very large pedal idea for Rickenbacker bass

[Wounded Paw]

So I'm still learning my way in building stompboxes but I have a big project that someone wants me to make for his Rickenbacker (spelling?) bass.  As you may know they have a stereo output jack with each channel coming from the two seperate pickups independently.  Our idea is to build a dual channel pedal or preamp type thing which processes the two channels independently then blends them to send to a single input on an amp.  Something like fuzz/overdrive/distortion and simple tone control on one channel, compressor and eq on the other and a blend for the two like in the paralooper or other similar circuits.  I've got a ton of questions about how to do this but I guess the first one would be is this possible in one pedal running off a single power supply, hopefully just a 9v adaptor? Enough juice?  Interference?
I'm just starting to plan so any thoughts would be appreciated.

[petemoore]

  For 'Bass Preamp' I would say 18v would lift headroom to work with, depending, but at 9v you might run into rails before getting the amount of headroom without rail clipping you want.
  As you may know they have a stereo output jack with each channel coming from the two seperate pickups independently.
  the 'splitting' part is already done, actually two separate sources with some controls...that helps.
    Our idea is to build a dual channel pedal or preamp type thing which processes the two channels independently then blends them to send to a single input on an amp.
  I guess he has a preamp in the amp, perhaps all that cshould need be added is boost to re-multiply the existing Preamp gain.
   Something like fuzz/overdrive/distortion and simple tone control on one channel, compressor and eq on the other and a blend for the two like in the paralooper or other similar circuits.
  Sounds like a fine plan.
  I've got a ton of questions about how to do this but I guess the first one would be is this possible in one pedal running off a single power supply, hopefully just a 9v adaptor? Enough juice?  Interference?
  Headroom would be the only issue I foresee...current consumption, thus far, is probably pretty low, 100ma or better will probably power it..you can just ballpark the current draw, then make sure the adapter rating exceeds that.
  Interference..ie 'PS noise"? yes, many adapters are not regulated well or filtered, VS1Spot is very quiet, has 1700 ma output.
  I would start with a low noise adapter, see if that's enough headroom, then maybe put an MAX1044 wired for 18v supply, or build a power supply for it.
I'm just starting to plan so any thoughts would be appreciated.
  A simple blend circuit, or mixer can sum the two outputs.
  Volume after Fuzz is sometimes a good idea [especially true without a buffer, and nice control, volume controlling before fuzz is also a fuzz gain control, more change in tone than an 'afterfuzz' VC].
  otherwise I think the VC's on the bass guitar can probably be able to cover much of the VC-ing and mixing/blending, it'll probably end up like most other mixed sources, a responsive balance control..ie just tweek one guitar volume pot some and a big difference in mix betweem the two sources will probably be noticable...ie you already have 'pre-gain' knobs there...unless you want the max pregain as presettable to lower value, use the bass guitar knobs for all pregain needs.

[Processaurus]

Interesting idea for those basses.  Very cool.  It also sounds like it could turn into a headache of a project for a newcomer to electronics (no offense).  My friends are always trying to get me to make them crazy shit too.  Given that musicians have changed their minds once or twice in the past about what equipment they use, why not leave open what happens to each pickup, and start with a modified paralooper or Splitter Blend that has a stereo jack input for the two pickups, and an effects loop for each?  Then your friend could try different combinations of existing pedals for each pickup, and switch them out while still getting good use out of your work. 

Also, have you checked out the Boss LS-2?  It would work well for the Rickenbacker, with all of its routing possibilities.  The routing arrangement I'm thinking about (that could be replicated with DIY designs) is being able to switch between the input and a blend of the two effects loops (which wouldn't have to be fed by the loop's send jacks, one could come from the pickup that isn't going to the input). 

Yes, one nine volt supply would be able to supply enough current to power many analog effects.  It'd be just like using a daisy chain with separate pedals.  You can look at "two in one" wiring diagrams that people have posted if you're interested in how to supply power to multiple circuits.

[Wounded Paw]

all good to know.
I'm already making pedals for bass for myself that include a paralooper type arrangement and one or two effects (with a stomp to select which) on the same pcb in the same pedal so that much I'm not too worried about.  I think the important thing about this project is that currently the Rickenbacker is the best part of the signal chain, so... get the best sound to the amp and possibly a DI output and don't count on any good sound processing on that end, and do it on a budget.
Here's my current plan:

stereo input jack - channel A and B from the two pickups

channel A ->  buffer -> fuzz, distortion, overdrive, something crunchy but not too fizzy -> simple tone control -> volume -> buffer -> blend

channel B -> buffer -> compressor, Orange Squeezer mebbe -> 3 band eq tuned for bass -> volume -> buffer -> blend

blend -> final volume with boost if necessary -> output jack to amp
         -> also output to DI

[Wounded Paw]

In this arrangement the level controls for the seperate pickups on the bass would act as the pre gain for the two channels so if he wanted more crunch while playing, turn up that channel pickup, more clarity turn up the other pickup.  hmmm, this is gonna be an interesting project.

[Bernardduur]

Cool!

Right now I am already building some kind of this; on the start I buffer the signals, puts it through 2 different FX loops (one for the bridge pickup, one for the neck) and then blends it in beautifull with two switches for on / off on each loop + tuner out

It sounds great!

[Gus]

Build two buffers and use them at the input of a small mixer like a mackie etc.  Take the two outputs go to your effects then into the mixer use the buffers just before the inputs to the mixer if you are going bass to mixer direct(You would need to check the input r of the mixer channels)

I have seen small mixers for sale under $50.00 IIRC.

Some small mixers can overlaod in a cool way and often have EQ.

If your realy clever build two phantom powered DIs and use the micrphone phantom to power the DIs

[Dave_B]

One thing you might consider: Make at least one of those circuits a Flipster.  I use one on my Rick and it's a nice sound. 

[trevize]

looks like you should check the acoustiic 360+ bass preamp clones at moosapotamus

http://www.moosapotamus.net/THINGS/360+.htm

didn't check the schematic but it should be quite easy to make a split version of the fuzz + clean preamp.

[markm]

I may be wrong but, I beleive there is a "kit" from Rickenbacker to enable the stereo to be used.
I don't think it is useful in it's stock form without the stereo adapter from Ricenbacker which is called "Ric-O-Sound."
You'd probably have to modify the instrument.
Like I stated above, I may be wrong but I recall this from a stereo 360-12 that I used to own.

[Gus]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Xenyx-802?sku=631263

might be something to think about

something like this with two microphone channels with phantom to power two DIY  DI boxes.

Google phantom DI box DIY you should find some information.  There are even tube phantom DI circuits on the web if you look.

Have you ever turned the gain up on a cheaper mixer and and turned the faders way down and adjusted the eq? sometimes the cheap mixers opamps clip in a cool way and the built in eq if it has it lets you shape the sound

Now back to the question mixers can have built in EQ that you can use to mix the channels cut/boost the lows cut/boost the highs some have mid controls.  I don't think you could build something for the cost of the cheaper mixers. 

[Bernardduur]

I may be wrong but, I beleive there is a "kit" from Rickenbacker to enable the stereo to be used.
I don't think it is useful in it's stock form without the stereo adapter from Ricenbacker which is called "Ric-O-Sound."
You'd probably have to modify the instrument.
Like I stated above, I may be wrong but I recall this from a stereo 360-12 that I used to own.

The Ric O sound is a stereo jack to two mono jacks

Simple but expensive

[Dave_B]

I've had mine since '89 and I've never used that jack.     I always planned to build a stereo cord but then I'd feel compelled to carry the extra gear to take advantage of it.