Vintage Vibe Pianos | Active and Passive Electronics

The electronics on a Vintage Vibe Pianos are offered in two different configurations: Passive and Active.

PASSIVE ELECTRONICS:

The output level of the piano is limited to that of the piano’s magnetic pickups; there are no gain stages nor effects. The output level is comparable to that of a guitar and for most all uses will therefore need to be amplified by another device such as a preamplifier, mixing console or PA.

 

The provided controls are also similar to those found in electric guitars. They are comprised of potentiometers and capacitors that cut frequencies from the piano’s signal which allows you to achieve limited tone sculpting. We have included controls for both the bass and treble frequencies. The volume control sets the overall output level at the mono ¼” output jack.

The passive model does not require any external power for its own function.

ACTIVE ELECTRONICS:

The output level of the active model is much hotter than that of a passive model due to the onboard preamplifier. A switchable FET gain stage can impart a tube like characteristic to the tone. The eq circuit is capable of not only cutting bass and treble frequencies, but boosting them as well, which allows for expansive tone shaping possibilities.

The built in tremolo circuit has controls for depth and speed and can produce a ping-pong effect when used in stereo via the ¼” left and right output jacks. As a visual indicator, an LED on the front panel pulses in time with the tremolo. In addition to the preamplifier, the active model also boasts a stereo headphone amplifier accessible by a ¼” jack.

The active model needs to be plugged into a grounded wall outlet of between 110 – 240VAC in order for the preamplifier and controls to function.