mxr bass blowtorch

[jjhardy]

i recently got this pedal and really enjoy it, but i only ever use the overdrive mode. whenever i put it into blowtorch mode, even with all my tweaking, it feels like the distortion just gets a volume drop. it's hard to describe, but it's like it gets really squelchy and the distortion doesn't cut through anymore. is this unusual, or is this just the nature of really saturated distortion?

[pompompom]

The Blowtorch is neither an overdrive nor a distortion, it's a FUZZ!

[(b)Assman]

overdrive mode? You mean the torch switch inactive? what you are hearing is probably a slight cut in bass. I find that the pedal is pretty crappy without the torch switch. If anything it helps the sound cut through with the switch on. Maybe you should try compensating by boosting the lows on your amp. Play around with it. Its a mean pedal.

[eyvindwa]

I think I can relate to your experience, jjhardy. I suppose you play an active bass, right? When I turn the torch switch on, it kind of distorts so hard that it eliminates my tone completely, and it does not sound good. (Almost sounds like digital clipping to my ears, but of course it is not.) I always keep the torch switch off.

[Bryan R. Tyler]

I use active basses and always keep the torch switch ON. Sounds much better to my ears that way. It is a fuzz though, and using the switch increases gain and the buzzsaw tone; if anything, you should be cutting through more with it engaged.

[jjhardy]

i've had the same experience with both my passive P and active J bass

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Are you underpowering it? It does need an 18v power supply.

[TheMutt]

Personally, I use the blowtorch in torch off mode. Both sound fine to me using a EBMM SR5, but I already have my B:Assmaster for out of control wall-o-fuzz.

[jjhardy]

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

Are you underpowering it? It does need an 18v power supply.

pair of 9v batteries. seem fresh to me, though i don't know it for a fact.