Author Topic: SF2 Question for Mica (Read 273 times)

zitologist · « **on:** July 30, 2003, 11:09:51 PM »

Mica, my SF2 post reminded me of this question, which I never asked. I once used an SF2 with a stereo power amp, running one filter into each channel, and using two different cabinets. It was a simple and elegant setup, which produced a very clean and cutting sound. the problem was that the SF2 did not have the output to use it alone as my preamp. Have you ever considered making the SF2 with an output stage that could make the output gain comparable to that of the F1X, if desired? P.S. Thanks for your help today in discussion of the ramp and midrange modules. -W.

palembic · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2003, 12:34:11 AM »

Hi Zitologist!
Welcome to the club!
Thanks for the input on the SF-2. I have one but not yet installed. It will have to wait until I can complete my rack with a powerconditioner/racklight.
I may be wrong but somewhere on a thread I read that the output of the SF-2 is internally changeable with some jumpers or switches? BEWARE I'm not sure. There are more technical girls and boys who can answer this.

Paul the bad one

For one or another reason that SF-2 thing is starting really to scare me off. Well ...it will be the unknown: part of it.

robthejock · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2003, 01:01:22 AM »

Hello Chaps, take heed, the SF2 can take over your life! In my pursuit of THE HOLY GRAIL (ie an SF2 manual) I am starting to believe that the only way to ever find out how it works is by trial and error. The helpdesk guys offered me a manual weeks ago but, despite my repeated grovelling,it still hasn't arrived. My mail isn't answered, you never call me, I'm sure you're seeing somebody else ...sorry, wrong letter. I've had some great help from the club members and continue to tweak on my own (okay, I'm lonely), and it usually sounds great HOWEVER last week I did a dep gig with another band, stood up for my solo and it sounded like somebody had poured porridge into my cab.A tweak too far and you are doomed.Tube amps and Precisions will suddenly appeal! I'm playing with them again tonight.What is this strange feeling? I am starting to feel nervous about using Alembic gear.Nurse!Nurse! Yours from my straightjacket! Rob

zitologist · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2003, 11:18:13 AM »

Thanks Palembic, too bad I don't own it anymore to check that out. Rob, check my posting on SF2 settings on the other string that you started. If you're using both channels in mono, you may be working against yourself. Try the configuration I suggested. You'll eventually come to the conclusion that the SF2 is best for subtle tone enhancement. The more dramatic the settings, the more likely you are to wierd out your sound. I got rid of it only when I realized that my bass sounded best just going into my amp. Good onboard electronics rarely require any additional processing before going into a good amp or preamp. The problem with the SF2 is that it isn't quite a preamp, isn't quite a parametric, and isn't quite a mixer. It's the only piece of alembic equipment that I ever had any complaints about.

mica · « **Reply #4 on:** July 31, 2003, 03:26:35 PM »

Wayne, did you try to change the gain stage jumper? When you take the lid off, you'll see it right by the front input jack. If that's not enough power, I'm sure we can help you modify your SF-2.

Gee, Rob, I know I've personally answered at least three emails from you and I know the manual was sent to the address you provided. If you don't get it soon, I'll work on scanning it and providing you an email copy. We don't have many documents published in electronic format yet.

The Superfilter is not obvious to use. It's a signal processor primarily, but it can be used as a preamp. The idea is that you get to mix the amount of the effect you want into your original sound (instead of just on/off). We don't protect you from weird sounds, and there are plenty of weird ones in there. It's a bit tricky to use, since it's unlike anything else out there. But it's worth getting to know, as there are sounds you can only get with a SF-2.

robthejock · « **Reply #5 on:** July 31, 2003, 04:51:13 PM »

The pills worked.As usual, my faith is restored. Tried your set up at a gig tonight,Zitologist, and the sounds were coming back again, so many thanks. Still struggling a bit looking for the treble tone I'm after but then that's all to look forward to.More fun to come. Mica, thanks for the personal attention.Must have got lost in the mail.Or is there an Alembic playing postman between here and the States? I get flashes of what the SF2 can do, and these glimpses are quite inspiring to an old guy like me when they come off. See you soon, Rob

zitologist · « **Reply #6 on:** July 31, 2003, 07:45:01 PM »

I didn't know that you could do that Mica! I traded the SF2 last year for an F1X. Not that I'm unhappy with the F1. I just wish that I kept both.