Author Topic: F-2B into an F-1X (Read 179 times)

David Houck · « **on:** May 06, 2009, 12:50:57 PM »

Like many of you, I'm often thinking of ways to evolve my tone. Currently, I've got the two channels of the DS-5 going into the two channels of the F-2B; and mono out from there to the effects unit. To keep from overdriving the effects unit, the levels on the F-2B are both under five.

What I'm wondering about now is sticking an F-1X in the path after the effects. The reason for doing this would be to add warmth.

Does this make sense? I thought I would run it by you guys before I actually try it.

One downside is that it is another thing in the rack, which is currently a bit out of control (there are actually two effects units in the rack at the moment; a state of affairs I'm not entirely happy with).

crgaston · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2009, 01:27:01 PM »

Haven't you got a Superfilter, Dave? Plenty of warmth to be found there. Try it without racking up the F-1X...should be pretty quick and easy. That's a lot of gain weirdness to deal with, though.

chalie_holmes · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2009, 01:28:18 PM »

Hey Dave,
It sounds pretty interesting to me.With that particular set up (F-2B and F-1X) I would Y connect the F-2B and run that in one channel, and the F-1X would go into another channel, now the decision as to what channel of the DS5 that you would want the Pre-Amps to function in. I'll tell you what, I'll try that setup on my rig tonight because I have an F-2B and I'll tell you what combo I like. But in just thinking about it, I would run the F-1X for the top end and the F-2B for bottom.I do understand the out of control rack thing, because I want to get a compressor to even things out. I just lost a bid for the Drawmer MX30. If I do get one I would have to use my other rack case so everthing would fit, in addition, I have the effects module that you want to sell, and if I were to add that in the rack I would probably need Lou Ferigno to carry it for me!
Chalie

willgunn · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2009, 04:06:07 PM »

Dave,

Perhaps the realistic question might be, what about your current tone DON'T you like? In other words, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Since both the F-2B and the F-1X have tube gain stages, adding one along with the other might be a bit redundant from the warmth standpoint. On the other hand, utilizing both channels of a Superfilter in SERIES (i.e. one channel in hi-pass mode and the other in low-pass mode) between the Mono Out of the F-2B and the input of your F/X unit would add a considerable amount of additional tone-shaping flexibility (I do this myself, and LOVE it). In any case, Happy Experimenting!

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2009, 04:55:17 PM »

Yes, there is indeed an SF-2 in the chain, but I have it after the effects; and yes it is setup with both low pass and high pass filters.

As to what it is that I don't like; I don't really think of it that way. I guess it's more a feeling that the tone is not yet where it can be. This morning when I was practicing, I thought the tone sounded very nice; so in my view, there's nothing to not like.

pacificshine · « **Reply #5 on:** May 07, 2009, 12:48:23 PM »

Dave,
Have you tried experimenting with running a mono signal into one half of the F-2B and using the other half after the effects unit? This should give you a rough idea if it would make sense to add another tube pre-amp to the signal chain. I tried something similar years ago (non-Alembic tube pre-amps) and had trouble with too much gain and excessive noise. The F-1X is very quite so an additional F-2B (or F-1X) might work and prove an interesting variation on the already great tone.
Alan

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2009, 03:41:38 PM »

I have an F-1X, so it would be just as easy to set it on top of rack and run a couple patch cords. And yes, the too much gain and excessive noise are what I'm thinking may be the result.

hendixclarke · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2009, 04:17:46 PM »

Dave on the F-2B panel, jack (1) (with the black and blue stripe cable) "that cable" runs to my fretless bass with full controls of F-2B and F-1X together. (pictures from the back of the panels)... I have F-2B "M" patched to F-1X "Return" then I have a patch from F-1X "Full Range" to my speakers. You only need a total of 4 short patching cables, and you are good.

(Message edited by davehouck on May 08, 2009)

David Houck · « **Reply #8 on:** May 08, 2009, 02:57:03 PM »

Well I hooked up the F-1X today. I tried it both with the normal input, and with going in the effects return like Hal does, which bypasses the first tube stage. For what I was trying to do, what I was listening for, there wasn't a significant difference. I tried to keep the total loudness the same when switching back and forth; but that was difficult to get exactly right, and any perceived difference could have been attributable to changes in total volume.

On the plus side, there were no appreciable problems with gains and noise.

So, I don't know. I may try again; or I may leave it alone for a while and just practice. And of course there are always other ideas to think about.