Cutting through the mix with Distortion?

Fullmetal · #1 10-26-2009, 05:16 PM

Ok, so this has been bugging me for a while.

I currently use a TurboRAT for grindy, crunchy distortion tones. However, this causes some low end loss, and I am sucked out of the mix. I've tried boosting volume and low end, but nothing. I just can't get heard with the lower notes, higher octave notes aren't much of a problem as I can be heard.

I would assume a blender may help to keep my low end, and help me be heard. Would this be right? And if so, can someone suggest a fairly cheap but effective blender? I'm leaning towards a Barge Concepts VB-jr.

Many thanks.

Chronicle · #2 10-26-2009, 05:21 PM

The blender would help, or get a better distortion to handle the low end.

thugler · #3 10-26-2009, 06:15 PM

The barge will sort it out beautifully. I used to have the same sort of problem, but I was so in love with the turbo rat tone I didn't want to swap it for a different distortion since I've never heard one with as satisfying a crunch as the turbo rat. I got a barge blend and find it beefs up/restores any lost bass all of my fuzz/distortion pedals very nicely.

rratajski · #4 10-26-2009, 07:12 PM

There's a milkshake blender for $50 shipped on the classifieds right now.
LS-2 will work on a small budget.
I have and love my Wounded Paw Blender.

This will help you tone suckness.

TimmyDX · #5 10-26-2009, 08:31 PM

As well as a blender there is always the Jc/Failure solution of whacking an eq in there too, works pretty nicely with a turbo rat

Eminor3rd · #6 10-26-2009, 08:33 PM

Man I bet if you just didn't use distortion, and cranked your mids, you punch right through.

adamrobertt · #7 10-26-2009, 08:36 PM

Or you could crank your mids and leave the distortion pedal on.

Try rolling back a little bit on the drive setting, too. Too much fuzz will drown you out. It usually sounds better with less anyway.

Crystalman85 · #8 10-26-2009, 08:43 PM

If you're having trouble with low-end losses, I would recommend the boss ls-2 line selector pedal. this pedal can help you blend your sound.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #9 10-26-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eminor3rd

Man I bet if you just didn't use distortion, and cranked your mids, you punch right through.

Not using distortion would sort of take away the point of using distortion

*insertcoolname · #10 10-26-2009, 09:15 PM

I'd recommend the Tech 21 XXL Bass edition. IMO a very similar vibe to the turbo rat but more low end and even more mids. It fits in a band perfectly. I own both right now and the XXL is what's on my board. If you're dead set on the rat however I'd say blender.