Am I over processing my sound?

Oh! Henry · #1 11-03-2008, 02:07 PM

I'm running my bass, into my pedalboard, which then goes into a compressor, then a tonehammer preamp, then into a BBE Sonic Maximiser, then into my LMII. Am I overprocessing my sound? I mean I like the tone, but I'm just wondering if some of it is overkill? Do I really need a preamp and the sonic maximiser?

Geddyfleaharris · #2 11-03-2008, 02:18 PM

Is there any of your original tone left?

If you like your processed sound then run with it. I use a preamp and a compressor but IMO the Maximiser is overkill. I had a 362 once and could never figure out what it was doing especially with a compressor in the rig. Got rid of it;

don't miss it.

GunslingingBird · #3 11-03-2008, 02:21 PM

Try taking things that you think you might not need out and compare the tone.

AndyLES · #4 11-03-2008, 02:28 PM

Get rid of the sonic minimizer. Nearly everyone I've met who had one says that getting rid of it was the best thing they did.

Also, look at your signal chain carefully. Do you already have a comp on your pedalboard? A preamp AFTER the compressor? If the comp is an instrument level stompbox, then fine, I suppose (although in most applications, I'd put the comp first).

But a PREamp after it? You're only jacking up noise.

JanusZarate · #5 11-03-2008, 02:41 PM

I'm of the camp that if your preamp pedal or external preamp is always on, then you're simply making up for what the amp lacks. In such a case, you may simply be really searching for a tone that your amp can't provide, but another amp might.

If you only use the preamp on occasion, then it's fine.

As for the Sonic Maximizer, I don't see them as useful in most (if any) circumstances, TBH.

RickenBoogie · #6 11-03-2008, 02:41 PM

Bottom line is, if you like the sound, it's all good. I agree, a preamp at the end seems to be a bad idea, but if it's working for you, who cares. I run my bass into a compressor, then an eq, then a preamp for overdrive, followed by my filters, etc, and what comes out my speaker cab is exactly what I want to hear.

Gubna · #7 11-03-2008, 02:48 PM

well, to each his own, but I'd experiment with a few different set ups as others have mentioned.

Personally, I always thought that the best sound of bass was when the cord went direct from the bass to the amp.

bassbrock · #8 11-03-2008, 02:51 PM

The Sonic Maximizer is really nothing more than a mid-cut or mid-scoop effect. The low knob is a bass boost, the high knob is a presence boost. Once I realized this I got rid of mine. I owned several models (362, 482, 882 and the pedal) and I put them through an RTA to figure out what they were doing. I agree with the others here... get rid of the Sonic Maximizer first.

sandmangeck · #9 11-03-2008, 02:51 PM

i wouldn't toss out the maximiser just yet. it has it's useful applications. i use my to clean up heavily distorted sounds, and overdrives.

thefruitfarmer · #10 11-03-2008, 02:51 PM

If you are asking the question then the answer is probably "yes".

bassbrock · #11 11-03-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandmangeck

i wouldn't toss out the maximiser just yet. it has it's useful applications.

You are correct. I use mine to dig drainage ditches for the water runoff near my driveway. Very useful application. I have also hammered a nail or two with it.

SteveC · #12 11-03-2008, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oh! Henry

I'm running my bass, into my pedalboard, which then goes into a compressor, then a tonehammer preamp, then into a BBE Sonic Maximiser, then into my LMII. Am I overprocessing my sound? I mean I like the tone, but I'm just wondering if some of it is overkill? Do I really need a preamp and the sonic maximiser?

Does your pedal board have a compressor? If so, then I'd dump the compressor, preamp and BBE.

rratajski · #13 11-03-2008, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefruitfarmer

If you are asking the question then the answer is probably "yes".

+1 I was thinking the same thing.

+1 to Boo's response as well.

I am in the original, untarnished bass sound (since I have a Rick) and my head's natural sound (Ampeg SVT classic). If I compressed or preamped, I personally wouldn't be happy w/ it...but seriously, to each their own. If you like your sound, keep it...but experimenting can be more fun!

MatticusMania · #14 11-03-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

I'm of the camp that if your preamp pedal or external preamp is always on, then you're simply making up for what the amp lacks. In such a case, you may simply be really searching for a tone that your amp can't provide, but another amp might.

If you only use the preamp on occasion, then it's fine.

As for the Sonic Maximizer, I don't see them as useful in most (if any) circumstances, TBH.

The only situation where i've seen a sonic maximizer that was useful was recording direct into my friends computer.

Deluge Of Sound · #15 11-03-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkifiedsoul

precicely. Process 1rst.....effect 2nd. Instead of trying to compress every other effect that's on, get a clean, even signal first then 'effect it'.

Remember kids, there's only one way to run a signal chain.

markjazzbassist · #16 11-03-2008, 04:33 PM

does the tonehammer have a Thru jack where your tone isn't being effected?

AndyLES · #17 11-04-2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deluge Of Sound

Remember kids, there's only one way to run a signal chain.

Sarcasm noted.

That said, there's a REASON that some signal paths have become the standard. There are always issues of impedance and gain structure that come into play.

scotch · #18 11-04-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbrock

The Sonic Maximizer is really nothing more than a mid-cut or mid-scoop effect. The low knob is a bass boost, the high knob is a presence boost. Once I realized this I got rid of mine. I owned several models (362, 482, 882 and the pedal) and I put them through an RTA to figure out what they were doing. I agree with the others here... get rid of the Sonic Maximizer first.

+1

I used to have one many, many years ago. Frankly, "sonic maximizers" (and their equivalents) are one of those items that people get talked into using, like what they hear for awhile, and then later on learn how to achieve the same sounds with gear they already had in the first place. Or, your tastes will move away from mid-scoop to a more "even" preference.

I've never seen a seasoned pro using BBE or Aphex enhancers. I think there is a reason....

Oh! Henry · #19 11-04-2008, 09:50 AM

Looks like I need to ditch the Sonic Maximiser!!!

I think I was sort of headed in that direction, I like what the Preamp and compressor do to my sound, and was just wondering if the BBE does some sort of magic to my signal that I,m not aware of. Looks like it doesn't, and looks like it's going up for sale.

Now I need to look into my my chain, because some suggested that my preamp is not in the right place, and it may be the reason I'm getting unusual noise when I turn it on.