Downsizing pedalboard with mini pedals ??

[afroman]

I currently have a PT2 pedalboard filled up with the following:

- X2-PLus wireles
- Pitchblack tuner
- Demeter compulator
- MXR Bass Octave Deluxe
- Xotic Bass RC booster
- Xotic Bass BB Preamp
- EHX Bass micro synth xo
- Catalinbread Valcoder
- Hardwire Chorus
- MXR Carbon Copy


I'm really happy and have spent about 2 years to put together the whole thing. But, currently I've been thinking of setting up a smaller pedalboard, since I'm not using my fx that much live.

There are some that I cannot part with, but I'm thinking of replacing other with some mini pedals. If anybody can give me some feedback on any of these, I would appreciate it very much.

- The X2-Plus is awesome, but it's big. Since I'm always GASing for new gear, I've been watching thse new version of the X2. They now use a smaller enclosure and a good regular cable for the transmitter; not the flimsy current one that I've had to order 3 of.

- Booster: change mi RC for a Catalinbread Picosso or the new Xotic EP booster. Since I dont use the RC's EQ at all. I just use it for the awesome clean boost it gives me.

- Sell mi BMS since it's huge and I dont use it that much.

- Chorus: Change my Hardwire for the new Malekko mini chorus. I love the Hardwires headroom and features, but I only use 1 setting on the pedal.

- Delay: I absolutely love my Carbon Copy, but I only use delay in about 2 songs, and the Lovepedal Echo Baby is cathcing my eye. I've read some reviews and heard some guitar clips; but none on bass.

- Overdrive: love the BB but would consider a smaller alternative. Even a small Catalinbread Hyper Pak or comparative smaller drive pedal.

Bottom line, the only thing I worry with the mini pedals is headroom. All of the pedals I own have awesome bass response and I wouldn't like to give that up.
I hurt my back last year and I would really like to get a smaller setup 9pedalboard included).

My ultimate plan would be to change from a PT2 to a Jr or even a Mini.

Any comments are welcome...

[DaveAceofBass]

Dude, do yourself a favor and get the Analogman Clone Chorus. He makes a mini version now, with set deep function. I have the big one with the toggle switch. It's freaking amazing. I can't imagine that any other chorus would sound better. I used to have the TC Electronic. The Analogman stomps it!

[kenstee]

Originally Posted by DaveAceofBass

Dude, do yourself a favor and get the Analogman Clone Chorus. He makes a mini version now, with set deep function. I have the big one with the toggle switch. It's freaking amazing. I can't imagine that any other chorus would sound better. I used to have the TC Electronic. The Analogman stomps it!

+1. It is indeed THAT good. I prefer the larger version because of the adjustable Deep Toggle switch. Can put it on Deep for bass and switch to the regular function for other guitars or bass. You can get the smaller, Mini version (bout as big as a typical MXR) with a permanent Deep function as well as an external Mix knob (dry vs wet.) They all work with 9v, 12v or 18v. On the advice of "Analog Mike" who owns Analogman, I usually go with the 18v option. Better sound and more headroom for bass.

As to board size. I personally wouldn't let the tail totally wag the dog. Have the pedals you want/need. I went through the same thing and ended up with a PTJr (powered by a T-Rex Fuel Tank Jr) rather than the Mini. But that's it now. I won't go larger than that.

Go to www.pedalboardplanner.com to do some sample configurations.

[afroman]

Thanks, that pedalboard planner is awesome!!!
Not eveyr pedal is there, but i can use others with similar size.

I've always wanted the Analogman Mini-chorus with deep set, but they're very expensive and I never seem to find a used one.

Thanks for the help!

[kenstee]

They really hold their value. Also check www.harmonycentral.com and www.thegearpage.com. They definitely come up used every so often.

[afroman]

I will keep my eyes open for one.

Thanks again...

[Markus Bender]

Did you get the Malekko Mini Chorus? How is it on bass, any low end loss?

[afroman]

nope, but as soon as i sell my hardwire chorus I'll jump on the Malekko and see how it works . I do have a Barge VP-Jr blender, so I'm not that worried of a little bass loss from the malekko.

[vegas532]

For the record, ALL of the Malekko minis kick serious amounts of booty! The phaser and fuzz shall be mine after all of the surgical BS is over!!

[Silent Fly]

It is not exactly an independent advice but you may like this.

(I also have other micro-pedals in development)

[afroman]

Originally Posted by Silent Fly

It is not exactly an independent advice but you may like this.

(I also have other micro-pedals in development)

Very nice work!!!

[Silent Fly]

Originally Posted by afroman

Very nice work!!!

Thanks afroman.

Here you can see other builds that are not in the web site.

[afroman]

They look awesome and very high-quality.
Your DI sounded way better than the U5 to me.

[BigBeatNut]

Originally Posted by vegas532

For the record, ALL of the Malekko minis kick serious amounts of booty! The phaser and fuzz shall be mine after all of the surgical BS is over!!

Noted here.