Help building a pedal board

[Mike151]

I currently use a POD XT-Live for rehearsal, practice at home, and live. I play through a SWR Rig live: 8X10 cab with x750 head.
I'm thinking of just leaving the POD at home for practicing and building a pedal board for live.
Do I need this? No, I'm just bored and want a project to play with. I play classic rock and modern rock. P bass and PJ basses with EMG pickups.
Would like some type of roadmap for what I might end up with.
My first thought would be something to add edge as I don't care for the overdrive provided on my SWR head. Not sure if that would be a distortion pedal or a SansAmp product.

[DeltaPhoenix]

With this type of ambiguity the answers you get are going to be across the board (all of our favorites). Do you have an example of someone's tone that is in the basic area that you are shooting for? I mean, yes OD or Distortion will give some edge (or balls, or hair, or grit, or grind, etc). My choice in OD is a Darkglass B3K, it allows my basic tone through and gives it the grind I want, but it is kind of pricey for some people. Do you have a price limit that you want to share?
For classic/modern rock I would have an OD, Fuzz, envelope filter (or wah), chorus, maybe flanger or phaser.

[Mike151]

Originally Posted by DeltaPhoenix

With this type of ambiguity the answers you get are going to be across the board (all of our favorites). Do you have an example of someone's tone that is in the basic area that you are shooting for? I mean, yes OD or Distortion will give some edge (or balls, or hair, or grit, or grind, etc). My choice in OD is a Darkglass B3K, it allows my basic tone through and gives it the grind I want, but it is kind of pricey for some people. Do you have a price limit that you want to share?
For classic/modern rock I would have an OD, Fuzz, envelope filter (or wah), chorus, maybe flanger or phaser.

I really like the tone from RATM/Audioslave (Tim Commerford).
Understanding that doesn't work for most of the cover stuff but does convey the way I like to hit the strings. Since this could be a long term project, budget is really not an issue. If something sounds fantastic and I think it will fit, I'll buy it. I tend to use a little reverb in my sound as the SWR is so clean, it adds some nice fullness when I'm playing with a fairly clean tone.

[MatticusMania]

I built an awesome rectangular box out of wood, that shut secure with latches, threw a 1-spot Daisy chain on it, some carpet & velcro. Bam, awesome sturdy pedalboard for under $50.

[DeltaPhoenix]

Well truth be known, Timmy C's tone was one of the tones that inspired the builder of the B3K. The amount of different tones on the B3K is a great feature. This pedal does not lose any bottom-end. If price is not the issue, I would go with the B3K's big brother the B7K. Basically the same pedal but with an active 3 band EQ, and a D.I.
I am in an original band that isn't quite any one or two genres. I use the B3K for my more modern sound. I have an Ampeg SVT3Pro, which is mostly a tube amp, but some MosFEt for power, so I have chosen to go with a Dave Hall VT2-EQ STD as my more preamp-ish pedal. It is a tube Driven pedal (2 tubes). My thinking is that I can get a more warm, vintage sound with one channel on the pedal, and a more over-the-top tube sound with the other channel. That pedal is being built, I should have it soon. I also have a Fuzz pedal, mine is a more 60-70s fuzz, not a more modern attack fuzz. I am using a Full Custom Music Barnacle Fuzz. I just got it and am really pleased with it.

[Hutzbordello]

have you tried the tech 21 vt pedal? its killer for anything you want

[DeadPoet]

If you like the pod and don't really use its amplifiers why not go for an M9 or M13. They have all the fx the pod has but more *and* of better quality.


...though building a PB can be rewarding as well..


and why not both? (M9 + pedals..)



Anyhow, a tuner, (mild) dirt and an octaver would be my first 3 pedals on a new board.



Herwig

[Mike151]

Originally Posted by Hutzbordello

have you tried the tech 21 vt pedal? its killer for anything you want

I was kind of looking at the tech 21. Lots of them on ebay. I have no way of testing it though. Would just be a purchase based on suggestion. You want to go into more detail?

[Mike151]

Originally Posted by DeadPoet

If you like the pod and don't really use its amplifiers why not go for an M9 or M13. They have all the fx the pod has but more *and* of better quality.

...though building a PB can be rewarding as well..

and why not both? (M9 + pedals..)

Anyhow, a tuner, (mild) dirt and an octaver would be my first 3 pedals on a new board.
Herwig

I like the POD but just want to use it for home recording and rehearsal with headphones. It works great for that and I do use the amps on it. Haven't looked into the M9. I'll go check that out right now.

