Sansamp BDDI: not the right kind of distortion?

thekish · #1 01-08-2011, 01:31 PM

I currently play a G&L L-2500 into a Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 and Uber 410. Lately I've been trying to use my BDDI in front of my amp, but whenever I do, no matter how low the settings on the BDDI and the amp are, I get a really bad farting distorted sound (mostly from my B and E string). Now I know that the pedal was made to give some distortion and grit to your bass, but this is way more than I need, and happens even when all the settings are as low as they'll go. This also happens when I plug it into my interface to record. I want to use it, and use to be able to get a relatively clean tone out of it, but now it only gives me a lot of fuzz. Does anyone have any experience with this? Could my pedal be broken or malfunctioning? Thanks for your help.

Implosion · #2 01-08-2011, 02:01 PM

Are the switches set to instrument or line position?

thekish · #3 01-08-2011, 03:29 PM

I don't see any instrument or line options on the sansamp. I have the programmable version of the pedal if that makes a difference.

RCCollins · #4 01-08-2011, 05:51 PM

it could be "stuck" in one programmable setting. But let me ask you a question - is your G&L new to you? because those MFD pickups are hotter than heck

thekish · #5 01-08-2011, 06:06 PM

yeah the pickups are really hot. but should that keep me from getting a cleaner tone with this pedal?

christoph h. · #6 01-08-2011, 06:54 PM

I don't own the BDDI, but in my G&L L2000 (Tribute) has such a high output that even on their lowest settings, my drive pedals were already very distorted. "Some grit" just wasn't possible. First I thought about getting a buffer/booster that allows for signal reduction, too, but then I went the low budget route and simply lowered the PUs, which worked OK.

fat_boy · #7 01-08-2011, 06:59 PM

I think u could get some overdrive tone or get your signal boost a little, but a BDDI can't give u a right distortion tone.
I'm using one and i've been trying so many times, for me, i don't like the sound when u set drive knob max or higher than 3 o'clock, sometimes i set it at 1 o'clock but just sometimes cause it sounds bad if it's increased.

Jazz Ad · #8 01-08-2011, 07:03 PM

G&L basses are insanely loud. It causes annoyance in many situations.

Implosion · #9 01-09-2011, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekish

I don't see any instrument or line options on the sansamp. I have the programmable version of the pedal if that makes a difference.

The programmable doesn't have switches but it has buttons that are labeled boost and pad. I assume you are using the 1/4" out from the Sansamp? Does the problem occur even when the boost button is not pressed down and the input gain on the Shuttle is turned low?

The most likely culprit is still the G&L like suggested because there is a chance that it is overloading the Sansamp's input.

depalm · #10 01-09-2011, 11:55 PM

Have you checked the bass battery? Sansamp is running from a power supply?
How are you using the blend knob?

Timi · #11 01-10-2011, 01:01 AM

You could cut the amount of low end going into the pedal, should make the OD character less farty. Assuming the low knob on the BBDI is after the clipping section you could boost it back again....

thekish · #12 01-10-2011, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Implosion

The programmable doesn't have switches but it has buttons that are labeled boost and pad. I assume you are using the 1/4" out from the Sansamp? Does the problem occur even when the boost button is not pressed down and the input gain on the Shuttle is turned low?

The most likely culprit is still the G&L like suggested because there is a chance that it is overloading the Sansamp's input.

This is happening with the 1/4" boost not pressed down.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Implosion

Have you checked the bass battery? Sansamp is running from a power supply?
How are you using the blend knob?

My bass battery is fine. I have the pedal running on a 9V battery. Would plugging it in help? I changed the battery recently. I usually have the blend knob all the way on, but even when I mess with it it's the same result.

Chowowbus · #13 01-10-2011, 04:15 PM

I have a G&L tribby L-2000 and and a sansamp BDDI...

Do not dime your controls on that bass. Turn them about 3/4 the way up.
Turn your blend knob down...I keep mine about halfway.
Your issues come from a mix of problems and not just one.
Keep fiddling with your knobs and good luck with that.