Bass Synth Pedal EHX-MicroSynth vs. Markbass Synth

MeestorEno · #1 02-20-2011, 12:09 AM

I am looking for a good analog fuzz/saw wave sound. I do not want a lot of the crazy synth sounds that the Boss and many other pedals provide, and I can not afford an Octavius or the Akai Deep Impact. I know the EHX does not have any presets, and that is why I was thinking about the Markbass. Will the Markbass get close to the analog love that the EHX can produce? Would I be sacrificing a lot of tone in order to have presets and a computer interface?
Are there any other bass synth pedals that have presets, and sound great that will not leave me eating ramen noodles for a month?

Gomeztool · #2 02-20-2011, 08:47 AM

I think it is a prudent assumption that "tone" will be sacrificed once you start running your signal through a synth.

But going back to the BMS vs SS comparison. Not even close. The noisy BMS = washtub bass, SS = Fender Precision.

kevteop · #3 02-20-2011, 09:23 AM

If it's a sawtooth sound you want, the only choice is the Super Synth. The BMS makes some excellent and musical noises but it will not produce anything close to a sawtooth.

One issue though is that it's impossible to completely remove your bass guitar signal from the output - the SS always leaves some BG signal in there.

I don't agree with the poster above me, I think the BMS is a great effect. However it seems the SS would be more appropriate for your needs.

MeestorEno · #4 02-20-2011, 12:04 PM

What I am looking for is an analog synth like distortion/fuzz. I am not sure if it is the saw, sine, or other type of wave that creates that. The BMS sounds more warm and fuzzy, and the SS sounds metallic and seams to utilize crazy synth sounds that would not sit well in any mix. I love the computer interface that the SS offers, but what good is that if I can't use any of the effects in a live setting because there is not much of a demand for it in a rock setting? Can the SS produce a warm analog fuzz like the BMS?

Jazz Ad · #5 02-20-2011, 12:09 PM

For the tone you're looking for, I'd consider a Source Audio Multiwave.
The EHX is a good pick too. The Markbass doesn't sound like dist in any way.

Jumbotron · #6 02-20-2011, 12:44 PM

+1 on the multiwave. I just got one, and it'll do all manner of nice synthy distortion action. Cheaper than a BMS or SS, too.

MeestorEno · #7 02-20-2011, 12:52 PM

That Source Audio Multiwave is awesome! Thanks. That may be better than the EHX because it has presets, and I do not need all of the other sound effects that other bass synth pedals offer. Are there any other bass multiwave distortion pedals like that?

cheapbasslovin · #8 02-20-2011, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeestorEno

That Source Audio Multiwave is awesome! Thanks. That may be better than the EHX because it has presets, and I do not need all of the other sound effects that other bass synth pedals offer. Are there any other bass multiwave distortion pedals like that?

Only one I can think of is the Tech21 Red Ripper, but I don't think it is anywhere near as versatile as the SAMWD. Full disclosure, I have played neither.