#232

Sounds like it could be a hardware problem. Sometimes a short can develop between the lift switch and the back of one of the transformers over time (there is a piece of insulating tape that might have deteriorated).
Message us and we’ll sort it out: service@whimsicalraps.com

#233

Thank you for the info :slight_smile: I emailed after you sent this but haven’t heard anything back yet. It would be awesome to hear back today bc I may be coming to the city tomorrow so I can bring it with me. Thanks so much

#234

While I already owned a RIP, I recently procured a Meng Qi Please Exist 2 for another modular-based instrument.

For those interested, I have been A/B’ing the PE2 with RIP. They are very very similar in sound character and quality, but the PE2 has a slightly hotter output and seems to be a little more sensitive to saturation. I actually like the PE2 with its tiny bit of extra edge a little more than the RIP, while RIP is definitely smoother, which may be desired.

They both sound fantastic and do really well at glueing a patch, and sound much better as an output over the audio out from my Intellijel 7u case (which I’m now just using as a stereo effects loop).

In summary, if you really want that smooth Cinemag sound it’s worth the effort and cost, but Meng Qi’s custom designed transformers are dirtier and cheaper to boot. Differences between the two are subtle, but they are there.

15 Likes
#235

Hello, just reaching out bc Ive still not heard back from my support email and its been a while. not sure if it wasn’t received for some reason but I think it did send fine. thank you :slight_smile:

#236

Is anyone using the RIP as an input for an acoustic instrument with a pick up? I’m thinking about getting a bouzouki or mandolin and considering whether it’s worth paying a few extra bucks to get one with a pick up & 1/4 out – I know there’s other modules I could use for this and I know I would need to add some gain. Assuming only using RIP, how well would this work? Would I be better off with a boost in line before the transformer?

#237

Has anyone used RIP with a guitar amp? Seems like the levels might be close to fine?

#238

my not super scientific testing leads me to believe you need to attenuate about -18dB more to be about the same level as a guitar.

(start at volume 10 running through my AC30 measured 90dB with my phone decibel meter. Pulled down a limiter at the end of my 301 chain until the phone read about the same with an oscillator going through at around guitar frequency.

EDIT: I update the value coz I did not realize I was pushing the oscillator up in another part of the chain

1 Like
#239

Speaking of DB levels and RIP, is there an expected amount of attenuation (like a specific -db amount)? I lose a lot of amplitude, almost an impractical amount. For example I’m using mangrove without it’s Air to clipping point as a sound source, I have to boost the signal up a good 12-16db to get a mixable volume

#240

I don’t know about RIP specifically, but passive DIs commonly attenuate by 20db, which is more than what you’d generally want for converting modular levels to line, which is maybe 6db? The amount of boost you’re adding is in line with these numbers.

#241

Ahh thank you thank you. Makes sense then

#242

Relatedly, I sometimes have trouble getting good levels when going straight through the PAs at venues – does using RIP negate the need for a DI box? Am I basically attenuating the signal twice by going into a DI box?

What should I be asking the sound folks to provide me to get the best sound quality/level ?

#243

It was my understanding that RIP is a passive DI box, I don’t think you should need to go through another one if you’re using RIP

3 Likes
#244

Hello RIP users. I have picked up a DIY RIP recently and have a question about the RIP. I know you are supposed to use TRS cables when outputting the signal from RIP. What if you are inputting a line level into RIP from a guitar pedal rig? Should you use TRS cables in that circumstance as well?

#245

[edit: disregard, see Trent’s info below]

AFAIK: TRS is required, but you don’t need signal on both lines. Use half an insert cable if you have a strictly-TS source. You may experience 6dB lower volume output. TS doesn’t work because if you ever short tip and ring together then the balun transformer might cancel the signal entirely.

1 Like
#246

I’m going to disagree here. TS cables should work fine. The Ring will just be grounded which is, in this case, equivalent to floating. A TS shorts ring to shield, not tip to ring.

The real reason is that most guitar pedals require a TS cable in their output jack. Using a TRS cable, many pedals won’t turn on.

7 Likes
#247

I found an surprise use for RIP today: You can really boost the noise from your powersupply if you want to diagnose the character of noise from digital modules to your power supply. :laughing:

7 Likes
#248

If you use a 1/4"-to-1/8" cable, could you double up and get 20dB gain? :open_mouth:

#249

If you are going straight from your rack into the house system, no other DI needed.

I would pick up some long (~25’) TRS to XLR-M cables and you can go right into their stage snake / box from wherever you are on stage

The sound engineer will thank you :sunglasses:

1 Like
#250

I’ve been considering adding a DIY RIP next to my XOH before the audio goes out to my Zoom H6. I’ve never really heard any A/B examples of audio “lifted” by RIP and I’m wondering if someone can send me some quick examples so I can determine if RIP might be right for me. For what it’s worth, my modular setup is heavily populated by Make Noise and I’m a sinusoidal drone lover, so any examples with that in mind would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, friends!

#251

The lift switch simply solves the problem of 60 cycle hum/buzzing if you’re having grounding issues.

Maybe you’re curious about the sound of driving the iron cores?

4 Likes