Am I Crazy For Not Loving the Bass RC Booster?

[Ginsly]

I picked up an Xotic Bass RC Booster to boost my volume and bass, but I'm just not seeing what all the hype is about. The Gain seems to fart out my setup even when set fairly low, and the EQ just lacks the warmth I was expecting. I set the volume pretty much wide open, zero to little gain, flat Treble, and Bass around one o clock or so. For those who love the RC, how do you like to set it? Thinking about letting mine go. Ditto for my VT Bass.. Maybe I'm just expecting too much from these pedals?

[Robertron]

Different strokes for different folks. I remember when I first tried out the BassBigMuff in a shop I was VERY underwhelmed.

[RCCollins]

the volume isn't "wide open" - it's hecka boosted. Try setting it at unity, make MINOR adjustments to the bass and treble, and slowly add gain to taste

which is not to say you have to like it. but "wide open" is the wrong way to start with a boost pedal.

[BillyIVbass]

I'm in the same boat. Especially about the RC.

[Ginsly]

Originally Posted by RCCollins

the volume isn't "wide open" - it's hecka boosted. Try setting it at unity, make MINOR adjustments to the bass and treble, and slowly add gain to taste

which is not to say you have to like it. but "wide open" is the wrong way to start with a boost pedal.

I guess I overstated my volume setting - I do set it to unity volume, but it's still pretty high on the dial because I set the gain so low. I see you have a Bass RC for sale - did you not like it either?

[bongomania]

Why do you set the gain so low?

[Matt Dean]

What I do is set the gain to taste (low to moderate break-up) and then set the volume to unity.

I love Xotic pedals.

[Ginsly]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Why do you set the gain so low?

I find that turning up the gain makes things really farty instead of adding a nice overdriven edge to my sound. I don't know if it's just my setup, but the gain the RC provides just doesn't sound good to me - it makes things sound bloated instead of gritty. I didn't really buy it for overdrive, but I was still a little disappointed that the gain wasn't gonna work well for me.

[Matt Dean]

How do you have the vol and gain set on your amp?

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by Ginsly

I find that turning up the gain makes things really farty instead of adding a nice overdriven edge to my sound. I don't know if it's just my setup, but the gain the RC provides just doesn't sound good to me - it makes things sound bloated instead of gritty. I didn't really buy it for overdrive, but I was still a little disappointed that the gain wasn't gonna work well for me.

Hey I'm in Chicago and I use the RC Booster. If you like, we can get together and I can show you first hand how I get the most out of it.

[Matt Dean]

I'd take JAUQO up on that offer...

[Ginsly]

Originally Posted by Matt Dean

How do you have the vol and gain set on your amp?

I play a passive Fender Marcus Miller Jazz into the Orange set like this: Volume 8-9 o clock, Treble at 11, Mids at 1, Bass at 3 or 4, Gain at 1. This amp is loud for it's size!

[Ginsly]

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

Hey I'm in Chicago and I use the RC Booster. If you like, we can get together and I can show you first hand how I get the most out of it.

Wow, that would be great - feel free to PM me and we can work somethin out. Very cool of you - thanks!!

[Matt Dean]

Originally Posted by Ginsly

I play a passive Fender Marcus Miller Jazz into the Orange set like this: Volume 8-9 o clock, Treble at 11, Mids at 1, Bass at 3 or 4, Gain at 1. This amp is loud for it's size!

Try setting your gain at noon and adjust volume to an appropriate playing level. I think your problem is that you are setting your gain too low.

[cassius987]

Originally Posted by Robertron

I remember when I first tried out the BassBigMuff in a shop I was VERY underwhelmed.

Been there done that.

[fasto]

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

Hey I'm in Chicago and I use the RC Booster. If you like, we can get together and I can show you first hand how I get the most out of it.

^ TalkBass at it´s best!

[plangentmusic]

Any volume boost is going to add dirt and distortion. In many ways, it's no different from turning the volume up. Sure, it's "added' power but it still causes overdrive. A stronger head is the best solution.

Also, I'll never understand why any bassplayer would not put their gain on 10 and adjusting the volume accordingly. It produces the most power and the clean sound. The master and volume are NOT just 2 volume controls!

[tomhanzo]

Originally Posted by cassius987

Been there done that.

twice

[Ginsly]

Originally Posted by Matt Dean

Try setting your gain at noon and adjust volume to an appropriate playing level. I think your problem is that you are setting your gain too low.

I assume you're talking about the pedal's Gain, right? I have the amp's Gain set to 1 o clock, and that adds plenty of hair and breakup. I'll try turning up the RC's Gain again, but I think that'll get me into fartland pretty quickly..

[Ginsly]

Originally Posted by plangentmusic

Any volume boost is going to add dirt and distortion. In many ways, it's no different from turning the volume up. Sure, it's "added' power but it still causes overdrive. A stronger head is the best solution.

Also, I'll never understand why any bassplayer would not put their gain on 10 and adjusting the volume accordingly. It produces the most power and the clean sound. The master and volume are NOT just 2 volume controls!

Again - are you referring to the amp or the pedal? Cranking the Gain on the head would be much too fuzzy, but I do have it fairly high - about one or two o clock. The Gain on the RC just gets farty so soon - even at 9 o clock. Hopefully a meeting with Jauqo will make me like this thing more!