Pre-amp for K&K pure mini

MikeInBethesda · #1 10-26-2017, 12:35 PM

Hi all,

I have a K&K installed in a couple of my guitars, and I really like them for their simplicity and tonal aspects. That said, I'm looking for an affordable pre-amp that I can use for volume control, better output, and EQ. Anyone have recommendations for a fairly simple and affordable pre-amp that would work well with this pick-up?

Thanks, Mike

curbucci · #2 10-26-2017, 01:17 PM

If your afortable is $100 & under check out the Ultrasound DI Plus.

6L6 · #3 10-26-2017, 01:20 PM

Save a bit longer and get the K&K Pre amp designed for the pickup.

However...

If you're playing into an acoustic amp, don't use a pre amp. Playing into a PA, though, it's OK.

Methos1979 · #4 10-26-2017, 02:15 PM

A used K&K or Para DI, maybe even a used Red Eye. All great choices.

MrErikJ · #5 10-26-2017, 02:35 PM

There's been some debate whether input impedance of 1mohm or 10mohm makes a perceivable difference with the K&K. I think any good preamp, like the Para DI, Fishman Platinum, or Fire Eye, will work nicely with it. As long as you have a powerful EQ on it, you can fine tune the K&K pretty well.

El Conquistador · #6 10-26-2017, 03:25 PM

In a head to head real life gig comparison, I chose RedEye over the K&K pre and love it, but, it does not have the very first thing you asked for, volume control.

Steve

MikeInBethesda · #7 10-26-2017, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6L6

Save a bit longer and get the K&K Pre amp designed for the pickup.

However...

If you're playing into an acoustic amp, don't use a pre amp. Playing into a PA, though, it's OK.

Why is that??

Scatcat · #8 10-26-2017, 04:27 PM

Zoom A3, good sound at a good price!

Coastman · #9 10-26-2017, 04:50 PM

I have K&K in my acoustics and run thru a Red Eye Twin into the PA system at church. Works great. Does not have a volume control but it does have a Gain and Treble control, as well as a Boost switch with it's own Gain control if you need to occasionally play louder (lead rifts, etc).

fitness1 · #10 10-26-2017, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeInBethesda

Hi all,

I have a K&K installed in a couple of my guitars, and I really like them for their simplicity and tonal aspects. That said, I'm looking for an affordable pre-amp that I can use for volume control, better output, and EQ. Anyone have recommendations for a fairly simple and affordable pre-amp that would work well with this pick-up?

Thanks, Mike

What are you running it into, and what is affordable?

MikeInBethesda · #11 10-26-2017, 08:08 PM

Depending on the situation, into a small acoustic amp, or direct to PA

JayBee1404 · #12 10-27-2017, 01:34 AM

Not a Baggs Para-DI. The input impedance of the Para-DI is a bad mis-match for the K&K, off by a factor of 10. The result is bloated bass, which needs a lot of EQ to level out (if at all).

Look for a pre-amp/DI with an input-Z of 1 megohm, or close to that. As you would expect, K&K's own pre-amps have that and are a perfect match for their pickups.

I can personally vouch for Orchid Electronics' Acoustic Guitar Pre-amp, and also their Muting DI - very high-quality UK-built units, heavy-duty steel cases, top-quality components, superb sound. I dumped my Baggs Para-DI (which sounded dreadful) for one of each of these two Orchid units (which one I use depends on what I'm doing at the gig, and what the other amplification arrangements are).

http://www.orchid-electronics.co.uk

Schau_ins_Regal · #13 10-27-2017, 02:42 AM

I suggest the Boss GE-7. Simple, cheap, works.

Ed-in-Ohio · #14 10-27-2017, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schau_ins_Regal

I suggest the Boss GE-7. Simple, cheap, works.

Excellent "outside the box" suggestion, and these are readily available used (just be sure to look for a newer model, as they are quieter).

emmsone · #15 10-27-2017, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schau_ins_Regal

I suggest the Boss GE-7. Simple, cheap, works.

On a very similar note, I used (i still do when in the instances I'm using my JJB equipped guitar) a Boss LS-2 line selector pedal. It (like the GE-7) has the same 1M ohm impedance that the K&K/JJb's like.
It has no eq onboard though as I always did my eq on the mixer if playing through a PA or on the amp if playing through an amp.
Because of the Line selector function where both 'lines' have a separate gain knob, you can set line B to zero and then it functions as a mute pedal, or set the level slightly higher than line A and it becomes a boost pedal, which is a pretty handy feature