Question about the P22 and its piezo output

[Evan]

So, I'm considering pulling the trigger on a P22, and am still fuzzy about how exactly the separate piezo output works.

Can I plug it directly into a mixer?

My current setup is a Tubemeister 36 combo, whose DI out I connect straight to a mixer (and will sometimes use my monitors or headphones) in addition to the internal speaker. I also have a Blackstar 5 combo which I'm selling, but would keep if it would prove useful for a P22.

I also have an audio interface for my Mac, which is also connected to my mixer. Any suggestions on how to get the most out of a P22, given what I've got?

 

[MOBirds]

The piezo output works just like an acoustic guitar's internal preamp (for those that have them). So you can plug it into an acoustic amp like the Fishman Loudbox series, or direct to audio interface, or direct (or via direct box) into a PA mixer. The mix/mag output will go to your electric guitar amp (H&K or Blackstar) as normal. If you don't plug a cable directly into the piezo output, then the mix/mag output combines both pickup systems into single out channel. That's why it's called mix/mag, it's either mixed with the peizo if it's only output used, or magnetic pickup only if the piezo output is also used. You can even plug just the piezo out to acoustic amp/PA and not use the mag pups at all.

 

[Egads]

Hey Evan. I run two cables: the magnetic output to my pedalboard, then the amp, and the piezo output into a DI, then directly to the mixing board. You'll get better results going into a DI before you hit board. I've used a bunch of straight DIs, as well as a Baggs Para DI and a BBE Acoustimax. I like the Para DI the most, but the BBE is nice and adds a mute and a sonic maximizer.

There are some really nice tube DIs that are worth looking into, too. If you record or mic an acoustic, this is definitely a good route to follow.

 

[Pfloyd57]

I run 2 cables; the standard magnetic pickups' output to my pedal board, and the piezo output to a Marshall AS100D (Acoustic) amp. If you will be using an amplifier for the piezo, then you really need an amp designed for an acoustic guitar in order to get the most out of a P22/P24.

 

[Evan]

The piezo output works just like an acoustic guitar's internal preamp (for those that have them). So you can plug it into an acoustic amp like the Fishman Loudbox series, or direct to audio interface, or direct (or via direct box) into a PA mixer. The mix/mag output will go to your electric guitar amp (H&K or Blackstar) as normal. If you don't plug a cable directly into the piezo output, then the mix/mag output combines both pickup systems into single out channel. That's why it's called mix/mag, it's either mixed with the peizo if it's only output used, or magnetic pickup only if the piezo output is also used. You can even plug just the piezo out to acoustic amp/PA and not use the mag pups at all.

Thanks for the info! I keep hearing great things about acoustic amps, I just might have to take a look.

 

[Evan]

Hey Evan. I run two cables: the magnetic output to my pedalboard, then the amp, and the piezo output into a DI, then directly to the mixing board. You'll get better results going into a DI before you hit board. I've used a bunch of straight DIs, as well as a Baggs Para DI and a BBE Acoustimax. I like the Para DI the most, but the BBE is nice and adds a mute and a sonic maximizer.

There are some really nice tube DIs that are worth looking into, too. If you record or mic an acoustic, this is definitely a good route to follow.

Hi and thanks! Being wholly unfamiliar with DIs, I really appreciate the info.

I guess I got some googling to do, because I've pulled the trigger on a P22 in Purple Hazel. I trust you're happy with your P22?

 

[Evan]

I run 2 cables; the standard magnetic pickups' output to my pedal board, and the piezo output to a Marshall AS100D (Acoustic) amp. If you will be using an amplifier for the piezo, then you really need an amp designed for an acoustic guitar in order to get the most out of a P22/P24.

Thanks much, that's good to know. Hopefully I'll find a buyer for my Blackstar soon and perhaps talk myself into an acoustic amp. Together with my H&K, that sounds like it could be amazing.

 

[Pfloyd57]

I've pulled the trigger on a P22 in Purple Hazel. I trust you're happy with your P22?

I LOVE my P24 Trem. And hey, my Artist V is purple Hazel! Great minds......

 

[Egads]

I love my P22, though it doesn't get as much play as my SC HB II with piezo. I like the Hollowbody tones and the liveliness so much that everything else just becomes seasoning to the main dish.

You mentioned a mixer in the OP. Does that mean you always have access to a PA? For me, I much prefer going to the PA than a separate dedicated acoustic amp. I totally understand the use of an acoustic amp, especially if you don't have a PA handy all the time. If you do, though, I suggest going that route.

 

[Evan]

I LOVE my P24 Trem. And hey, my Artist V is purple Hazel! Great minds......

Wow, very nice! That Artist V was on my short list.

I've always been crazy about the Purple Hazel finish, and am surprised I don't come across it more (on eBay, for instance). Seems like either PRS doesn't make very many (or people who have 'em never sell 'em ).

 

[Evan]

I love my P22, though it doesn't get as much play as my SC HB II with piezo. I like the Hollowbody tones and the liveliness so much that everything else just becomes seasoning to the main dish.

You mentioned a mixer in the OP. Does that mean you always have access to a PA? For me, I much prefer going to the PA than a separate dedicated acoustic amp. I totally understand the use of an acoustic amp, especially if you don't have a PA handy all the time. If you do, though, I suggest going that route.

Well, what I've got is a small mixer with a pair of KRK Rokit 8 monitors (which are mainly dedicated to my keyboard). But I frequently play with headphones, so I have the Tubemeister going into the mixer.

And my amp and monitors and kind of grouped together, so I'm thinking acoustic amp, maybe a couple acoustic fx pedals...and put it on the other side of the room.