Passive Ibeam/para acoustic DI combol, weak signal

[Viking1]

Hello,
I have a 73 Gibson J-200 that i have installed the passive I-beam. i recently purchased the para acoustic DI to use with it after reading that this is the best pre-amp option for the passive I-beam. The pick up sounds great at low volume, the problem is that I am having to run the gain almost full volume to get a decent signal to the Board. This is causing some extra noise (like a ground buzz) running the gain this high. Is the gain ever supposed to be almost full volume for this set up? it seems a little over half way for the gain should be on the high side. It also seems the double stick tape is not adhering properly. The pick up was knocked loose the other night and turned sideways in the guitar when i bumped it against a stool. Thanks for any help you can give me. I currently have the pre-amp on the stage like a pedal, maybe i need to afix it to the strap and use a much shorter cord from the oick up to the pre-amp.

[Bryan McManus]

Hi Viking,

How long is the cable between the iBeam and the Para DI?

For best results, we recommend a cable no longer than 10 feet between the two. Passive piezo signals are attenuated by approximately -1dB per foot of cable. The iBeam is a fairly low output pickup. A cable longer than 12 feet can attenuate the iBeam signal beyond just signal strength and begin to diminish the tone as well.

Optimal connectivity would be the passive iBeam, a cable of about 10 feet, the gain control on the Para DI set to near 3:00 on the dial and fine-tune from there. Then, use the master output volume at full in order to send the strongest signal to the PA or mixer channel.

[Viking1]

The cable i was using was about 6ft. I am really thinking of mounting the Para DI on the strap and using a really good patch cable from it to the pick up. This way there should be very little attenuation and the controls will be with in quick reach. Do you see any problems with this type of set up? I appreciate you responding and for the advice on the gain/volume setting.

Thanks Bryan

[Bryan McManus]

Hi Viking,

I see nothing wrong with that concept except for the weight of the Para DI tied to your strap above the guitar. It should not require the preamp be so close or so inconveniently attached to your person. It sounds as thought your iBeam may have a fault. If you'd like to send it to us for testing and repair or replacement, we're happy to test it and proceed accordingly.

[Viking1]

That would be ideal. Where and to who's attention should i send it?

Thanks Bryan

[Bryan McManus]

That would be ideal. Where and to who's attention should i send it?

Please reach me directly at [email protected] or call 805-929-3545, ext. 111. I'll get your contact info and issue a return authorization reference number.

[Viking1]

Thanks Bryan, The Ibeam is on its way to you.