[DeadPoet]

Originally Posted by Mike151

I like the POD but just want to use it for home recording and rehearsal with headphones. It works great for that and I do use the amps on it. Haven't looked into the M9. I'll go check that out right now.

FWIW, I was never a fan of recording amps (until recently) but more important: the amps in the PodXT never made my world rock. I'm quite picky on amp sounds and of the 2 amps in there that I like in the real world I thought they (the pod emulations) did not sound like the originals at all.


... but to each his own taste.



Herwig

[Mike151]

Originally Posted by DeltaPhoenix

With this type of ambiguity the answers you get are going to be across the board (all of our favorites). Do you have an example of someone's tone that is in the basic area that you are shooting for? I mean, yes OD or Distortion will give some edge (or balls, or hair, or grit, or grind, etc). My choice in OD is a Darkglass B3K, it allows my basic tone through and gives it the grind I want, but it is kind of pricey for some people. Do you have a price limit that you want to share?
For classic/modern rock I would have an OD, Fuzz, envelope filter (or wah), chorus, maybe flanger or phaser.

After doing some research on youtube and various reviews, I decided to start off with the B3K. Ordered it late last week and it shipped yesterday. Left Findland today on it's way to the U.S.
I'm confident that is a good start for my pedalboard and would more than likely work nicely next to my Line 6.
So now, I was thinking of a compressor as my second pedal (already have a tuner in my Amp rack).
Apparently cost is not a factor.. haha...
Suggestions on a compressor pedal?

[spiker]

Hi mate,

Re compression, I recommend the EBS multicomp: 3 different modes of useable compression, 2 knobs (which is great because you don't have to F*** around knob twiddling like a a scientist pre-gig).
The compression options from the 3 available range from a coloured low thickness (tubesim), multi band (compresses highs & lows separately) and normal (transparent one band compression). The multiband is the bomb

I play in many bands, original & covers, mostly rock orientated from hard rock to funk/pop & i can assure you that this pedal is awesome bedcause straight out of the box it gets a great sound with no crapping about like a tryhard producer.

If you are a meat & potatos player and you just want to plug your pbass in for an 'always-on' great sounding compressor that sweetens just right without muddiness, squishiness or loss of highs/lows, get the ebs. It's perfect for 'enhancing' your sound and keeping your peaks tamed which audibly provides a noticeable element of fatness & punch (hence the use of compression)

Here's my pedalboard for your perusal (pedaltrain nano)
Just the basics:

* Boss TU2
* EBS Multicomp Compressor - always on, multiband mode with passive switch in
* Tech21 VT Bass - Set on SVT setting and used as Overdrive/Boost
* Dunlop 105q Wah - For sparse funky flava for when i get bored

[Mike151]

Originally Posted by spiker

Hi mate,

Re compression, I recommend the EBS multicomp: 3 different modes of useable compression, 2 knobs (which is great because you don't have to F*** around knob twiddling like a a scientist pre-gig).
The compression options from the 3 available range from a coloured low thickness (tubesim), multi band (compresses highs & lows separately) and normal (transparent one band compression). The multiband is the bomb

I play in many bands, original & covers, mostly rock orientated from hard rock to funk/pop & i can assure you that this pedal is awesome bedcause straight out of the box it gets a great sound with no crapping about like a tryhard producer.

If you are a meat & potatos player and you just want to plug your pbass in for an 'always-on' great sounding compressor that sweetens just right without muddiness, squishiness or loss of highs/lows, get the ebs. It's perfect for 'enhancing' your sound and keeping your peaks tamed which audibly provides a noticeable element of fatness & punch (hence the use of compression)

Here's my pedalboard for your perusal (pedaltrain nano)
Just the basics:

* Boss TU2
* EBS Multicomp Compressor - always on, multiband mode with passive switch in
* Tech21 VT Bass - Set on SVT setting and used as Overdrive/Boost
* Dunlop 105q Wah - For sparse funky flava for when i get bored

I'm definately not a knob twister. I like to get a good sound quickly and play live. I'll be looking into the EBS more over the next couple days (youtube and reviews).
I also really like that little pedaltrain nano you have there. I was wanting something small and simple and that might be the way to go for me. Quick setup is very important to me. Currently with my Pod X3 Live, I just swing it out of the case, plug it in and go. It just doesn't really have effects that were made specifically for bass. That's what I'm after now.
So, if I put the new Darkglass B3k and that compressor, which should go first? On the Aphex website, they stated that the compressor should go first. What do you think and why?

