If I have echo/delay, would tremolo be pointless?

McHaven · #1 02-07-2008, 11:42 PM

I'm looking at adding 3 new pedals this month. Mainly I'm looking at the EHX #1 Echo, EHX Pulsar and EHX Micro Q-tron.

However, would having both echo/delay, and tremolo together be pointless? Maybe it's just me but I think I could get a tremolo type sound out of the echo? Does the Pulsar have any ultra awesome features that I couldn't get from the echo?

Once again, it may just be that I don't understand these effects fully, so any input is appreciated. If its redundant to have both, I'll probably get a compressor. Any reviews of the EHX Soul Preacher? Otherwise I may just go for a BBE

Sean S · #2 02-07-2008, 11:48 PM

I've never been able to get a tremolo sound out of a delay/echo...If it were me, I'd get both and see what I prefer.

bongomania · #3 02-08-2008, 08:04 AM

Tremolo and echo are very different. In the simplest terms, a tremolo causes your signal to pulse while you play, but does not alter your tone and makes no sound when you mute the strings; whereas an echo repeats your signal on top of your original sound in a pulsing manner, creating a thick smeared overdubbed sound, and it trails on after you mute the strings. So both can sound like pulsing, but one is "clean" and the other is "smeared" or "spacey".

Swimming Bird · #4 02-08-2008, 08:11 AM

Tremolo and delay are almost the exact opposite in terms of what they do -- tremolos cut your signal rhythmically whereas delays add to it.

IMO I don't think there are very many trem sounds you could cop exactly with a delay.

You are gonna try these all before you buy them, right?

McHaven · #5 02-08-2008, 08:57 AM

Thanks guys. I should have known I was wrong.

Max Roberts · #6 02-08-2008, 09:11 AM

And tremolo with delay can create some really cool textures and rhythms.

JanusZarate · #7 02-08-2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McHaven

Any reviews of the EHX Soul Preacher? Otherwise I may just go for a BBE

I did do a review of it... you'll find it if you run a search in this forum. I posted some lengthy details on it a few times. Bongomania did a review as well (although his is far less forgiving... but I gave the Preacher a lot more time).

IMO, while the Soul Preacher is worth testing out (AFTER adjusting the internal trimpot), if you're going to buy without trying... definitely go for the BBE.

The Soul Preacher is a niche pedal, IMO; even though it can be adjusted to be clean, it's still not "transparent" like the BBE. It also has some noise, which can be a big deal if you use a tweeter, but is otherwise mild. But it does have its own unique character.

superbassman2000 · #8 02-08-2008, 10:03 AM

well, technically you can get a square wave tremolo sound from a delay box--not that it would all that great.
get them both!

McHaven · #9 02-08-2008, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

well, technically you can get a square wave tremolo sound from a delay box--not that it would all that great.
get them both!

Of course TB would tell me to get both and spend even more money on gear. I've been persuaded. I'll order both.

McHaven · #10 02-09-2008, 07:19 PM

Well, I went and tried the Pulsar and the #1Echo today. The echo is awesome. The tremolo not so much. Tremolo is now off my list. I'm debating picking up an Electric Mistress in the classifieds just cause the price is right.

So now I'm thinking compressor perhaps? Or maybe I should just invest in a TB Loop and a some better cables.

Brad Barker · #11 02-10-2008, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McHaven

Well, I went and tried the Pulsar and the #1Echo today. The echo is awesome. The tremolo not so much. Tremolo is now off my list. I'm debating picking up an Electric Mistress in the classifieds just cause the price is right.

So now I'm thinking compressor perhaps? Or maybe I should just invest in a TB Loop and a some better cables.

talkbass has a "loop" now? why am i out of it???

funkalicious101 · #12 02-10-2008, 01:02 AM

That'd be True Bypass.

Nick Kay · #13 02-10-2008, 01:45 AM

How can you not like the Pulsar? The square wave mode with near-max depth and a high rate is one of the coolest sounds I've ever had the pleasure of playing with. Total Mars Volta noise break type of thing.

Sean S · #14 02-10-2008, 02:02 AM

Speaking of tremolo, is there any trem that can do like, 1sec hard cutting to, say, 1ms?
Does the GigFX Chopper do this?

Brad Barker · #15 02-10-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkalicious101

That'd be True Bypass.

well, duh.

funkalicious101 · #16 02-10-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean S

Speaking of tremolo, is there any trem that can do like, 1sec hard cutting to, say, 1ms?
Does the GigFX Chopper do this?

Lots of tremolos actually have two speeds.