Source Audio ?

[afzoomie67]

Which SA pedal would get me a straight up fuzz, through either multi or single band? I was thinking distortion because fuzz is like.. a subcategory of distortion, but their enveloper has some nice effects, so I'm unsure.

[bongomania]

The Envelope Filter does not do a fuzz effect. The Distortion does. In fact unless I missed something, I think the Distortion is the only SA product that does fuzz.

[afzoomie67]

Originally Posted by bongomania

The Envelope Filter does not do a fuzz effect. The Distortion does. In fact unless I missed something, I think the Distortion is the only SA product that does fuzz.

Thanks, because I think the envelope filter does phase, so..I wasn't sure. Now I know which one I'm getting, TYVM.

[bongomania]

Phase is completely and totally different from fuzz. Although I'll admit the words sound pretty similar.

[afzoomie67]

Yeah, I know the difference..but can't explain it. My dad and brother and both guitarists, so they have Boss pedals. I've tried phasers, ie, Ibanez and an old-school Boss. There's a Russian Big Muff, which completely takes the low end out, for me at least. So I need a bass-specific fuzz. The "Tuber" pedal by EXAR, can you get a standard-tube "crunch", ie, which could be produced by a Fender Bassman, even if the Tuber is run through an SS?

[A Strohman]

The SA Multiwave Bass Distortion is what you're looking for if you're looking only at SA pedals. It will give you single band and multi-band options and it works extremely well in conjunction with the SA Bass Envelope Filter.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by afzoomie67

The "Tuber" pedal by EXAR, can you get a standard-tube "crunch", ie, which could be produced by a Fender Bassman, even if the Tuber is run through an SS?

The Exar Tuber is basically like a standard Ibanez Tubescreamer, and doesn't keep enough of the low end to work well on bass. There are other Exar pedals I could recommend, however:

Keep in mind that there's a whole span of degrees of distortion, from the lightest grit (usually called overdrive) to the most extreme clipping (usually called fuzz). It's very hard to find any one pedal that does the whole spectrum well. I know it's tempting to hope for that, to avoid spending money, but IMO it's just much better to get one pedal that does the lighter end of the dirt spectrum well, and a second pedal that does the heavier clipping distortion well. I'm spelling all this out because there is no "standard tube crunch"--we all think of different amounts or flavors of dirt when we use those words.

If you can post an MP3 or Youtube clip of the sound you want to achieve, we can recommend specific pedals for it.

Yes you can get "tube-like" crunch from a pedal even when using a solid state amp; the degree that it sounds the way you want it to sound will depend on a huge number of factors, like the quality of the pedal, the EQ settings on the amp, and how particular or refined your tastes are. For example, lots of people think Tech21's Sansamp and VT Bass pedals are great at tube-amp crunch emulation; but people who really get into tube amps often feel those pedals don't quite cut it. So a big part of the equation is your expectations, and what you're willing/able to pay for, versus what you're willing to settle for.

Again, for a lot of younger people and working stiffs, the Tech21 products are the ideal compromise.

I'm happy to suggest other Exar pedals, but first you'll need to narrow down exactly what you want it to sound like.

And it may be that the Source Audio pedals are exactly what you need--I certainly don't mean to steer you away from those.

[warwick.hoy]

To be honest,...I think the best sounding fuzzes are analog designs, wear as SA pedals are digital. Don't get me wrong. I love my MWBDP and it can do a sorta tame-ish fuzz tone (single band normal),...but it's not nearly as pleasant sounding as the 3 other fuzzes I have on my board. I think it would be a shame to pick up the MWBDP just to use for "normal" distortion and fuzz tones when it more excels in the Synths area.

If fuzz is all you want; the SA pedal you should look into is the Classic Distortion (or potentially the pro version). A TBer by the username of Gastric colaborated with Source Audio to come up with some updates to the Classic Distortion to make it more Bass Friendly. I'm not abreast of the details but if you contact Source Audio I'm sure they can hook you up.

I can't vouch for how authentic the fuzzes sound on the Classic Distortion,...and again,...my opinion is that analog circuits trump digital designs when it comes to fuzz boxes,...but still....may be worth a look.