[spiker]

Compressor first always my friend, and shortly after that any modulation or octave effects so the compressor tames them. Don't ruin your beutiful tone from your overdrive by compressing it (i.e putting compressor after it). Overdrive has natural compression anyway.

Only crazy pedals go before compressor (in my opinion they have to be pretty crazy to go before compressor).

Pedal train nano is cheap as on EBAY too with a cool little padded bag as well - $70 you're looking at !!!

[Darkglass]

Originally Posted by Mike151

I'm definately not a knob twister. I like to get a good sound quickly and play live. I'll be looking into the EBS more over the next couple days (youtube and reviews).
I also really like that little pedaltrain nano you have there. I was wanting something small and simple and that might be the way to go for me. Quick setup is very important to me. Currently with my Pod X3 Live, I just swing it out of the case, plug it in and go. It just doesn't really have effects that were made specifically for bass. That's what I'm after now.
So, if I put the new Darkglass B3k and that compressor, which should go first? On the Aphex website, they stated that the compressor should go first. What do you think and why?

Hey! First of all thanks again for your order! Second, Compression usually goes first, this is particularly useful with any Microtubes since (unlike most distortions/overdrives) it barely compresses your signal!
This is because I personally like to have lots of dynamic control! With a compression unit before, you can switch from dynamic control (comp off) to an evenly distorted sound (comp on).
Having said that.Try with the B3K first as well, it's unusual, but you never know what you might like better!

Best Regards -Doug.

[Mike151]

Originally Posted by Darkglass

Hey! First of all thanks again for your order! Second, Compression usually goes first, this is particularly useful with any Microtubes since (unlike most distortions/overdrives) it barely compresses your signal!
This is because I personally like to have lots of dynamic control! With a compression unit before, you can switch from dynamic control (comp off) to an evenly distorted sound (comp on).
Having said that.Try with the B3K first as well, it's unusual, but you never know what you might like better!

Best Regards -Doug.

Thanks Doug.

[Darkglass]

Originally Posted by Mike151

Thanks Doug.

You're very welcome!

[Mike151]

Received my B3K package today in perfect condition.
I did some testing with the B3K going into my Line 6 with no effects or amp/cab simulation. I found that simply adding an 8X10 cab did the trick! Played around with it for a couple hours. Can't wait to try it out with my live rig Saturday.

The next pedal is on it's way. I ordered a EBS Multicomp to go in front of the B3K. I believe I got a good deal on that at $127 bucks.

[Darkglass]

Originally Posted by Mike151

Received my B3K package today in perfect condition.
I did some testing with the B3K going into my Line 6 with no effects or amp/cab simulation. I found that simply adding an 8X10 cab did the trick! Played around with it for a couple hours. Can't wait to try it out with my live rig Saturday.

The next pedal is on it's way. I ordered a EBS Multicomp to go in front of the B3K. I believe I got a good deal on that at $127 bucks.

Hey Mike, great to hear that you got your pedal already!

Let us know what you think about it!

Thanks again for your biz!

Regards -Doug.

[Mike151]

Got my EBS Multicomp today. Put it in front of the B3K and played for hours!
Did very little adjustments on either pedal. The Multi setting on the EBS is my favorite of the 3 switch locations. I'll probably just leave it at that.
Can't believe the outstanding sound I'm getting from paring the B3K with that compressor and a small bit of reverb. Also, using an 8X10 simulated cab on my line6. I recoreded a few short spots and when listening back, I heard that tone from Red Hot Chili Peppers "Suck My Kiss." Absolutely nailed that sound by accident. Next pedal is going to probably be a nice reverb pedal. I just love the way a small bit of reverb adds to the flavor of the tone. Hoping to do away with the Line6 at live shows soon and go with my new pedal setup.

@ Doug,
That last gig I played rained almost every set. Stage was covered but I wasn't about to take out your pedal and risk getting it showered on. I'll be playing it tomorrow night. The ideas just started flowing today when I was rehearsing on it. How did I ever live without that sound?... LOL

So, thinking of the EBS Dynaverb since I am so pleased with the EBS compressor.
When I started this little project, I thought I would have some fun with it but I had no idea the professional difference in the sound. There is so much to choose from out there and It's difficult to decide which direction to go. Anyway, I think I'm on the right path.