EBS Multidrive ?

[spiker]

Was thinking of retiring the VT bass (that i use as an Overdrive) and replacing it with an EBS Multidrive.

I'm sick of the overly sensitive level control on the VT which makes it hard to match the level of my clean signal. One miniscule touch of that level control and i'm playing lead bass instead of sitting in the mix.
I'm also sick of trying to dial in the mythical 'mildly overdriven tube sound' that it is designed for. It's a great pedal when you find that sound, but it' very easy to muddy up the signal, especially if you've eq'd your amp a certain way and then have the VT colour overlap that. Probably would work if i lef my eq flat but as i said i use this pedal as an boost/overdrive for chorus passages in rock songs, not as an always on pedal.

SO, the multidrive seems like what i'm after in that it merely offers options such as mild bluesy overdrive, fuzz and signal boost capabilities. Also JMJ rates this pedal highly which is a great indication.

I never thought i would find something so mild appealing, but as i said my chosen applications will be to add a mild bit of dirt/wool to a boosted chorus passage to support a distorted guitar and also for 70's O.D and bluesy numbers.

I'd love to get the Darkglass B3k but i believe it might be a bit too harsh for what i need. I know that it's probably the best distortion i've heard but i think that the B3K would be best suited to more modern rock applications (Rage, Muse etc).

Tell me what you guys think of my ramblings?
*Keep the VT and stop sulking about the level?
* Get the Multidrive?
* Stop being a pussy and get the Darkglass ?
* Something else ???

[chuck3]

Originally Posted by spiker

Was thinking of retiring the VT bass (that i use as an Overdrive) and replacing it with an EBS Multidrive.

Tell me what you guys think of my ramblings?
*Keep the VT and stop sulking about the level?
* Get the Multidrive?
* Stop being a pussy and get the Darkglass ?
* Something else ???

In the category of "something else" - I have many EBS pedals and like them all. I don't have the Multidrive but I do have the ValveDrive, which has a tube in it and can be used for overdrive. I actually leave it on all the time, I like it that much - but I am using it as a pre-amp to warm up the sound and give it just a tiny bit of overdrive. If that sounds like what you're after, consider the ValveDrive. You can listen to clips on the EBS website and compare it to the MultiDrive clips. (I've thought about getting the MultiDrive too, but my band doesn't really use that kind of sound.)

[spiker]

Originally Posted by chuck3

In the category of "something else" - I have many EBS pedals and like them all. I don't have the Multidrive but I do have the ValveDrive, which has a tube in it and can be used for overdrive. I actually leave it on all the time, I like it that much - but I am using it as a pre-amp to warm up the sound and give it just a tiny bit of overdrive. If that sounds like what you're after, consider the ValveDrive. You can listen to clips on the EBS website and compare it to the MultiDrive clips. (I've thought about getting the MultiDrive too, but my band doesn't really use that kind of sound.)

I don't really have space on my pedaltrain nano for a valvedrive. It's a shame as i hear great things about the valve drive, but equally good things about the multidrive.

[Floyd Eye]

I love my MultiDrive. I've never had a VT bass so I can't compare the two, although I do use a SansAmp RBI as a preamp.

[chuck3]

Originally Posted by spiker

I don't really have space on my pedaltrain nano for a valvedrive. It's a shame as i hear great things about the valve drive, but equally good things about the multidrive.

I have a pedaltrain board as well, and the ValveDrive does not go on the board (I agree it's too big for that). The ValveDrive sits on top of the cab as a pre-amp, with the amp. I don't need to stomp it because I leave it on all the time.

[spiker]

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

I love my MultiDrive. I've never had a VT bass so I can't compare the two, although I do use a SansAmp RBI as a preamp.

What do you use your multidive for Floyd ?

[spiker]

Originally Posted by chuck3

I have a pedaltrain board as well, and the ValveDrive does not go on the board (I agree it's too big for that). The ValveDrive sits on top of the cab as a pre-amp, with the amp. I don't need to stomp it because I leave it on all the time.

I wouldn't want to leave the valvedrive on all the time if i had one, and wouldn't want to leave it on top of my cab, see original message

[DeltaPhoenix]

Is the Valve Drive that much bigger than the VT?

[screaminglucy]

as far as tone goes...

listen to track 5 here:
The Pushpins | Silence of a New Year | CD Baby

recorded with a multidrive in "mild blues overdrive" mode as you put it

[DeltaPhoenix]

Another tube option that doesn't seem to have a larger footprint than the VT is a Swell B-Drive or B-Pro.SWELL Pedal Company | Nashville, TN USA

[chuck3]

Originally Posted by DeltaPhoenix

Is the Valve Drive that much bigger than the VT?

Yes, the ValveDrive is not your regular size pedal. It is maybe 5 x 7" and it sticks up as well:

[chuck3]

Originally Posted by spiker

I wouldn't want to leave the valvedrive on all the time if i had one, and wouldn't want to leave it on top of my cab, see original message

My bad, you did say that. It might not be best for you logistically, then. I'm sure the Multidrive is good and costs less. (ValveDrive = not cheap.)

[spiker]

Originally Posted by screaminglucy

as far as tone goes...

listen to track 5 here:
The Pushpins | Silence of a New Year | CD Baby

recorded with a multidrive in "mild blues overdrive" mode as you put it

Nice! I'm starting to see the benefits in mild overdrive on tracks that don't necessarily have overdriven guitar. The multidrive on that track adds a nice motown/60's warmth that does the track justice

[degroove]

I have tried a lot of pedals trying to get the OD tone I am seeking. I just got the Multidrive used for 110 from Ebay and I am loving the tone. I have a Boss that I HATE and never use. I had the PD7, Sansamp Bass Driver, but never got the tone I wanted. I like the tube function of the multidrive and it is subtle but noticeable with my practice amp. I will use it with my clasic rock band on Friday.

I am using it before my new Eden WT 550. It can do three types of overdrive and distortion. I never lost any of my tone either.

[spiker]

Jut bought a EBS Multidrive on Ebay for $224 which is dirt cheap for shipping included to Australia

Can't wait, thanks for all your thoughts to give me the confidence to purchase this. It's gonna sit nice and snug next to my EBS multicomp and TU2 tuner on my pedaltrain nano. Prob will have room for another effect too
.....EBS Octabass here i come

[bassistjoe93]

I have the multidrive. I LOVE the pedal. It can add huge ridiculous distortion/borderline fuzz but it also gets that mild dirt, 70's, blues OD. It retains all the bottom end in the tubesim and std mode. All around great pedal. And I got it used for $90 so its easy on the wallet if you look around!

[asdaf]

I too have a MultiDrive. We've been married for several months now.

[G.Bisson]

MultiDrive users here. It's been my favorite overdrive for 2 years and running. Use it mainly as a dirty boost in 'standard' mode and a mild overdrive in 'tubesim' mode. Plays nicely with both active and passive basses, but I use it mostly with very high output active soapbars. Can get some smooth distortion/fuzz sounds in 'flat' mode. And if I want even more gnarly distortion put the side switch in passive mode while playing with an active bass. Such an awesome versatile pedal, with a small footprint, and simple and easy to use controls. I highly recommend it.

[PawleeP]

who makes a multi drive? does it have tubes, a SDI or a blend?

[stephenleejp]

+1 Empress Multidrive