Foot controlled blend?

Scionreality · #1 01-21-2008, 01:18 PM

I like the idea of running two signals -one clean, one dirty- through a blender. But I'd like to be able to blend on-the-fly, mid-song if I want. The trouble is that the blend pedals I see are designed to be set and then just switched on/off.

So I was wondering if anyone knows of a blend pedal which is controlled by a rocker, like that of your average wah.

I want to be able to just go along playing clean for a while, then start to trade clean signal for dirty, getting gradually more of the latter.

Could I modify a wah pedal to do this? (or I suppose I could Frankenstein a blend and a wah together, but even buying cheap that's a waste I'd like to avoid)

Thanks in advance, guys.

ChocolateTV · #2 01-21-2008, 01:20 PM

I think Barge Concepts have released a new version of their blender which has an expression pedal input.

Scionreality · #3 01-21-2008, 01:26 PM

Just checked their website, and... nada.

Higgie · #4 01-21-2008, 01:27 PM

ChocolateTV is right. The Barge Concepts VFB-2 has been made for expression pedal control. It's called the VFB-X and should be available very soon!

Max Roberts · #5 01-21-2008, 01:29 PM

Morley FX Blender

Scionreality · #6 01-21-2008, 01:32 PM

Yeah, just read that (had to do -reading-...), but an external pedal? So I'd still have to buy/carry/crowd in two units. If that's the route I have to go, I probably will, but p-p-p-please don't make me do that.

Scionreality · #7 01-21-2008, 01:34 PM

The Morley... -thaaaat's more like it.

My wallet's already cringing a bit, but I'll smack it around a while and see if it comes around.

Thanks!

Max Roberts · #8 01-21-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scionreality

The Morley... -thaaaat's more like it.

My wallet's already cringing a bit, but I'll smack it around a while and see if it comes around.

Thanks!

My pleasure

derrico1 · #9 01-21-2008, 08:02 PM

Can anyone using a live-blend solution light a candle: does your output volume remain constant as you change the blend value?

bassguppy · #10 01-21-2008, 08:51 PM

Actually there is an auction on e-bay from Barge Concepts for the VFB-X with a link to compatible expression pedals.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=015

superbassman2000 · #11 01-22-2008, 12:10 AM

i wonder if it would work to put a volume pedal as the first pedal in the effect loop, so if it's off, then only the clean is coming through and when it's at full volume, the effects would be on--or would that have volume issues?

Scionreality · #12 01-22-2008, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

i wonder if it would work to put a volume pedal as the first pedal in the effect loop, so if it's off, then only the clean is coming through and when it's at full volume, the effects would be on--or would that have volume issues?

You mean, still having the seperate signal chains, volume pedal on the effected side?

I guess if you dial the volumes/gains on every effect so that full volume on the vol pedal stops at the same level as the clean, sure. I think that'd be fine if you wanted to keep all your clean and add in effects. You'd need the blend if you're looking to reduce the clean signal as you increase the dirty signal.

I'd say it's another matter of preferance.

Stuggi · #13 01-22-2008, 05:35 AM

It would be an better idea to put it last in the loop, when you would be able to go from 50/50 blend to 0/50 (only clean), if the FX blend is set at 50/50.

one · #14 01-22-2008, 07:25 AM

Toneczar VFM
Morley FX Blender

ehque · #15 01-22-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Higgie

ChocolateTV is right. The Barge Concepts VFB-2 has been made for expression pedal control. It's called the VFB-X and should be available very soon!

The VFB-X has been out for quite a while. What the OP wants is the VB-jr with expression pedal mod (standard upgrade). The VB-jr will be out this month, according to the newsletter i got from Barge a while back.

The VB-jr basically does what the VFB series of pedals do, except they don't do feedback, reducing the cost of the pedal somewhat.

Swimming Bird · #16 01-22-2008, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

i wonder if it would work to put a volume pedal as the first pedal in the effect loop, so if it's off, then only the clean is coming through and when it's at full volume, the effects would be on--or would that have volume issues?

You'd be better of putting it near or at the end of that chain so you don't mess with pedals that need a hot input. Also, if you put it before a delay you could get your effects sound trailing off into your clean tone.

Scionreality · #17 01-22-2008, 08:51 AM

Is that standard upgrade a seperate unit?

fretlessrock · #18 01-22-2008, 09:16 AM

The stereo Ernie Ball pedals work as either a stereo volume or a blend/crossfade pedal. Look for info on the 6165. They may also make this in a "Jr." version, with a smaller footprint

ehque · #19 01-22-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scionreality

Is that standard upgrade a seperate unit?

Yes. It allows for a expression pedal input to control blend. You'll still need the expression pedal.

bongomania · #20 01-22-2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessrock

The stereo Ernie Ball pedals work as either a stereo volume or a terrible, worthless blend/crossfade pedal. Look for info on the 6165. They may also make this in a "Jr." version, with a smaller footprint

Fixed it for you.