Author Topic: F1-X with SF-2 SuperFilter Help! (Read 290 times)

esa · « **on:** August 27, 2013, 12:16:51 PM »

Hi, everyone.

I am hoping that you can help me figure out a solution to a problem I'm having.

I am trying to run my SF-2 with my F-1X, and it's just not happening.

If I try running the SF-2 in the FX-loop of the F-1X, I get a HORRIBLE and LOUD distortion, without even playing a note. If I run it from the full-range out, it works, but it clips VERY easily.

Why won't it work in the loop? I would think that these two units should work seamlessly together.

In full range mode, why is it clipping so much and so easily?

The whole rig works great when the SF-2 is not connected, but when it's hooked up, the rig becomes really testy and delicate.

These problems are present regardless of the EQ settings on the F-1X. (I never had any problems like this when I ran the SF-2 with my Eden WT-800.)

Any ideas? I'm actually considering taking the SF-2 out of the rig! Help!

Thanks in advance!

esa · « **Reply #1 on:** August 27, 2013, 12:25:44 PM »

update:

If I run my tuner (Korg DTR-1) in the FX-loop *before* the SF-2, it works fine...

:-`

mica · « **Reply #2 on:** August 27, 2013, 03:31:22 PM »

The effects loop in the F-1X is a low-level effects loop. If you choose to use the SF-2 in it, you MUST keep the SF-2 levels VERY low since the SF-2 is a high-level effector.

You can use the SF-2 directly after the F-1X as well.

esa · « **Reply #3 on:** August 27, 2013, 04:46:41 PM »

Thanks, Mica.

But why does running a tuner in the loop before the SF-2 allow for normal levels?

...and why would running the SF-2 after the F1-X cause clipping at low gain (i.e. 1, or less, on the volume dial)?

The SF-2 seems so touchy with the F-1X - I'm wondering if it needs service.

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** August 27, 2013, 05:36:12 PM »

Esa;

- when you say the volume is at 1, are you talking about the F-1X or the SF-2?

- how do you have the SF-2 setup? Which inputs and outputs are you using? What are the volume levels?

esa · « **Reply #5 on:** August 27, 2013, 06:39:04 PM »

Hi, Dave.

1 on the volume refers to the F-1X setting when the SF-2 is run from the full range output. Higher than 2 on the F-1X in that configuration causes the SF-2 to clip, badly.

For testing different connections, I have the EQ on the F-1X set at 2-10-2. Neither the deep switch nor the bright switch are engaged.

I am running the SF-2 in mono mode (Ch. A in; Ch. B out), and the overall volume is very low - I don't want these enormous clipping spikes to damage my speakers... or my ears.

On the SF-2, I have the Input Gain at 5-6 (though I normally ran it wide open (10) with my previous rig).

Because of this issue, I'm not even using the filter settings right now. Both filter gains are set to 0. (The problem is in the input stage, not the output.)

It sounds like an impedance issue, but I wouldn't suspect that, given that these devices are practically made to work together.

Thanks!

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** August 27, 2013, 07:50:00 PM »

A couple things to try just to see what happens.

- have you tried putting the SF-2 first, then the F-1X in the chain?

- have you tried coming out of one of the crossover outputs of the F-1X and then into the SF-2?

esa · « **Reply #7 on:** August 27, 2013, 09:06:06 PM »

Thanks for the suggestions, Dave.

I'll try them out tomorrow and report back.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #8 on:** August 27, 2013, 11:07:56 PM »

Here is Posting by Dave with links to some threads on the SF-2. There may also be some reference material or fixes in some of those, though I haven't checked.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/17596.html?1112538443

Jazzyvee

esa · « **Reply #9 on:** August 28, 2013, 03:44:34 PM »

@davehouck:
Having the SF-2 first in the chain works fine (no clipping). It's a bit of an inelegant solution, though (having a cable run from the back of the rig to the front), plus I far prefer the tonal characteristics of having the SF-2 after the F-1X.

Having it in the FX-loop (after the tuner) works fine, too, but it adds a lot of hiss in that configuration.

Using the X-over outs on the F-1X does not introduce clipping, until the volume on the F-1X exceeds ~5... which is about where I can run the volume if the SF-2 is not in the chain.

I think I have tried these two units in every possible configuration, and the conclusion seems to be that the full-range output of the F-1X is simply too hot for the input of the SF-2.

I can remedy this by placing a compressor between the two units, but I still have to be very careful with gain-staging. The only other workable option seems to be to keep the SF-2 in the FX-loop (after the tuner), and try to ignore the hiss... or, just take it out of the rig.

@jazzyvee
Thanks! I'm perusing the links now.

bonesrad · « **Reply #10 on:** August 28, 2013, 04:40:57 PM »

This is very curious. I run my SF-2 Channel A into my F-1X FX-loop. No problems. I have the direct gain all the way up and the filter gain at around 3:00. It seems to sound great.

Bones

sonicus · « **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2013, 04:47:32 PM »

In my all Alembic rig I have had the best results with an SF-2 used
first in the signal chain directly after the instrument. One of my favorite signal chains with SF-2 would be would be Series I in Stereo going to IN-2 to SF-2 to F-2B to Power Amp to Speakers . (stereo signal path all the way). I like to think of the SF-2 as part of the instrument when I engage it's use. In a variation I have also substituted two F-1X units instead of the F-2B and made use of the balanced XLR outs to interface to a recording console as well as the XLR outs on the IN-2 in order to have a choice between pre and post EQ attenuation . I had excellent results in both variations and also had a microphone in the mix.. You will be sure to make a producer in a recording studio raise his eyebrows for an extended time when he walks in and sees 5 channels on the console with your bass signal .LOL _______

Sonic Regards ___

esa · « **Reply #12 on:** August 28, 2013, 08:30:49 PM »

@bonesrad
Do you have anything else in the loop with the SF-2? I can't get the direct gain past 2 or 3 on my SF-2 when it's in the loop by itself.

@sonicus
That's quite a configuration! I'll have another go at putting the SF-2 before the F1-X, but I've always loved having the SF-2 altering the EQ'ed signal from the pre-amp. That, and the fact that I really don't want to have a line running from the back of the rig, around the rack, and into the front input of the F1-X. But, it will work that way, I may have to.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #13 on:** August 28, 2013, 11:33:10 PM »

I use my SF-2 after the F-1X ...sounds godly . Chest thumping AND HiFi . I run the SF-2 in Stereo, one channel for each cab, lowpass for the 15,high pass for the 12(or sometimes 10's). The SF-2 outs go through the Lexicon MX400 before the power amp. I think most the settings in the picture are typical of where I run things.

jon_jackson · « **Reply #14 on:** August 29, 2013, 05:18:52 AM »

I use two F1-X units with the SF-2 (in stereo) connected through the effects send/return loop in the respective F1-X without noise or gain problems:

DS-5R (bass & treble) > (2) F-1X (effects send) > SF-2 (stereo A & B) > (2) F-1X (effects return) > (2) F1-X (currently using the full range outs) > Power amps.

The tuner is fed from the bass F-1X, either the low pass crossover or the full range out depending upon which is not in the main signal path at the time.
Jon