Bass Reinforcement

Kebabkid

Hi low-enders,

I was just wondering if anyone here uses anything to reinforce their bass sound.

I use Sire active basses with a Roland Bass Cube 120XL and prefer the Session model, which is based on an SWR - it's a nice rounded sound that allows for slap and popping without being harsh. I sometimes use a little compression, too, but it's lacking something and at this juncture, I'm happy with the amp in terms of size, portability and volume and so I'm thinking more in terms of preamp pedals or EQ rather than swapping it.

I do have a Zoom B1xON that I sometimes introduce but that's more for home. Also, I recently took delivery of a HX Stomp which I've get to get to grips with and so that might be a solution but I was also thinking of units such as the GK Flex, EBS Microbass III etc.

What enhancers do you use?

Thanks

stickyfiddle

Origin Bassrig. I have both but the SVT one is my favourite. I never switch it off, and don't even bother with an amp. Utterly magic. Add your favourite compressor in front and it's heaven

fretmeister

Tech21 Paradriver Mk2. 

I find it to be far more versatile than the BDDI.

Kebabkid

Thanks @stickyfiddle and @fretmeister and I'll give those a try as they're new for me.

The only effects I use/ I'd add are a compressor (Ego) and EBS Octaver and possibly, an EP Boost.

I must say, ordinarily, I'm not a fan of the Ampeg sound and that tends to be the backline where I'm not taking my amp and I struggle with them but..there are an industry standard. I did, however, find the Tech VT Bass 500 to be very good and very versatile but I think they've been discontinued and I don't need the 500 watt amp.

Any EBS Microbass users? @prowla - Paul, I didn't try one at the BassFest but I see you're a user.
What about HX Stomp users? Could I be covered there and anyone using just that to an FRFR or FOH? 

fretmeister

Unlike the BDDI the Paradriver has a suggested setting which is very near to being a straight through even with the blend at 100%. It's called the "Jaco" in the suggestions but it doesn't sound anything like him.

I tweak from there.

I always add a tiny bit of nasal drive. Sounds horrible on it's own but in a mix it just adds harmonic content.

I have 2 amps - the Ashdown RM800 Evo2 and a Mark Bass AG1000. They are very different sounding amps.

I always use a compressor and I usually have an Octave available too - not just for an obvious effect but sometimes as a very subtle thickener. That works best when there's a HPF after it to stop octave'd E-A notes getting through to the amp and making everything sound like arse.

Funkfingers

It wouldn't hurt to run an extension loudspeaker with the Roland. A 15" or 18" could handle the deepest frequencies. (These days, the full range P.A. ought to be handling this aspect.)

Personally, I would want a fair bit more than 120w RMS. That way, the amp never has to work hard to keep up with drums, horn sections or other noisy bastards.

Kebabkid

Funkfingers said:

It wouldn't hurt to run an extension loudspeaker with the Roland. A 15" or 18" could handle the deepest frequencies. (These days, the full range P.A. ought to be handling this aspect.)

Personally, I would want a fair bit more than 120w RMS. That way, the amp never has to work hard to keep up with drums, horn sections or other noisy bastards.

Surprisingly, in our band the 120 works well and is fine with the drummer and no volume issues but I hadn't considered an ext.speaker - thanks

bandmaster188

EP boost will add some oomph. I used to use one with a fender rumble and it worked well..

Kebabkid

bandmaster188 said:

EP boost will add some oomph. I used to use one with a fender rumble and it worked well..

I have one of those on my main guitar board and it does work well for bass but not much more in terms of more advanced tone shaping, which is what I'm after, but that is a good call - thanks.



Over the holidays, I need to become au fait with the HX Stomp for my main guitar pedal board and once I learn how to use it, navigate things, I'll look into the bass side

Funkfingers

The tc electronic SpectraComp pedal is worth investigating. Its simplistic appearance belies the extensive parameter editing capabilities via computer. Anything from simple multi-band smoothing to all-out Lemmy permanently clipped overdriven filth. 

Kebabkid

Funkfingers said:

The tc electronic SpectraComp pedal is worth investigating. Its simplistic appearance belies the extensive parameter editing capabilities via computer. Anything from simple multi-band smoothing to all-out Lemmy permanently clipped overdriven filth. 

