Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I recently switched from mono to the Rick-O-Sound output. I use a Y-cable. From stereo to 2 x mono.
Both the mono outputs go direct into the two input channels of a '73 Ampeg SVT.
Well....It sounds fantastic! It sounds more direct. Perhaps because of more output gain of the PUPS.
But there's a lot more noise.
What could be the reason for this? Should I change both the phasing of the pickups?
It's a '89 4003 with a Lollar horseshoe.

I haven't done the Rick-O-Sound for a while (requires more equipment). But it does sound wonderful! I think you just may be hearing the single coil pickups a little clearer. They can really pick up transmissions from things like Florescent lights (CFs included) and the likes. Also are your cables good?

Yes, my cables are good.
Maybe I should shield the inner compartment.
It looks like it picks up transmissions from the television and lights more than the mono output.

I give hefty debate to doing this into 2 amps....

Maybe if my band ever has roadies!

I did, a long time ago. Tried it into two amps. Sounded cool, but too much gear.

One time, my bass a,p went out on me, so I ran straight into the PA. A bit lacking on the low end, but the mids and highs were amazing. So then I made a stereo cord and ran into two channels, panned hard left and right. Even more amazing, but I don't think anyone but me ever noticed. Might work well in a studio application, though.

I don't foresee getting a second bass map just for the ROS. However, I have been tinkering with this idea for a while for recording: the neck PU goes to my Fender Rumble 100v3, the bridge goes to a Sansamp BDDI. The outputs from both going to my 8-track recorder via XLR. Not sure how that would sound through headphones or monitors, but worth a try?

My RIC is a 4003S, so that would mean I need Dane's harness for ROS, as well as a Sansamp BBDI (which I am planning to buy).

Speaking of PU noise, mine picks up transmission my computer's harddrives and something else. The noise is bearable when I play. But whenever I put it down, it hums so much that I would have to turn my amp's master volume to 0. I guess I should consider shielding the cavities.

I use a pair of SansAmp RPM preamps instead of 2 amps...

cjj wrote:I use a pair of SansAmp RPM preamps instead of 2 amps...

So, how exactly does that work, CJ? You go from two SansAmp RPMs to one amp, or do you go to separate amps for each pickup?
Whatever it is, I'm sure those SansAmps produce some delicious tone-sculpting sweetness! I own one of the SansAmp Bass DIs, find it very useful for recording/tone shaping, but those RPMs look to be the next level!

squirebass wrote:

cjj wrote:I use a pair of SansAmp RPM preamps instead of 2 amps...

So, how exactly does that work, CJ? You go from two SansAmp RPMs to one amp, or do you go to separate amps for each pickup?
Whatever it is, I'm sure those SansAmps produce some delicious tone-sculpting sweetness! I own one of the SansAmp Bass DIs, find it very useful for recording/tone shaping, but those RPMs look to be the next level!

Not sure if this is what CJ does but I have an old Carvin amp with two inputs... I ran Rick-O-Sound into each channel... that was cool way of getting more out of your rig... Sans amps are great idea! I have a dream of recording my 4001 on 5 channels - DI from each pickup.. mic'ed amp for each Channel and a room mic ... blending could get interesting!

I've just started experimenting with ROS, not had the rick long, using a stereo to 2 mono cable, bridge pickup through pedal board, overdrive, flanger , chorus, and the neck pickup untouched, the signals then pass through a beringer mx 400 line micromixer (£20 !) Then a single feed into 1 amp. I think the next addition needs to be a pair of pre amps, I'm going to try out the beringer bdi21 which are not expensive and have great reviews, this should allow better tone shaping especially in respect of bottom end for the neck pickup. The Ric obviously sounds great mono but there's just that bit extra in stereo especially being able to effect just one pickup.
I'll post again with next instalment!
By the way I didn't notice much interference.

squirebass wrote:

cjj wrote:I use a pair of SansAmp RPM preamps instead of 2 amps...

So, how exactly does that work, CJ? You go from two SansAmp RPMs to one amp, or do you go to separate amps for each pickup?
Whatever it is, I'm sure those SansAmps produce some delicious tone-sculpting sweetness! I own one of the SansAmp Bass DIs, find it very useful for recording/tone shaping, but those RPMs look to be the next level!

Oh, it's WAY more complicated than that. After the SansAmps there's a Rane DC 24 stereo compressor, then some reverb (if I want it), then a Rane AC22B crossover and then to a 2-channel Carvin PA amp.

Here's a post from a few years ago:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=409994&p=809574&hil ... jj#p809574

cjj wrote:..then some reverb (if I want it)

I love the stereo reverbs my Flint produces.

cjj wrote:

squirebass wrote:

cjj wrote:I use a pair of SansAmp RPM preamps instead of 2 amps...

So, how exactly does that work, CJ? You go from two SansAmp RPMs to one amp, or do you go to separate amps for each pickup?
Whatever it is, I'm sure those SansAmps produce some delicious tone-sculpting sweetness! I own one of the SansAmp Bass DIs, find it very useful for recording/tone shaping, but those RPMs look to be the next level!

Oh, it's WAY more complicated than that. After the SansAmps there's a Rane DC 24 stereo compressor, then some reverb (if I want it), then a Rane AC22B crossover and then to a 2-channel Carvin PA amp.

Here's a post from a few years ago:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=409994&p=809574&hil ... jj#p809574

Wowsers!!!
Using Ric-o-Sound along with a Rack-o-Sound! Looks groovy to me! And reverb is an effect I rarely use on bass, but after reading this I'm intrigued with the idea, maybe I'll try it again!
Thanks! for the info, CJ!

Here is a short recording of the 4004L SPC through the Flint. The decay is set pretty long in this example with a fairly high mix level.

jps wrote:Here is a short recording of the 4004L SPC through the Flint. The decay is set pretty long in this example with a fairly high mix level.

1361.MP3

Sweet sounding Jeff!