EQ pedal + Dirt??

Hey folks,

I'm looking for a really good EQ pedal to use in conjunction with dirt pedals and other pedals to compensate for low-end loss.

I read a bit about the Barber Linden EQ. Really nice reviews, but I'm not interested in the flip-top sound, which is what this thing is apparently about.

I've only tried a Boss Bass EQ - and hated it. Total piece of crap IMO.

Any help would be appreciated. Tks.

[Darkglass]

The problem with the Boss Graphic EQ is that IMO the frequencies are not well chosen... sometime they believe that because is for bass, we want 2 or 3 different bands dedicated to controlling the lower frequency range, when in my opinion, having more control over the mid range is far better, and provides much more versatility... If you are looking for something simple, probably a Demeter Bass preamp may do, I remember that there was a guy from diystompboxes.com building parametric EQs as well, this could be your thing as well..

Best Regards

Doug

[playerunk]

i remember seeing at build your own clone a kit for a 10band graphic eq with selecteble frequencies.

[faceinbass]

If you can find one.. the Arion Bass Eq is a great pedal imo.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by jhan

I read a bit about the Barber Linden EQ. Really nice reviews, but I'm not interested in the flip-top sound, which is what this thing is apparently about.

Just FYI, all that talk about the "flip-top sound" is very misleading. It is just an EQ, and the EQ is only one small part of the "flip-top sound". So for somebody who used to own a flip-top and they liked the EQ on it, they will get this pedal and rave about how fantastically it gives them the flip-top sound. But really it's the EQ shape that they like, and has bupkis to do with any other part of the amp's tone or amp emulation.

IMO your best bet is either parametric or semi-parametric. Empress, Fromel, and Carl Martin are the top three IMO.

[St Drogo]

You want to put an eq after your dirtpedal I take it? And boost the lows?

I'm of the opinion that you can't put something in there that's not there to begin with, if you know what I mean (not a pun. Ew.) I would concentrate on making sure your low end doesn't get cut in the first place.

Of course, that wasn't your question and I don't want to come off all arrogant and stuff so I'll leave it at that I'm curious how this works out though, If it works, I'll ahve to revise my thinking.

[bongomania]

Oh yeah, how did I miss that? OP, do not use an EQ to try to "put back" lost low end. It rarely succeeds, and usually just smears and muddies your signal.

Instead, get a blender or crossover pedal, or better yet, get dirt pedals that don't lose low end in the first place. There are plenty.

No, I hear you man. Been thinking that myself.

Hell, I've been contemplating getting an xotic RC Bass booster just to add some fatness to my dirt tone. LOVES me them Xotic pedals.

Originally Posted by St Drogo

You want to put an eq after your dirtpedal I take it? And boost the lows?

I'm of the opinion that you can't put something in there that's not there to begin with, if you know what I mean (not a pun. Ew.) I would concentrate on making sure your low end doesn't get cut in the first place.

Of course, that wasn't your question and I don't want to come off all arrogant and stuff so I'll leave it at that I'm curious how this works out though, If it works, I'll ahve to revise my thinking.

Believe it or not, I've had some success with a Sansamp GT2 + Xotic XBlender. The GT2 can be noisy, however, and you hardly need any gain at all. Nevertheless, with a touch of noise reduction (which I have on my pedalboard anyway), they both play well together.

I always have the bass knob boosted on the Xblender just a bit as it is Love the EQ's on Xotic pedals.

I'm probably just looking for an excuse to buy something . . .

Originally Posted by bongomania

Oh yeah, how did I miss that? OP, do not use an EQ to try to "put back" lost low end. It rarely succeeds, and usually just smears and muddies your signal.

Instead, get a blender or crossover pedal, or better yet, get dirt pedals that don't lose low end in the first place. There are plenty.

[HolmeBass]

Couldn't you put the EQ *ahead* of the dirt, boost the lows, then after the dirt pedal cuts them wind up where you want to be? Put both pedals together in a loop so you could cut them on/off together? Or are there other problems with that approach?

[St Drogo]

I don't know. I think dirt pedals bring down low end to a certain level, not by a certain level. If that's the case, putting the eq before the dirt won't do you any good. I might be wrong though.

[HolmeBass]

Ah, that's a shame. I guess the real solution is to find a dirt pedal that doesn't cut lows, although I am also interested to see what opinion/experience others may have.

[RickenBoogie]

+1 for a no-low-end-losin' dirt pedal. My top picks, EBS Valve Drive, which can actually ADD lows, and I had pretty good luck with a couple of Fulltone's offerings, the BassDrive mosfet, and the OCD ver 4. But to me, nothing sounds better than the Valve Drive.

Ahhhh, 'been gassin on and off for a Valve Drive. You had to say it, didn't you!!

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

+1 for a no-low-end-losin' dirt pedal. My top picks, EBS Valve Drive, which can actually ADD lows, and I had pretty good luck with a couple of Fulltone's offerings, the BassDrive mosfet, and the OCD ver 4. But to me, nothing sounds better than the Valve Drive.

[FunkMetalBass]

Go for a blend pedal. Dirt + no low-end loss (unless you didn't have it to begin with, in which case, FOR SHAME!)