Effects that work well with a band but not solo

[champbassist]

We've had discussions aplenty on effects which mesmerize you when you're playing by yourself but are useless in band situations.

Have you ever come across something that works the other way round?

I was pleasantly surprised by the results I got with the pitch shifter on my Zoom B1X when playing with a band tuning lower, something I was reluctant to do with all the action issues on my bass. When playing by myself, though, the effect does not sound all that impressive.

Any experiences to share?

[K2000]

My B:assmaster sounds a little bit too "velcro" and a little bit too gated when playing alone. But in a band situation, you can hear the bass fuzz' texture come through, and it has great note definition (not mushy).

(Note: The B:assmaster is pretty versatile, so I'm referring to my situation only. YMMV.)

[slurpy]

I have a Digitech BP50, it was my first pedal and i bought it about 5 years ago now. i was jamming with the boys the other day and dug it out. i was flicking through patches and patch 12 (sorry they dont have naems, just nos) sounded incredible. its like a very slow attack, droning synth sound and we made some killer shoegaze with it. i then took it home and prac'd on my own and it sounded like junk. if anyone has the BP50 try patch 12 (its a preset).

at least now i've found a use for it live instead of just the tuner function in it

[aledeville]

All kinds of compressors I think. Sometimes it's hard to tell (when playing alone) whether the "effect" is on or off. Then in the mix it's like day and night.

[faceinbass]

Originally Posted by K2000

.....But in a band situation, you can hear the bass fuzz' texture come through, and it has great note definition (not mushy).

(Note: The B:assmaster is pretty versatile, so I'm referring to my situation only. YMMV.)

+1

Some practices, that pedal is the only one I kick on and off every song.

[BassBrass]

Not a pedal, but the amp's EQ. For years I've been adding too many high mids to sound nice solo, but all the difference in projecting through a band. I remember back in the early 90's bass players with new rack gear, uber fine jazz type basses and hifi amps would sound Beautiful (scooped) in sound check, and then basically dissapear come show time. If recorded, upon playback bands would sound like a vocalist and a kick drum, high end guitar and and a bass impression, too low to hear and very high in the fret clicking freq.

[JulienJeff]

Originally Posted by aledeville

All kinds of compressors I think. Sometimes it's hard to tell (when playing alone) whether the "effect" is on or off. Then in the mix it's like day and night.

+1.
At least this is what I witness with my EBS multicomp