Devi Ever Dark Boost

metaljazzfunk92 · #1 08-09-2011, 10:40 AM

How useful is the Dark Boost for providing a clean, thick, bass boost? I've read about how well the overdrive can be and how much gain and volume it has on tap, but there is barely any talk of it's potential for a clean bass boost.

Just say everything you know about the pedal,
Thanks!

Eric! · #2 08-09-2011, 10:44 AM

did you search first?

metaljazzfunk92 · #3 08-09-2011, 02:55 PM

Yeah I searched, most people have something to say of how it overdrives their tubes. Not much is spoken about how good the clean, low-end boost.

bigchiefbc · #4 08-09-2011, 03:01 PM

I found that if you keep the control knob (or texture, or whatever it's labeled on yours) below 10 o'clock and crank the level knob, then yes, it will give you a basically clean boost. I usually didn't get any dirt until the control knob was up around noon.

metaljazzfunk92 · #5 08-09-2011, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

I found that if you keep the control knob (or texture, or whatever it's labeled on yours) below 10 o'clock and crank the level knob, then yes, it will give you a basically clean boost. I usually didn't get any dirt until the control knob was up around noon.

A basically clean AND low boost?

Achtane · #6 08-09-2011, 09:22 PM

Yeah, definitely low...too low for my tastes. And there is certainly enough volume on tap, a staple of Devi's circuits.

It's low like switching to a mudbucker, almost. But I'm sure it depends on your equipment and settings. I generally have a low/low-mid heavy setting dialed in, so engaging the DB kills any definition I had...with the control/intensity set low, anyway. You can get some dirt going easily.

I do like how it affects other pedals. It's also nice to run after a pedal that lacks lows. How many more times can I use "low" in one post?

PunkRocker33133 · #7 08-09-2011, 11:32 PM

I just got mine in the mail, so I can tell you tomorrow

BassBrass · #8 08-10-2011, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achtane

Yeah, definitely low...too low for my tastes. And there is certainly enough volume on tap, a staple of Devi's circuits.
How many more times can I use "low" in one post?

Me too, unless it's slammed by an overdrive in or put through a blended fuzz to add highs. But it has it's own attack if control is past 1 pm, and that isn't just a boost. REverses polarity too. The Ruiner, which is 2 dark boosts together, puts polarity back normal.

"Low" is uncool. Use: "Subs" instead. Or mix them for added confusion.

metaljazzfunk92 · #9 08-10-2011, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PunkRocker33133

I just got mine in the mail, so I can tell you tomorrow

I'd appreciate the input!

metaljazzfunk92 · #10 08-10-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achtane

Yeah, definitely low...too low for my tastes. And there is certainly enough volume on tap, a staple of Devi's circuits.

It's low like switching to a mudbucker, almost. But I'm sure it depends on your equipment and settings. I generally have a low/low-mid heavy setting dialed in, so engaging the DB kills any definition I had...with the control/intensity set low, anyway. You can get some dirt going easily.

I do like how it affects other pedals. It's also nice to run after a pedal that lacks lows. How many more times can I use "low" in one post?

So from what you're saying, it seems like it wouldn't a great choice for someone whose playing style is really melodic and often referred to as "lead bass" ?

metaljazzfunk92 · #11 08-10-2011, 12:05 PM

Any reasonable comparisons to The Mole?

PS Thanks to everyone who's already posted, the help is much appreciated!

**DosiYanarchy** · #12 08-10-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metaljazzfunk92

So from what you're saying, it seems like it wouldn't a great choice for someone whose playing style is really melodic and often referred to as "lead bass" ?

absolutely. It would be the anti-lead bass pedal. The Dark Boost s kinda cool in its own way, it always sounded better into my VTbass, sounds kinda farty and old skool-ish.

If you're looking for a (reportedly clean) bass boost, get an EHX Mole.

If you're looking for a dirty boost for bass guitar, try the Wren & Cuff Phat Phuck B.

Catlinbread do a few clean boosts that work well on bass, as does max @ [SFX]

If you're looking for a dirty bass boost that also works well on bass guitar, then I guess that's the Dark Boost's territory.

metaljazzfunk92 · #13 08-10-2011, 01:39 PM

What if it would be used only for some extra, chest-pounding thump during choruses?

BassBrass · #14 08-10-2011, 01:50 PM

Well, for that it is so dark, you'd have to use a huge volume increase to be heard. You need more frequencies than low end to perceive a volume increase. We hear highs and mids first. For "chest thumping" I'd go with a TAFM or a Blowtorch (cheaper, not as totally awesome). Both have tons of controllable low end, a blend so your attack is preserved, and lots of midrange. Dark Boost replaces your attack with it's own and it's slightly delayed compared to the actual attack from your bass.

Achtane · #15 08-10-2011, 02:03 PM

The TAFM blend is great. I use it as a boost, just turn off the fuzz volume; it's not 100% sparkling clean but you can also use it without getting dirty. It is a "dark" boost as well, but not overwhelmingly so. It's much more suitable as a bass boost to me than the DB.

metaljazzfunk92 · #16 08-10-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassBrass

Well, for that it is so dark, you'd have to use a huge volume increase to be heard. You need more frequencies than low end to perceive a volume increase. We hear highs and mids first. For "chest thumping" I'd go with a TAFM or a Blowtorch (cheaper, not as totally awesome). Both have tons of controllable low end, a blend so your attack is preserved, and lots of midrange. Dark Boost replaces your attack with it's own and it's slightly delayed compared to the actual attack from your bass.

BassBrass, you just sold me. Or... un*sold me. Hearing that the attack is slightly delayed means that it's definitely not something I should get. Thanks a lot!

Snakeman1066 · #17 08-10-2011, 08:32 PM

I play a lot of Stoner/Doom type material....i run the Dark Boost between my overdrive and my fuzz

Yes you read that correctly my dirt signal path is OD into Dark Boost into Fuzz....the result is absolutely spectacular

however on its own used simply as a boost it tends to be a bit well Dark....lol it tends to fatten or tone down highs which i actually like....however it's a sound that tends to get lost alongside de-tuned guitars

i have never experienced the slight delay that bassbrass describes

bigchiefbc · #18 08-10-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeman1066

i have never experienced the slight delay that bassbrass describes

Me neither...

Achtane · #19 08-10-2011, 10:14 PM

Maybe not a delay. I think it just doesn't have much of an attack.

BassBrass · #20 08-11-2011, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achtane

Maybe not a delay. I think it just doesn't have much of an attack.

Yeah, that's more what I mean. You could call the attack compressed, but it aint a "compressor". I tend to use it so it buzzes, that means control at about 3 pm...and Your string attack is mostly gone while the DB reacts with it's attack envelope... I'm pretty sensitive to attack speed, don't like overdrives with "sag" and play actives rather than passives because they seem to be faster responding.
Putting DB after an overdrive (sometimes) and before a fuzz (almost always) is Exactly how I use it. I've just found better ways to get a vintage, organic tube-sounding overdrive with a better balance of frequencies. Like the Ark Flash...the Red Ripper can do it too...TAFM... I'm not selling my DB though. Maybe someday I'll use a dedicated DB driven amp into an 18"! (Although being reversed phase there is an issue recording it with a direct from bass line as they cancel each other)
Devi Ever Ruiner in a blender is still my favorite fuzz for a synthy sound. I support DE's wacky approach, but she hasn't designed a perfect bass pedal with a reasonable gain structure and blend. If I were a guitarist I'd own as many flavors as I could get.