Powered Cab and Tube Rig interconnect question

[James Hart]

I'm running an Ashdown CTM-200r with a pair of Bag End D12 cabinets (2x12"). I'm looking to buy one of Bag End's self powered INFRA subs... Can I run it from the DI of my tube head?

From the Head's specs:
D.I.Output 420 ohms balanced - pre ground lift Level -20dbu nominal
"a tube-driven, transformer-derived DI output with an isolated ground"

From the Cabinet's specs:
Input Connector: 2 XLR summing inputs w/ one XLR male loop through
Input Impedance: 10K ohms
Input CAL Sensitivity: +4 dBu

I've never had a powered speaker... well bass wise, I do have a 12' powered PA sub but only ever ran it bluetooth (it is our out on the deck speaker). I only remembered that while typing, so I may test the plan on it tomorrow.

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I'm not looking for bar gigs or cover bands, I have one of my old drummers moving back to the area and we are looking to put a Blues/Jam/Jazz/Prog instrumental thing together with a guitarist (and maybe some keys) to blow chops and pretend we are teenagers again. We will be playing in an open 2000 sq/ft basement with 10 foot ceiling or out on my ground level deck. I already have a killer bass rig, but miss my old 4x12" + 1x18" mega rig from the mid 80s. I've got a pair of 2x12" cabs now... just need the 1x18".

I've been a Bag End artist since the early 90s and been discussing my desire with them (I want a discontinued old big box 18" in oiled birch like my D12 cabs). Jim suggested and convinced me that their IPD12E-I INFRASUB in an oiled birch cab matching the pair I currently use is what I really need... steeper price than I was looking for (internal power and processor), but I'm on board with the idea.


Picture of my current rig for interest

 

[Rocky]

It sounds like the DI output is mike level (-20 dB) and the sensitivity of the cabinet is line level (+4 dB). My guess is that you're not going to get a lot of output from the sub, because there isn't a lot of input, but you shouldn't hurt anything by trying. You may need some sort of preamp in between.

 

[James Hart]

Thought that might be the case, thanks. Too many other things running through my head and couldn't think of the right words to Google.

 

[crank]

So I have a workaround that gets used on my jam room from tim to time. My bassist only has a small practice amp. I also have a small bass amp. Sometimes we run both but I sometimes mic on of the amps and use a powered speaker run through my mixer on monitor channel and not on the mains.

I also run the keys through the mains as well as having a small keyboard amp used mainly as a monitor for the keyboard player.

Don't have a PA - you should get one... eventually someone is gonna want to sing.

 

[James Hart]

Thanks crank, I appreciate the option! ...but apples and oranges. I've run a pair of 200 watt 1x12" combos in tandem before (also Ashdown stuff)... and I've gigged a 40 watt tube rig with a mic on it... not remotely the ask. Plus, IF we allow someone to sing, I have one of these

I've reached out to Dave & Mark (the head Ashdown tech guru & the boss man himself) about modding my mic level DI to line level and/or adding a second output and/or external solution.

 

[Rocky]

Easiest solution, if a bit cumbersome, would be the use of an unpowered mixer for live sound.

 

[James Hart]

I have 3 mic preamps on hand... Black Lion Audio B173 mkII (Neve 1073 clone)& Auteur DT and an old stereo Presonus Blue Tube needing a new wall wort power supply.

The B173 is actually in a 1/2 width single space rack that I ordered to match the Bag End stuff... I just hate to dedicate my priciest and best sounding mic pre for something I want completely uncolored boosting of the signal.

 

[James Hart]

Maybe this?

ILC19 in line level control for XLR | Rolls Corporation - Real Sound