signal quality. Using a passive bass into the "lo" input will result in loading of the pickups and dulling the sound. An active bass will "work" into the hi input but you wont be getting the sonic benefits of the greater signal current between the bass and amp.

[dincz]

[quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1352069497' post='1858481']
AFAIK the "hi" and "low" inputs on amps refer to the impedance of the input.

The "lo" input will, being low impedance, try to draw a lot more signal current which when used with an active bass resulting in a higher current flow down the cable giving better signal quality. Using a passive bass into the "lo" input will result in loading of the pickups and dulling the sound. An active bass will "work" into the hi input but you wont be getting the sonic benefits of the greater signal current between the bass and amp.
[/quote]

это не так. On a typical amp, both inputs are high impedance but the "high" input is padded to reduce the level going to the first preamp stage.

[Guest bassman7755]

[quote name='dincz' timestamp='1352107970' post='1858655']
это не так. On a typical amp, both inputs are high impedance but the "high" input is padded to reduce the level going to the first preamp stage.
[/quote]

Interestna, spaciba

[dincz]

пожалуйста

[Happy Jack]

Will you guys please stop talking in Welsh.