The "Trace Elliot" sound

[iampoor1]

Vague question i know, but how would you describe it?

[Downunderwonder]

So much eq, so many tones. But no grit.

I'd like to try an all valve one but they are hen's teeth.

[testing1two]

It's really about the pre-shape EQ curves. Later editions of Trace heads had two curves which could be switched in and out but the signature sound is basically a boost at 40Hz, a fairly wide cut at 400Hz, and a presence boost at 4kHz. If you can find one Trace used to sell a 7-band EQ pedal that also had the pre-shape curves.

[jungleheat]

F-ing good, how about that?

And what do you mean no grit? My 1210 head has a switchable tube overdrive section for plenty of grit. Dont most of the earlier amps have tube pres as well? I tried an old 100w 1x15 combo the othe day and it was able to get nice and gritty with a Warwick 5 with the input cranked up a bit.

That pre-shape really does make a big difference too. I mainly use the pre-shape, with just a bit of EQ here and there, and then the dual band compressor with the lows at about noon and the highs at about 8:30. Works pretty good with a Carvin 4 string that has a MM style HB at the bridge and a J at the neck, with the blend in the middle and the active tone knobs flat or close to it.

If I had to come up with adjectives, punchy and fat would be right up there.

[maxgrant]

More transparent than most amps, I think, but it's got a sort of hollow sound to it . . . not weak hollow, but it kind of rings in a particular way. I have had a TE commando 12 for over a decade. I really like the sound, but it is harder to get dirt out of it than most other amps I've had. Now . . . mine is all solid state and it is just barely a small practice / club amp. I have never had the pleasure of a higher-powered TE.

[Downunderwonder]

Like I said, I haven't tried a valve one, mine has 12AX7 blended preamp, no grit.

Commando is supposed to be another flavour also.

Afaik "the Trace sound" and the rep was earned with the SS preamps preshapes and conservatively rated power sections with big capacitors that keep up with dynamics.

[iampoor1]

Im looking at getting a GP7SM preamp for use in my studio, is that a "later" one? I like what Im hearing so far, transparent, punchy, fat....Those are all good words

Is the "ring" one of those things that stands out when soled but not so much in the mix?

[Downunderwonder]

No ringing in mine.

GP7SM may be older than GP12SMX or a cheaper model of same times. After the SMX the wheels fell off in all the corporate music dealings. I'm not aware of any really dud products so why the brand fell away is something of a mystery.

[iampoor1]

Interesting. Ive been doing some research and this one has the multiple pre-shapes.

[AmazingMumford]

Originally Posted by Downunderwonder

Afaik "the Trace sound" and the rep was earned with the SS preamps preshapes and conservatively rated power sections with big capacitors that keep up with dynamics.

Spot on. I played a GP12X and RA500SX from the late 80's until last year. That's about 50 lbs. of SS punch, and it could get loud at only 320W (one 8ohm cab per channel)! The EQ mentioned in the post above sounds right--essentially a "scooped but solid" sound--which is probably why Mark King favored it back then. Of course, I'd usually [mess] things up by over-EQing on top of that...

[s_mcsleazy]

mid 80's strangler records
modern peter hook sound

[iampoor1]

So in other words.....Awesome?

[Nightlyraider]

I've had a hard time coming to terms with the mid-scoop option on my AH500x, but the 11 band GEQ and huge amount of clean power the amp offers is quite likable.

[iampoor1]

Originally Posted by Nightlyraider

I've had a hard time coming to terms with the mid-scoop option on my AH500x, but the 11 band GEQ and huge amount of clean power the amp offers is quite likable.

Why is that?

[NecroticImbecil]

I've tried out a few and they sounded pretty good, clear but flexible enough EQ to get a variety of tones. Owned a little combo that wasn't terribly loud but had some nice tones.

Whenever I've seen a band using them onstage, though, the best description of the bass tone is "inaudible." Must be a popular tone among pros and sound men.

[addylewis]

Soundguys love them, I just don't...give me something that sounds vintage/Motown/60's - you just CAN'T get that sound from a Trace.

[jumbodbassman]

Originally Posted by addylewis

Soundguys love them, I just don't...give me something that sounds vintage/Motown/60's - you just CAN'T get that sound from a Trace.

perfectly said

[Nightlyraider]

Originally Posted by iampoor1

Why is that?

Most of my EQs are shaped like frowns with a little mid hump and highs really trailing off (personal preference here).

And the mid scoop TE has built in is the extreme opposite of that. I have used it "for something different" every so often, but I still feel uncertain about it.

[newbold]

Modern but on the warm side of Hi-Fi.

I also had a Commando 12 and loved it but it wasn't big enough for Yours Truly and had to swap it out for something else.

I would certainly consider one now as they're versatile, especially with a pedalboard for front end dirt to get that old school bubble poppin'.

[iampoor1]

Originally Posted by Nightlyraider

Most of my EQs are shaped like frowns with a little mid hump and highs really trailing off (personal preference here).

And the mid scoop TE has built in is the extreme opposite of that. I have used it "for something different" every so often, but I still feel uncertain about it.

I prefer Smiley EQ's

I also wanted to add, Im looking for a preamp to do well compressed "metal" bass Isuppose you could sday. these responses have definitly been giving me the impression that TE is a good place to start.

A guy is offering me a preamp for 80$ so im just going to go try it out and see what happens, I dont trust my bass with super old strings altho...so thats why Ive been looking for more of the pros opinion