EHX Bass Microsynth: old vs. new?

TimBosby · #1 10-08-2008, 07:03 PM

Is there any fundamental difference between the "old" one vs. the new one? Other than size? And what is the size/weight difference? Also what is a fair price for a used one? I've been meaning to get one of these for a while, just haven't bitten yet.

andvari7 · #2 10-08-2008, 07:12 PM

The new ones have true bypass, and don't suck the tone out of your line. Which used to be a problem with mine, until I stuck an LPB-1 before it. A boost pedal with true bypass - very convenient.

kevteop · #3 10-08-2008, 07:35 PM

The new one also runs on 9V, whereas the old one requires a 24V supply. I'm thinking about swapping my old one out for a new one.

Regarding the tone-suck bypass referenced above: It's the worst I've ever heard. If you get the old one you'll have to bypass it with a looper or something.

tranceFusion · #4 10-08-2008, 07:40 PM

can someone explain what the XO version is? Or is the new version the XO version? (and if not, how do I know old version vs new version?)

RCCollins · #5 10-08-2008, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranceFusion

can someone explain what the XO version is? Or is the new version the XO version? (and if not, how do I know old version vs new version?)

The old version is a huge, in a folded metal case.

The new, "XO" sized version is more compact and has a diecast metal housing.

TimBosby · #6 10-08-2008, 08:12 PM

Thanks, guys, that's really all I needed. I definitely need the "new" one.

250GBsOfAwesome · #7 10-08-2008, 09:22 PM

I have an unrelated question on the Bass Microsynth. Can it work as just an octave divider?

tranceFusion · #8 10-08-2008, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCCollins

The old version is a huge, in a folded metal case.

The new, "XO" sized version is more compact and has a diecast metal housing.

so XO means smaller? are all of the new ones "XO"s? Does the XO have the same features?

Man I have been wanting one of these baaad.

The Lurker · #9 10-08-2008, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 250GBsOfAwesome

I have an unrelated question on the Bass Microsynth. Can it work as just an octave divider?

Yeah, it can do that, but it's serious overkill if all you want is an octaver.

JanusZarate · #10 10-08-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranceFusion

so XO means smaller? are all of the new ones "XO"s?

Most, not all. Some of the new pedals are still huge, like the Flanger Hoax and HOG.

XO refers to two different new "sizes" of EHX pedals. "Nano" refers to the third size (which is the tiniest).

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranceFusion

Does the XO have the same features?

Depends on the pedal. Some have changed, some haven't. The Bass Micro Synthesizer is the same, but the Stereo Polyphase has some new features, and the Stereo Electric Mistress has some new changes and features, etc.

JanusZarate · #11 10-08-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Lurker

Yeah, it can do that, but it's serious overkill if all you want is an octaver.

+1

It can also be just a fuzz pedal, or just a volume swell pedal, or just a filter.

RCCollins · #12 10-09-2008, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 250GBsOfAwesome

I have an unrelated question on the Bass Microsynth. Can it work as just an octave divider?

It's also not as clean as the micro POG when it comes to tracking low and/or multiple notes...

brianrost · #13 10-09-2008, 07:00 AM

The original version (1980s) had an onboard AC supply, no wall wart.

tranceFusion · #14 10-09-2008, 08:08 AM

do you guys find it difficult to adjust this thing the way you want it when you are playing at a gig? The clips sound amazing but it seems like it could take a good while to adjust it between songs and whatnot..

palm grease · #15 10-09-2008, 08:36 AM

got one yesterday...the new one... SHIZ! that thang is FUUUUNN!

I run a one cab clean and the other dirty... awesome tone!

wish it had presets... but tweaking some sliders live will also add to the unique sound!

I love it!

RCCollins · #16 10-09-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranceFusion

do you guys find it difficult to adjust this thing the way you want it when you are playing at a gig? The clips sound amazing but it seems like it could take a good while to adjust it between songs and whatnot..

It doesn't take long to get used to. The sliders are actually a good way to change settings on the fly. You can easily activate/deactivate the filter section using the trigger slider, for example. The ratios of sub/dry/octave up are clear and easy to manipulate with the sliders. I don't use the attack delay all that often, but it's an independent section so it's esy to deactivate.

I actually find the new, somewhat shorter sliders easier to manipulate that on my old (reissue with DC) BMS.

icarussmicarus · #17 10-09-2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCCollins

It doesn't take long to get used to. The sliders are actually a good way to change settings on the fly. You can easily activate/deactivate the filter section using the trigger slider, for example. The ratios of sub/dry/octave up are clear and easy to manipulate with the sliders. I don't use the attack delay all that often, but it's an independent section so it's esy to deactivate.

I actually find the new, somewhat shorter sliders easier to manipulate that on my old (reissue with DC) BMS.

I never owned an old one, but the new multitude of lines on the BMS make it easy to remember settings. I've just memorized the settings I like based on the notch lines next to the sliders.

Plus the more you play with it the more you know what each slider does, and you can basically build up the tone in your head based upon knowledge of what will happen with each new introduction of a slider.

Murphbass · #18 10-09-2008, 11:38 AM

I don't have any experience with the new Micro Synth, but have been using the original one for about 6 months now. I've developed (3) sounds that I use in a live set, but must say that it's nearly impossible to recall the exact effect twice. At least, it's not very practical to change settings in a live context. The sliders are very sensitive on my unit- the slightest movement can make a big difference, particularly in the filter section's lower range. That being said, it sounds pretty good compared to the other synths on the market. Though, I'm pretty sure it's going up on eBAY when my Chunk Systems Octavius Squeezer finally gets here. Digitally controlled analog seems like the best of both worlds. If you're just using the EH for one setting live, or plan to use it only in the studio, then I give it a hearty recommendation. Past that, it can be difficult to use.

kevteop · #19 10-09-2008, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranceFusion

do you guys find it difficult to adjust this thing the way you want it when you are playing at a gig?

The main important one to get right is the stop freq. slider, followed by the rate slider but that's not quite so important to get bang on. With all the others, being in the right ballpark will be absolutely fine. So it's easier than it looks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murphbass

I've developed (3) sounds that I use in a live set, but must say that it's nearly impossible to recall the exact effect twice.

I'd disagree with that, but regardless of which one of us is using the thing and how close we get to the sound we want, chances are the audience won't notice if we're a little bit off with the settings.

tranceFusion · #20 10-09-2008, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murphbass

when my Chunk Systems Octavius Squeezer finally gets here.

Wow. First I have heard of this thing.. it looks ridiculously sweet. The street price is $599? Is that right? That ones a bank breaker..