Bass N00b Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 As my name suggests, I'm a n00b when it comes to bass. My question is this: Is it possible to plug an active bass guitar into a PA mixer, and thereby generate a decent sound? Or would I need an amp, DI box, pedals, or whatever? I have very little money (and sense!), hence my question. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiram.k.hackenbacker Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 You’ll need one or the other, amp with DI out or a DI box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiram.k.hackenbacker Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 ….or a speaker cabinet to mic up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinterMute Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 (edited) DI box into a mic pre-amp input is the usual way, some amps have DI outputs that'll do the same thing. Bass into DI will give the sound of the bass via its pre-amp, an amp will colour the sound, a box like the Line6 Stomp will add modelled amps and cab sounds. Other boxes are available, Tech 21 Bass driver DI etc. Loads of options. Depends what kind of sound you want. Edited July 17, 2021 by WinterMute Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidder652003 Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 sorted https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Behringer-BDI21-V-Tone-Bass-Preamp/6LV 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliwailer Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 (edited) On ‘very little money’, this’ll give an amplifier simulation - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/194230366182?epid=1165245397&hash=item2d39082fe6:g:lnEAAOSww01g5HAC edit - just saw the above 👍 Edited July 17, 2021 by Chiliwailer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass N00b Posted July 17, 2021 Author Share Posted July 17, 2021 20 minutes ago, skidder652003 said: sorted https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Behringer-BDI21-V-Tone-Bass-Preamp/6LV Now you're talking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geddys nose Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 Depends on what mixer really, Some do have built in emulation with bass amps models with HiZ inputs, I'm sure they are designed to be plug and play. https://www.rcf.it/en_US/products/product-detail/m-18/291173 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Luc Pickguard Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 I'd second the recommendation for a BDI21. It really punches above its weight. I don't really use mine anymore but it is handy to keep around for emergencies to use as a DI box. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 I'm with the folks suggesting the Behringer, great wee thing 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooky_lowdown Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 +1 for the Behringer v-tone. That's all you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maude Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 I recall the Behringer BDI 21 has some suggestions in the instructions as to where to put the knobs to roughly emulate some classic amp styles, helpful if you're new to all this. Just set the controls as suggested for an Ampeg SVT and go for it. (But by all means fiddle with your knobs to experiment.) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casapete Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 1 hour ago, Maude said: I recall the Behringer BDI 21 has some suggestions in the instructions as to where to put the knobs to roughly emulate some classic amp styles, helpful if you're new to all this. Just set the controls as suggested for an Ampeg SVT and go for it. (But by all means fiddle with your knobs to experiment.) Exactly this. Can’t go wrong initially with the Behringer, then keep it as a spare if you decide to upgrade later. I have two of them, brilliant for the money as well as great units in their own right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass N00b Posted July 17, 2021 Author Share Posted July 17, 2021 Looks like the Behringer is the way to go. I'm an amateur singer/songwriter/guitarist/(n00b)bassist and I own a Behringer mic to record my vocals. It's a great mic. Thanks for the replies, folks 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Downunderwonder Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 (edited) If you are just looking to make some noise you can probably get busy with your PA just fine. Many moons ago, before I got to buying a rig, I played at many an open mic with only a passive bass straight into the mixer. Was it the greatest bass sound ever? No. Did it entertain the bar? Yes. The trick is to not try to get too much low end out of it. Low bass causes the PA speaker to work harder than its design purpose of amplifying voice and higher register instruments like guitars and whatnot. Edited July 18, 2021 by Downunderwonder 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike257 Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 I mean, a DI or something is the "right" way to do it, but I've done countless small gigs in bars over the years where I plugged a jack straight in to the desk and got on just fine. Would I do it on a proper gig? No. Will it do the job in a pinch? Absolutely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 I just use a zoom b2.1u for that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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