For my Taylor (2013 818e), I now have a high quality instrument cable (TRS-XLR/M) and the XLR/F-TS Audix impedance matching transformer ...vs just a simple TS patch cable that I had before.
I find that:
- its most definitely 'different' with the impedance transformer
- need to keep the LoudBox gain much lower ( eg 9 oclock)
- can hardly get it to 'clip', but raising the gain past 10 oclock is just too noisy
- the gain on the guitar is much less sensitive
- still need Master at 12 oclock or more for "loud"
- still hissy (only noticeable when not playing, or playing quiet finger style)
So, based on observations to date, the problem was not really solved.I am sitting almost on top of the amp ( arms length away)... and playing is a vary quiet carpeted room, so perhaps I am being too critical..... its just that the cheapo Epi acoustic is dead quiet (as is the Taylor when direct to PA from what I recall)
I can do more tests with no cable, cable only, cable plus guitar, different cables, different impedance transformers, playing further away from amp, etc. ..will need to keep a written log with so many combinations... but I think it just is what it is! Cannot get rid of the hiss with a Taylor!
There are (at least) two other approaches I have not tried yet -- use an TRS-XLR cable direct from Taylor to the LoudBox, which per the block diagram, the Loudbox will see as a microphone input and thus it will go through the Loudbox pre-amp... in theory, doesn't appear to be a good idea given the Taylor already has a pre-amp...but then again, that would be happening anyway if I were to use a mic on the Taylor and feed it to the Loudbox.
- use a mic (!), XLR cable direct to the Loudbox
UPDATE -
I ended up doing this for now:
a) Taylor TRS to Fishman TRS, 1/4 in. No matching impedance transformer. No mic amp engaged on LoudBox. This gave me the best setup re lowest noise, highest volume and natural tone.
b) DI Out (XLR) to XLR in on Mixer onto PA.
Loudbox aside, I also found that when I need to connect my Taylor to the mixer, best combination there was Taylor TRS to Mixer XLR.
