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Post subject: XLR output jack on Bassbreaker 15
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:04 am
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Hello,

I've had my BB 15 head for almost a year now, along with a BB 007 head. I've recorded through both using the line outputs on the back. These two output signal in different ways, and I'm trying to understand them.

The 007 line output puts out a much stronger signal than the 15, and the strength of the signal changes with the volume. When viewed through an app like Garageband, the spectogram signal is full and visibly present with no need to raise the volume on the app itself.

The 15, however, puts out a very weak signal. In Garageband, the spectogram shows a completely flat signal. I must raise the app volume and track gain all the way just to make it audible. The signal also does seem to change with amp volume. But I am not sure. As distinct from the 007, the line out for for the 15 is not a 1/4 jack, but an XLR.

My question is if the reason for such divergent experiences in recording from these two heads is because the XLR line out needs to be powered? In my current configuration the line out goes directly to my computer mic input. The 007 is fully audible while the 15 is barely so. Is it possible the line out for the 15 requires some additional powered amplification in order for recording levels to reach desired levels, like an audio interface or a phantom power supply? Am I perhaps using the wrong XLR cable? I would appreciate any insight about XLR line out.

thanks,


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Post subject: Re: XLR output jack on Bassbreaker 15
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 10:01 am
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Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 7:06 am
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acostaa wrote:
Hello,

I've had my BB 15 head for almost a year now, along with a BB 007 head. I've recorded through both using the line outputs on the back. These two output signal in different ways, and I'm trying to understand them.

The 007 line output puts out a much stronger signal than the 15, and the strength of the signal changes with the volume. When viewed through an app like Garageband, the spectogram signal is full and visibly present with no need to raise the volume on the app itself.

The 15, however, puts out a very weak signal. In Garageband, the spectogram shows a completely flat signal. I must raise the app volume and track gain all the way just to make it audible. The signal also does seem to change with amp volume. But I am not sure. As distinct from the 007, the line out for for the 15 is not a 1/4 jack, but an XLR.

My question is if the reason for such divergent experiences in recording from these two heads is because the XLR line out needs to be powered? In my current configuration the line out goes directly to my computer mic input. The 007 is fully audible while the 15 is barely so. Is it possible the line out for the 15 requires some additional powered amplification in order for recording levels to reach desired levels, like an audio interface or a phantom power supply? Am I perhaps using the wrong XLR cable? I would appreciate any insight about XLR line out.

thanks,


Well I do not know these BB amps but I do have knowledge about audio and I feel this is the cause, and it makes scene to me , why the XLR output (Mic level) is weaker than the 1/4 output (Line level):
In the audio world, there are 4 signal levels that we deal with: mic, instrument, line and speaker. Mic level is the lowest, or weakest, level signal of the four and requires a preamplifier to bring it up to Line level. Instrument level signals live between mic and line level signals and have the most variation.
Here is a link
http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/linelevel.shtml
https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/whats-the-difference-between-mic-instrument-line-and-speaker-level-signals/
[url][/url]Hope this helps
mud


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Post subject: Re: XLR output jack on Bassbreaker 15
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 12:53 pm
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Mud,

thank you for this very useful clarification. These distinctions may indeed explain the difference for me. I consulted the specs on the BB15 and this is how the direct out is described:

"DIRECT OUT: High-quality XLR output sends preamp signal for recording and sound reinforcement use."

So by "preamp signal," do they seem to suggest "mic" level as you do?

And therefore, if we are dealing with mic level line out, and if this then requires preamplification of some kind, what kind of gear should I then be looking into? Again, any recommendation would be appreciated.

Bram


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Post subject: Re: XLR output jack on Bassbreaker 15
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 2:45 pm
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As I have not used or played with any of the BB, I had a theory but I did some looking up and came across this http://www.tdpri.com/threads/bass-breaker-15-owners-please-help.661018/ most posters say theirs work fine but the OP had an issue like yours, and if one had a problem you can be sure others may have the same issue. If you have access to a mixing console see what kind of signal you get out of the BB. Also I do not know how you are interfacing with your computer, I assume you need some sort of USB interface, but maybe the line in on your computer will work . Not sure if it matters but XLR is a balanced signal meaning you have a Ground, Neutral and Hot pin, if you than put an adapter on it to headphone jack you are sending Hot left and Neutral right and they share the ground, there is a possibility you can have a phasing issue, and that could give a weak signal

mud


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Post subject: Re: XLR output jack on Bassbreaker 15
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 4:01 pm
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once again, thank you. You are a true resource. Indeed, I use an XLR -> 1/4 cable adapter that goes directly into my computer's line-in. I do not use a audio interface, and perhaps that may be something I should look into, if at the least for the phasing issue you mentioned at the end of your comment.

my amp did need servicing recently, and I did mention the issue of low line-out signal to the tech, and he said it checked out, but I don't know exactly how thoroughly he went about testing, because it does work. The issue of course is whether it works as defined in the specs and if the only way to use this XLR line-out is through some powered amplification. I suppose that me and that guy in other thread you linked to know if it is just ours, or if this is way it was designed to operate. thanks again for your time on my concern. I've learned alot here.


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Post subject: Re: XLR output jack on Bassbreaker 15
Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 8:45 am
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There are impedance matching transformers available to convert XLR to line level . Most have a 1/4" plug on one end and XLR on the other.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... 0UQAvD_BwE


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