Preamp ?'s

Dannyboy · #1 03-14-2006, 11:06 AM

Howdy all,
my first post/thread here, also just got my first Taylor - a 414 with Fishman matrix under the saddle. Got to play it the other day with a dear brother who has a Genz Benz Shenandoah Jr. Sounded great but I'm sure I'll need some kind of preamp for volume/tone/etc... adjustments. As you may guess I know next to nothing about amplification. The Fishman Pro-EQ's look competent but I would like some advice. Also, the playing I do is primarily in church and with friends, no recording or performing....yet....
Thanks for the help.
DT

aschroeder · #2 03-14-2006, 05:02 PM

Welcome to the forum!

I would recommend the L.R. Baggs Para DI for a preamp. It's the best you can get for the money in my opinion. I used one for 3 years with the Fishman under saddle pickup in my Larrivee. Lots of tone control, small, and built like a tank.

http://www.lrbaggs.com/html/products...s_paradi.shtml

Dannyboy · #3 03-14-2006, 05:27 PM

ASchroeder,
Thanks for the info and the link as well. I will definitely look into the LR Baggs, I must say I like the metal housing better than the Fishman plastic for when I will eventually step on it. I've got another rookie question about cables. Balanced vs. unbalanced, what is the main difference? and have you seen the cables with the on/off button on them? Thanks again.
DT

aschroeder · #4 03-15-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dannyboy

ASchroeder,
I've got another rookie question about cables. Balanced vs. unbalanced, what is the main difference? and have you seen the cables with the on/off button on them? Thanks again.
DT

For a Fishman piezo you can go with unbalanced cables. Here is a thread where I asked the same question and it was explained very well.

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...ghlight=cables

Bluelew · #5 03-15-2006, 09:34 AM

I'm for the PADI also.

Dannyboy · #6 03-15-2006, 05:32 PM

Guys,
thanks for the info, I didn't know cables could be so complicated. From what I gathered, the Fishman matrix is an unbalanced signal but if I run it through the LR Baggs para DI this will balance it?? right?? Am I making too much of all this, does it matter that much,that is, will I blow up an amp or PA system by not getting the right cables?? ....hmm, that would get the congregation on their feet. Thanks again,
DT

ljguitar · #7 03-15-2006, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dannyboy

Guys,
thanks for the info, I didn't know cables could be so complicated. From what I gathered, the Fishman matrix is an unbalanced signal but if I run it through the LR Baggs para DI this will balance it?? right?? Am I making too much of all this, does it matter that much,that is, will I blow up an amp or PA system by not getting the right cables?? ....hmm, that would get the congregation on their feet. Thanks again,
DT

Hi DannyB...
I like the ParaDI (we own/use several for live work). I also like the K&K Quantum, and there are good reports on the new K&K single channel which rivals the Baggs ParaDI for price and quality. It operates differently (no parametric section).

I don't find myself using the ''parametric'' features that much with the Baggs. Most decent pickups in most guitars sound pretty good without parametric tweaking - and Fishman are certainly decent pickups.

The Fishman Pro EQ Platinum Acoustic Guitar Preamp is also comparable to the two listed above. All three will convert the signal (transform it actually) into a balanced signal, and give you control over the signal.

You will not blow up a PA with unbalanced signals. You might see a bit of signal degradation with a mismatch, but mismatch almost always occurs to a degree anyway. If your 1/4'' cables are too long (over 15 feet) you will also start to get signal loss.

I had a question. Does your guitar have a preamp inside (does it take a battery?). If so, the external ParaDI will possibly help, but certainly would not be critical. You could get by with a simple direct box for $25-35.

Dannyboy · #8 03-16-2006, 08:52 AM

Hi Larry,
Thanks, I appreciate your insight. Yes the pickup does have a 9 volt battery inside the guitar. I guess I didn't really know what the parametric feature was and what it does to the sound, I assume a simple 'direct box' doesn't have parametric features but still has controls for volume, tone, etc...? Am I right in that?
DT

Dannyboy · #9 03-17-2006, 01:04 PM

Any advice/info on the "direct box" that was just mentioned?
Thanks

JoeInOttawa · #10 03-23-2006, 08:03 PM

If you're looking for both a DI and a preamp, but don't want to change the tone of the guitar, I highly recommend the Presonus TubePre. Gobs of good clean power, and adding in a little tube drive adds to the complexity of your tone. A really nice, inexpensive way to enhance the natural tone of your guitar.

The ParaDI is nice too...

SR · #11 03-23-2006, 09:20 PM

Dannyboy First welcome abaord to the agf.

The few times I have done a special at church I have used the ultrasound DI Plus

I run it into the snake using the taylor guitar chord.

So far the sound of myVentura acoustic guitar which has a fishman ag pickup in it has sounded just fine to my ears.

I highly recomend the Ultrasound DI Plus.

Nelson · #12 03-23-2006, 11:38 PM

I'll second the Ultrasound DI Plus. I use it with my 514ce that has a Baggs Element Onboard and also with my 414rce with ES. Totally transparent and crystal clear tone. With my ES I run a stereo TRS-TRS cable to the DI and then an XLR to the house. It's fantastic and about 1/3 less than the PADI.

Pvee · #13 03-24-2006, 06:03 AM

I use a LR BAGGS D.I. box sometimes but here is one that I just started using and for the price I really like it.

It's a real Tube preamp with dual in and out (XLR and 1/4 inch jacks).

Has phantom power, low cut, phase switch input and output gain.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ors?sku=182491
I am impressed with how it is put together and the sound is very good.

I use it for a headphone amp when my wife is sleeping.