envelope filter effects

AussieBassist2 · #1 03-27-2010, 04:17 AM

hey all

i'm new to effects, i just a few guys playing this sort of effect on youtube and wondered how much these sort of devices are, cause it'd be really funk to mess around with one at home.

i'm not that old and don't have a job, so cheaper is a bit better, but i don't know, it also depends on quality

i''m in australia, so i know it's harder to get stuff here

probably around $100 australian is alright but if u give me some ideas i could save for longer.

thanks all

phatbass · #2 03-27-2010, 05:03 AM

Search US eBay for a Digitech Bass Synth Wah, or a DOD FX25 or FX25-B. Either of these are simple and gig-able units. Either can be easily found for around 50 bucks US or less and postage isn't (or *SHOULDN'T* be) that much from the USA. I'd say you'd easily get one for an all-up cost of $75 or less. And both of these units will run off a standard Boss power supply.

I have, and like, both of these units but for a 1st filter I'd lean towards the Digitech simply because it has a bunch of other sick fun stuff it does (including a very useful Octaver which, IMO, is every bit as good as the Boss OC-2) in addition to the Envelope Filter.

There's also the ElectroHarmonix BassBalls, which has a VERY identifiable and unique sound which may or may not be to your taste. I've got one of these as well and love it for it's different sound. They sometimes show up cheap, but I'd be a bit wary 'coz EHX's quality control has occasionally been a tad patchy.

Be aware that envelope filters AREN'T simple plug 'n' play. They're not rocket science, but you do have to spend some time with 'em.

AussieBassist2 · #3 03-27-2010, 05:40 AM

thanks, i'll take a look on ebay

groove pump · #4 03-27-2010, 07:38 AM

I have an Electro Harmonix Q-Tron that's certainly a funky monkey, but I'd have to admit that I only use in for a brief chunk of only one or two songs per gig, and that's if I use it at all. Great gizmo with lots of controls and true bypass (I think), but unfortunately no output level control. That means when it's active and quacking away, it's louder than when I'm just doing a clean, unaffected tone. If I'm playing to a medium room with no PA support, that really gets my rig barking. BTW, I don't use a compressor.

The good news is that I have a two channel preamp, so I just put my Q-Tron in the effects loop of the second channel, set its level, and then I have it on "hot standby" with a foot-switch whenever I need it. So there's that. There may be "better" envelope filters around, but I don't need them.

I also have a simple (trans: cheap!) Zoom 506 II which has turned out to be a fun little contraption - more than just a tuner with some cheezy sounds included. One effect that this multi-rig has is a wah that can work pretty well by itself or combine with other effects in the pedal. While it's not as nasty and funkified as the Q-Tron or even a studio quality piece of gear, I'm still finding uses for it in my live settings. I'd rate it rather high up on the bang-for-the-buck-o-meter.

billphreets · #5 03-27-2010, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groove pump

I have an Electro Harmonix Q-Tron that's certainly a funky monkey, but I'd have to admit that I only use in for a brief chunk of only one or two songs per gig, and that's if I use it at all. Great gizmo with lots of controls and true bypass (I think), but unfortunately no output level control. That means when it's active and quacking away, it's louder than when I'm just doing a clean, unaffected tone. If I'm playing to a medium room with no PA support, that really gets my rig barking. BTW, I don't use a compressor.

The good news is that I have a two channel preamp, so I just put my Q-Tron in the effects loop of the second channel, set its level, and then I have it on "hot standby" with a foot-switch whenever I need it. So there's that. There may be "better" envelope filters around, but I don't need them.

I also have a simple (trans: cheap!) Zoom 506 II which has turned out to be a fun little contraption - more than just a tuner with some cheezy sounds included. One effect that this multi-rig has is a wah that can work pretty well by itself or combine with other effects in the pedal. While it's not as nasty and funkified as the Q-Tron or even a studio quality piece of gear, I'm still finding uses for it in my live settings. I'd rate it rather high up on the bang-for-the-buck-o-meter.

incidentally, i believe (although correct me if im wrong) its quite a simple mod to add an output level control on a q tron + .... i paid £11 sterling to get mine `done`
WELL worth it !!

