Okay, here?s what I know. I know that the reason Alembic preamps and filters are so fine is because they are preamps and filters built by the wizards at Alembic. I know this sounds redundant, but that?s about all I know as to why they?re at the top of their field. The quality is obvious when you play one of their instruments. The same thought and care is just as evident in their preamps and filters. Your ears will confirm this to be true.
I am a guitarist who dabbles with bass (although, thanks to Alembic, my bass playing is starting to come around bit by bit). I use my SF-2 for both bass and guitar. It shapes sound in ways I?m only starting to get accustomed. It?s hard to describe sound, however, suffice to say it brings out tones that until now, I?ve only heard at concerts of the highest quality. It?s a wonderful tool. I?m just beginning to learn its capabilities, and already I?m sold on the shapes of sounds that I?ve been able to produce. It is as good as they say it is?. Of course it is, otherwise, they wouldn?t say it.
As for the F1-X, so far I?ve only used it with the bass, and I?ve read mixed points of view on whether it?s good for the guitar. I?ll chain it into my guitar rig when I get a chance and let you know. It seems to me that it would probably work for guitar as well. I could be wrong there, so please don?t assume that I know what I?m talking about when it comes to the F1-X. It just might be that the F2-B is more up the guitar?s alley.
As far as how to use them: If your combo amp has an effects loop, you can use them. I play guitar through a Mesa Boogie combo amp, and the SF-2 sparkles through the effects loop. I play bass through the F1-X w/ SF-2 through it?s effects loop, powered through a Mackie 1400i into an Ampeg PR2X12H. It sounds good to me. Eventually, I?ll fill it out with an couple of 15?s or an 18, and I'd like to power it with a Mesa 400+ but for now, this sounds just fine.
I also use a SWR Workingman's 15 as a practice amp at my work. The F1-X and SF-2 chain great through it's effects loop.
These are only a couple of the ways to use this equipment, I?m sure others will come soon and fill in the blanks?..
I hope this helps a little?..
(Message edited by hollis on November 18, 2004)
