Envelope Filter Settings/Tone

mrossi · #1 07-27-2009, 10:56 AM

Gents -

I did a bunch of searches and couldn't quite find what I was looking for. I am new to the FX game and set up a minimal board with a TU-2 tuner (love it), ODB-3, DOD FX25b and CEB-3 (haven't picked this up yet but want to).

I am looking for a nice 70's porn/funk sound for "Play That Funky Music" and having a hell of a time setting her up. I got a decent tone but the sweep is realy long and takes for ever to close up. I am almost through my entire lick before my low E wants to close up. I also noticed the volume cuts and hits dramatically as well, especially on the high's -- I've read that I may need a limiter at the end of the chain to balance but the guy at the store (bass player) said that the BOSS LMB-3 cut his lows and ended up scrapping the whole thing.

Any suggestions on adding a limiter/compressor or should I scrap the DOD and go with another auto wah? Thanks guys!!

Floridabwoy · #2 07-27-2009, 11:02 AM

I use the DODFX25b knobs at 12 / 3 / 1 for the funk quack on a passive bass. I have a ****** digitech bass squeeze as a volume to bring it up when I need to.

bongomania · #3 07-27-2009, 11:05 AM

A limiter is a really good idea if you like those extra fat/wet filter sweeps. Unfortunately a good limiter is hard to find. The LMB-3 is OK, and I didn't think it lost any lows, but the tone is kind of "blah". If you can afford it, I recommend the Maxon CP9Pro+.

Other limiters to look at: the Aphex 661/651, Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone, Alesis MicroLimiter, Guyatone BL2, Demeter Compulator, Ashly DPX/CLX/CL series, and Symetrix 501.

MAMMOTHvolume · #4 07-27-2009, 11:30 AM

i find with stuff like this its more down to technique you want to try muting between notes to get more of that funk going on, sustaining notes just isn't funky at all

mrossi · #5 07-27-2009, 11:32 AM

Anyone have experience with DOD FX82 Bass Compressor or DOD R825?

kayakbass · #6 07-27-2009, 11:43 AM

Envelope filter with no volume/sweep issues???? Two words: Mooger Fooger! It turned my DOD into a paperweight. If you can believe it, it's a bit greasier than my Mutron III! You will NEVER go back!

Floridabwoy · #7 07-27-2009, 12:13 PM

haha....

FX25b = $25
MF - $299

I hope it is better... : )

bongomania · #8 07-27-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayakbass

Envelope filter with no volume/sweep issues???? Two words: Mooger Fooger! It turned my DOD into a paperweight. If you can believe it, it's a bit greasier than my Mutron III! You will NEVER go back!

I disagree with you on all counts. The Moog, when set to a wet/resonant setting, has every bit as much of a volume peak as the DOD. The only way to eliminate that is to choose a less resonant setting, which does not sound anywhere near the same. I owned the Moog and an original Mutron III and an FX25 at the same time, and my experience was the reverse of yours.

Don't get me wrong, the Moog is great, wonderful, awesome, etc. But it is not a cure for volume spikes, that's just a fact, and at least subjectively I thought the tone was a bit bland compared to my favorite older filters.

Everyone's ears and rigs are different though.

kevteop · #9 07-27-2009, 03:12 PM

If the filter's staying open all the time you're picking too hard for the envelope follower or the envelope sensitivity is too high for your picking technique. Turn the sensitivity down or try picking differently. Or both.

Or turn your amp up - if you can't hear yourself very well you'll pick too hard.

mrossi · #10 07-27-2009, 03:22 PM

Thanks guys - I will try to play with the sensitivity a bit and may try to experiement with a limiter - there is a used LMB3 near my house that I may pick up and try.

Funny about turning up -- I usually do that but every time my fabulous lead guitarist also turns up and around and around we go!!!

kevteop · #11 07-27-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrossi

Funny about turning up -- I usually do that but every time my fabulous lead guitarist also turns up and around and around we go!!!

Well you'll probably notice that every song you can think of where the bass player's using an envelope filter the bass is pretty forward in the mix. You lose some of the thump of the bass when you stick a resonant filter on it, so without a bit more volume you'll just be lost.

It might just be that a filter doesn't suit your gig, or it might be that your guitarist doesn't like not being loudest, you'd know best I suppose.

kayakbass · #12 07-28-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

I disagree with you on all counts. The Moog, when set to a wet/resonant setting, has every bit as much of a volume peak as the DOD. The only way to eliminate that is to choose a less resonant setting, which does not sound anywhere near the same. I owned the Moog and an original Mutron III and an FX25 at the same time, and my experience was the reverse of yours.

Don't get me wrong, the Moog is great, wonderful, awesome, etc. But it is not a cure for volume spikes, that's just a fact, and at least subjectively I thought the tone was a bit bland compared to my favorite older filters.

Everyone's ears and rigs are different though.

I am able to get the moog to do everything I need it to by adjusting the volume control. Also works great in conjunction with the Mutron III. All I can say is it works for me.