Bassmike62 · #6 03-27-2010, 04:09 PM

I'm just getting into filters myself, but in that price range, I've seen on E-Bay:

- EHX Bassballs (modded ideally)
- DOD FX25B
- Digitech Synth Bass Wah
- Boss AW-3
- Boss FT-2 (haven't tried one though)

warwick.hoy · #7 03-27-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groove pump

I have an Electro Harmonix Q-Tron that's certainly a funky monkey, but I'd have to admit that I only use in for a brief chunk of only one or two songs per gig, and that's if I use it at all. Great gizmo with lots of controls and true bypass (I think), but unfortunately no output level control. That means when it's active and quacking away, it's louder than when I'm just doing a clean, unaffected tone. If I'm playing to a medium room with no PA support, that really gets my rig barking. BTW, I don't use a compressor.

The good news is that I have a two channel preamp, so I just put my Q-Tron in the effects loop of the second channel, set its level, and then I have it on "hot standby" with a foot-switch whenever I need it. So there's that. There may be "better" envelope filters around, but I don't need them.

I also have a simple (trans: cheap!) Zoom 506 II which has turned out to be a fun little contraption - more than just a tuner with some cheezy sounds included. One effect that this multi-rig has is a wah that can work pretty well by itself or combine with other effects in the pedal. While it's not as nasty and funkified as the Q-Tron or even a studio quality piece of gear, I'm still finding uses for it in my live settings. I'd rate it rather high up on the bang-for-the-buck-o-meter.

The OP is going to have trouble finding a Q-Tron in the under $100 price range. I'm also a little miffed at the Q-Tron's (not the plus model) whacky voltage requirement.

Maybe look into the EHX Bassballs.

BassInUrFace · #8 03-27-2010, 06:13 PM

i dont recommend the Digitech Synth Bass Wah. i think you would most likly want a DOD FX25 (thats the one flea used) and they are pretty cheap. i do warn you though, it is a one trick poney and it does take a little time to get the best sounds out of it. but when you've learnt you can get a really funky sound going.

just don't buy it thinking that you'll be able to get alot of different options, (and by the way i dont recommend the FX25B)

Bassmike62 · #9 03-27-2010, 06:27 PM

Huh... If I may ... I believe Flea plays the 2-large knobs issues (early 80's, if I'm correct) and those versions don't necessarily come cheap (depending on your definition of cheap, of course). I got one off the Bay at 121 $ 2 weeks ago and there's one now on the Bay at 155 $. You might get one of the other versions between 50-70 $.

NateS · #10 03-27-2010, 06:30 PM

the digitech bass synth wah is pretty cheap, sounds nice, and you can easily get it off of tB for 40-50 dollars. there's at least 1 there now.

i have it, and love it. great envelope, 2 octavers, 2 synths, and 2 filters.

wolf7883 · #11 03-27-2010, 09:25 PM

That Digitech Bass Synth Wah one of my favorites that I own.

It's a goldmine of sound for the money! Its got 2 decent envelope filters and the synthy sounds are awesome if you spend some time with it.

But it definitely holds it's own as just an env. filter.

OilcanRacer · #12 03-27-2010, 09:47 PM

there is a fx25b on ebay right now for $22.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...STRK:MESELX:IT

its the same one i got and i love mine.

AussieBassist2 · #13 03-28-2010, 03:07 AM

thanks heaps for your help guys

i'm leaning towards the Digitech Bass Synth Wah

for price, availability and i want something that will have a few variations of sound.

i'll have a look in stores around see what the price is in store (probs way too much knowing australia)

if too big, i'll head to tb and ebay, see if anyone's got something

thankyou all

been a great help

Shinji · #14 03-28-2010, 04:09 AM

i saw the Line 6 Otto Filter Auto Wah Pedal on ebay for AU$65

i use a boss SYN-3 (mostly as an auto wah)

there are lots of good auto wahs out there, i just recommend trying as many as possible and finding what suits you best, sometimes it's a lot more worth it to spend that little bit more to be happy

FilterFunk · #15 03-31-2010, 11:25 AM

I like my DOD FX25B and my Line 6 Otto Filter, which I prefer to a lot of more expensive pedals. One that is rarely mentioned is the Mars Real Sound Yesman+. It started out as a total Q-Tron+ clone (complete with the 24v tip-positive power supply), but instead, they added an LFO, a Low Cut knob, and a cool Double feature, which sounds like the up and down sweep blended together. It runs on a standard Boss-style 9v tip-negative adapter. They took out the FX loop, though. It's a little under 90 American dollars brand new. I love mine!

Also, there's a Mini Yesman that looks like a Mini Q-Tron clone.