Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96 & Electric Bass Guitar

[mshea]

OK. Now i'm really going to sound stupid, but in my quest to learn to play and use EVERYTHING i am purchasing an Electric Bass Guitar. IF...i plug that into my Aardvark...do i need to turn on Phantom Power?

[Dolemite]

Phantom power - no.

Hi-Z adapter - yes.

[mshea]

What is it?

[Dolemite]

huh?

[mshea]

I was wondering what a Hi Z Adapter is???

See. I know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about Bass Guitars, or even how to play one....yet! I found one that was nice and pick it up on Friday...so all this stuff is NEW to me. I always wanted to play the guitar, however i had string proximity issues. The strings on the Bass are spread further apart and it seems to make a HUGE difference. PLUS...i really dig the lower tones. Then, when i figure out how to mutilate a few songs...i want to add WAH to the bass (I like WAH) Don't hear ENOUGH WAH on Bass. And yeah...i may SUCK!!! But it sure will be fun.

[Dolemite]

The directpro has both 1/4" and XLR inputs on the front, but they are both low-z inputs optimized for either mic or line input. What you need is a little impedence matching transformer that you will plug your standard 1/4" instrument cable coming from the bass into. They are often sold as "microphone adapters" for hi-z mics, look at Radio Shack or if there's a good music store in your area, they should have one too.

[mshea]

My My!!! Thank you so much!!! I would of NEVER known that. i'm not the most 'technical' type person. I just enjoy writing songs and have stumbled across this home recording and equipment stuff recently. I will definitely grab one up at guitar center at the same time i pick up the bass. FRIDAY!!! WOO HOO!!! Can't wait. I'm so excited. I've wanted a Bass Guitar for so long and now i'm finally getting one. Next purchase...MONITORS, and a NICE BIG BASS AMP. (I like them LOUD) OH! And a WAH pedal! Wish me LUCK. Thank you for your help!

[mshea]

My My!!! Thank you so much!!! I would of NEVER known that. i'm not the most 'technical' type person. I just enjoy writing songs and have stumbled across this home recording and equipment stuff recently. I will definitely grab one up at guitar center at the same time i pick up the bass. FRIDAY!!! WOO HOO!!! Can't wait. I'm so excited. I've wanted a Bass Guitar for so long and now i'm finally getting one. Next purchase...MONITORS, and a NICE BIG BASS AMP. (I like them LOUD) OH! And a WAH pedal! Wish me LUCK. Thank you for your help!

[HomeRec]

Don't know if you've been to Aardvark's site. I'm looking at the 24/96 myself, and found this tidbit early on. It's a little bit hard to find, since it's not in the Direct Pro FAQ section, but rather the "PC Audio" FAQ section:

http://www.aardvark-pro.com/salesfaq.html#18

As for how to connect, I'm told that most effects pedals knock down the impedance to line level. Basically, that means that you should be able to go from an effects pedal into the Aardvark's line in. However, check the specs on the effects pedal first if possible.

[Queue]

While we're talking impedance:

Is there any harm to plugging a Hi-Z guitar/bass/etc into a Lo-Z input? (Like those on my DP 24/96)

Will it not work?
Will it sound like shit?
Will it blow something up?

What about 'active' pickups? Hi-Z? Lo-Z? I have an Ibanez EDB400 that I bought used (no manual to check). I've been plugging it into a box first to be safe.

Lastly, is there a way to check impedance of a device? Cheap Multimeter???

Queue

Oh - a DP24/96 tip I read somewhere: The "Phantom Power" does not effect the 1/4" jacks, only the XLR portion of the jacks.

[mshea]

Hey Queue!!! Check this out. I bought the bass, and asked for one of those impedence converter things and after getting a total and complete 'tech head' explanation but no real answer about which one to get...i said screw IT!!! and walked out with my Bass, strap, stand and 15 ft. Monster cable. I plugged in the bass. Set the Aardvark to MC2 and...too loud...then MC1...JUST RIGHT...did a little knob turning on the bass and the aardvark and it SOUNDS GREAT!!! Nothing blowing up...no BUZZ, no CLICK, no LEVEL issues. NO PROBLEM. HAVE NO FEAR!!! This aardvark's versatility and ease is surprising the HELL out of me. ENJOY!!!

-MShea

[mshea]

Even BETTER...almost forgot. Did my first 'recording test run' today....SOUNDS EVEN BETTER!!! NO PROBLEMMMMMMM!!!! WOOO HOOOO!!!!!