Basic information for a Series I newbie please?

[the_mule]

As some of you might have noticed already, I'm the fresh & proud owner of an early 80's Series I. The external power supply and cable weren't included unfortunately, but with a very basic stereo-to-mono cable I'm still able to enjoy it to almost (!) it's full potential. I'm seriously considering purchasing the 'missing parts' (if I can find them), and therefore I've got some very basic questions for all Series (I or II) owners about the external power supply. BTW: I know this picture I borrowed from Jan Riviere's website (hope that's OK) shows the DS5-R, and I also know there should have been a DS5 with my bass originally. But maybe it helps to make things clear.
 

 
- What does this external power supply actually do? Am I right in thinking that besides providing the bass with the necessary power, it processes the stereo output of the bass giving you the choice of a single (mono) signal to one individual amp or two (stereo) signals to two separate amps?
 
- What's the function of the bass/mono input, the treble input and the stereo/mono switch on the DS5(-R) in the entire 'chain' from electric point > bass > amp(s)? I'd love to know (picture maybe?) how everything is connected.
 
- Should my bass work just as well with a DS5-R as with the (original) DS5, or are there important differences between the two devices?
 
- Is the DS5-R still being offered by Alembic (I understand the DS5 isn't) and if so, what's the price?
 
- Is the stereo cable (with two 5-pin jacks, one for the bass, one for the power supply I guess) included with the DS5-R?
 
In general, any information about this subject is very welcome...
 
Thanks & best regards,
Wilfred

[malthumb]

I can get you part way there...
 
The DS-5 & the DS-5R will both provide your Series I (or II) bass with full power, without need for 9v batteries.  For basses wired with a stereo 1/4 jack, it will provide power to both pick ups.  If your bass is equipped with LED position markers, it will power the LEDs.
 
The difference between a DS-5 and a DS-5R is simply that one is rackmounted and the other isn't.  I have an '87 Series I that came to me with a DS-5.  I have a 2000 Series II that came to me with a DS-5R.  I use them interchangeably.
 
The cord has a male connector on the box end and a female connector on the instrument end.
 
I believe I saw someone looking to sell a cable within the past couple days, either in this board's Swap Shop or on Talkbass.com.
 
Hope that helped.
 
Peace,
 
James

[wayne]

Wilfred-
 
Let's see if I can pick up a few more details of your questions.....
 
- the ony INPUT on a DS-5(R) is the 5-pin.  The 1/4 jacks (2 in front and 2 in back on the R) are all OUTPUTS.  The 4 outputs on the R are wired in parallel, so you can use all 4 at the same time if you so desire.  (i.e. use the back to drive a DI and the front to drive your amp)
 
- they can still build you a little blue box DS-5 (I have a recent one) for the same cost as the rackmount version.
 
- I would assume that the power supply and the 5-pin cable will priced separately.
 
I hope between James and I we've covered most of your questions.
 
On a side note:  I have fretted and fretless Series basses.  I often switch between them during a given gig.  I sent my DS5-R back to Santa Rosa and had them instal a second 5-pin input.  Now I can have both basses ready to go through the same rig.  I just control which one's sending a signal with the pickup selector.
 
Good luck with the new bass.  It's a beauty.
 
C-Ya...........wayne

[the_mule]

Well, it won't be long until a DS5 and stereo cable will be completing my 'Series I package'! Secretly I'm hoping to be able to buy a second amp soon, in order to enjoy 'Birdy' in stereo. But to make sure I'm not making any mistake I have these two last (?) questions:
 
1. With the stereo/mono switch on the DS5 on 'stereo' and the 5-pin cable from my bass into the DS5 input, I should be able to run two amps at the same time via the bass and treble outputs, right?
 
2. What use does the 1/4 jack on the bass have, when using the DS5, preferably (I think) with the 5-pin cable? The 1/4 jack is wired in stereo BTW...
 
Thanks!

[wayne]

1. yes.  (actually you could run 4 from a DS-5R since there's a second set of outputs on the back)
 
2. none.
 
At least in my opinion.....
 
C-Ya.......wayne

[the_mule]

Well, today I finally bought 'Birdy' a DS-5 power supply (used) and a 5-pin stereo cable (new). The Series I package is complete, and even with these extra costs included it's still a wonderful deal. I have some 'guitar stuff' I need to sell first, but I can see a second amp in the nearby future (a Glockenklang 'The Passenger' combo is on the top of my list) to place on the other side of my music room. I'd love to go all the way: STEREO!!

[the_mule]

'Birdy' with HARTKE HA1400 / 2100 Pro stack, the DS-5 power supply and cable...