Boost function in Fulltone Bassdrive

open_space · #1 10-14-2008, 04:02 AM

I was thinking about getting this overdrive pedal but I have a question about the way its boost function works.

I want to use it for two sounds: one - slight overdrive, probably will be always on. Second - heavier overdrive for certain song parts.

It looks like it's possible to do that with this pedal, but won't its boost section also boost volume? So, if I step on the boost button (with overdrive already on), wouldn't my bass sound get noticeably louder? I don't necessarily want to do that.

Or does the boost knob control volume as well?

OptimusPrime · #2 10-14-2008, 04:27 AM

Yeah, the Bass-Drive is exactly what you want.

Toasted · #3 10-14-2008, 04:54 AM

No it isn't - read what he wrote.

The Fulltone DOES boost gain and volume on the boost channel - which is one of the reasons that it's not useable for me. I want to be the same volume at all times.

open_space · #4 10-14-2008, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toasted

No it isn't - read what he wrote.

The Fulltone DOES boost gain and volume on the boost channel - which is one of the reasons that it's not useable for me. I want to be the same volume at all times.

That's what I thought. What if you turn boost way down?

Toasted · #5 10-14-2008, 05:43 AM

You can get both boost and normal to be almost the same volume, but then they're almost the same gain too. So there doesn't seem to be much point.

If it's important for you to keep the same volume I'd suggest you look elsewhere.

dirtgroove · #6 10-14-2008, 05:45 AM

The fulltone bass drive will do exactly what you are asking.

unfortunately its best setting ,comp cut mode (think tubescreamer) won't do what you are asking, which is infuriating.

The other two settings ( I don't have the mosfet version) will do what you are asking.

open_space · #7 10-14-2008, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtgroove

The fulltone bass drive will do exactly what you are asking.

unfortunately its best setting ,comp cut mode (think tubescreamer) won't do what you are asking, which is infuriating.

The other two settings ( I don't have the mosfet version) will do what you are asking.

Why is that? Why won't it work in comp cut mode? Volume issues?

dirtgroove · #8 10-14-2008, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by open_space

Why is that? Why won't it work in comp cut mode? Volume issues?

In comp cut mode the 1st "channel" gives you a clean boost/or cut depending on how you have it dialed. Engage the boost switch and you have a huge roaring mid heavy overdrive (which sounds fantastic to my ears).

FWIW- With the boost switch engaged the pedal sounds great but it does lose a little low end whilst giving you a huge mid range bump... ...I prefer to use it with a blender/looper to keep some of the original signal.

Terrorstorm · #9 10-14-2008, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtgroove

The fulltone bass drive will do exactly what you are asking.

unfortunately its best setting ,comp cut mode (think tubescreamer) won't do what you are asking, which is infuriating.

The other two settings ( I don't have the mosfet version) will do what you are asking.

+10000000

Nyarlathotep · #10 10-14-2008, 08:06 AM

The fulltone is OD->boost, which is why I don't think it'll work for you. The Hematoma is Boost->OD and this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by open space

I want to use it for two sounds: one - slight overdrive, probably will be always on. Second - heavier overdrive for certain song parts.

Screams Hematoma IMHO.

waveman · #11 10-14-2008, 08:09 AM

I know you want a "Bass" Pedal, but the Fulltone GT-500 will do this better. The Boost/OD and Distortion channel can be put in whichever order you want. Use the Boost/OD as your main OD, and add the dirt with the Distortion. This pedal is a bass heavy pedal and should work well with bass.

open_space · #12 10-14-2008, 08:35 AM

But I was under impression that Fulltone was designed especially for two-channel usage? I agree, the whole idea of boost after overdrive does seem strange to me. It seems that you would need boost before overdrive.

I just need two sounds but I really don't want to get two pedals.

open_space · #13 10-14-2008, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielTulip

The fulltone is OD->boost, which is why I don't think it'll work for you. The Hematoma is Boost->OD and this:

Screams Hematoma IMHO.

