Learning to shape my tone using BDDI/CS3

[somedevil]

hey guys,
after drooling over the pedalboard thread for two hours i have decided to get a pedal board of my own. one problem. i know shiiite about what i need or how to use various effects.

i primarily play Funk/motown/jamiroquai type stuff. forgive me for genralising these but i couldn't think of anything better. till now i have been going bass direct into amp/mix board and leave my fate in the hands of the mix engineer. i get a lot of compliments about my playing though none about my tone. sob sob

currently,i own two units which i also spent time reading about on these boards. the sansamp programmable BDDI and the stock Boss CS3 ( which i will for sure mod in due course).

now i am not looking for settings or the best positions etc etc. i genuinely want to know how i can start by using these two pedals to create good tones. now i know i got limited resources and most people here just hate the CS3. but please bear in mind i am just trying to learn.

i am not looking at unique tones or tone like so and so. i just want to learn how to create a regular steady sweet spot bass tone.

reason being, i gig very regularly and it's always the venue/promoter provides us with a bass amp(all sorts of brands, the challenge to get a even good sound is thrilling,the sheer anticipation of the bass amp at every venue makes me cum inwards ). so i usually just carry my basses along with me and try to EQ through the amp to get my bass tones. i really want to use my PBDDI/CS3 to have more control over how i sound.

i would really appreciate input from people who started out with less and have great tones or tones they desired and/or input from people who know how to get this down.

i am really struggling to get a sweet/cut through/punchy(insert your word of choice) tone. and i would wholeheartedly appreciate advice


cheers to all !!

[bongomania]

With the CS-3, keep the sustain knob low, like 9:00 to 10:00. Experiment with different levels of signal going into the CS-3, to adjust its response further. With the BDDI, try turning both the lows and highs down, for more mids presence.

[somedevil]

Thanks bongo, these tips themselves make me sound a lot better !
also a lot of your posts and your blog are highly informative !
thanks much

[Bromosapian]

Originally Posted by somedevil

"the sheer anticipation of the bass amp at every venue makes me cum inwards"

[somedevil]

i had my bass going into the CS3>PBDDI>sound console
everytime i had the CS3 switched on there would no sound from the PA.everytime i turned the CS3 pedal off the sound would work properly...

i tried diffrent settings on the CS3 too but didn't make any diffrence.I tried going through a send return loop via a carvin bass amp but it provided a very tinny sound on the PA. i am not sure if the sound guy was a jackarse or was it some signal chain faux pax on my part.

still struggling with getting my preferable tone tho. think paul taylor !!