New Pedals, Any Suggestions?

[JJBass30]

I currently have a EHX big muff, EHX stereo memory man with hazerai, a Boss CE-5, and a morley dual bass wah. I really like my EHX pedals and the boss one is good to, but the morley isn't really that great sounding in my opinion. I've been looking at a few auto-wahs, the EHX original Q-tron and the micro Q-tron seem like they might be what I'm looking for. I've read some reviews and some are very good and some are very bad so I don't know. The other thing I am considering is the Octave Multiplexer from EHX and the Snarling Dogs Bootzilla Fuzz Wah. Is there anything else I should consider for Auto-Wahs, Octave, or anything else really? the one thing is I'm tight on money so I am trying to find something under $150.

[Mark Olson]

In my opinion the Q Tron and Micro Q tron are great. I can get great sounds out of the micro, but I've heard other people that can't. Playing with any envelope filter and getting a good sound does require some good technique. Can't expect to plug in and instantly sound like bootsy with bad technique, so you're going to see some bad reviews on certain envelope pedals.

For octavers, I'd recommend looking at the Boss OC-2 and OC-3 as well as the Dunlop (I think it's MXR) Bass Octave. Personally, in your price range, I'd prefer those units to the EHX. Also check out the Digitech Bass Synth Wah, a lot of people really like the octave function on that one.

For wah pedals, I'd recommend a Dunlop 105Q over the Bootzilla. The 105Q is easy to get a good sound out of (I think so anyway). I haven't had good experiences with the durability of those Snarling Dogs pedals, and it really needs to be used in specific circumstances to sound good. For general purposes, it just sounds bad. Personally I could get some awesome tones out of it while it lasted, but my 105Q's are still alive and kicking.

[Geist]

the new q-tron is good. I just got one today from the local shop and after a decent amount of time fiddling with it, I'm really liking the sounds of it. I haven't seen it for sale yet online, but it should be hitting the online shops soon. I can put a link to it when it gets put up on the bay by the owner. You'll probably also get it from him cheaper than what EHX sets as the minimum advertised price

[kevteop]

One thing to bear in mind with the Q-Trons is that they produce some pretty harsh peaks when you dig in - make sure you've got a compressor/limiter at the ready.

The DOD FX-25 has a lot of fans here too, might be worth checking out. I had one in the early '90s and wasn't that fond of it but I was a bit of a cretin in the early '90s to be fair.

[On The DL]

Originally Posted by Mark Olson

In my opinion the Q Tron and Micro Q tron are great. I can get great sounds out of the micro, but I've heard other people that can't. Playing with any envelope filter and getting a good sound does require some good technique. Can't expect to plug in and instantly sound like bootsy with bad technique, so you're going to see some bad reviews on certain envelope pedals.

For octavers, I'd recommend looking at the Boss OC-2 and OC-3 as well as the Dunlop (I think it's MXR) Bass Octave. Personally, in your price range, I'd prefer those units to the EHX. Also check out the Digitech Bass Synth Wah, a lot of people really like the octave function on that one.

For wah pedals, I'd recommend a Dunlop 105Q over the Bootzilla. The 105Q is easy to get a good sound out of (I think so anyway). I haven't had good experiences with the durability of those Snarling Dogs pedals, and it really needs to be used in specific circumstances to sound good. For general purposes, it just sounds bad. Personally I could get some awesome tones out of it while it lasted, but my 105Q's are still alive and kicking.

I second the Dunlop, I had a Morley, but it was really noticable when the wah engaged, not very smooth IMO.
I used the Digitech Synth/Wah for a while, but after trying a friends Dunlop a couple of months ago, I would really consider getting one whenever I have the $ for it. It's versatile with the amount of filter being adustable to your liking.

[Geist]

Originally Posted by kevteop

One thing to bear in mind with the Q-Trons is that they produce some pretty harsh peaks when you dig in - make sure you've got a compressor/limiter at the ready.

The DOD FX-25 has a lot of fans here too, might be worth checking out. I had one in the early '90s and wasn't that fond of it but I was a bit of a cretin in the early '90s to be fair.

I found that the harsh peaks can easily be taken away by edging back on the peak (Q) of the pedal. A compressor would still be nice to have, but it isn't at all necessary unless you have the peak (Q) set at the max.

[fuNKmaster83]

i agree with that... no need for compressor after heavy peaking filters just back off a bit on the resonance or peak control

[Swimming Bird]

I didn't like my 105Q. It sounded fine, but I found the on/off mechanism obnoxious for multiple reasons. Haven't tried the Bootzilla, but I've heard mixed things. My favorite wah out there right now is the Ibanez Weeping Demon. It's super versatile, can be bypassed by switch or do the 105Q's spring thing, but with easily adjustable turn off time.

