Author Topic: Series I Stereo to Mono Questions (Read 307 times)

backdoor_hippie · « **on:** September 27, 2012, 06:09:01 AM »

Did some quick hunting and didn't find what I was looking for, so please excuse a new owner's question if it's been asked before and feel free to slap my wrist and point me in the right direction.

I just received a '77 Series I bass (77-681) yesterday and am thrilled to finally be an owner after just thinking about it for over 30 years. It did not come with a DS-5, so I'm using the 1/4 jack until I can round one up. It's definitely stereo, and I've been able to work around this using a small 4-channel mixer to blend the output from a stereo cable. I've seen the thread in the FAQ about wiring a Stereo to Mono cable. My question is, will something like a Stereo to Mono adapter (Hosa GPP-290, for example) do the same thing? It purports to blend them equally and seems like a cheap solution going straight into an amp.

Will something like this work? Work well or just good enough? What are the best simple solutions to this assuming the absense of the Alembic preamp unit?

keith_h · « **Reply #1 on:** September 27, 2012, 06:32:56 AM »

You need the summing resistors to run mono. Based on the GPP-290 description I suspect it does not have any and is nothing more than having the mono tip connect to the stereo tip and ring.

You can make your own adapter either as described or by placing the components in a small box with parts from Radio Shack. If you do not feel comfortable doing this any local tech should be able to do it at minimal cost.

Keith

backdoor_hippie · « **Reply #2 on:** September 27, 2012, 06:42:39 AM »

Thanks, Keith. That's pretty much the answer I was expecting but figured I should check first. While not a master with the tool, I know my way around a soldering iron, so I suspect that I might be able to wire up an adapter cable.

I'm still curious to know what the more popular non-DS5 solutions might be?

keith_h · « **Reply #3 on:** September 27, 2012, 07:10:11 AM »

It's pretty much make an adapter of some sort. You can also make the modifications internally to the bass by adding the resistors to the internal connector. This way the 1/4 is permanently wired for mono (fairly common). You can wire internally with a switch to allow switching between mono and stereo if you are up to it. I have this on my Series 1 and Brown Bass.

Another option is to get an F2B or similar preamp and drive each channel from the stereo feed. I have a 1/4 TRS to two TR connectors that I sometimes use to drive two amps. One for each pickup.

The earlier Series instruments eat batteries. Longer term you should really look at getting a DS-5 or DS-5R.

Keith

backdoor_hippie · « **Reply #4 on:** September 27, 2012, 08:04:11 AM »

Been hunting for a DS-5 since I first started the process of acquiring this one a month ago. Not easy to come by, that's for sure. I'm just getting back into playing bass full time after a 12 year foray into the world of the lead guitar player and while it's good to be back I am also in the process of rebuilding my rig (just a SWR WM12 at home at the moment), so I'm playing through others' rigs for now and need a way to adapt until I figure out the easiest way around it - particularly given that I may not always be using my rig (which is why the DS-5 would be so nice).

Thanks for the advice!

Jake

artswork99 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 27, 2012, 09:49:59 AM »

Hey Jake, Alembic recently did a small run of new DS-5 units (see http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/132743.html). I suggest contacting Mica to see if there are any available at this time. Congratulations on the new bass! Art

backdoor_hippie · « **Reply #6 on:** September 27, 2012, 10:36:10 AM »

Thanks. I've sent Mica an email. According to what she says in the post they are going to try and keep some of these around, so I've got my fingers crossed.

terryc · « **Reply #7 on:** October 06, 2012, 12:12:51 PM »

backdoor hippie...hope you get the DS-5, although I don't own a Series bass, from what I have read over the years on this forum, the power supply is a must if you want to get the best out of your bass. Reasons?..continuous 18V regulated supply and the the advantage of choosing stereo or mono at the flick of a switch!.
Good luck on getting one soon!

backdoor_hippie · « **Reply #8 on:** October 06, 2012, 12:50:06 PM »

Mica got a DS-5 off to me pronto. From all I've rad about chewing up batteries it was a bit of a no brainer. Made the bargain price I grabbed this out a little less of one after the outlay for the unit and a cable, but I still consider myself ahead of the game. I owe you guys some pics, but the sun just hasn't been cooperating.

artswork99 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 06, 2012, 03:35:30 PM »

That's great Jake. Continue enjoying that '77 beauty!

terryc · « **Reply #10 on:** October 07, 2012, 02:48:14 PM »

Jake..You will definitely notice a difference with your DS-5, glad to hear you got one..but now there is no excuses...pics please..this site is pornography for Alembic basses LOL