Akai Deep Impact competitors?

Kwesi · #1 08-23-2010, 08:08 PM

This is entire thread will be speculative but why do you guys think that there have been so few pedals out there to compete with the Akai Deep Impact?

So far I count:

Korg G5 - A great pedal, I heard, but it to big for a pedal board.

Boss SYB-3/5 - Again I've heard that these pedals have sweet sounds but terrible tracking

Markbass Super Synth - Sounds incredible but I'd rather not have to go into my computer just to edit patches.

bigchiefbc · #2 08-23-2010, 08:14 PM

Chunk Systems Octavius Squeezer

Bob C · #3 08-23-2010, 08:18 PM

Kwesi,

You forgot the Chunk Octavius Squeeze (is that the right name?). But I totally agree with you. I'm not down with having to edit on the computer either.

There are lots of synthy pedals that do their own thing in their own way, but not in a "9 programmable presets" fashion.

EDIT: Thanks bigchief. I type too slow(ly).

JimmyM · #4 08-24-2010, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

This is entire thread will be speculative but why do you guys think that there have been so few pedals out there to compete with the Akai Deep Impact?

because the deep impact stiffed when it was released so most companies don't want to take the chance.

aledeville · #5 08-24-2010, 08:01 AM

I was suspicious with the computer-edit-thing too, but it turned out to be really good - you can change the parameters in realtime. The advantage is that you have lots of parameters to adjust and the disadvantage is that you have lots of parameters to adjust...

I sold my SYB-5 for the simple reason of the tracking problem. Now I wish it back, because of the option with the expression pedal.

david3821 · #6 08-24-2010, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aledeville

I was suspicious with the computer-edit-thing too, but it turned out to be really good - you can change the parameters in realtime. The advantage is that you have lots of parameters to adjust and the disadvantage is that you have lots of parameters to adjust...

+1

Unless you can't change the time on your VCR, I think the MB is easy to edit. It's much easier for me to edit than the Deep Impact I had.

Jake of Bass · #7 08-24-2010, 09:11 AM

Just hooked up my brand new-ish (second hand purchase from TB) Markbass Super Synth tonight to the computer. It's taking a bit of getting used to but I think I can have a bit of fun with this...

Kwesi · #8 08-24-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aledeville

I was suspicious with the computer-edit-thing too, but it turned out to be really good - you can change the parameters in realtime. The advantage is that you have lots of parameters to adjust and the disadvantage is that you have lots of parameters to adjust...

I sold my SYB-5 for the simple reason of the tracking problem. Now I wish it back, because of the option with the expression pedal.

It's not that I think it would be difficult - in fact I'm sure I could do it - but I like being able to change most of the parameters right there on the spot without having to hook up a computer. It's a convenience thing. I just want someone to make another pedal like the Deep Impact where everything is right there at your fingers and the tracking and tone are both on point.

Deepak · #9 08-24-2010, 10:09 AM

VBass or VB-99

Jared Lash · #10 08-24-2010, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

because the deep impact stiffed when it was released so most companies don't want to take the chance.

Bingo.

The Deep Impact is full of cheesy, 80's style synth sounds. Personally I dig a number of the tones that I got out of mine and no other synth pedal has the same "bounce" to it that the DI does. But at the same time, they were blown out for $99 a piece and if not for Muse (and to a lesser extent Phish and other bands) using the Akai, it would have disappeared completely as a failed endeavor rather than a cult pedal.

It's a terrible business practice for big company to look at a product who failed when released and now has renewed popularity and high prices due to relative scarcity and try to copy it. That's a lot of R&D and production for something that may not sell when the market is now awash with clones of that previously rare pedal. And since it's a DSP and not just a normal circuit, boutique builders rarely have the skills needed to program the pedal so they won't take the job either. It's why so many boutique reverbs use the same module - they are pedal builders, not programmers in most cases.

There will always be a market for bass synth pedals, but a better approach for a company to take it to look at the synth sounds in either currently popular or classic rock/funk/jazz etc songs and try to create a pedal that can emulate those tones rather than copy a long since discontinued offering from another company.

groooooove · #11 08-24-2010, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared Lash

Bingo.

The Deep Impact is full of cheesy, 80's style synth sounds. Personally I dig a number of the tones that I got out of mine and no other synth pedal has the same "bounce" to it that the DI does. But at the same time, they were blown out for $99 a piece and if not for Muse (and to a lesser extent Phish and other bands) using the Akai, it would have disappeared completely as a failed endeavor rather than a cult pedal.

It's a terrible business practice for big company to look at a product who failed when released and now has renewed popularity and high prices due to relative scarcity and try to copy it. That's a lot of R&D and production for something that may not sell when the market is now awash with clones of that previously rare pedal. And since it's a DSP and not just a normal circuit, boutique builders rarely have the skills needed to program the pedal so they won't take the job either. It's why so many boutique reverbs use the same module - they are pedal builders, not programmers in most cases.

There will always be a market for bass synth pedals, but a better approach for a company to take it to look at the synth sounds in either currently popular or classic rock/funk/jazz etc songs and try to create a pedal that can emulate those tones rather than copy a long since discontinued offering from another company.

bingo.

propel · #12 08-24-2010, 02:01 PM

I had the SYB-5 and tried everything to like it. The tracking was really, really bad. Some of the sounds were quite nice though, so if you want to hold notes it's a really cool pedal I suppose, the tracking was a complete deal breaker for me. Haven't tried the other ones.

lbanks · #13 08-24-2010, 02:12 PM

While not a true competitor of the Deep Impact, the Digitech BSW has some really nice sounds... just takes a long time to find and in unexpected places. I've had both and I found the Deep Impact to be too unreliable.

Wud · #14 08-24-2010, 02:36 PM

Just imagine what somebody like Eventide could do with a Synth Pedal ?
Maybe we should start a campaign!

kevteop · #15 08-24-2010, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groooooove

bingo.

Bingo.

rr5025 · #16 08-24-2010, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbanks

While not a true competitor of the Deep Impact, the Digitech BSW has some really nice sounds... just takes a long time to find and in unexpected places. I've had both and I found the Deep Impact to be too unreliable.

I've actually found my BSW to be more unreliable than my Deep Impact. I like the BSW a lot I just wish they would even out a few of its quirks.

lbanks · #17 08-24-2010, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rr5025

I've actually found my BSW to be more unreliable than my Deep Impact. I like the BSW a lot I just wish they would even out a few of its quirks.

Yeah, like that stupid rubber plunger arrangement. I went in and reglued it and it been much more dependable. And a blend knob would be nice.