Daisy-chaining rackmount gear?

[newey]

I'm slowly assembling the makings of a rackmount system for use with multiple instruments.

Through some judicious, E-baying activities, I have recently acquired:

- A Digitech DSP 128+ Effects processor. It has stereo instrument-level ¼" inputs, with the R channel designated for mono input. It has stereo ¼" outs, switchable from instrument-level to line level.

- A BBE 383 Acoustic preamp. It has an input impedance of 3.32MΩ (¼") and output is described as "max rated +18dBu, depending on settings".

First of all, I assume there is no problem using a mag pickup electric guitar through the acoustic preamp, because the mfr. claims it will accommodate all types of acoustic pickups, including magnetic ones.

Can these two units be 'daisy chained' so that the output of the BBE goes into the Digitech? Given that the output on the Digitech unit is switchable to line level, I'd like that one to be 2nd in the chain.

Or, am I risking frying one or t'other of these, and should I just run them separately to an amp?

And yes, for those of you wondering, I have indeed gone digital. It's the end of an era; I've joined the 1990's. ;D

[ashcatlt]

You're not going to fry anything.

The worst you can do is distort the heck out of the Digitech's input. This might be a sound I'd use once or twice, but it's likely not something you'd enjoy. I'm pretty sure you'd be able to find a combination of settings for the output on the BBE and the input on the Digitech which would work okay.

[cynical1]

Quick question - is this a BBE 383 or a BBE 386?

According to what I saw on the BBE site the BBE 383 is a bass preamp.

From what I saw in the BBE 386 manual, you have an input gain control. You should be able to ramp that down if the signal is too strong coming out of your DSP 128+

You also should have level selector switch on the back of the DSP 128+ which sets the output gain and instrument level.

From what I can tell in the product literature you should be fine chaining the DSP 128+ and the BBE pre-amp. The worst you'll do is overdrive and distort your final signal if you don't watch the gain controls. You'll have to tweak things a bit until you find the tone you want, but I wouldn't worry about blowing anything up...besides, the preamp is fused.

...and you have insurance...

Happy Trails

Cynical One

...and welcome to the 90's...

[ashcatlt]

Okay, since cynical1 looked up the BBE, I went and looked at the manual for the Digi. From what it says, it's the inputs which are switchable between instrument and line level. The outputs are line level only. Both ins and outs can be balanced or not.

It says that it's got a maximum input level = +18dBv.

dBv = dBu, not to be confused with dBV.

Looks like switching this thing to line will have everything all set up and happy for you. You'd be best off using balanced connections if the BBE has the option.

[newey]

Thanks, guys, I was pretty sure it was going to be OK but needed some confirmation.

Ash is right, I mis-typed. It is the input on the Digi which is switchable.

[ChrisK]

I'm slowly assembling the makings of a rackmount system

Hmmm, do you actually have a rack?

[newey]

Cyn-

Yes, it's a BBE 386. I did read both the manuals but info therein was limited as far as interconnecting things.

Chris-

No rack yet as I'm not sure, until I add a power amp, whether I'll need a 4- or 6-space. Both the units I have are single space; power amps tend to be either one or two-spaces high. I read somewhere that it's a good idea to leave 1U space above the power amp for airflow, so if I get a 1U amp, a 4-space rack would allow that.

If I end up with a 2U amp, then a 6-space would be needed to allow for an extra space (as I have never seen a 5U rack).

The six space would also allow for a power conditioner and/or other future expansion, Of course, more weight and expense, too.

So, my theory was components first, rack second. Speaker cab(s) are also down the road, since the amp I end up with will affect that choice as well.