Author Topic: Distillate controls question (Read 266 times)

flpete1uw · « **on:** July 15, 2012, 10:05:13 AM »

With the Distillate controls the Bass cut/boost and Treble cut/boost switches will cut or boost 6db according to the attached post. My question, is there a fixed Frequency attributed to the Bass and the Treble and what that may be? As far as I can tell they seem to be fixed and the Low pass Filter and Q switch do little or nothing to this fixed Frequency. Any insights would be appreciated. Thank You
Pete

http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/24726.html?1138816475

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 15, 2012, 11:34:21 AM »

They are fixed, and not affected by the filter and Q switch. I don't know for sure, but my guess is that the center frequencies may be the same as on the Excel/Orion bass and treble controls, which are centered around 100Hz and 5KHz.

flpete1uw · « **Reply #2 on:** July 15, 2012, 03:21:19 PM »

Thanks Dave,
The 100Hz sounds about right however the 5KHz sounds a bit high? From what I understand the Europa electronics came from the Distillate past. I wonder if the frequency specs on the Bass/Treble switches remained the same? Searching the site hasn't turned up the official specs on them. (So Far
Peace
Pete

flpete1uw · « **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2012, 06:13:38 PM »

I'm bumping this again because my curiosity is relentless. Dave's guess is 100Hz and 5 KHz based on the newer Excel/Orion. But these Basses have separate control Pots instead of switches. From what I understand the Distillate is the Grand Daddy of the Europa electronics. Are the fixed Frequencies the same for the Bass/Treble switches? And if so how can I find this out.
I realize this may seem a little wonky but some habits die hard.
Any input or directions are always valued.

Thank You
Pete

that_sustain · « **Reply #4 on:** August 08, 2012, 10:07:56 PM »

The tone knob is what I was most interested in when picking up my 29 year old Distilliate. I wasn't suprised when I plugged it in, and everything worked like new..no static in any of the switches, nothing. Anyway, you're in complete control of your tone with that filter.

I take it the 3 little metal switches are simply highlights for your sound. Probably better heard through a large amplifier. I'm using a tiny amp with quality headphones at the moment. I prefer the two 3 way knobs in middle position, Q switch off, both pickups on.

take care

flpete1uw · « **Reply #5 on:** August 09, 2012, 03:25:23 AM »

Thanks for your input Daniel, I too am using a small amp and at the moment with the same settings. It just seems to fit what I'm doing now. The Tone knob is a Low Pass Filter and it is amazingly versatile along with its partner the Q Switch. From what I can tell the Bass/Treble switches are a fixed Frequency at any loudness level and not related to the Low Pass Filter. The Distillate is a wonderful instrument. To good for me because it shows all the mistakes I'm making. It's all Good!!

Pete

hammer · « **Reply #6 on:** August 09, 2012, 12:16:15 PM »

The only problem that I have with my Distillate is remembering how I got that great tone that was just right for that specific song...the next time I play.

Along with a F-1X, Yamaha power amp, and Phil Jones cabinets, the Distillate typically can give me any sound I want, it's just that it still takes me a bit too long to get there for the people with whom I play (on the other hand I need to put up with both guitarists taking what seems like forever to tune and tuning constantly during practice sessions).

Just out of curiosity, what types of strings do you guys use? I'm currently using TI-Flats because I play a lot with a pick and everything else I've tried has sounded too bright for me.

that_sustain · « **Reply #7 on:** August 09, 2012, 01:09:08 PM »

Hello Pete and hammer!!

Not sure about the brand. They're roundwound 45's. I'll buy Elixer's for it in a few months.

I tuned/intonated my bass the first day I had it. That was almost 2 weeks ago, and..I've only tuned it once since! The Schaller's get down to micro-tones. So much more accurate than the large type tuner.

First thing I noticed about playing the bass was the low F, in the warmup run I do sounded pronounced, compared to other bass guitars.

Bright is good, imo. You can always add bass, but..that natural brightness can't be replaced with circuitry. I recorded with an Essence once in a real studio. The guitar and drums tracks sounded 2nd generation compared to the bass(and the guy behind the controls wasn't a bassist).

take care hammer, and thanks for the info Pete

flpete1uw · « **Reply #8 on:** August 09, 2012, 06:20:10 PM »

Brian, I have been using Ernie Ball Super Slinky Round wounds. Yes, they are bright but as a Finger Style player I can tone them down by using the fleshy parts of the fingers. And as Daniel said the brightness and overtones are always there if you need them. The Distillate has been a funny beast for me (Only had her a few months)a lot of the sound you find and like to recreate has much to do on how you are playing when in contact with the strings Than (I think) the settings. Very unforgiving if let?s say a fingernail hits a string. But when you?re on and all cylinders are firing just right. The Alembic Distillate is quite lovely indeed.

Pete

charles_holmes · « **Reply #9 on:** August 10, 2012, 03:12:22 PM »

Hmmm
Keep it simple, find your tone.If you are using A little Amplifier you will probably struggle to hear the subtle nuances that the Q switches in conjunction with your tone knobs give (I guess). I have a series Distillate (See Chalie's' Distillate}
and I hear every subtle change when I tweak my tone potentiometers and the difference in using my Q switches too. I'm interested in why is it important for you to know the HZ's. I'd like to know what kind of advantage it gives you.

flpete1uw · « **Reply #10 on:** August 10, 2012, 06:24:41 PM »

Hello Charles,
Just checked out your Series/Distillate, she?s a Beauty. Correct if I'm wrong but does your Bass have the Series 1 Electronics/Pickups? And if so the switches would be Q's? My Bass has a 1-Bass Boost/off/cut and 1-Treble Boost/cut/Treble as well as 1- Q switch. The only advantage to knowing would be a greater understanding of my Instrument. The Q/Low pass relationship is a complex one. With all sorts of roll offs and boosts in the circuitry. My Bass/Treble switches have no choice but to influence them. If they are fixed and everything else is variable these fixed frequencies would be nice to know. As they say at Faber College Knowledge Is Good.
But I agree simpler the better, but I also like to know the rules so I can break them better.

Pete

charles_holmes · « **Reply #11 on:** August 10, 2012, 06:32:45 PM »

Please post some photos of you axe.
Thank you for the kudos and my bass is the series I with the Q's(switches).
Now I understand about the principle of knowing rules and breaking them, I had to go through that in Classical theory/harmony classes!

flpete1uw · « **Reply #12 on:** August 10, 2012, 06:37:26 PM »

It's all good Charles. Here you go
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/130905.html?1337031292

Pete