How many keep it Flat?

nasr20de · #1 10-20-2010, 11:41 AM

Ok. So I have been reading a bunch or the mega threads and other amp threads. And I have been wondering how many use the tone controls on their amps? What I mean is like more then a slight bit off of the factory settings (flat). And if you do change them is it just for a gig or what?

shackled · #2 10-20-2010, 11:43 AM

They put the controls there for a reason.

I like mid lows, high mids, and low highs.
Everyone is different...

John Wentzien · #3 10-20-2010, 11:46 AM

If I have fresh strings...flat...Weird room acoustic , or deader strings ..I'll adjust accordingly.

Selta · #4 10-20-2010, 11:47 AM

Depends on my mood and what not. Right now I have a pretty aggressive EQ going. A lot of times I'm set "flat" or near "flat", at least with the knobs

**BLDavis** · #5 10-20-2010, 11:50 AM

I usually boost the Hi MId and Lo Mid on my 800RB to compensate for the lack of mids in my cab. No radical settings, just enough to bring out the mid growl that I like.

Infidelity · #6 10-20-2010, 11:52 AM

Flat everytime and the filters are off too.. LMIII with Bergantino HS410

Fuzzbass · #7 10-20-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasr20de

I have been wondering how many use the tone controls on their amps? What I mean is like more then a slight bit off of the factory settings (flat). And if you do change them is it just for a gig or what?

For traditional genres (Motown, blues) I often stay close to flat, but I love to experiment with EQ and overdrive, especially for modern rock. Here's a favorite tweak: I'll engage the mid-scoop/contour switch (if present), and then dial in a midrange boost using a sweep-mid control. That way I can voice the mids to whatever sounds good in the mix, tickles my ears, whatever.

In short, variety is a great thing... I enjoy changing tones as appropriate, or sometimes just for the fun of it.

HeadyVan Halen · #8 10-20-2010, 11:57 AM

Bass: 7
Mids: 5 to 6
High: 6 to 7

For 3 Band EQ on the Ampeg 1x15.
Usually very slighty eased off on the Neck PUP

For 10 Band EQ on Hartke, the mids are boosted more and ease off the bass a little. The Fender Jazz I have, has a bunch of bottom anyway.

If you have time, the most valuable thing I've found is have someone else play your bass while you stand out front and tweak it that way. It usually sounds very different being right next to the amp than it does out front.

Your mids are what will carry and be defined. At least to me.

StyleOverShow · #9 10-20-2010, 11:58 AM

The Mid thing seems to be a current trend, IMO. Seems like many players are looking to move into the mid-stream of the tonal quality of the band and given the rise in the number of strings, 5 seems passe nowadays, it only makes sense that you would want to be heard.

My amp(s) knobs are set to pretty much to noon with the bass closer to 1:00-1:30. I don't use EQ's or filters on the amp and pretty much adjust everything with the bass, easier with the active pups than the passive.

Mola Ram · #10 10-20-2010, 12:10 PM

I don't think any amp flat would give me the sound that I truly like. On most I go for the EQ frown (highs and bass cut while the high and low mids boosted).

With strings that have been warn in I don't end up cutting the highs.

I also tend to use more Tweeter in my sound than most.

guroove · #11 10-20-2010, 12:14 PM

I usually initially set my amp flat, then adjust it as needed. Outdoors, it almost always stays flat.

Tim1 · #12 10-20-2010, 12:15 PM

Pretty much flat on my SVT VR, with a slight mid boost. The Markbass I run totally flat.

cnltb · #13 10-20-2010, 12:17 PM

There's no eq at all on my main amp or on my bass.

billoetjen · #14 10-20-2010, 12:17 PM

Not a bad thread. I try to do all my solo practice with the EQ flat. This forces me to use my right hand technique to get a tone that suits the room, song, etc. When I practice with the boys, I tend to have to boost mids some (using flatwounds).
Of course, in the real world, no cab is flat and no amp is, either, because of the capacitance, impedance, etc of the inputs...

mccartneyman · #15 10-20-2010, 12:25 PM

Depends entirely on the bass and the room. I try to run flat with the Mids on my Shuttle set to 150. That works for most applications, including when we did a live TV gig and I used the Shuttle DI pre EQ with my 55-94. My Epiphone Zenith demands quite a bit of tweaking of EQ though. I should just buy an outboard graphic stompbox for that bass.

billfitzmaurice · #16 10-20-2010, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shackled

They put the controls there for a reason.

...

+1. Besides, few if any amps are truly flat, and neither are cabs. When it sounds right it is right.

okcrum · #17 10-20-2010, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

+1. Besides, few if any amps are truly flat, and neither are cabs. When it sounds right it is right.

</thread>

I'll eq differently, depending on what cabs and head I am using.

EDIT: ...and what kind of gig it is, and the acoustic characteristics of the venue or stage area if using FOH...

**Matt Morgan** · #18 10-20-2010, 01:53 PM

I try and run my amp flat and EQ as necessary using my instruments' EQ sections.

That's just my thing.

Nashrakh · #19 10-20-2010, 01:58 PM

I like my girls like I like my EQ. Which is all flat.

My amp only has a three band EQ with variable midrange, but I like the sound best out of the box.

Gearhead17 · #20 10-20-2010, 02:03 PM

I like the "inherent tone" of the amp and try to keep the controls mostly flat. No drastic cuts except on the lows below 100hz if I am near the subwoofers. A little boost in the mids if needed (450hz) and usually a small boost at 2khz for attack. Usually I adjust as the stage requires - it's just a stage monitor anyway.

As others have stated, I generally change my hand technique around to get the tone I want. Quicker, sounds better and keeps the FOH guy happy!