That sounds more like it as it kills 2 birds with one stone - thanks

Winny_Pooh

I wonder if the issue is the basic sound of the amp. That's not going to be fixed by preamp pedals or such. You'll still be missing "something" 

Try the hx stomp into the amp. If you dont find any magic then a higher quality amp may be the ticket. Have you ever played a Markbass mini 121 or 151? They'll most likely give you that "something" extra.

Kebabkid

Winny_Pooh said:

I wonder if the issue is the basic sound of the amp. That's not going to be fixed by preamp pedals or such. You'll still be missing "something" 

Try the hx stomp into the amp. If you dont find any magic then a higher quality amp may be the ticket. Have you ever played a Markbass mini 121 or 151? They'll most likely give you that "something" extra.

Indeed, moving to a higher quality amp would help and I like Gallien-Krueger (old RB and EBS amps) but not a fan of the Markbass amps but I've yet to try the Marcus Miller model. 

Funnily enough, I played a gig/show the Wednesday just gone by and there was a hired in backline and the bass amp was the Ampeg SVT Classic head and 4x10 cab. Once again, I know it's an industry standard but I'm not a fan of the Ampeg. I sort of fixed the sound to suit using my Zoom B1xON using compression, some EQ and a Hartke head model and it sounded decent but I know that same preset combination has not worked on the modelling of the Roland.

I will get myself to Andertons and try the TC Spectracomp, the EBS Microbass III and some other amps, including the EBS Magni 502 which has come down in price but is still £900.

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions and of course, I will give the Stomp a good go, too.

Funkfingers

Kebabkid said:

I will get myself to Andertons and try the TC Spectracomp

In standalone condition, the pedal will present you with the setting known as Spectracomp Default. (Competent but, possibly, a little dull.)

Alternative presets are available via the tc electronic Tone Print patch library. These can be loaded via a free smartphone app. 

In-depth editing requires a computer app and mini-USB cable. The screen for this resembles a DAW plug-in. Once I get the hang of it, I shall attempt a Geddy Lee type preset.

Kebabkid

Sorted for now with an EBS Microbass III

Kebabkid

Anyone here used the Tech 21 VT Bass Di Box, Ampeg pedals or  Aguilar pedals (AG or Tonehammer)* with their existing amp for added tone shaping?

I'm still trying to get to that place but before I look at other amps and I wanted to see if I could 'fix the sound' with my existing amp or am I trying to put Ferrari Wheels on a Ford Fiesta?

Any users of the above pedals?*
** Also posted over on BassChat where I'm also a member**

Revolutions

All you need is the VT bass. This one or the deluxe. Perfect tone, every time. Any ss head or DI works a treat.

Bod

Tonex One with a BDDI capture.

Lawriejones1

I found the Stanley Clarke pre amp was a great addition to the pedal board. It’s especially useful if you’re doubling at a gig which I do from time to time.

Kebabkid

Bod said:

Tonex One with a BDDI capture.

Interesting..I had a Tonex but found the setting up a real faff and sold it on without persevering.

As a heads-up, Amazon are doing the Behringer BDI21 for £19.48 as that was also suggested to me on BassChat.

@Lawriejones1 - I know London theatre pit player, Ian King (Hamilton etc) rates the Stanley Clarke one and he doubles up, using it for both his Upright and Electric basses, but if I've understood correctly, are you're using it for Bass and Guitar?  If so, could you please elaborate on the guitar bit i.e. just for cleans or as a pedal platform?

Lawriejones1

I use it for both electric bass and double bass as Ian King does (but much, much less impressively!).

Its a simple but powerful EQ and the high pass filter is really effective, too.

I found the pre amp is much more responsive than many of those you’ll find in bass amps and it means I can dial in the tone I need really quickly. Of course you can also make adjustments really quickly on gigs when needed too.

One of the issues with using lots of effects is that it can suck out the bottom end a bit so consider that. I found the EQ pedal helped.

One of the main reasons the Stanley Clarke pedal is so good is because of the inbuilt HPF. If you’re not playing double bass you won’t need this so definitely try cheaper models and options until you find something that works.