MXR envelop filter makes signal too hot!

scottfeldstein · #1 10-15-2011, 02:47 PM

I'm an effects noob, having a good time getting into it. But now that I've put together a board, I'm having a tough time dialing it all in together. This is harder than I thought! I think the main issue I'm having is with the MXR envelope filter making my signal too hot.

Here's my board.

Pedaltrain Mini
One Spot power supply

TC Electronic PolyTune
MXR M82 Envelope Filter
MXR M87 Compressor
SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI

My bass is an Ibanez SR300, run with everything kind of in the middle except the volume knob. (It has an active EQ with a sweepable mid scoop. I try for sure to keep that in the un-scooped, un-boosted area.)

My amp is a GK MB500. I run it as clean as can be. The EQ has slightly cut lows and highs, with slightly boosted mids. Nothing drastic.

So what are the problems I'm encountering?

1. The envelope filter. Sounds amazing. I busted out the pre-set "bottom dweller" on one of my band's hard rockers and it pretty much blew everyone's mind. Sounded like the entire song just started swimming underwater. BUT. This pedal is really hot. I mean, I turn it on and suddenly my volume is up. I'm experimenting with turning down the Dry and Wet signals, as there is no "output" knob. Any advice? This becomes a real problem because...

2. The compressor. I find it easy to dial in settings I like: from a subtle full-time compression to a hard limit that only comes on once in a while. Problem is, when I hit the envelope filter--bam--it's compression city. The signal gets hot enough to compress the crap out of everything. Must I turn the comp off in order to use the EF? That seems like a devil of a way to run a railroad. There must be another answer.

3. The SansAmp. I'm using this in a pretty subtle way most of the time. I dialed in the first sample setting, "fat tube," tweaked it a hair--done. It just makes my bass go from dry and rubbery to a little bit of broiler sizzle. (I have the two other program spots set to "slap" and "distorted bass," but I haven't experimented with using them in the band yet.) Problems? Basically, if I hit the envelope filter my signal gets hotter than I'd like and what was a slight break up in the signal becomes a farty distortion. Actually I didn't notice it at volume with the band, but I sure notice it a lot when listening to myself practice. I'd rather it didn't do that.

RickenBoogie · #2 10-15-2011, 03:20 PM

The top 2 knobs are levels, one for dry, one for effect. They are your answer.

scottfeldstein · #3 10-15-2011, 03:27 PM

Wow, I'm smart. Heh. Somehow it seemed to me that having FX up 100% would be something close to unity gain, while adding some dry into it might put it over that. This is clearly wrong. The 3 suggested settings in the manual all have FX on 100%. That's the one thing I now know I will never do.

So anyway, how about those <insert sports team here>?

Federighi · #4 10-15-2011, 03:29 PM

I believe I know exactly what you're experiencing. My solution was picking up a used Chunk Systems Mark I envelope filter, has 2 independent volume controls (effect off & on). Was a little more coin, but has a warmer sound & is an ingenious design!

RichardCranium · #5 10-15-2011, 08:58 PM

I had the same problem when I first got my MXR pedal the wet & dry are at unity gain at 12 o'clock then adjust to taste.

Kwesi · #6 10-15-2011, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Federighi

I believe I know exactly what you're experiencing. My solution was picking up a used Chunk Systems Mark I envelope filter, has 2 independent volume controls (effect off & on). Was a little more coin, but has a warmer sound & is an ingenious design!

The M82 has 2 independent volumes controls too, as the OP has found out

.

scottfeldstein · #7 10-15-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardCranium

I had the same problem when I first got my MXR pedal the wet & dry are at unity gain at 12 o'clock then adjust to taste.

If only the manual gave the slightest hint at this fact! I might have started with more reasonable settings.

behndy · #8 10-15-2011, 09:11 PM

yah. i usually run the clean at about halfway for unity and the FX at maybe 60%?

it's a good filter, but it DOES get waspy and too bright if you're not careful. sounds like you figured out your problem though. enjoy!

behndy · #9 10-15-2011, 09:13 PM

lulz, also, we've all had our Durp Moments with efx. don't feel bad homie.

RichardCranium · #10 10-16-2011, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

If only the manual gave the slightest hint at this fact! I might have started with more reasonable settings.

Same here when I first got it I just turned both knobs to 10 and wondered where the signal boost was coming from and posted the same question on here and learned the same way.

scottfeldstein · #11 10-16-2011, 01:22 PM

Good to know I'm not the only person who got caught on this issue.

Funkinthetrunk · #12 10-16-2011, 06:42 PM

There's something wrong with your pedal board....there's only 1 filter on it. What gives?

Oh, and do yourself a favor, cover those unused power connectors with some vacuum caps from a auto parts store....seeing that makes me nervous ever since a drunk spilled some liquid on mines.

scottfeldstein · #13 10-16-2011, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funkinthetrunk

There's something wrong with your pedal board....there's only 1 filter on it. What gives?

Heh. Give me some time! I played bass in rock bands of all stripes for 15 years and never used a single effect. This is all totally new to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funkinthetrunk

Oh, and do yourself a favor, cover those unused power connectors with some vacuum caps from a auto parts store....seeing that makes me nervous ever since a drunk spilled some liquid on mines.

That sounds like sage advice. Any idea what diameter? Also, I have a lot of extra plugs on that chain because I got it in a bundle. I could easily get the 5-spot chain. It's only $10. Fewer extra spots to cover.

Funkinthetrunk · #14 10-16-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

That sounds like sage advice. Any idea what diameter? Also, I have a lot of extra plugs on that chain because I got it in a bundle. I could easily get the 5-spot chain. It's only $10. Fewer extra spots to cover.

I believe I used 1/4" vacuum caps. Cheap insurance for about a $1 or so.

No, no...you will need all those extra plugs for when you get more filters. And you will, trust me.

behndy · #15 10-16-2011, 09:47 PM

............... moar fuzz.

gradim · #16 12-24-2011, 03:10 AM

I had the same problem and solve it increasing the sensitivity knob to about 4 o'clock, no longer get that clipping sound that I hear when the sustain a note