Acoustics pedal/s?

zohn · 2010-03-18T17:57:26+00:00

I'm looking to get myself a DI box. Baggs has a well known Para-acoustic DI/Preamp that sounds like a cool idea should one want to go the Passive-route in future (and of course active systems work with them too). I saw a review in Acoustic Guitar magazine on their new "Venue" model, which has an added tuner, as well as a 9dB gain boost foot-switch for lead breaks. Anyone ever used one of these, and what are they like?

Bob-Dubery

I've not used either. I have GASed for a Para-DI. They have a good reputation in terms of sound quality and for reliability and ruggedness.

McGibbon's are the Baggs agents and have both boxes in stock, so if you have nothing to do this weekend....

Bob-Dubery

zohn wrote Thanx Bob
I know they keep them, and got a quote from Eve on the Para-acoustic DI. I didn't know the Venue was available here yet - it's been on the international market for only a month or 2 now. I was hoping for a review or two from "independent" users, rather than the dealer.
I guess the proof is in the eating, but I'm not there quite yet.

They have one (at least) in the shop. Maybe they'll let you try it out.

Have you used the Para DI before? I know Racman has one and he seems quite happy, I just don't know what it is about them that would make one happy (versus other brands of course)

I haven't used the Para DI, but it has an excellent reputation. You don't find too many people saying bad things about it - which is a recommendation of sorts. Bear in mind that both Baggs offerings do more than just fulfill the DI function. You get the parametric EQ capabilities and FX loops. I'm not sure about the Venue, but the Para DI is built like a tank. It'll take the knocks.

I don't play professionally. I have a Baggs Gig-pro which is a sort of "Para DI lite" (and works well). Maybe ask around to see what the pros are using. And decide what functionality you want - as I said above, Para DI and Venue both offer more than just DI. There are online manuals on the Baggs web site that will give you a better idea of the functionality built into these boxes.

Bob-Dubery

zohn wrote
X-rated Bob wrote I have a Baggs Gig-pro which is a sort of "Para DI lite" (and works well).
Are the Gig-pro/Mix-pro/Feedback-master all pre-amps as well as DI's? Would it be advisable to fit only pickups (passive) to future guitars if one use these devices?
How do you "lead up" from the guitar to the DI, and from there to the Amp/Desk - ordinary 1/4" jacks?

The gig-pro has a pre-amp function. It's can boost the signal from a passive pickup in the guitar. But the Para-DI and the Venue seem to have that function as well. I don't know about the other two - other than that the Mix-pro is designed for use with stereo systems.

I run an active pickup system into the gig-pro, and use that just for some shaping of the sound rather than to boost the signal. So I just keep the gain turned down.

In the case of the gig-pro you only get a 1/4 inch output. In the case of the Para DI and the Venue you have an option of 1/4 inch (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) on the output side. I believe you can run both simultaneously if you want to.

You can certainly run active or passive pickup systems into the Gig-pro, Venue and Para DI.

Read the on-line manuals. They will give you more information than I could. Or go to McGibbon's (or any other shop) and ask for a demo. You're not paying small change for any of those boxes so that's not an unreasonable request and then you can judge with your own ears.

Bob-Dubery

zohn wrote Thanx for some good info.
I'm curious to the active/passive pickup options in the guitar, since I want to follow a compatible "system" forward, starting with my custom OM. Not so keen to have a battery in my guitar any more.

It depends on what you want. Not all systems have an option for passive. If you want the kind of mixing system (multiple sources) that I have in my guitars then you pretty much have to have a battery in the guitar.

So I guess shop around, ask questions, read manuals and then decide on the set of trade offs you want to settle for. But your approach is interesting. My setup has sort of evolved, you are wanting to PLAN from the ground up.

The Para DI can actually send phantom power back to the guitar (for pickups that can use that), so that's another option that you have.

AlanRatcliffe

Stay active. The better systems are all active and there are many good reasons for not running passive - even if you use a DI.

zohn

Alan Ratcliffe wrote Stay active. The better systems are all active and there are many good reasons for not running passive - even if you use a DI.

Thank you Alan, I appreciate the advice - what are the "good reasons" for not running passive though?

racman

I've used my Baggs Para for about 8 years now and it has been the best that Ive used so far.

AlanRatcliffe

zohn wrote Thank you Alan, I appreciate the advice - what are the "good reasons" for not running passive though?

Most passive systems are very high impedance and if you use an external preamp, the cable from the pickup to the preamp is very prone to picking up EM, RF and triboelectric (movement) interference. Also any treble loss will be accentuated.

As Bob mentioned, if you want any kind of a dual system, you also need the onboard electronics to serve as a mixer.

zohn

Thanx!