Another dist. choice

RickenBoogie · #1 07-20-2008, 11:22 AM

Ok, working it all out, but I'm needing 1 more od/dist. pedal for a 3 pedal synth sound. So far, what I've got going= Trex Squeezer/ EBS Valve Drive/ Tuner/ ?? this is the question??/ Octave Multiplexer, Menatone Mail Bomb/ Mk 4.23 clean Boost/ Barber Linden/ ISP Decimator/ Pigtronix EP-1/ Maxon CS 9Pro. Everything is how I like it, but for those 3, I need another dirt box. I was using the dist from an MXR M80, but never totally happy. My choices are 1) TRex Bass Juice, or 2) Xotic BB Bass Preamp dist. I'm leaning toward the BB, because of it's size. Either one is 9VDC, center tip Neg. That's a must, as well as small size. Am I missing something obvious? It's the Octave and Mail Bomb that will all play with this new dirt box. It's almost enough to flick the switch on the Octave Multiplexer for the dist, but not quite. Not fuzz, just dirt. And the Valve Drive also could work, but I'd prefer something else, as the Valve Drive is a seperate thing. Whatcha think? Anyone played with the BB Bass Preamp? I'm sure the Bass Juice would work, but it's also quite a bit more money. Thanks for your thoughts.

bongomania · #2 07-20-2008, 11:30 AM

The BB is a Tube Screamer clone, and IIRC the Bass Juice is as well; so you could first buy a cheaper Tube Screamer to see if that "flavor" of dirt works for your tastes, and if you like it then buy a boutique one for the better bass range.

RickenBoogie · #3 07-20-2008, 11:34 AM

Right on Bongo, that's good to know. I think so long as the pedal has a blend, or mix feature, like the Bass Juice, a tube screamer clone would be perfect.

dannybuoy · #4 07-20-2008, 11:43 AM

TS clone + blend = Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive

But if I were you, I'd use a fuzz if I was trying to get a synth sound, not an overdrive.

RickenBoogie · #5 07-20-2008, 03:08 PM

Sparkle Drive, too big. BB preamp, no blend, but maybe that's ok. Bass Juice is probably the winner, but I've got this thing going where no 2 pedals are the same brand, and my Squeezer stays.

RickenBoogie · #6 07-20-2008, 03:16 PM

Oh, and fuzz not so good for me, I want a nice grindy distortion. The MXR's dist channel was close to what I want, just too cheesey for my tastes, though it did have a blend knob.

Mudfuzz · #7 07-20-2008, 03:40 PM

It really is hard to say. I think I know the sound you are after, sort of, but ODs really depend on you rig, bass and other pedals to get "the" sound. Generally I never like the sound of any of the pedals I hear with built in blends. And if you just get a blend pedal then you can use pretty much any OD/Dis in existence, although, really helps to start with a pedal that keeps lows on it's own so the blending has more to do with sonic complexity and not making up for a lack.

If I was to pick between the two you listed I'd pick the BB, I just have never been impressed by any of the sound clips of the Bass Juice.

The Death by audio Interstellar does a great dirty synth sound, but you kind of need a blend with the stock version. Same with the HAO Rust Ride.

I doubt any of this helps, but there it is.

RickenBoogie · #8 07-20-2008, 04:29 PM

Yes, it helps. Leaning hard to the BB, you just confirmed my thoughts.