Amp settings using multiple pedals

Frankie Star · #1 03-13-2011, 07:28 PM

Hi,

I recently bought an Aphex Punch Factory Optical Compressor pedal and so far I like it.

This is my first bass pedal and I also looked at the Tech 21 Bass Driver pedal too.

My questions is this, for those players who use pedals; what do you set your amp at when you use pedals that shape your tone - do you set the dials flat, full blast?

I'd appreciate any advice on this

F

The Lurker · #2 03-14-2011, 08:12 AM

Setting all the knobs on your amp full-blast is a very bad idea.

It's sort of an iterative process to find out how pedals work best with your amp-- generally speaking, your starting point should be the amp rather than the pedals (e.g. find pedals that work well with your amp, not amps that work well with your pedals).

What works best for me is to have the amp set to a good sound on its own, but keep the EQ relatively flat and without a lot of gain boosting. That way when the effects are OFF, the sound is still good.

On the one hand, it means a lot of trial and error. On the other hand.... well, you're playing!

Floyd Eye · #3 03-14-2011, 08:35 AM

The pedals should be adjusted to your amp, not the other way around. I suppose that is unless you are using your pedals to achieve your normal tone. I use pedals for effect, at certain points in certain songs. 90% of the time, the only pedal that's engaged is my compressor.

My name is Mudd · #4 03-14-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

The pedals should be adjusted to your amp, not the other way around.

This.

Nerotic · #5 03-14-2011, 12:38 PM

I have a pre-amp on my pedalboard and thus I run my amp's EQ flat. I use different amp's often, depending on where I'm playing, so it's really helpful to have 'my sound' on board at all times. Mostly I just need to make small adjustments to fit the amp and room I'm playing in.

In your case I'd go with setting your amp's EQ first, and then tweak your effects around that. This way, you have the best tone possible.

cheapbasslovin · #6 03-14-2011, 02:45 PM

Yup. Amp / preamp get adjusted to the bass. Then the effects adjusted to that. If the effects don't work with the amp/ pre/ bass, then you should ditch 'em (or hang onto them for the new amp you're gassing for

).

Nomadskills · #7 03-14-2011, 03:45 PM

Yep! I agree with the others. I find what I like with bass and amp first, then adjust my pedals to that.

Frankie Star · #8 03-14-2011, 09:56 PM

Thanks guys, those were all helpful suggestions!