Using an F-2B preamp; where to place effects?

[edwardofhuncote]

I just got my first F-2B preamp, (I LOVE it) and racked it in my home rig with a DS-5R and an SF-2. Trying to figure out how to reconfigure... need some advice.


All my prior experience is with the venerable F-1X... I have always had my SF-2 in the effects loop of this F-1X, jumpering the A and B channels on the back of the unit so both channels could be used. I also used an MXR Stereo Chorus in front of the F-1X in the signal chain. There is also a chromatic tuner in front of that, which acts as a mute of sorts, though I really don't care  about that function as much, it's just handy.


So it was- Series Bass > DS-5R (mono out) > Tuner > MXR Stereo Chorus (also mono out) > F-1X > SF-2 (in the loop) > Lo-Range Out to Ch1 of Power Amp / Hi-Range Out to Ch2 of Power Amp. Used crossover on F-1X to set frequency desired... etc. That's what I was doing.


Now with this F-2B of course, there is no effects loop. I have the SF-2 taking signal directly from its outputs. Channel A and Channel B assigned to the Neck and Bridge pickups, respectively.


So it's- Series Bass > DS-5R (stereo out) > F-2B > SF-2 (switch set to stereo) > Power Amp (Neck PU Ch1 / Bridge PC Ch2)


So my question is - where, or how best, can I insert a chorus and tuner into this chain?

[edwardofhuncote]

The MXR M134 Stereo Chorus that I wish to use, I should mention, has one input, and two outputs...

[adriaan]

Unlike what it says on the tin, the manual for the MXR only mentions stereo wrt the outputs, so it's mono in and optionally stereo out.

[OJ Dorson]

edwardofhuncote - I think you're going to need to find yourself a true stereo chorus if you must go that route. And then it has to be a stereo chorus that works well with bass. 
DS5R -> Stereo Chorus (dual input AND dual output) -> F2B

Alternately, you could consider running your effects on only one pickup signal and then you can keep one pickup clean. If you do it that way, you could put the effect wherever in that pickup's signal chain it works best, but you won't be able to use "stereo" effects.


** I hope the above is true and helpful, but I also hope someone else chimes in with a proper solution for you.

[edwardofhuncote]

Unlike what it says on the tin, the manual for the MXR only mentions stereo wrt the outputs, so it's mono in and optionally stereo out.

^True... always was this, Adriaan. I suspect (though my memory is foggy) that the input is a stereo jack. I used it with a stereo 1/4" rts cable and a stereo output Tobias bass for a short time. Whether or not it is, last night, I ran my Series I through it using my 1/4' mono cable and [gasp] batteries, taking a pair of 1/4" cables to each input of the F-2B. The chorus-y effect is very nice. Nice enough that I was prompted to look for a better way...

edwardofhuncote - I think you're going to need to find yourself a true stereo chorus if you must go that route. And then it has to be a stereo chorus that works well with bass. 
DS5R -> Stereo Chorus (dual input AND dual output) -> F2B

Alternately, you could consider running your effects on only one pickup signal and then you can keep one pickup clean. If you do it that way, you could put the effect wherever in that pickup's signal chain it works best, but you won't be able to use "stereo" effects.


** I hope the above is true and helpful, but I also hope someone else chimes in with a proper solution for you.

This is the next best thing, and probably what I'll do. I suppose the simple solution is just put an identical unit in line with the other channel. I'm just concerned that having two chorus effects going at once, slightly out of synch with each other would be calamitous and confusing, rather than the dreamy sounds I like in moderation. I guess I'd just have to play with it.

Thanks Guys.

[rv_bass]

How about a Y cable coming out of the DS-5 and the combined single jack end going into the chorus box input, then stereo outs from the chorus box output side, one into each channel of the F-2B?

[KR]

Greg, I would take the bridge pickup output of the DS5 and go into the Chorus, and then the Chorus output mono into the bridge channel of the F2B--this allows you to touch up the eq on the Chorus. This would also keep the Neck pickup clean and clear. I feel chorus and distortion are best on the bridge or upper frequencies.

[edwardofhuncote]

I don't know, but I think that would work, Rob. I have one somewhere...


I think Keith's suggestion is a good thing to try. I'll give that one a rip this evening.

[KR]

Try it. It allows you to really crank the Chorus while keeping the punch of your bass intact. I've used both the F1X and F2B, and found the F2B to be a little rounder. Starting with the Mid eq control maxxed on those pre's is a good starting place for me.

[rv_bass]

Keith, a simple and elegant solution, very nice!

[KR]

Hey Rob. The '78 Omega is sounding great, BTW.

[StephenR]

I have rarely used effects on a bass but the times I did it was only on the bridge pickup of my Series bass. I personally think not having a solid fundamental bass tone mixed in with effects is a mistake, being able to split the output of the pickups on a Series bass and then blend them to taste makes it easy.

[edwardofhuncote]

Keith's suggestion was the ticket. I've been playing with it set up like this for the past hour, and yes indeed... this is the way to go.


I tried it both ways; putting the chorus effect in the neck pickup too, but I have to agree, that one is best for the fundamental bass notes and full frequency range. I tend to favor the neck pickup when blending anyway, regardless of which bass I am playing. 


So I set it up for the chorus effect on the bridge pickup only, and tweaked the settings just a bit. I like to hear just a bit of color in there. It helps me sometimes to emulate an upright bass in a dance hall.


I'm having a great time with this preamp! Going to leave the F-1X I swapped out in my other rack, with a second DS-5R and Crown XLS power-amp. One of these old days, me and that Series bass are going to gig again. I like having the DI out and effects loop available for live music, but here in the house, this F-2B is going to good use. 


Open to any more suggestions, but I think I'm good here now. Thanks All.

[rv_bass]

Keith, glad to hear! 

Greg, I will have to try the dry/wet pickup signal method, having the natural tone of the neck pickup mixed in must make the chorus sound nice and full, but clear at the same time.

[edwardofhuncote]

I've had a little bit over a month to play with this new-to-me F-2B in the house practice rooom rig here. Still working out what I like to hear with each channel. Same with the SF-2. I have found that by ringing each pickup out discreetly, then mixing the two, I can get really specific sounds. I don't always like them when hearing in context though. I'm getting the full-on Alembic stereo feel for the first time, and it's kinda' heavy. Man, you really have to be selective with what you dial-in, 'cause it definitely is coming out loud and clear.


One other observation - I am struck by how different the F-2B eq is set to approximate what my ears are telling me the F-1X sounds like at the same settings.


Very good call, keeping the neck pickup signal dry. Thanks for that one,  Keith.