Active / Pasive & batteies

[Dave_1]

Hi all. 
I have a Sire Marcus miller V9. Whilst practicing last night. I flicked the switch between passive and active. On passive all ok. On active. No sound. But a faint crackle. I thought it was a lead issue. Changed that. Still the same. 

ive bought some new batteries. And will change them over tonight Although the ones in it are only a month or so old. 
if it’s not the batteries. What else could it be ? 
thanks in advance 

Dave 
 

[John Cribbin]

Has the lead been left plugged in draining the batteries?

 

[Dave_1]

Hi John

come to think of it. Yes. Amp off but still plugged in. Does that make a difference ? 
thanks

dave 

[Reggaebass]

Hi, it will still drain the batteries when the amp is off if the lead is plugged in, I used to forget to unplug my Sandberg all the time 

[Dave_1]

Perfect. I’ll change the batteries in a while. Fingers crossed it’s just that

ill keep you posted

thank you for that

dave 

[Dad3353]

It's the jack plug that activates the switch to turn on the power to the pre-amp inside. This avoids the requirement of an on-off switch, but is often  forgotten about, and that's why the battery gets used up too quickly. Just unplug when not in use, that's all. It's the same for battery-powered floor pedals; they, too, have a short battery life if left plugged in.

[Dave_1]

Woohoo. Thanks guys. I was a little worried it would need repair. Batteries changed and she’s purring perfectly

rookie error I guess

thank you 

Dave 

[Dave_1]

[John Cribbin]

Glad it was the simple fix Dave. A lot of us have been there .... I'll bet loads of gear has been sold over the years as having defective electrics, because the lead has been left plugged into the instrument draining it.

[Dad3353]

6 hours ago, Dave_1 said:

 

A tidy set-up, but beware of becoming dependant on the music stand. So unprofessional, according to some 'experts'..! 

 

...

 

 

[Downunderwonder]

Never mind the bollox. I wouldn't call myself an expert but I get most of my gigs from being able to use a music stand.

 

A rookie would complain the bass doesn't have an off on switch for the preamp.

[Reggaebass]

I’ve never heard that one, I use a music stand all the time at home 🙂

[Dave_1]

I don’t usually follow the crowd. I do what’s comfortable for me. I find the music stand helpful to hold tab sheet music whilst practicing 

[Dave_1]

I don’t usually follow the crowd. I do what’s comfortable for me. I find the music stand helpful to hold tab sheet music whilst practicing 

[Tokalo]

I’ve just discovered that my Sire M7 works in passive mode with the batteries removed.

I’m assuming that if Active is switched off, batteries are completely disconnected. 
(It would be handy to know this for definite, but it doesn’t seem to be included in any specs).

[Reggaebass]

I’m pretty sure the preamp drains the battery when the bass is plugged in, even if it’s switched to passive , doesn’t the lead complete the circuit 

[BassBunny]

38 minutes ago, Reggaebass said:

I’m pretty sure the preamp drains the battery when the bass is plugged in, even if it’s switched to passive , doesn’t the lead complete the circuit 

If the battery connection is disconnected when the A/P switch is activated it won't drain the battery.

[Downunderwonder]

8 minutes ago, BassBunny said:

If the battery connection is disconnected when the A/P switch is activated it won't drain the battery.

That would take a fancier switch than what is needed for just A/P?

 

If your multimeter reads mA you could put it between one terminal and the battery and see if it jogs on and off with the switch.

[BassBunny]

On 26/02/2022 at 20:34, Downunderwonder said:

That would take a fancier switch than what is needed for just A/P?

Most A/P switches are just double pole on/on switches. Using a triple pole gives you the ability to disconnect the battery as well.

[Andyjr1515]

On 25/02/2022 at 18:52, Dave_1 said:

Woohoo. Thanks guys. I was a little worried it would need repair. Batteries changed and she’s purring perfectly

rookie error I guess

thank you 

Dave 

 

Nothing to do with rookies - we've all done it...   

[Richard R]

1 hour ago, Andyjr1515 said:

 

Nothing to do with rookies - we've all done it...   

Might account for the odd crackle sound that started yesterday on my bass in fact... 🙃

[Tokalo]

I got a response by email from Wendell at Sire:

 

Batteries will drain as long as the bass is plugged in, however, it doesn't drain fast enough in passive mode compared to active mode.

 

(not sure quite what to make of “fast enough”)