Multicomp Problem?, problem with my new pedal?? users please read..

nottswarwick · #1 01-24-2008, 04:13 PM

Hi

Just got my spanking new multicomp (EBS) pedal from the Bass Centre.

However, I think I might unfortunately have a faulty one. Basically, on loud notes and finger pops I get a buzzing as if the input is overloading or something. I have set it to "active" mode, but even in this mode when I "dig in" or slap I get this buzzing distortion on the peaks.

I am using a Stinrgray 5 and an GandL 2500. Admittedly these are fairly high output basses, but this has never been a problem with either bass with any other effects unit/amp/desk/rack unit etc. FYI, this is with basses on full volume and EQ set "flat". It happens in all 3 compression modes, irrespective of the knob setting, so I am pretty sure it cannot be right?

I wonder anyone could suggest where I might be going wrong (I dont think I am, to be honest)? I am using it in line with the bass direct into the multicomp. Mains and battery - same on both

If they all do this, then the unit is clearly "not for me", but I suspect that if they all do this then they would not sell many and it would not achieve the reviews it does, as it is basically unusable.

So, anyone who uses one got any input for me. I have emailed Nick at the BC to get it sorted, so it is not a problem as it is new and under warranty, but I thought I would ask on here too.

Cheers

Chris

attackbass · #2 01-24-2008, 04:19 PM

have you got the gain turned up high on the pedal? That's the only thing I can think of. Actually I think there is like a sensitivity control inside the pedal which I think you can adjust. It should mention in the manual.. unless im getting it mistaken for another pedal.

If it has I would advise yo to have a play around with it.

nottswarwick · #3 01-24-2008, 04:21 PM

hi

it does it at all gain levels - the gain is in fact the output level according to the instructions. There are 2 sensitivity things inside, but these are for multiband mode only, and are for the compression threshold, so pretty sure that is not it either to be honest.

But thanks for the reply, all ideas most welcome.

Chris

bongomania · #4 01-24-2008, 04:47 PM

Is the distortion you hear just a brief zap right at the beginning of each note, or does it sustain for longer than half a second? I ask because the attack of the EBS is pre-set fairly slow, which can let some initial spikes through.

nottswarwick · #5 01-24-2008, 04:52 PM

the distortion is longer than just a short spike

dannybuoy · #6 02-05-2008, 04:02 PM

I just got mine second hand today and have a similar problem. I've just fitted a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder p-bass pickup on the neck which has a really high output, and if I use the comp in passive mode it seems to distort when I dig in real hard. The distortion is more apparent on tubesim mode, but it happens on the other modes too, especially when the gain is turned up past 9 o'clock. Pretty sure my amp's not being overloaded, I've tried both passive/active inputs and the clip light doesn't come on. It's useable though, if I have the gain right down so it's equal volume to having the effect off it doesn't really happen.

If I flick the EBS switch to active, I get more background noise, and the compression affect is less since the threshold has been altered. I wish they gave this a threshold control instead of the switch! Not all basses have the same output levels.

Anyway, I'm gonna get more time to play with it this week, I'll see how it performs plugged into a mixing desk, and I'll try playing with the trim pots. Are you sure the internal pots only affect multiband mode?

bongomania · #7 02-05-2008, 04:36 PM

The trimpots are only designed to be relevant to the multiband mode, but there have been earlier posts from people saying they benefitted from adjusting those trims even with the other modes.

dannybuoy · #8 02-06-2008, 03:42 PM

Problem solved for me by turning the trimpots anti clockwise! It seems the signal can only go a certain amount over the threshold before it distorts and makes a farty sound, so making this adjustment raises that threshold. Mine are now sat at a 45 degree angle or 10:30 in clock terms. Now it sounds superyummygorgeous!

The left hand trimpot that adjusts the low compression also controls the threshold in tubesim and normal modes, I have 100% confirmed this. The high trimpot only affects multiband mode. Since all basses will have slightly different outputs, I reckon all EBS Multicomp owners would benefit from spending a couple of hours with some headphones one making some adjustments!

bongomania · #9 02-06-2008, 04:33 PM

Thanks for checking into that! I'll probably add that info to my review. I've been meaning to re-buy another EBS anyway just for reference.

dannybuoy · #10 02-07-2008, 04:21 AM

Yeah, it seems to me that the device has a fixed threshold and the trimpots adjust the input gain. If the input signal is too hot then the max 5:1 ratio is not limiting enough to prevent the signal going over the devices max headroom and it distorts. Does this makes sense?

osciphex · #11 02-07-2008, 12:34 PM

This has been an enlightening thread. I had a similar issue with a very loud string on a jazz bass - I ended up lowering the pickup polepeices on that string to fix the problem. I wish the multicomp simply had a knob to adjust the trimmers inside...