[BassMan99]

maybe I should start a new thread but here goes-cause I was hoping to get a fuzz preset in the MW Bass Distortion Pro.
Is there a way that source sudio could do firmware updates on the Pro soundblox? Think there is any intention of doing that?
I find myself using the single wave sounds exclusively.
thx

[itswac]

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

If fuzz is all you want; the SA pedal you should look into is the Classic Distortion (or potentially the pro version). A TBer by the username of Gastric colaborated with Source Audio to come up with some updates to the Classic Distortion to make it more Bass Friendly. I'm not abreast of the details but if you contact Source Audio I'm sure they can hook you up.

I can't vouch for how authentic the fuzzes sound on the Classic Distortion,...and again,...my opinion is that analog circuits trump digital designs when it comes to fuzz boxes,...but still....may be worth a look.

Yesssir the Classic Distortion has a couple of hidden functions that let you adjust distortion/clean mix and also switch over the EQ down to bass range.

[caeman]

Originally Posted by afzoomie67

Which SA pedal would get me a straight up fuzz, through either multi or single band? I was thinking distortion because fuzz is like.. a subcategory of distortion, but their enveloper has some nice effects, so I'm unsure.

As I understand it -- and could possibly have misread -- Fuzz uses transistors, while Dist pedals use op amps and diodes.

It ain't a subcategory, but on par, creating dirt but in a different way.

[warwick.hoy]

OD/Distortion were really intended to be warm and tube-like in their breakup,...whereas Fuzz is supposed to be cold, synthy and otherworldly

[bongomania]

This is like the four blind wise men describing an elephant!

[caeman]

I pray I am the blind man near the head.

[warwick.hoy]

I use the words "intended" and "supposed" with a grain of salt,...but that's how I always thought about it.

[bongomania]

Just in case it wasn't clear, my "blind men" comment wasn't meant to be an insult to anybody. It's just a classic situation people (everyone, me included) have found themselves in from time immemorial, where they only perceive a small portion of a larger situation.

[warwick.hoy]

No worries Cy . The OP is somewhat meandering in his short stream of consciousness (On the subject of fuzz and we blarp into Phase? Envelope Filter? ).

As far as my perceptions on OD/Disto and Fuzz,...they come from a recent article on the history of fuzz (can't seem to find it, but it was posted up here a few months ago) in which they describe the mixing console overdrive for a bass solo on a particular country/western track which inspired the idea of using transistors as opposed to tubes to get that overdriven sound. The resulting sound was colder and more synthetic then classic tube OD from the era.

EDIT: Here is the aforementioned article: http://www.theatlantic.com/technolog...-n-roll/71959/

Putting two and two together I made my own conclusion that OD and Distortion were intended to emulate the sound of an overdriven tube amp,...or to simply assist in overdriving a tube amp,...whereas Fuzz was supposed to be a different sound all together.

Of course,...and to varying degrees,...users of Fuzz/OD/Distortion are going to come up with different sounds that deviate from my conclusions (which is why I say I use the terms "Intended" and "Supposed" loosely). I'm sure you could make Fuzz sound warm and OD/Disto sound cold. I other words; YMMV.

I'm also sure that there are ODs and Distos that use transistors and diodes as opposed to Opamps and IC Chips to achieve their functions. (Maybe I'm misinformed on opamps, but I'm always happy to be corrected). I've never really come across a fuzz that employed Opamps and IC Chips over tranny's and diodes however.

With regards to Source Audio pedals,...while not really modellers they do utilizes micro processors and 1's and 0's to get their sounds and to be honest (and admittedly opinionated [to avoid coming off as Olsen-ish]), 1's and 0's don't sound as wonderful and don't spit and sputter and get unruly like transistors and diodes do.

The Classic Distortion has (according to SA) 4 tube OD sounds and 8 Fuzz Box sounds, so if Fuzz from Source Audio is what the OP is looking for,...then I'd advocate giving the Classic Distortion a go over the Multiwave Bass Distortion.

