Ok... I need some tone help (aguilar inside)

[marlond]

Damn.... so let me set this up.

I tried out for a band a while ago. They are a power pop band (think Paramore).

When I went for the "test" jam I used my Rickenbacker (w/pick) into a SVT-CL on a 4x10hlf cab.

There was no other way to describe it other than it rocked tone.

Since then I picked up a EBMM Stingray 5 H, a Aguilar DB750 and learned their songs with my fingers. Because I want to play with my fingers.

So I got into the band... and had practice tonight. I used the EBMM with the DB750 into the 4x10HLF.

Well... It did not sound good. Not good at all. The only way to describe it was there seemed to be too much bass.

So I know that all of this gear is good so I'm going to chalk it up to user error (for now).

I dime the knobs on the EBMM and set the 3 way to face the bridge. I really have no idea what to set the DB750 at. I did have everything at noon with the bright on and the deep off. And even with the bass backed off to 9 o'clock, still not good.

So give me some advise. And don't say just use the Ric and CL... I want to see if I'm not making the Aguilar live up to the name before I decide it is not my thing.

So ask questions, give advise, PLEASE!!!!

[JimmyM]

why dime the knobs on the bass? isn't it an active eq? i'd leave it flat to start out and just make adjustments in small increments as needed. diming those controls could be giving you a very big low end boost as well as giving you big peaks in the mids and highs.

[naturalkinds]

The EQ on the DB750 is nearly useless. Seriously. Many threads about this. I love the DB750, but it seems to work better with certain bass-shy cabs that hone in its bloomy bottom (DB410, for e.g.).

Great head, silly stupid EQ. I'd play with your MM settings first, since you won't get far twisting knobs on the DB.

[marlond]

Hmmmmm.... both of you have said some really, really good things. WAy boomy is exactly how I would describe the DB750.

I saw my friend play a show with his DB750 and DB810 and it sounded amazing, super clear and articulate. He was playing metal and one a Jackson with EMG P pups. But I loved the sound.

So I could be the 410HLF?

Also, I don't really know why I dimed the knobs on the MM. I'm a guitar player and this is my first active bass. So setting them flat may be another good place to start.

I beg for more advice!!!! keep it coming.

[recreate.me]

I have a 410HLF, and YES its the HLF thats giving that boom. Look at the specs, its low range extends down to 28hz, where most other cabs only go to around 50hz.

When i first started using this instead of an ampeg 810 i had to re-EQ my bass WAY down. I even bought an EQ pedal so i could have more cut on the bass (im trying to sell the cab currently)

When you play with a pick you get more highs, with fingers and the PU on the neck position your adding more bass. I noticed the cab would sound great when i was playing alone, or recording but with my band (folk punk) it just sounded awful.

[Gearhead17]

Boosting the bass on the Stingray is NOT a good idea. The 410hlf goes quite low and ANY bass boost is not necessary with this cab. It's best to keep the bass flat all across the board and let your fingers do the talking with the rig you have. Not too familiar with the DB750 - but listen to the others.

[marlond]

I have an Ampeg 8x10E would switching to that really help out?

I was told by a friend that the DB750 really does not sound right without an Aguilar cab.

[Gearhead17]

Originally Posted by marlond

I have an Ampeg 8x10E would switching to that really help out?

I was told by a friend that the DB750 really does not sound right without an Aguilar cab.

The 810e cab CAN help since it rolls off a good amount of bass below 58hz, but boosting the bass knob on your Stingray is the biggest problem so far.

Aguilar cabs are not my expertise.

[marlond]

Originally Posted by Gearhead17

The 810e cab CAN help since it rolls off a good amount of bass below 58hz, but boosting the bass knob on your Stingray is the biggest problem so far.

Aguilar cabs are not my expertise.

Yeah. I tried cutting bass while playing and it just seemed to take all the beef out.

But what I need to do is start with fresh ears and have the bass flat. Then dial the sound from amp and work from there.

Wow you guys have been really helpful.

[marlond]

oh and I forgot one tidbit of info. The MM had DR hi beams and the Ric had DR lo rider stings.

