Active Bass Pickups?

[Abbott]

I'm recording my band next week and my bass player just got a new bass, an Ibanez SGR800 or something like that. Supposedly, it has active pickups. Does this have any effect on how I am planning on recording it (DI thru Blue Tube into four track). Thanks a lot..

 

[matty_boy]

Shouldn't be a problem. Active pickups just have an onboard preamp for tone shaping purposes. This allows boosting the signal (certain frequencies) instead of just cutting like a passive pickup system. This bass might have a little hotter output, but the way you work with it will be the same.

Matty

 

[Fangar]

Like Matty said, and you can greatly change the sound of the SR800 using the Different EQ knobs on the bass. You will find it a bit different than a passive setup with just tone and volume controls. You should like the outcome though.


Fangar

 

[Lame Thrower]

Matty is correct. The active EQ allows you to boost or cut frequencies instead of just cutting them.

Depending on your recording set up, you may want to leave the bass EQ flat. Alot of the mid range basses with active electronics can sound very sterile when you overuse the EQ. I think it's usually better to use the EQ on your board or in software.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Basil]

Actives are great but...

But Ibanez actives suck. You want something with Bartolinis or EMGs. I bought an Ivbanez as my bass for tracking and hate it even after replacing the pickups. I ordered a US spector and will sell the other. I recommend you pass on the Ibanez and consider the Spector line instead. They have some very nice basses even in the cheaper range that will blow those Ibanez's out of the water. Do not make the mistake that I did. You can check em out at www.ssdbass.com and if you are not opposed to mailorder (or for a pricematch) go to riksmusic.com. Erik there is very cool and their prices were much lower than even bassnw.com which is another great place to shop. Peter

 

[Fangar]

Frrrrrrrrrrrrt!

But Ibanez actives suck. You want something with Bartolinis or EMGs. I bought an Ivbanez as my bass for tracking and hate it even after replacing the pickups. I ordered a US spector and will sell the other. I recommend you pass on the Ibanez and consider the Spector line instead. They have some very nice basses even in the cheaper range that will blow those Ibanez's out of the water. Do not make the mistake that I did. You can check em out at www.ssdbass.com and if you are not opposed to mailorder (or for a pricematch) go to riksmusic.com. Erik there is very cool and their prices were much lower than even bassnw.com which is another great place to shop. Peter

Hmm... I don't think that it is fair to say that all Ibanez basses / pickups suck. Obviuosly since they make models that start at 400.00 with active pickups. I have an Ibanez Soundgear SR1020QS with actives that sounds great. Of course it is more in the 1100.00 price range. Anyway, I am sure that you were unhappy with the bass, but each player may have his or her own preference. I have never heard of a Spector, but from the link they sure look very nice. I bet they are. None the less, just out of curiosity which model of Ibanez do you have?

Thanks,

Fangar

 

[Basil]

To be fair I have a cheapie SR400 that I put US EMGs. The reason I took the stand is that most everyone I know who had them, better included, found them wanting. Of course I was not considering top of the line in my statement so it is probably not a fair assessment and I am sure those probably have EMGs or something. But spector has comparably priced ones in all ranges. I regret being cheap for something I thought i would occassionally use (I am not cheap with my les pauls) and as such wasted the money. Hence why I suggested the spectors because likely he is going to buy a lower line and if they are the Ibanez brand actives he will need to factor in what it would cost to replace likely and that makes the bass not so good a deal anymore. The PUs are the guts of it.

 

[Fangar]

Check,

Fangar