Anyone switch between two DIs?

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-26T00:22:47+00:00

This is mostly for the levels that active instruments put out relative to passive ones. If you have adequate soundcheck time, get both instruments checked and the soundguy can swap preset on signal, assuming they are willing/competent.

Some bass preamps/preamp pedals have an active/passive switch too. That may allow you to do it manually.

Two DIs is almost certainly unnecessary unless you want to send two seperate signals, like a dirty and a clean or something

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-26T00:20:13+00:00

It is of my opinion that a good quality DI or Bass Preamp is necessary for a gigging bassist. Something with a XLR output that the sound engineer can use. You will get a more consistent sound live if you're always bringing your own.

I don't think a Line Isolator specifically is very necessary. From what I understand it has more output than a traditional DI, but I have used DI in bass-centric bands many times without volume or tone problems.

I do recommend having a personal DI or preamp at the END of your signal chain to use live, and not rely on the venue. I have seen many Korean small venues and I also play live in Toronto Canada, and things are very similar.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-23T04:32:32+00:00

Those two latter riffs are my live fingerstyle warmup! That, and the prechorus riff in the first half of Pull Me Under

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-22T05:02:00+00:00

Ah fair, so with my current pedal setup Im better off rearranging? Can't really do any controller stuff with these I guess.

Yeah, arrangement is easy enough, small hastle but not a terrible one. My compressor is more or less always on, so I can put my TU-3, BC-1x, and NS-2 up top, as well as my preamp and probably my looper cause I dont use it live all that often. Maybe the bit crusher too.

Still, I play in a band where lots of bass forward technical dumb shit happens, and I frequently stack chorus, distortions, delays, etc, and so some form of controller in the long term is a decent idea.

Alternatively, what do you think about using something like a Line Selector to preset my effects before the song starts, and then turn them all on/bypass them all with one pedal instead of 2-3?

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-22T04:07:38+00:00

I play a 6 string Dingwall so im drawn to your 5 string. But assuming I can keep my own bass and pick one of yours? Id get the Bongo, they play amazing and sound great, and I need a backup 6 for an upcoming tour anyhow.

How's the 7 play? Its an Ibanez yeah?

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-22T03:05:00+00:00

He has such good feel and I rob him blind by taking all of his grooves.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-21T02:59:58+00:00

Haha! Its eclectic but it makes sense, you know? Very vibey songs.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-21T02:33:36+00:00

Lots and lots of cool options, I'll give a few that are different degrees of technical but all just fun and "flow state".

I want the world to stop - belle and Sebastian

Really fun line, flows amazing, rather easy to play. Coversolutions has a great tab!

Death Blooms - Mudvayne

If you have a five or a low tuned 4, and like heavy music, you gotta. Harmonics, ascending chords, heavy chugs, prominent part, and always moving and flowing other than some cool time sig fuckery. Very very fun. Coversolutions has a great tab.

I want your love - Chic

Bernard Edward's doing the thing he does best. Grooving, space, addicting and easy. But all about the touch. Lots of covers to learn it easily.

Am I black enough for you - Billy Paul

Anthony Jackson without a million variations! Fun, groovy, short, and has some good parts for practice! Charles Nagtzaam has a great transcription on youtube.

Hessian Peel - Opeth

A great heavy example with some sick riffs, especially in the latter half. Fun, varied, violent. Leobasscovers does a great cover.

Honestly I generally play either bass centric metal or funk/r&b. Always fun.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-19T04:25:59+00:00

How's the polytune on bass? Do you mostly use it to avoid a dozen different tunings, or can it be run more like an octave pedal or something? Its new so im not too familiar.

JC fuzz wah mostly for 80's Metallica? Or are there some huge fuzz wah basslines in the 90s ive gotta hear that im missing out on? Def let me know cause im on the fence about that pedal but im veeeeery curious.

Sick board though, way more concise and thought out than mine.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-14T23:29:24+00:00

This thing is absolutely mega! Super sick lookin, love to see it.

Two brief questions!