[afzoomie67]

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

To be honest,...I think the best sounding fuzzes are analog designs, wear as SA pedals are digital. Don't get me wrong. I love my MWBDP and it can do a sorta tame-ish fuzz tone (single band normal),...but it's not nearly as pleasant sounding as the 3 other fuzzes I have on my board. I think it would be a shame to pick up the MWBDP just to use for "normal" distortion and fuzz tones when it more excels in the Synths area.

If fuzz is all you want; the SA pedal you should look into is the Classic Distortion (or potentially the pro version). A TBer by the username of Gastric colaborated with Source Audio to come up with some updates to the Classic Distortion to make it more Bass Friendly. I'm not abreast of the details but if you contact Source Audio I'm sure they can hook you up.

I can't vouch for how authentic the fuzzes sound on the Classic Distortion,...and again,...my opinion is that analog circuits trump digital designs when it comes to fuzz boxes,...but still....may be worth a look.

Which analog under $150 is the best then? I was also looking to mess around and experiment with the fuzz and distortion, as I'm sick of losing my low-end with the guitar pedals here at my house. Anyway, OD is also something I'd like to try. What are the pros and cons of classic Dist. over the MWBD?

[warwick.hoy]

Warning Wal'o'text follows.

Originally Posted by afzoomie67

Which analog under $150 is the best then? I was also looking to mess around and experiment with the fuzz and distortion, as I'm sick of losing my low-end with the guitar pedals here at my house. Anyway, OD is also something I'd like to try. What are the pros and cons of classic Dist. over the MWBD?

So much Fuzz to choose from and it really depends on what you want to do and the sounds you are looking to achieve.

For under $150 and to get you started look into the Electo Harmonix Big Muffs. The Muff sound can be a bit ubiquitous but it's a solid and usable tone. If you can hook up with an old Sovtek Muff (Russian subcontracted built for Electro Harmonix in the 80's and 90's) I'd advocate for that. I can't say that I'm a big fan of the currently available Bass Big Muff,...but I have no personal experience with it so that's really just an unfounded opinion. Could be perfect for you and it's not that pricey.

Personally my Muff Fuzz needs are covered with an Earthbound Audio Supercollider. The thing is dripping with lowend and the Mids knob helps to cut through, but I think you'll find that it is over $150 shipped brand new and Mark Patten (the owner of Earthbound Audio) is ending production; so they will could be hard to come across on the used market.

Other fuzzes that would be similar to the Supercollider would be the Fuzzrocious Grey Stache,...The Blackout Effectors Musket Fuzz and there are a few others that aren't coming to mind at the moment.

There are other Fuzz circuits out there as well. The Fuzz Face circuit, to me, has a creamier and more classic rock-ish tone (at least on guitar),...but a word of caution,...fuzz face circuits don't really care for active basses (if that's what you are using).

Then there is the Hemmo Christian Bazz Fuss circuit, which is an incredibly simple design but sounds good,...and is made more usable with a Clean Boost (such as an Electro Harmonix LPB-1) in front of it. I don't know if anyone is actively using the Hemmo Christion circuit in their designs but I'm sure there is a whole culture of DIYers that are using it (myself included).

There are plenty more and I could go into them,...but they could be potentially out of your price range (Brassmaster, Octavia, Wooly Mammoth...and that about exhausts my knowledge of fuzz circuits).

As far as what else I have for Fuzz; I also have a Dwarfcraft Devices Shiva and a Mellowtone Wolf Computer. The Shiva is a really hi gain pedal and is difficult to tame but will do sputtering, spitting, motorboating and general insanity, which is perfect for my contexts. That said,...research Dwarfcraft and you could find some pedals that tickle your fancy (Hair of the Dog, Eau Claire Thunder, The Great Destroyer).

The Wolf Computer is in the same vein as the Shiva but is more versatile and easier to reign in on classic fuzz tones,...but will also do the spitting and sputtering like the Shiva.

The Multiwave Bass Distortion to me; is more of a Synth pedal that can do some normal-ish distortion and light fuzz tones,...whereas the Classic Distortion is; as it's name suggest, more of a normal sounding OD/Distortion/Fuzz pedal. I just think that unless you are into synthy sounds,...using the MWBD (non-pro) purely for normal distortions would be seriously under-utilizing the pedal's capabilities.

