My signal chain

[Tamochantern]

I'm kinda new to this effects thing, but I was wondering if any of you could check out my signal chain and see if any thing needs to be changed?

Bass (Parts Pbass with Basslines Quarter Pounders)
>Aphex Bass Xciter (always on)
>Boss GEB-7 (always on)
>Roctron Deep Blue Chorus (set to 9:00 on all settings - almost always on)
>EBS Original Octabass
>EHX Bass Big Muff Pi
>EHX Bassballs
>Aphex Punch Factory (always on)

I usually just run directly into the PA from the DI on the Punch Factory.

Opinions and criticisms welcomed. Thanks.

[dannybuoy]

I would put the Octabass first to help with the note tracking. Chorus might sound better after the fuzz and filter. Aphex recommend putting the Xciter at the end of the chain also - beware, mine used to distort the inputs when digging in with P-Bass Quarter Pounders, so make sure this isn't causing you a problem as well! Should be good to put it after the Punch Factory so the compressor can control the volume going into it.

[Revmizery]

I'd go this way,both the Octabass and Bassballs work off of playing dynamics so they should go before the compressor, everything else will get the smoother signal. Then the exciter at the end for any more last minuet signal change plus the DI on it.

>EBS Original Octabass
>EHX Bassballs
>Aphex Punch Factory
>Boss GEB-7
>EHX Bass Big Muff Pi
>Roctron Deep Blue Chorus
>Aphex Bass Xciter

[Tamochantern]

Great! Thanks!

Apprently I missed the part where the Xciter was supposed to be last in the chain!

Oh well, you live and learn, I guess.

[dannybuoy]

Then again octavers and filters can sound awesome after a big muff, so try that too!

[Swimming Bird]

I find it a little odd that you would have an separate EQ on all the time, but to each his own. Watch that because you'll probably have to change that up when you change your pedal order (for instance an octaver could get out of hand if you're running a big bass boost on the GEB) -- changing your pedal order may cause you to accidentally lose your clean tone.

Then again, don't be afraid to experiment and move stuff around. Personally, I really like a modulation first in the chain as it can really weird up an octaver, etc.

[Tamochantern]

Originally Posted by Swimming Bird

I find it a little odd that you would have an separate EQ on all the time, but to each his own. Watch that because you'll probably have to change that up when you change your pedal order (for instance an octaver could get out of hand if you're running a big bass boost on the GEB) -- changing your pedal order may cause you to accidentally lose your clean tone.

Then again, don't be afraid to experiment and move stuff around. Personally, I really like a modulation first in the chain as it can really weird up an octaver, etc.

Ahhh that makes sense now. My octaver has been really boomy on the lower end of my neck. Like I said, I'm new to effects and my only source of knowledge (outside of TB) is a guitarist friend of mine. Somehow I've gone 18+ years playing bass and never used a single effect!

Thanks, everyone, for all the advice!

[RickenBoogie]

So, no offense, but why do you run a pedal eq all the time?

[Tamochantern]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

So, no offense, but why do you run a pedal eq all the time?

None taken. I guess the short answer is, "I thought you were supposed to". Like I said, I've got no experience whatsoever with effects and my guitarist buddy told me I was supposed to.

What would be the proper way to use one? Just when I need a extra boost in a song?

More often than not, I'm running through a PA with no amp so I assumed I would need the extra EQ.

[RickenBoogie]

There's no rules at all, but usually a pedal eq is kinda like a "second channel", or like you said, a boost. Gives you something to kick in when needed. No problem running it all the time if it's giving you the sound you want.

[tomhanzo]

Originally Posted by Revmizery

I'd go this way,both the Octabass and Bassballs work off of playing dynamics so they should go before the compressor, everything else will get the smoother signal. Then the exciter at the end for any more last minuet signal change plus the DI on it.

>EBS Original Octabass
>EHX Bassballs
>Aphex Punch Factory
>Boss GEB-7
>EHX Bass Big Muff Pi
>Roctron Deep Blue Chorus
>Aphex Bass Xciter

+1

thats how i would do it but the EQ can go in front of them all if you want. it just depends what you use it for.

[Marshbass]

One way of using your GEB-7 is in conjunction with other effects.

For example, I use mine with my overdrive; by boosting the mid frequencies it allows me to go into a more overdriven sound when I stomp on the eq pedal.

p.s. +1 tomhanzo's signal chain

[Tamochantern]

Originally Posted by Revmizery

I'd go this way,both the Octabass and Bassballs work off of playing dynamics so they should go before the compressor, everything else will get the smoother signal. Then the exciter at the end for any more last minuet signal change plus the DI on it.

>EBS Original Octabass
>EHX Bassballs
>Aphex Punch Factory
>Boss GEB-7
>EHX Bass Big Muff Pi
>Roctron Deep Blue Chorus
>Aphex Bass Xciter

Well, I gigged last night and I used this chain (except I put the Big Muff first) and it sounded great! I also only used my EQ on certain songs and it worked out well. Thanks for the advice everyone!