I have absolutely no idea what different pedals are for. Can you help me out?

[Dodgeviperracer]

Ok, so I have never ever used any type of effects pedals. I mean I can identify the obvious like the wahs, chorus, octave, loopers, etc., but I have a question about a few. Like what does the envelope filter do? And I've seen another one that was a noise gate. I watch alot of videos of different bass players and their sound is always so crisp and defined. What do they use if anything to achieve this. So just kinda give me a run down on good pedals to start with that I can build on. I'm also looking for a good looper. Give me some feedback on what you consider some of the best on the market that don't cost an arm and a leg. Thanks in advance TB peeps. If anybody can help it's my knowledgable fellow bassist. Lol.

[bassbrad]

Here is a glossary that will answer some of your Questions.

Guitar effect glossary | Guitarist Tool Kit | Lessons - GuitarTools.co.uk

Envelope filter or follower is a filter that opens and closes like a wah but it follows the attack, sustain and decay of the plucked string. Also known as a Touch Wah. Can be very simple or terrible complex. Classics include MuTron III, BassBalls but there are many others.

Noise Gate is a gate that opens when notes are played but when the signal falls below a certain threshold is closes.

[alec]

What is your current setup and what would you like to change about your sound?

When you say "looper" do you mean one that records a passage and repeats it (like a Boss RC-2), or something to switch between/blend multiple effects loops (LS-2)?

[Dodgeviperracer]

Originally Posted by alec

What is your current setup and what would you like to change about your sound?

When you say "looper" do you mean one that records a passage and repeats it (like a Boss RC-2), or something to switch between/blend multiple effects loops (LS-2)?

Right now I have a Peavey 700 watt Touring amp and a peavey 4x10 cab. I have the bass set at about 7, the mid at around 5, and the highs at about 2. Thats it. I'm really just trying to achieve a cleaner tighter sound. Not sure if that explains it but give me some ideas. As far as the looper goes, more like the Boss RC-2. Thanks.

[Dodgeviperracer]

Originally Posted by bassbrad

Here is a glossary that will answer some of your Questions.

Guitar effect glossary | Guitarist Tool Kit | Lessons - GuitarTools.co.uk

Envelope filter or follower is a filter that opens and closes like a wah but it follows the attack, sustain and decay of the plucked string. Also known as a Touch Wah. Can be very simple or terrible complex. Classics include MuTron III, BassBalls but there are many others.

Noise Gate is a gate that opens when notes are played but when the signal falls below a certain threshold is closes.

Thanks this was very informative.

[alec]

There are two paths you could take. First is to forget about effects for now and concentrate on your bass/amp setup. You could take your full rig to a music shop and try out different basses/amps/cabinets. You might find one part of your current chain is letting the team down.

If you want to take the effects path, the best way to start is by getting a multi effects unit. This lets you try heaps of different effects without blowing cash on pedals you find you don't use.
Cleaning up your sound will probably involve EQ and compression, both of which you'll find in mfx units, along with envelope filtering and in some cases, looping.

[audiomitch]

FWIW, "crisp and defined" is usually playing technique. But if you find a pedal that does it, let me know!!

[RickenBoogie]

Yeah, I think you may want to start looking into amps and speakers first. Clean and defined starts with your fingers, strings, etc, and becomes your own sound through a good amp and cab. If after you get that sorted, you still feel like you want to "add to" the mix, get a multi fx unit. But no amount of fx pedals will get you where you wanna be better than a good bass, good technique, and a killer rig.

[Dodgeviperracer]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Yeah, I think you may want to start looking into amps and speakers first. Clean and defined starts with your fingers, strings, etc, and becomes your own sound through a good amp and cab. If after you get that sorted, you still feel like you want to "add to" the mix, get a multi fx unit. But no amount of fx pedals will get you where you wanna be better than a good bass, good technique, and a killer rig.

That's what I think as well. Because I play through a friends Mark Bass rig and it sounds perfect. But he also has several effects and I just thought that may have something to do with the sound I get from his rig as opposed to mine. I just bought an Eden amp off another TBer and it should be here by Monday. Do you have any recommendations as far as a cab goes?