For your applications and price range I think the Classic Distortion (non-pro model) is becoming more attractive since you seemingly want to have a good deal of versatility at your fingertips and the Classic Distortion is essentially a distortion Multi Effects pedal in a small package.

The only caution is that I'm not too sure that the Non Pro Classic Distortion can be tailored for bass like the Classic Distortion Pro can be and Pro versions of Source Audio Pedals are over $200.

[afzoomie67]

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

Warning Wal'o'text follows.



So much Fuzz to choose from and it really depends on what you want to do and the sounds you are looking to achieve.

For under $150 and to get you started look into the Electo Harmonix Big Muffs. The Muff sound can be a bit ubiquitous but it's a solid and usable tone. If you can hook up with an old Sovtek Muff (Russian subcontracted built for Electro Harmonix in the 80's and 90's) I'd advocate for that. I can't say that I'm a big fan of the currently available Bass Big Muff,...but I have no personal experience with it so that's really just an unfounded opinion. Could be perfect for you and it's not that pricey.

Personally my Muff Fuzz needs are covered with an Earthbound Audio Supercollider. The thing is dripping with lowend and the Mids knob helps to cut through, but I think you'll find that it is over $150 shipped brand new and Mark Patten (the owner of Earthbound Audio) is ending production; so they will could be hard to come across on the used market.

Other fuzzes that would be similar to the Supercollider would be the Fuzzrocious Grey Stache,...The Blackout Effectors Musket Fuzz and there are a few others that aren't coming to mind at the moment.

There are other Fuzz circuits out there as well. The Fuzz Face circuit, to me, has a creamier and more classic rock-ish tone (at least on guitar),...but a word of caution,...fuzz face circuits don't really care for active basses (if that's what you are using).

Then there is the Hemmo Christian Bazz Fuss circuit, which is an incredibly simple design but sounds good,...and is made more usable with a Clean Boost (such as an Electro Harmonix LPB-1) in front of it. I don't know if anyone is actively using the Hemmo Christion circuit in their designs but I'm sure there is a whole culture of DIYers that are using it (myself included).

There are plenty more and I could go into them,...but they could be potentially out of your price range (Brassmaster, Octavia, Wooly Mammoth...and that about exhausts my knowledge of fuzz circuits).

As far as what else I have for Fuzz; I also have a Dwarfcraft Devices Shiva and a Mellowtone Wolf Computer. The Shiva is a really hi gain pedal and is difficult to tame but will do sputtering, spitting, motorboating and general insanity, which is perfect for my contexts. That said,...research Dwarfcraft and you could find some pedals that tickle your fancy (Hair of the Dog, Eau Claire Thunder, The Great Destroyer).

The Wolf Computer is in the same vein as the Shiva but is more versatile and easier to reign in on classic fuzz tones,...but will also do the spitting and sputtering like the Shiva.

The Multiwave Bass Distortion to me; is more of a Synth pedal that can do some normal-ish distortion and light fuzz tones,...whereas the Classic Distortion is; as it's name suggest, more of a normal sounding OD/Distortion/Fuzz pedal. I just think that unless you are into synthy sounds,...using the MWBD (non-pro) purely for normal distortions would be seriously under-utilizing the pedal's capabilities.

For your applications and price range I think the Classic Distortion (non-pro model) is becoming more attractive since you seemingly want to have a good deal of versatility at your fingertips and the Classic Distortion is essentially a distortion Multi Effects pedal in a small package.

The only caution is that I'm not too sure that the Non Pro Classic Distortion can be tailored for bass like the Classic Distortion Pro can be and Pro versions of Source Audio Pedals are over $200.

Thanks for the wall, I liked reading it. I'm looking for a classic fuzz sound that can go from McCartney's "Think For Yourself" sound to...well, can any of it go from TFY to some of Stone Temple Pilots sounds? It's a big range, but..that'd be cool if one pedal could do that. What's the main difference between the Pro and Non-Pro versions, except for the obvious, ie, the Pro being bigger?