I don't know if that will make a difference or is adding to my problems.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by marlond

oh and I forgot one tidbit of info. The MM had DR hi beams and the Ric had DR lo rider stings.

I don't know if that will make a difference or is adding to my problems.

if anything, the hi beams would have less low end, but i don't think it makes a whole buttload of difference.

[bassgod0dmw]

I'm fairly positive that most of your problems came from diming the controls on the Stingray. They are boost/cut, not a passive tone control.

Work with one variable at a time. Keep the same rig for the time being, but set all EQ's flat...on both the amp and the bass, then tweak from there. If you can't get a sound you like after that, then think about switching out the cab or something else.

If you change all the EQ and swap out the change you'll never know what the real culprit was.

[Pickebass]

Having owned or currently own all the gear you are mentioning, the ampeg 410hlf is very boomy. The DB750 is somewhat mid scooped. The stingray eq maxed out loses clarity.

If you have to use the ampeg 410, cut the bass controls on the eq to around 10 oclock, boost the mids to about 2 oclock and dial in treble at noon with the treble boost on.

On the stingray, I would keep the bass a little over halfway, mids @ half and try the treble at about 3/4.

That should add some clarity. Play with the mids to get more definition and articulation. I use a DB750 with a number of non aguilar cabs and it sounds great! I use it with a couple of bergs and glockenklang cabs and it sounds great!

[hasbeen]

I make my living spending my life with amps. The problem isn't the Aggie- that is a great amp and a classic.

As others have stated, it is the over eq'ing on the Stingray.

Next rehearsal or practice session, set the eq on the bass to flat....where the detents on the pots are.

On the amp, set the tone controls to 12 o'clock. From there, adjust the amp controls in SMALL increments.

Also, please be aware that eq'ing a bass to sound good by itself is often different than what will sound good once the band kicks in. So, try to stay away from too much "rumble".

[EricF]

Maxing out the controls on yoiur EBMM is likely the biggest issue, and I would start by correcting that immediately. The 410HLF cab can be boomy, and boosting the low end on your bass has only brought out the worst of it. The DB750 might like other cabs better, but should get good results with the 410HLF. It's just going to take some time to dial in the right EQ settings for the combination of gear you're using.

For future reference, when working with a piece of unfamilar gear, I find it best to start at a neutral point. With amps or any kind of EQ device (like an active bass or preamp), that typically means all tone controls set flat. From there cutting and/or boosting in small increments are made until I get the desired result.

[marlond]

Great stuff. I will start with a flat eq. on the MM.

The next practice I will be meeting the last member of the band for "approval" so I'm going to use the Ric because I know it will sound great. So I'm going to see how the Ric sounds on the Aguilar and work my way from there.

Another question. I know this is a little off topic from this thread, but when I play with my fingers my volume jumps around. IE: runs are too quiet, single notes can be too loud, open stings are really quiet, 5th fret can be ridicules.

I know that a lot of this is all technique with my fingers and that a good bass player can make it all even. But I'm not that good yet. Would a comp. pedal really even things out? And would it tame some of the Aguilars boomie-ness?

[hasbeen]

hmm...well, first off, your Aggie really ins't boomy....it is the over eq'd Stingray. So, don't worry about that aspect needing a compressor.

Secondly, try practicing steady eighth notes with a metronome. And, pluck the string further back towards the bridge. This will even out your tone.

I hope this works.

Side note: as an amplifier manufacturer, I'm taking note that you switched amplifiers and basses yet, you come back to that the amplifier is the culprit, and not the bass.

[EricF]

It sounds like a technique issue, and I would advise you to stay away from trying to compensate for technique issues with a compressor.

The best way to improve your learning curve is to work one-on-one with a good instructor. Seriously.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by EricF

It sounds like a technique issue, and I would advise you to stay away from trying to comensate for technique issues with a compressor.

The best way to improve your learning curve is to work one-on-one with a good instructor. Seriously.

ftw. don't use gadgets to fix technique issues.

and listen to roger. the boominess is from your bass. you'll see.

[Sufenta]

Originally Posted by marlond

I was told by a friend that the DB750 really does not sound right without an Aguilar cab.

Before you tinker with the amp, cab, or eq., priority #1 should be dumping that friend.