Ashdown ABM

[3tsb]

Hey Justin. I know you have or have had the Ashdown ABM which I own. My question regards the "pre-shape" which from what I can tell it is a boost to Bass/Treble and a Mid-cut. Sounds great in my living room with my passive Lakland J-bass, but in live situations on a stage it sounds so "boomy". I've never left it on past sound check as I'm afraid I'd get lost in the mix once we get going. Do you have any experience with this? What kind of eq have you used on your ABM or would that change depending on situation and the bass?

[JimmyM]

you are a wise bass player. not saying that scooping can never work in a mix, but generally, what happens is that the bass drum steps on your lower freqs and the guitars step on your higher freqs, rendering you inaudible in a mix. scooping is often referred to as "bedroom tone" on here for a reason. even those who are known for scooping their mids don't do it to nearly the degree you think they might as you listen to your bass by itself. it just gets exaggerated because of the mix. google "frequency slotting" to learn more about it.

[BigOldHarry]

Like the old GK heads with the scoop button, this button on the ABM (which have as well) is really best not for your living room, but - *and this is key* - for the SALES FLOOR. It sounds GREAT when you're not in the mix. Simply great.

I've tried using it in a band situation once or twice - and then gave up. It's useless.

MIDS are the key to sitting in the mix for bass.

[eyeballkid]

I agree.. BUT..
I used it in a chill ambient 9 piece band that has strings and all. Our drumming was minimalistic and the guitar was very atmospheric. It made for a very nice low pulsing bass tone that was just hypnotic.

for rock and stuff.. its a nope.. but every tool has its right place.
however, I couldve got that same sound without the button as well.

[jmjbassplayer]

3tsb, never had that head. Just used the one at the Viper Room in LA a bunch of times. Sounded good. I liked how rude it could get. Don't know about that pre-shape/mid cut thing, but I always stay away from that stuff. More mids!!!!! Makes one a better player too, when you hear your bass all pokey and up front like that...it instills a greater responsibility.

Best,
JMJ

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by jmjbassplayer

3tsb, never had that head. Just used the one at the Viper Room in LA a bunch of times. Sounded good. I liked how rude it could get. Don't know about that pre-shape/mid cut thing, but I always stay away from that stuff. More mids!!!!! Makes one a better player too, when you hear your bass all pokey and up front like that...it instills a greater responsibility.

Best,
JMJ

Interesting concept - makes you more "Responsible"...

That's how I feel about guitar players & distortion - - I've known too many guys who hide behind their distortion...

No matter - I'm with you: Mids, on stage, *rule*