How to connect an instrument pickup to a PA system

You have fitted your instrument with a microphone or pickup, and now you need to connect it to a PA system, an amp or a mixing desk. It is not always as simple as a straight jack cable: impedance, signal level, adapters… We explain how to make the right connections.

Passive or active pickup: why it matters

A passive pickup (piezo, contact) produces a weak, high-impedance signal. Plugged straight into a mixing desk, the sound will be thin, nasal and disappointing. An active pickup (with a built-in preamp or control box) delivers a stronger, more suitable signal. If your pickup is passive, you will need a preamp between the instrument and the PA system.

The preamp: the missing piece

The preamp matches the impedance and boosts the signal of your pickup so that it is compatible with any PA or mixing desk input. Some pickups already have a built-in preamp, such as the Shadow SH-NMG-2 Pickup with preamp for stringed instruments, or the Shadow SH-NFX-UK for ukulele. It is the simplest solution: a single connection and you are ready to go.

The universal pickup: a versatile solution

If you play several instruments, a universal pickup saves you from multiplying your equipment. The Shadow SH-711 Universal Piezo Pickup attaches to any vibrating surface (guitar, oud, djembe, piano…) thanks to its repositionable adhesive putty. Simple and effective for getting out of a tight spot or amplifying an unusual instrument.

The typical signal chain

Here is the standard order for a clean connection:
Instrument + pickup → jack cable → preamp (if passive pickup) → jack or XLR cable → PA system / mixing desk / amp.
Use quality cables to avoid interference. FWF Systèmes cables are designed for instrument pickups and guarantee a clean signal.

Special cases

Double bass

The double bass needs a pickup suited to its low register. The Shadow Nanoflex SH-RBPRO Double Bass Pickup has a built-in preamp and plugs straight into a PA system with no extra link in the chain.

Acoustic guitar on stage

For an acoustic guitar fitted with a built-in Shadow pickup, such as the Shadow MSA-NFX-V, the signal comes out directly on a jack: plug it into an acoustic amp or the mixing desk.

In summary

Connecting an instrument pickup is not complicated once you understand the logic: a passive pickup needs a preamp, an active pickup plugs in directly, and a quality cable does the rest. If you are unsure about the equipment needed for your setup, contact us and we will tell you exactly what you need. Find all our microphones and pickups in our shop.