DBX Subharmonic Synthesizers

newbold · #1 01-02-2010, 06:03 PM

How different are these than, say, a Boss OC-2?

totally different than an octave pedal, or not?

Pitbull Growl · #2 01-02-2010, 06:08 PM

Completely different.
Octave pedals are more audible, but the subharmonic synths just help ya shake the ground... you're notes still sound the same, just feel deeper.

JohnDavisNYC · #3 01-02-2010, 06:09 PM

totally different... but also totally cool. they really just 'extend' the subsonic content of a given sound... great for helping wimpy kick drum sounds... sometimes they can have an octave-y sound, but they don't really do the same thing.

john

newbold · #4 01-02-2010, 08:10 PM

I was thinking about this because the DBX 110 is about the same size (maybe smaller by a few hairs) than an avalon or a UA Twinfinity.

Talk about Tone Stack: Am I speaking the right language?

FreaqyFrequency · #5 01-02-2010, 08:29 PM

So, if I understand this technology, it generates a harmonic at a tuned frequency that is mixed in with what you're playing? Why would it sound any different from boosting the frequency (EQing) if the harmonic generator is set at a specific frequency?

newbold · #6 01-02-2010, 10:34 PM

Cause the EQ is at a static value and an octave below your note changes as you play different notes.

Pitbull Growl · #7 01-02-2010, 10:44 PM

All I can say is it sounds like adding a subwoofer or a x-ed over 18" - 21" cab to your rig.

FreaqyFrequency · #8 01-02-2010, 10:48 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the two knobs on the far right of the synthesizer also represent static values of frequencies at which the harmonic is generated. Am I wrong, or is this a super fairy dusted snake oil low EQ in practice?

Pitbull Growl · #9 01-02-2010, 10:54 PM

Definitely not a low eq type of thing

I can't dial in w/an eq the response you get from one of these. EQ's seem to cover audible frequencies and harmonics... these are more tactile than audible. Those frequencies that make your pants flap in the breeze (and can test your speakers xmax if you're not careful)

newbold · #10 01-02-2010, 11:14 PM

So if i get this right, it would be best to crop my tone before going into one of these?

Is anybody making a product like this nowadays?

FreaqyFrequency · #11 01-02-2010, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbold

So if i get this right, it would be best to crop my tone before going into one of these?

Is anybody making a product like this nowadays?

Peavey does.

Behringer also has a clone, if I'm not mistaken.

Pitbull Growl · #12 01-02-2010, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbold

So if i get this right, it would be best to crop my tone before going into one of these?

Is anybody making a product like this nowadays?

Not sure whatcha mean by crop your tone, so hard for me to say.

newbold · #13 01-03-2010, 02:23 AM

Filter out any 'natural' subharmonics or extraneous low frequencies.

bigblondeafro87 · #14 01-03-2010, 11:44 AM

In my ideal set up Im gonna have one of these processing my lows going into a Fitzmaurice Omnitop 15 or something similar.... I'm all for that deep deep tone, that what really gets the floor moving!

Of course thats a long way off for me, I still need a Warwick, cab, and a couple effects first... Maybe by the end of this summer if things work out that way....

OilcanRacer · #15 01-03-2010, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblondeafro87

In my ideal set up Im gonna have one of these processing my lows going into a Fitzmaurice Omnitop 15 or something similar.... I'm all for that deep deep tone, that what really gets the floor moving!

Of course thats a long way off for me, I still need a Warwick, cab, and a couple effects first... Maybe by the end of this summer if things work out that way....

you mean a "T48"....that will put the boogie in the walls

bovine mind · #16 01-03-2010, 05:13 PM

Always been curious about these but wary of the damage they could cause...

Anybody tried one with a traditional rock rig ala 810 + SVT + distortion/fuzz at high volumes? droptuned or with low B? speaker farts/damage?

Jazz Ad · #17 01-03-2010, 05:32 PM

The only downside I noticed is that they tend to make the mix very blurry.
You have to be touchy when setting it.

bigblondeafro87 · #18 01-03-2010, 11:59 PM

^^^ I think the music really calls for it, in mixing I usually roll off bass guitar below 80-100 and cut below fifty if the kick drum needs that low space. If the kick drum doesnt need that punchiness then you can get away with using the DBX.

I hear Laswell doesn't use one live because of this...

ga_edwards · #19 01-04-2010, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

The only downside I noticed is that they tend to make the mix very blurry.
You have to be touchy when setting it.

+1. When I was using a behringer rack version (Ultramizer ?) I noticed that I lost a lot of definition and mids when in a band situation. So you need to be careful how much effect you add, less is more so to speak.

I remember reading somewhere, the art to good effects mix is apply what you think sounds good, then dial it back to half as much! Pretty good advice I think.

I will say though, that it's handy for making a small amp/combo sound bigger and can help in certain situations. It seem to add low end without adding mud. But with a big amp, I really don't think it's necessary.

I no longer use mine as I found it sound a little too processed in my current band. (old band used backing tracks and it fitted well). I've found now that I prefer the tone of bass straight into amp with a little compression to taste. I also found I was carting around far too much gear than I really needed, constantly adding stuff too get an elusive sound that I found one day by just plugging straight into the amp! Too much processing can really kill your tone.

I do still have mine though, it may come in handy at a later date, if I need a fatter low end for a different project, or just a bit of reinforcement for my modest rig. Although I'd probably just get another cab and be done with it!

newbold · #20 01-05-2010, 03:44 PM

I think that FWIW, I would want a sidechain triggered blend filter (if one exists) and use it with a piccolo tuning or run a crossed over signal through one of these.

My tower of power would have to be mighty high and mighty custom to get into processing like that.

I think that would be a great addition to guitar.