Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories > Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories
Drop In replacement for ES?
MrHarryReems:
I'm looking for a drop in replacement for the ES system in my 814ce. The balanced output doesn't work well with a wireless where I can't use a transforming adapter to get the gain where it's supposed to be. I'm considering the Mi Si Align XT, but I can't find much information on the sound quality of that unit. I want something that is a drop in replacement and uses the stock knob holes. Taylor refuses to sell me an upgrade to the ES2 until next year.
michaelw:
using an off-board pre-amp (K4, venue or similar) should be able to get the
gain structure to where it's usable with your wireless transmitter -
the misi align XT is touted as being a retrofit ES replacement, but a plate to
mount the output jack, once the ES power supply is removed, would be needed
http://mi-si.com/products/
the bband A11 pre-amp could be made to work with the ES holes
http://www.b-band.com/index.php?mact=Products,cntnt01,details,0&cntnt01hierarchyid=5&cntnt01productid=11&cntnt01returnid=151
MrHarryReems:
--- Quote from: michaelw on June 13, 2015, 06:23:02 PM ---using an off-board pre-amp (K4, venue or similar) should be able to get the
gain structure to where it's usable with your wireless transmitter -
the misi align XT is touted as being a retrofit ES replacement, but a plate to
mount the output jack, once the ES power supply is removed, would be needed
http://mi-si.com/products/
the bband A11 pre-amp could be made to work with the ES holes
http://www.b-band.com/index.php?mact=Products,cntnt01,details,0&cntnt01hierarchyid=5&cntnt01productid=11&cntnt01returnid=151
--- End quote ---
The MSI system doesn't say anything about the heel plate. Does the bband have the same issue? How do these sound? Is there any way around the wonky half-gain balanced output other than a transforming adapter? It's a serious PITA for gigging.
michaelw:
--- Quote from: MrHarryReems on June 15, 2015, 01:55:14 PM ---The MI-SI system doesn't say anything about the heel plate.
--- End quote ---
the mi-si align XT may not mention anything about the tailblock output jack plate,
but when the ES power supply output jack assembly is removed, it leaves a sizable
oval hole, which needs to be covered in order to mount a standard 1/2" output strap jack -
here is an example of a tailblock output jack plate (see EndPort)
http://www.truplugusa.com/
--- Quote from: MrHarryReems on June 15, 2015, 01:55:14 PM ---Does the bband have the same issue?
--- End quote ---
the bband will also require a tailblock output jack plate
--- Quote from: MrHarryReems on June 15, 2015, 01:55:14 PM ---How do these sound?
the align XT utilizes a LR baggs UST (Element?) with their own pre-amp
while the bband can use either a UST (22R narrow or 29R wide) or a SBT (1470) -
my experience with bband USTs is that they are extremely sensitive to any variation
in saddle slot slot depth & to have a balanced response it may require a bit of tweaking
i prefer the Element UST over the fishman matrix, but to my ear, the LR baggs lyric
wins hands down or if a dual source pick up is desired, the anthem SL or anthem
--- Quote from: MrHarryReems on June 15, 2015, 01:55:14 PM ---Is there any way around the wonky half-gain balanced output other than a transforming adapter?
--- End quote ---
the magnetic ES balanced output (either 1/4" TRS or lo-Z XLR) is
significantly hotter than a standard unbalanced signal (1/4" TS cable),
so i'm unclear on what you're referring to, in terms of 'half-gain balanced output'
--- End quote ---
MrHarryReems:
--- Quote from: michaelw on June 17, 2015, 06:59:51 PM ---the magnetic ES balanced output (either 1/4" TRS or lo-Z XLR) is
significantly hotter than a standard unbalanced signal (1/4" TS cable),
so i'm unclear on what you're referring to, in terms of 'half-gain balanced output'
--- End quote ---
If you plug any standard guitar, like my Larrivee, or a Taylor with the new ES2 system with a standard 1/4" TS cable into an amp , board, or wireless, you are going to get a fairly standard gain signal. Swap it for an ES1 equipped guitar with a TS cable, and the signal drops to about half gain. A TRS cable with a transforming adapter to a standard 1/4" TS plug will bring the gain back up, but a bit hotter as you say. The 1/2 gain signal is a serious problem when you're running in a band setting, so the TRS with a transforming adapter is required to run through a pedalboard or the like and have a signal comparable to the rest of the band. The problem with a wireless is that it doesn't have a balanced TRS plug, so it's getting a half gain signal, rendering it unusable.
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