Power supply

[Jure Lopatic (jure_the_second)]

Another quick question:
 
I noticed, that some basses also have a power supply. Why is it needed? Just an alternative to the battery or is there something else?
 
Thanks.
 

[Valentino Villevieille (valvil)]

Jure,  
 
 
I'm sure some folks can give you even more detailed info, but let me share what I know.
Series I & II basses come with a rackmountable power supply that connects to the bass with a special 5 pin stereo cable.  This is in addition to the battery; you can use  them either way, when not using the stereo 5 pin jack( & the power supply) you have to use the 1/4 inch jack  , which will give you a mono signal I believe.  Also the battery runs down  fairly quickly if you decide not to use the power supply. In short, the power supply will give you stereo sound and save you lots of money in batteries.  Series I & II electronics are energy hogs  so the power supply really helps.
 
Valentino

[Paul Lindemans (palembic)]

Hi Jure,
 
brother Valentino is right.
To my knowledge however a SI and SII are not coming with the DS5-R. That rack version is an option. The guitar comes with a small DS5 box. At least that was in my case.
 
Paul

[mica]

The Series I  and II  instruments now come with the DS-5R power supply, and the small box like you have Paul is discontinued.
 
The reason the power supply exists in the first place is because we simply don't have a concern about battery life on the Series I and IIs. Once you include long battery life in your design goals, sacrifices in fidelity and distortion have to made.  
 
The DS-5R has the outputs on the front and the back of the unit and you can come out in stereo or mono mode. These also have a modular line cord (like a computer) and the voltage is switchable, so it's great for travellers.  
 
I see the DS-5 power supplies come up on eBay a couple times a year.

[Gerald E. Greene (flash)]

Valentino's right, Series I's are power hogs. when I use mine with a wireless I have to change batteries just about after each set. because these babies eat'em. I also had to have the output jack switched to stereo because the jack on my Series I only had the front pick up come through. Is that normal for the late 70's models?  
I'll tell ya what though, it was worth changing the batteries for the sound. There is a great difference when you hook up the DS-5 though...Man oh man!!!
 
See ya down range
 
Flash

[mica]

The batteries typically last about 40 hours on a Series I/II, so you may need to check the jack on yours, Flash.  
 
I think you must have changed your jack to mono, because the 70s basses were wired with a stereo 1/4 output, and if you use a mono guitar cord, you'll only get one pickup. Now they come standard with a mono 1/4 jack. On a custom order you can have us install a mono stereo switch or wire it in stereo if it's your preference.