Author Topic: Effects and/or Processors (Read 403 times)

kevin_k · « **on:** August 13, 2003, 02:41:57 PM »

Could someone please suggest a good processor or effects hardware I can add to my rig? Currently using a F1-X without anything else. I have one rack space left, two if I remove my tuner. I would prefer a rackmount type, however I am flexible. I have heard of a few companies...Line 6, Lexicon, etc...however I don't have a clue where to beginning. I would like to add a little flavor to my Mark King. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Kevin

mattheus · « **Reply #1 on:** August 13, 2003, 11:46:29 PM »

Hi there,
A little more than a year ago I struggled with the same problem. I've tried several effectprocessors. I found the Lexicon LXP-15 a pretty good option, but that had a dip in the sounds when you switched the effects. Finally I came across Line6 Bas Pod pro. It isn't the best preamp, compared to the Alembic preamps. But it has some fine effects onboard. Like: mutron, distortion, flanger, phaser, chorus, octaver etc. Another advantage is the fact that you can make your own presets with diferent preamps, so can can change your sound totally with a little tap on the floorboard. It's a really nive toy to play with. Though I must say that the onboard effects are not so good as the original effectsprocessors. But then again, in that case you would end up with an effectrack which is almost 24 HE...... And that's a lot of knobs
Good luck with your search, keep 'um grooving

Mattheus tDo

palembic · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2003, 01:35:27 AM »

Hi Kevin,

I have a 1-space effect I use for bass: the Lexicon MPX-100 with on/off footswitch.
Unfortunately it's not continued anymore. I could buy it very cheap. But I guess there will be a follow up.
I have the inpression that it's more an effect to be used in studio conditions athough in the manual it's showed with guitar too.
The fine thing on this device is that a lot is ready made and with a simpe rotating switch you choose the effect combination you want. So it's not really digital displaying but analog (i.e. the difference between a watc h with pointers and a watch with digits as visual interface).
Although the device is programmable (but than in a more complex way to proceed).
On the effect you can separately ttweak the input and output level + the mix level: the degree you want the manipulated soud with the clean sound.
Alas I', on this moment a little handicaped because my effect is not re-installed in my rack yet. As soon as I do it I'lll keep you guys posted.

Paul the bad one

palembic · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2003, 01:59:52 AM »

(Message edited by palembic on August 14, 2003)

kevin_k · « **Reply #4 on:** August 14, 2003, 12:04:18 PM »

Thanks for the info Mattheus & Paul

I am currently researching many brands & companies that offer effects. I came across a company called Lovetone in the UK. They offered a products called Meatball. I believe it is an envelope filter. I think they have discontinued this product??? Also I am am looking into a product called Mu-Tron III + envelope filter. It has good reviews. I might get the MuTron and a Flanger and an Octabass pedal and skip getting a rackmount processor. But then I will have 3 pedals to deal with. I was told to check out T.C. Electronics G Major processor which is a rackmount unit. Or another option is the SF2 superfilter, but Alembic has none available for sale at the moment. So many decisions.

mattheus · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2003, 12:34:30 PM »

Such a big world, with so many FX, and so little time to put them all to the test.
Without pushing you towards the Line6; it has it all onboard. But honestly, nothing sounds as good as the original! Besides my Bass Pod pro, I also use a few FX pedals. A very good technician made me a 19 unit with them all in it. I have a footcontroller in front of me, with which I can turn them on or of. Perhaps I can send you some pictures someday.
Ps. that Mutron is really coooooooooool!!!

Mattheus tDo

cdf · « **Reply #6 on:** August 15, 2003, 06:40:17 AM »

Kevin,

I haven't used any Lovetone products myself, but I have heard them and they sound really good. I think Warren Haynes uses some of them in his guitar set-up. The Mutron III however is my all time favorite effect. I use this with my guitar, but it would really groove with a Bass as well, I imagine. One note, the Mutron III+ is a knock off made by a company called Haz or something like that. The original (and superior IMHO Mutron III) is no longer produced, but can often be found on E-Bay. I have two and may put one of them on there myself someday. Another alternative is the Q-Tron or Q-Tron+ by Electro-Harmonix. This is designed by Richard Beigel the original Mutron-III designer. It is virtually the same with only a difference in grounding and is likely a little less expensive than a vintage Mutron-III. Well probably dragging on too long here, but only because I am so fond of the Mutron-III. It ranges from subtle to downright wild, and is very responsive to individual playing technique. For example G. Clinton and J. Garcia both Mutron-III devotees, but 2 very different sounds. Unit also sounds cool with keyboards as with some of S. Wonder's stuff.

Manfred · « **Reply #7 on:** August 15, 2003, 05:10:15 PM »

Hi all,

The Mutron III is great, I'm using two of them plus a Mutron Ocatave Divider. Really great stuff, but go for an original, not the knock off III+. I believe the Q-tron has more mids. I owned one but sold it because I preferred the Mutrons. The Lovetone Meatball is the best filter there is, it has more options and once you know how it works it is fantastic. i prefer the Mutron on stage because these things are build like a tank. If you want everyting or don't want to carry around all these pedals, the Lexicon G2 is an option. It has about 76 effects including Mutrons and everyting. My guitarplayer is using one. i'm not sure if its suitable for bass too. Or the Line 6 FM4.

Manfred

edwin · « **Reply #8 on:** August 21, 2003, 07:27:54 AM »

I use the Lexicon G2 and it replaced a huge pedal board and a 12 space rack. The only downside is that it is hard to improvise effects. Having the pedal board and rack gear made it easier to do that. but if you want to get very repeatable sounds ona consistent basis, the G2 is awesome.

Edwin

xlrogue6 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2003, 05:47:14 PM »

I just got a Boss GT-6B. The factory sounds are (surprise!) stunningly useless, but so far it seems promising in the bit of programming I've done thus far. This weekend I'll try it in a band context and also give it a good A/B to make sure I'm not sacrificing any tone when it's bypassed. Things that adversely affect the best reproduction of my Alembics don't get to live in my signal path. If I like the effects enough I guess I'll build a straight wire bypass switch box.

Kent

xlrogue6 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 21, 2003, 05:49:35 PM »

I just got a Boss GT-6B. The factory sounds are (surprise!) stunningly useless, but it seems promising in the bit of programming I've done thus far. This weekend I'll try it in a band context and also give it a good A/B to make sure I'm not sacrificing any tone when it's bypassed. Things that adversely affect the best reproduction of my Alembics don't get to live in my signal path. If I like the effects enough I guess I'll build a straight wire bypass switch box.

Kent

kevin_k · « **Reply #11 on:** August 25, 2003, 07:27:34 AM »

If anyone is interested I just received word that Lovetone is going to reissue their Meatball envelope filter. They go for 299 pounds. I went ahead and ordered one. They have great reviews. According to Lovetone the reissue will be identical in manufacturing and qualtiy as the original ones. (I hope so) Also I was looking into EBS Octabass pedal. I believe they are a Swedish company with a good reputation.