Octave wise, I'm using a Whammy IV. Actually I have 2 If you know how to haggle and find a used one they can be cheap as dirt -- my second one only cost $80. Anyway, octavers all track differently/have different flavors so it's definitely a matter of personal choice. Haven't tried the Multiplexer in ages.

For envelope filter it sounds like you're pretty set on the Q-tron, so assuming you've already tried it, just get one. But steer clear of the Mini Q-tron -- they are awful IMO.

[JJBass30]

Well I'm kinda confused with the Q-tron cause EHX has made so many different types is there that much difference between the Micro Q-Tron (EXHO...i think thats the series name), the Mini Q-tron, and the Original.

Im kinda apprehensive about getting another wah pedal after the morley. which my main problem with was the effect was strong enough

Also somewhere along the way some one mentioned the Boss OC pedals I have tried those and I wasn't thrilled with the sound.

[JJBass30]

Also whats the story with the Baseballs? Is it better or worse then the Q-tron

[JanusZarate]

Originally Posted by JJBass30

Im kinda apprehensive about getting another wah pedal after the morley. which my main problem with was the effect was strong enough

IMO, I really wouldn't suggest the Morley for someone seeking a funky wah pedal. Its sound doesn't really cater to that very well, even in Funk mode. IMO, of course. I think it's awesome as a rock wah - I prefer it to the Dunlop 105Q (and I've owned both).

Based on your interest in envelope filters, it probably wasn't the best choice for you.

Originally Posted by JJBass30

Also somewhere along the way some one mentioned the Boss OC pedals I have tried those and I wasn't thrilled with the sound.

Originally Posted by JJBass30

Also whats the story with the Baseballs? Is it better or worse then the Q-tron

It's very different. It's neither better nor worse - it's something else. They don't sound alike. The Bassballs has an unsual pair of filters working together in a single pedal. It's very non-traditional... funky, but not "classic" funky.

Regarding Q-Tron types... there are 4 in all.

Micro Q-Tron: the smallest of the bunch. It's supposed to be identical to the Mini Q-Tron, which it's replacing. Some people have said the Mini Q-Tron sounds better, but I've used both (although not at the same time) and don't really recall much of a difference. Simple, funky, a little unruly when cranked. Only one mode is really good on bass; the others lack bottom end.

Mini Q-Tron: see above.

Q-Tron: The bigger brother of the Mini and Micro Q-Trons, with more controls over your sound. The old version and XO version are supposed to be about the same.

Q-Tron+: the most flexible of all of them. Ideal for the envelope filter enthusiast. Also has a special effects loop where effects in the loop are triggered by the envelope of the Q-Tron, before the filter section. The old version and new XO version are very similar, with the XO version having a new control, IIRC.

[JJBass30]

Ok i'd like to hear some sound clips of the nano bassballs, and the octave multiplexer if anyone knows were i can find some good ones

[JanusZarate]

Originally Posted by JJBass30

Ok i'd like to hear some sound clips of the nano bassballs, and the octave multiplexer if anyone knows were i can find some good ones

Do you NOT search or something?

I've posted clips and videos for both before in an older thread. I'm even hosting a few Octave Multiplexer soundclips on my soundclick site!

Search, my friend. The answers you seek are already here!

I'm just being nice enough to guide you.

HINT: There's a good Bassballs clip on YouTube that I've mentioned in older threads.

[JJBass30]

K i will sry im a bit lazy

[kevteop]

Originally Posted by JJBass30

Also whats the story with the Baseballs? Is it better or worse then the Q-tron

The Bassballs sounds a bit like a filter and a phaser at the same time, maybe something to do with the two filters in the Bassballs crossing over eachother as you play, I don't know. It's quite a unique sound anyway.

It's a lot more subtle than a Q-Tron.

[RCCollins]

Originally Posted by kevteop

The Bassballs sounds a bit like a filter and a (Bassballs) a lot more subtle than a Q-Tron.

That depends a lot on how you use either one!

[JJBass30]

Yea i've decided to go another way Im now pretty set on the Copilot FX Android

[kevteop]

Originally Posted by RCCollins

That depends a lot on how you use either one!

You mean some people don't just max everything? I paid for these pedals, I want my money's worth!

[autopilot]

Originally Posted by JJBass30

Yea i've decided to go another way Im now pretty set on the Copilot FX Android

if you mainly use bass try an antenna, on bass it is killer.

[JJBass30]

Originally Posted by autopilot

if you mainly use bass try an antenna, on bass it is killer.

k I will do that