Bass Wah and Envelope Filters

Z-Bass · #1 11-06-2012, 11:34 AM

So I've been using a Dunlop 105Q Crybaby Bass Wah for years. It's one of the first generation models with the adjustment pots on the bottom of the pedal. I was looking into the MXR Bass Envelope Filter, and was wondering if I would be gaining anything extra that the 105Q doesn't provide. In other words, is having one of each kind of redundant or are each useful in their own ways. I like that I can really control the sweep on the 105Q, I can make it really quack or I can make it really subtle without having to adjust settings. The MXR BEF is also appealing in the that I don't have to worry about my foot positioning as much, kinda stomp and go and let my hands control the effect. Did I just answer my own question?

Any input (or link to an already existing thread) would be greatly appreciated.

TOOL460002 · #2 11-06-2012, 01:54 PM

I am 110% positive that there are a couple dozen threads on this, but I will give you my opinion:

Yes. An envelope filter would give you a range of sounds that you can't get with a foot controlled wah. Some pedals have both, though. You have an envelope filter, and then plug in an expression pedal, and then you have what you get with what you got now.

Zappstorius · #3 11-06-2012, 02:46 PM

They are two completely different effects, IMO. A manual wah is exactly that, where an envelope filter is "triggered" by attack.

With a manual wah, you can get certain sounds by adjusting the pedal with your foot...tempo of the wah will not be dictacted by your hands but by your foot.

Bassist4Eris · #4 11-06-2012, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-Bass

Did I just answer my own question?

I think you may have

Bassmike62 · #5 11-06-2012, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-Bass

In other words, is having one of each kind of redundant or are each useful in their own ways. I like that I can really control the sweep on the 105Q, I can make it really quack or I can make it really subtle without having to adjust settings. The MXR BEF is also appealing in the that I don't have to worry about my foot positioning as much, kinda stomp and go and let my hands control the effect.

I had both, but not at the same time. I started with the 105Q and sorta liked it, but didn't like playing a wah as a bassplayer (loved it as a guitard) + it wasn't the sound I was looking for.

Filters offer more freedom of both movement and tweakability (IMO). I had a bunch of filters (DOD FX25, FX25b, Boss FT-2, Digitech BSW) while owning the wah and kept going back to them all the time. So I sold the 105Q.

I played a BEF for a year and just switched to a Micro Q-Tron. I keep getting closer to the bubbly funk that has so far eluded me, but that still not it. Don't see myself bringing back a wah on the board, but I'm still young...

HolmeBass · #6 11-06-2012, 06:58 PM

Bubbly funk is pretty straightforward with the Proton. Been digging mine.

I was never able to get too bubbly with my wah, the Morley Bass Wah, but it is good for long slow sweeps, which are harder to control with an envelope filter. So to me they do two different things. But the question with the wah is always is that thing important enough to sacrifice all of that pedal board space?

Hi-tech is an expression pedal that can control multiple things, including your LPF, a la Xerography Dix or Wonderlove, plus other things using an expresionator. You get both things with one pedal, and the expr pedal is now so useful that it's a no-brainer to include it on your board. Not that this is where I am, sadly, but maybe some day.

Laurent · #7 11-10-2012, 06:52 AM

I have both. If I could only have one I would have the Dunlop Bass Wah but both is complementary. I also have a EH Bassballs and a Mutron III+ from Haz.

They are all different but the Dunlop and MXR are a great base to start with.

Z-Bass · #8 01-08-2013, 04:41 PM

Sorry forgot to check back in on this. Thanks for the replies. As it turns out I may get an opportunity to demo the MXR BEF. A friend of mine just replaced his MXR with a different envelope filter and asked if I wanted to try it out to see if I like it. This should definitely give me a great opportunity to compare to my 105Q in actual live situations. Can't wait!

Musicman1901 · #9 01-08-2013, 09:37 PM

I prefer envelope filters to wah pedals. They are totally different but i just felt like i never used my wah. I actually just sold it a couple weeks ago. As far as filters go i have 2 on my board now and love them. Awesome effect. I would be curious to hear how the mxr bass envelope filter is. I was actually considering that one before i purchased mine.

scottfeldstein · #10 01-08-2013, 10:42 PM

I had that MXR envelope for a while. I think it does what it does really, really well. I recommend it for people who are looking for a well-voiced funk box with a clean mix built in.

Myself, I wouldn't even think of using a wah. I think they lend themselves more to melodic instrumentation like guitar, where you want to sweep fast here and then slow there. Besides, I have my Hot Hand to control my filter sweeps now, if I want something other than envelope or LFO.