AndyInnes
I had been having issues with a Taylor expression system on an 815ce since the day I purchased it (static pops and clicks and intermittent crackle). The shop where I purchased the guitar couldn't get it sorted (it was the generation with the 2x1.5v batteries in and notorious for the problem I'm describing). Eventually, after two years, they offered to sell me (SELL ME) a new expression system.
Having had a few great-sounding UST's in acoustics before, I decided to put one in instead of the Expression system at a different dealer. I had two guitars with the Fishman Matrix Infinity (one was a Martin Gold Plus, but it's the same thing). I was torn between using the Matrix, which I'm accustomed to, or an L.R. baggs Anthem, which I had heard great things about and the installers recommended.
Eventually I went with the Baggs. Now here's the thing - it sounds beautiful, but has roughly perceptually half the output level of the Fishman or Taylor products. I suspect the next step is to pop a paracoustic DI Into the chain to boost the signal (I have an Aura which I tried, but, unless I missed something, doesn't have a pure boost without using an image).
Has anyone else had a similar experience with the Baggs Anthem?
Bob-Dubery
The Anthem isn't just a UST. It's a combination UST and microphone.
I have it's predecessor - the Baggs Dual Source in both my acoustics. I think some of my experiences may be relevant to yours.
1) Both systems have a phase control. You can run the microphone in phase or 180 deg out of phase with the UST. Obviously the latter brings a drop in volume. At the volumes I play at feedback is not a problem (also the DS has a tunable notch filter which is a further aid in killing feedback).
2) Installation is critical. I first had the DS installed in my Larrivee. I found that output was on the low side. The tech who did the install for me double checked and found that the saddle was little tight in it's slot and, he said, this compromised the performance of the UST component of the system. He took a tiny little bit of material off of the saddle and the performance improved significantly.
3) With the DS there is a set up routine to go through after installation. I don't have an Anthem, but I just had a quick look at the manuals for that system on the Baggs site, and there is a set up process for that too. Simpler than with the DS, but to balance the mic and the UST. I doubt that will address the volume issue for you, but in terms of getting the best possible sound out of your system you probably want to go through this if you haven't done so already.
AndyInnes
Thanks very much Bob. I did the setup and balance between the mic and saddle, but was unaware of the potential phase issue. I'm going to nip it back into the shop for a check on the bridge fit and phase. Thanks for sharing that.
Bob-Dubery
IIRC on the Anthem the phase control is a push button next to the volume control, so you can test that very easily.
AndyInnes
Oh - right. It's coming back to me now. Tried that :-\ - but I can still get the bridge checked.
AlanRatcliffe
I've never fitted the Anthem, but I've looked into it extensively and I've fitted a couple hundred USTs and a dozen or so dual systems.
You do not have a problem with the pickup or preamp - the Anthem is known to be relatively low output compared to Fishman and other systems and even other models of Baggs' own systems.
Bob is right in that a UST the fitment is everything and can affect the volume, tone and susceptibility to feedback. But the Anthem uses the mic and the UST for different frequencies - so if one were problematic the frequency response would skew to the other. So a bad UST fitment would make the system very bassy as the mic takes prominence.
The phase switch IINM is the usual affair that swaps the polarity of the preamp output (like a phase switch on a mic pre), and shouldn't affect the output levels.
BTW - on the Aura, if you turn the blend control all the way down, there is no image sound added to the pure pickup sound and it acts as a normal preamp/DI. The compressor is handy on that unit and very transparent until you crank it. But the PADI is also a great unit and easier to tweak live.
AndyInnes
Thanks for the reply Alan. Useful info, although I just can't believe how MUCH softer the Anthem is. Unusable without a good 6-8 db boost ☹
