A good EQ for mid boost?

eyvindwa · #1 09-06-2007, 01:25 AM

I have a Sansamp PBDDI, and as you all know, it lacks a mid control. I do, however, like the sound of it, and I do not want to exchange it for another preamp/drive. While I could (and probably will) just turn up the mids on my amp's EQ, this will do little to help the DI sound in a live setting (and I will not count on the sound guy doing much to amend this). So, I'm thinking that a little EQ stomp box would solve the problem, but which one should I get? I would prefer the footprint to be as small as possible.

Thanks

ergodynebass · #2 09-06-2007, 06:37 AM

I'm in the same situation man. I was thinking about that 10 band MXR one myself but I haven't found any reviews on them.

speak_onion · #3 09-06-2007, 06:42 AM

The Danelectro Fish'n'Chips is a very small graphic eq, and since you're worried about Mids, it doesn't really matter that the bands are not optimized for bass. Parametric EQ would be more useful to really get the perfect shape of the mid increase, but I'm not aware of any parametric EQs that are small and easy to come by. I've heard good things about a Yamaha NE-1, but I know nothing about it other than that lots of snobby bass players thing it's awesome (and lots of non-snobs too).

Puru · #4 09-06-2007, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speak_onion

The Danelectro Fish'n'Chips is a very small graphic eq, and since you're worried about Mids, it doesn't really matter that the bands are not optimized for bass. Parametric EQ would be more useful to really get the perfect shape of the mid increase, but I'm not aware of any parametric EQs that are small and easy to come by. I've heard good things about a Yamaha NE-1, but I know nothing about it other than that lots of snobby bass players thing it's awesome (and lots of non-snobs too).

The Yamaha NE-1 cuts mids. Not what eyvindwa's looking for.

sonicvi · #5 09-06-2007, 07:20 AM

I think there's a Guyaton micro graphic eq. Probably doesn't get any smaller than that.

johans · #6 09-06-2007, 07:45 AM

personally .. yeah i'll go with MXR 108 10-band eq .. except that it needs 18v which either another separate wall-wart .. or if you have a Dunlop DC brick on your board to power it (efficiently)

well actually either that or the MXR Kerry King eq .. it has the same freq 10 band too! and if you like the cool white stripes

eyvindwa · #7 09-06-2007, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johans

personally .. yeah i'll go with MXR 108 10-band eq .. except that it needs 18v which either another separate wall-wart .. or if you have a Dunlop DC brick on your board to power it (efficiently)

well actually either that or the MXR Kerry King eq .. it has the same freq 10 band too! and if you like the cool white stripes

Thanks, the M-108 looks good, and I can power it with my Godlyke Power Pump.

JanusZarate · #8 09-06-2007, 09:59 AM

eyvindwa, quick question:

Are you aware of this snippet from the manual regarding mid boosting?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDDI Manual

Adjusting Mid-Range Content: The mid-range level is preset. Boosting Bass and Treble yields a
mid-cut (at 750 Hz) where the relative mid-range level is lower than the Bass and Treble frequency
levels. Cutting Bass and Treble yields a mid-boost (at 750 Hz) where the relative mid-range level is
higher than the Bass and Treble frequency levels. NOTE: The overall output level will change relative to
your EQ settings. Simply adjust the Level control accordingly.

I can certainly understand if 750Hz isn't the ideal mid frequency for your needs. I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for, but it's worth toying with. It worked pretty well for me when I had a BDDI.

eyvindwa · #9 09-06-2007, 10:02 AM

Thanks MysticBoo, I was not aware of that, but I will be sure to check it out!

JanusZarate · #10 09-06-2007, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyvindwa

Thanks MysticBoo, I was not aware of that, but I will be sure to check it out!

A good alternative option, if that doesn't work for you, is the SansAmp Para Driver DI. You lose the Presence knob, but it's replaced by variable mid controls (Midrange and Mid Shift).

eyvindwa · #11 09-06-2007, 10:11 AM

Yes, I know, but that version is not programmable

Now, where is the Sansamp Have-It-All in a nice stomp box?

bongomania · #12 09-06-2007, 10:19 AM

While Boo's reminder about the way to achieve mid boost is probably the best answer here, I would also point out that if the problem is the sound going through the DI, you wouldn't be able to run the balanced out of the DI through the unbalanced connectors of an EQ stompbox without some signal loss. You could put the graphic EQ in front of the DI, but then the Sansamp circuit applies its EQ on top of whatever signal you send it. Then you have to EQ it again at you amp. I'm just speculating that more EQ's will only end up in signal degradation and user confusion.

eyvindwa · #13 09-06-2007, 10:26 AM

I should probably have said that from the start, but I will not be using the sansamp as a DI, only preamp/drive.

speak_onion · #14 09-06-2007, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyvindwa

I should probably have said that from the start, but I will not be using the sansamp as a DI, only preamp/drive.

Then in that case, your amp's EQ should do you just fine, right?

eyvindwa · #15 09-06-2007, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speak_onion

Then in that case, your amp's EQ should do you just fine, right?

No, because live there will be a DI, it will just not be my sansamp.

bongomania · #16 09-06-2007, 12:40 PM

What exactly is the situation you are trying to solve/achieve? You've got us totally confused here.

Are you using a separate DI live that will be before or after the Sansamp, or are you leaving the Sansamp at home?

What is the relationship you're thinking of between the DI and your amp?

eyvindwa · #17 09-06-2007, 12:48 PM

Sorry for the confusion

There will be a DI right before the Amp, and after my Sansamp and other effects. The Sansamp will come to the gig, and will always be on for a slightly overdriven tube sound, but since it is not the last effect in my chain, it will not be used as a DI. Still, I would like to boost the mids of the signal that will go into the DI after the Sansamp and other FX. Hope that was understandable.

eyvindwa · #18 09-06-2007, 12:51 PM

To clarify further, here is, more or less, my chain:

Bass --> Nano Small Stone --> Sansamp (always on) --> (New EQ Box?) --> MXR Bass Blowtorch --> Wah --> DI --> Amp.

bongomania · #19 09-06-2007, 12:51 PM

OK, in that case you will be using the 1/4" unbalanced out of the Sansamp, in which case it makes sense to use an EQ pedal.

Simplified, it would look like:

bass --> sansamp --> EQ --> other FX --> DI

DI out to FOH, DI "thru" jack to your amp.

edit: posted at the same time!

Crabby · #20 09-06-2007, 01:00 PM

After looking at your signal chain, I would highly recommend replacing the Sans Amp unit with a Fulltone Bassdrive. If you are not using it as a DI and simply as a tube like overdrive, there are better pedals to achieve this that will have no negative effect on your mids.

The Fulltone pedal retains your tone and can be set to add the most subtle tube like overdrive. It even has a second channel which can be switched on as a heavy overdrive.

The Sans Amp is a good unit but it has a way of coloring your tone that is hard to dial out. Even with the bass and treble controls off, there still is a coloration that can be frustrating.

I also have found that the sans amp unit has a nagative effect on any pedals placed after it.

Not trying to stir the pot, but you have some options here that may help you find the tone you're looking for.