I listened to some samples of Hematoma and this pedal seems to cut a lot of highs. Not that I need an uber clean sound, but I wouldn't want to lose those highs.

waveman · #14 10-14-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by open_space

But I was under impression that Fulltone was designed especially for two-channel usage? I agree, the whole idea of boost after overdrive does seem strange to me. It seems that you would need boost before overdrive.

I just need two sounds but I really don't want to get two pedals.

I actually prefer boost after OD in some cases. As a guitar player, a clean boost after dirt is the best way to retain your tone, but with a louder signal (sometimes a little eq'ing going on). Other times you want to boost the gain and volume, which is why you would put it before OD. Compressors can be used for this as well, but I am not a big fan of compressors with my guitar signal.

Personally, I prefer an EQ pedal for post OD boost, and some sort of OD pre OD boost, but either can be used.

Also, this Fulltone bass pedal is a bass version of the Fulldrive, and it is dirt -> boost. If the Bass pedal works like the Fulldrive, you will not get as much range and versatility as the GT-500, not to mention that the Bass pedal from what I have read above is basically a tube screamer. The Boost knob increases gain and volume at the same time.

As a bass player, I don't use much dirt, but if needed to do what you want, the GT-500 would be a better option.

Also there are alot of other two in one dirt pedals out there to be had than just Fulltone.

open_space · #15 10-14-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtgroove

In comp cut mode the 1st "channel" gives you a clean boost/or cut depending on how you have it dialed. Engage the boost switch and you have a huge roaring mid heavy overdrive (which sounds fantastic to my ears).

FWIW- With the boost switch engaged the pedal sounds great but it does lose a little low end whilst giving you a huge mid range bump... ...I prefer to use it with a blender/looper to keep some of the original signal.

Why can't I use it the way I described then? Is the difference between two channels that drastic? Is there a manual online where I can read about different modes?

open_space · #16 10-14-2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waveman

Also there are alot of other two in one dirt pedals out there to be had than just Fulltone.

What do you have in mind? Can you give me a few examples?

OriginalCrash · #17 10-14-2008, 09:14 AM

Well, it seems some people are saying it's exactly what you need, and others are saying it isn't. I gotta say, I don't get why some are telling you it's what you're looking for. My experience with it (I've got a Bass-Drive MOSFET) is right in line with what Toasted is telling you... Most of the time, in all three modes, there is a noticeable difference in volume. Yes, if you keep the boost knob turned down, you can tame that volume boost so that it isn't really noticeable... But at that point, you're not getting much of a gain boost either. And that works fine for me, as I'm not looking for a huge kick in the pants in gain, just a little nudge. But if you're looking for a big jump in gain, you'll definitely get a big jump in volume, too. Comp-cut mode is great, but I've found you can realisticly only get one channel out of it. I've either got to set it to use with boost on or off, otherwise the volume difference is just WAY too much. It's a great pedal, but it does have its quirks, so it may not be what you're looking for...

Brian

Toasted · #18 10-14-2008, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OriginalCrash

I gotta say, I don't get why some are telling you it's what you're looking for.

Me either... it can only be people who haven't used it saying that it's perfect. It really isn't!!

soundwave13 · #19 10-14-2008, 09:19 AM

I've owned the Fulltone bass drive for a few years now & it's one the most used pedals I have, not to mention, one of the best overdrive pedals I've heard for either the guitar or bass.

It really sings with some (pre)chorus and (post)wah pedal into a delay...

As far as having some boost - alone, boost seems abit much, but when placed into the mix with a band, that boost allows you the room to stand out & be heard -instead of becoming lost in the mix.

Just my $.02.

12bass · #20 10-14-2008, 09:20 AM

The boost on the Bassdrive is exactly that - a boost, an increase in gain, distortion, and volume.

There's no way to adjust the pedal so that the boost doesn't increase the volume... unless it is set for no boost.