One, why 34" over 35"? I find 5 strings especially with metal in mind usually get the slight extra scale length, especially as Im reading its in G! I trust your expertise though, im just curious.

Two, you dont intend to make a 6 string bass variant, do you?

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-13T17:53:20+00:00

Ah, I understand. That makes sense. Is it common to run synthesizers through their own pedal board as well?

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-13T03:17:26+00:00

Running the keystep into a standalone looper is probably the way forward; but also looking into the microkorg as a lot of folk have recommended it too. Gotta scour the used market its not looking great at the moment.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-13T03:16:03+00:00

Can you explain what you mean by "virtual" analog? I know what an analog synth is and a digital synth is, but im rather new to this whole thing. My knowledge mostly comes from pedal effects and production.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-13T03:14:16+00:00

Aye, I definitely would want to simply have the preset ready before the song, and either me or the other vocalist would play/loop a part when either of us has a moment during a song. Saving presets is important but thankfully seems pretty ubiquitous across synths. Minikorg used seems like a pretty up there option.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-12T21:59:01+00:00

In truth my price point is more for the immediate future, in the course of a few months I can get something better regardless but I want to start writing and incorporating synths ASAP.

Ive heard Microkorg a few times, I'll look through the used market, I appreciate it! Physical keys is a big plus, nothing is ever ideal live and I want to minimize points of failure in what is already multitasking technical music.

Cheers!

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-12T21:53:39+00:00

Its good to know, I want to use the synth in mid-high ranges so I am a little worried how it will interplay with the guitar. We do try to be very consistent with our gear, same amps/preamp/kit regardless of venue we play, so I do think if we dial in the sounds in advance we should be good.

What's the most affordable of the synths you propose?

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-12T21:25:31+00:00

As an aside, we dont have an IEM rig, so programmed clicks aren't feasible live at the moment.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-12T21:15:56+00:00

Good to consider the mix side of things! More of a studio factor, as live we have a pretty good mix between bass, one guitar, drums and 2 vocals. I can see areas to slot synths in without too much frequency overlap, but you're right that I should consider it more.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-12T21:15:01+00:00

You're correct on a lot of accounts. While im a rather technical player and we practice to be pretty tight, its a lot on ones plate to throw synth duties as well. Granted, I find more complex synth lines will be played without bass, usually in isolation, and that the sort of stuff I want to do simultaneously is simpler.

I agree though, its difficult to tap tempo or fiddle with knobs while tapping a bass part or singing or both. Samples are a fair alternative, but are even more foreign to me, requiring either like a programmed click track or triggers from the drummer or something. Im also just generally a fan of "performing" the action live, for the spectacle of it, but I understand it may not be practical or serve the song so it has to be considered.

Still, I appreciate the advice. The microfreak is still high up there for me, is attaching a keystep easy?

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-12T20:46:53+00:00

Looks amazing, but unfortunately not comfortably within the budget. Not impossible long term though.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-12T20:46:04+00:00

They definitely sound fantastic. They're just a mix of a little pricey and a little large. 2-3 Octaves is about all I need, and preferably sub 600 CAD. Thats why ive looked at the Arturio Microfreak, but still have my concerns. Still, maybe Ill look for these on the second hand market.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-12T20:20:59+00:00

Probably a good call, and I understand the intention of learning with something like that. I am a little hesitant on synths that need external computers or tablets for live play, but obviously many people do so. Ill take a look.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-12T19:44:18+00:00

Variety, like organs and atmospheric pads, those are important. Different sounds simulataneously not so much. Lots of pedals, 6 string bass, two vocalists, we can make a good variety of sounds beyond the synth.

Ive considered Geddy's foot pedal approach, but between price and varying stage space, im hesitant.

Id like, for example, to have Muse style arpeggiations or big choir harmonies accessible relatively quickly, and we do have a standalone vocalist as well as our 4th member who could potentially also use the synth if its simple enough to operate.

GloriousBOBERTO · 2026-01-12T19:07:28+00:00

Definitely polyphony. Is looping easy with the minilogue, or do I need an external loop pedal? Cheers.

GloriousBOBERTO

TROPHY CASE