passive pickup problems

**Ginsly** · Sep-07-2009, 6:11pm

Hi Everybody - I have a Tacoma m1e mandolin with an internal passive pickup, and I usually plug into a simple direct box when playing gigs. It's been a great instrument for years, but I've never been quite satisfied with the sound coming from the passive pickup - a bit harsh and boomy. I don't want to change the sound dramatically, but I want it to be a little easier on people's ears. Any suggestions? I know this is very general, but I'm curious as to what other folks might plug a passive mandolin into. Compressor? EQ? High-end DI Box? What's your favorite? Thanks!

Matt

**bonny** · Sep-07-2009, 7:29pm

You got yourself a piezo pickup with no preamp to match it's high output impedance with the low input impedance of your amp or PA.
You need a preamp.
They range from something adequate like the Boss GEB-7 EQ for around $70 to something excellent like the D-TAR Solstice for Around $320. Do a search of these forums for "preamp" and you'll find a ton of information and advice.

**Ray Neuman** · Sep-07-2009, 7:31pm

I plug into a LR Baggs DI para eq- end of issues. There are SO many ways to control your sound you are bound to be able to get something good.

**Ginsly** · Sep-07-2009, 7:34pm

Thanks a lot, guys! I tried a compressor, and it just made things worse - it looks like a preamp is in my future! Cheers!

Matt

**acousticnotes** · Sep-07-2009, 7:35pm

Hey Matt,
I use a ultra sound DI plus preamp. Another good one is the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI. Both are very good. I use them for passive acoustic guitar pick-ups and should work fine with your mandolin.

Joe

**Paul Hostetter** · Sep-07-2009, 8:08pm

Another strong vote for the Baggs PADI.

**Ben Milne** · Sep-07-2009, 8:19pm

Originally Posted by bonny

You got yourself a piezo pickup with no preamp to match it's high output impedance with the low input impedance of your amp or PA.
You need a preamp.
.

actually by plugging into the DI box, the impedance difference is dealt with... ( signal chain hits the DI box, then the house console's preamp as a matched impedance mic signal).

I would recommend getting one of the the preamp/DIs mentioned, I've worked with artists getting good results with brands like Fishman and LR Baggs. You'll want an XLR balanced output with a choice of running off the house PA's 48v phantom powersupply , but also the choice of using and internal 9v battery if required. certainly you'll need a gain stage and a little bit of EQ can also help tweak your final sound. you may find there are a few different models of EQ available such as parametric, graphic etc.

**mandroid** · Sep-08-2009, 1:19am

DI in being typically made are for a higher impedance like a guitar,
Piezos are orders of magnitude higher in impedance, than high impedance guitar signals ..

Go for the Baggs PADI.,

then the DI output from that is low like a microphone ,

which is what remote stage 'snakes' , to 'house' mixers, have the most of, is microphone inputs.

**Ginsly** · Sep-08-2009, 9:27am

I have to say, I am very impressed with this community I've stumbled across. I've been wondering about this problem for a while, and not 24 hours later I have my solution - a friend that runs a studio lent me a Baggs Para DI. Thanks so much for taking the time to help me!!

Matt