Synth bass pedals: EHX, Boss, Digitech... other alternatives?

[Inconnu]

Hi!

I'm thinking about getting a synth bass pedal. What would you recommend? Up to now, listening to demos, I hesitate on going with an EHX Micro synth bass because I get similar sounds combining my octave, fuzz and envelope filter pedals. The Boss SYB-5 and SYB-3 seem to offer a different range of sound, but I read complaints on tracking for these. What would you recommend on checking out that is still in production and available new (I don't feel like hunting)?

[rr5025]

I would suggest if you are considering getting either of the SBY's to check out the Behringer BSY-600. It is pretty much a clone of those guys (and some say improved) but it's real attraction is it's $40 as opposed to $100+ for the Boss. I have owned this but wasn't a huge fan when I got it. However at this time I was new to digital pedals so a lot of my complaints could be eliminated with tricks I've learned and proper technique. I actually am waiting on one to arrive and will be using it with an expression pedal this time and I think I will find it much more to my liking this time.

As for the Digitech I have one and while it does have some sounds I like I am not the biggest fan. My main gripe is the fact it lacks a volume control. Some of the settings get ridiculously loud and others are kind of soft. As I use it right now I have it in a separate synth loop but I really do not want to be fiddling with the volume depending on what setting I have the BSW on. I am selling mine right now but if Digitech came out with a new version that had a volume control and perhaps an expression pedal input I would pick it up in a heartbeat.

Hope that helps, if the thread takes the direction I think it will I also leave my thoughts on the Deep Impact.

[enjoi1018]

I am also in this same boat. Currently I'm waiting for a used BMS to pop up in the classifieds... I've missed a couple already. As far as research goes, I've done it all. I just don't believe there is a "solve-all" synth pedal, but the Akai and Korg G5 are the pinnacles.

I know there are boatloads of synth threads out there, but starting fresh is good since I've read them ALL.

[behndy]

if you have a GC near you see if they have a MarkBass Synth pedal in stock. there's some annoyances with it (having to plug into a computer to get make tones/get access to all parameters is a big 'un, actually a deal breaker for me), but it does some cool stuff.

or, it's abit more expensive, a good fuzz, filter, and analog octaver will give you a nice synth tone with a lot more options of tones, having it broken into three individual pedals.

[casio]

I think the EHX BMS is a great bet. I don't own the pedal but I've used it and its pretty rad, except for the problem of getting the same settings over and over, that's a hassle.
I did just get an M5 that has some cool synth patches in it that seem to work pretty well for bass, and the tracking is much better than with the Boss stuff

[DeltaPhoenix]

MarkBass Super Synth is pretty awesome. I am not as annoyed about having to hook up to a computer as others. Essentially I know what sounds I need and go from there. I must admit that I am trying to go to the next level though, the Roland GR-55, but that ends up being a $1000 when all said and done, because the bass pickup is seperate, and I do want the guitar pickup as well...

[BassDudeSA]

Originally Posted by DeltaPhoenix

MarkBass Super Synth is pretty awesome. I am not as annoyed about having to hook up to a computer as others. Essentially I know what sounds I need and go from there. ..

Same thing for me. The Markbass Supersynth is great. Sure you can do more by using the included software, but there is so much there already without it that I don't bother. Fantastic tones and options. I'm sticking with mine.

[kaputsport]

Ibanez SB7
Line 6 FM4
Deep Impact
Korg G5
Markbass Synth
EHX Bass Microsynth
Boss SYB-3/5
Behringer BSY-600
Digitech Bass Synth Wah
Chuck OS

There is the list. Some $$$$$, some cheap. The G5 and Deep Impact are the pinnacle, and nothing can dupe their tones. If that sound is what you are after, you need some bank.

[behndy]

hurm. i'd argue "pinnacle" on any effect. what somebody wants to hear is so subjective.

but THAT, is a very comprehensive list.

[kaputsport]

Originally Posted by behndy

hurm. i'd argue "pinnacle" on any effect. what somebody wants to hear is so subjective.

but THAT, is a very comprehensive list.

It was not meant to be "the end all be all" as my BSW does an effect the Deep Impact does not, and honestly, I cannot be without it.

What I ment was the most rare, expensive and to be honest, FATTEST synth tones out there. They are way huge through the two.

I will say that I have played/owned/own most of these, and they are all great in their own right.

[Jazz Ad]

Is it pathetic that I own or have owned all of these pedals?

Originally Posted by kaputsport

Ibanez SB7
Line 6 FM4
Deep Impact
Korg G5
Markbass Synth
EHX Bass Microsynth
Boss SYB-3/5
Behringer BSY-600
Digitech Bass Synth Wah
Chuck OS

[behndy]

Originally Posted by kaputsport

It was not meant to be "the end all be all" as my BSW does an effect the Deep Impact does not, and honestly, I cannot be without it.

for sure. it's really a question of semantics, but pinnacle DOES mean "highest point". and since it's a completely subjective area, music, that's being discussed, there's really not a universal best. some of the tones people love and spend WAY too much money apeing don't do a lot for me.

but who cares? just 'cause i like or don't like something doesn't mean ANYTHING to the next person. and it shouldn't.

i've yet to play a Deep Impact. lulz. screw YOU Wolfensteiner for driving up the price on that bugger!!

[davepikey81]

seriously the after using the mark bass,syb 3 and 5 and the digitech i think the digi tech out performs all the others and its the cheapest...try them for yourself is the best bet.

[DeadPoet]

I have both the BMS and SYB5 on my pedalboard, each set up to do different things: the bms does long sweeps and syb5 does the michael jackson "don't stop 'til you get enough" thing - I sometimes add an expression pedal to the syb5. (I also have a 105Q -> EQD Hoof fuzz for some foot-controlled drone/sweep-thingies. Add modulation and verb/delay to taste)

I have a G5 but never take that out to gig: too fragile, too big and it needs its own TBP loop because when setting the threshold just right for my active basses + heavy right hand attack it completely distorts even in bypass. Now that I'm thinking of it, it's been a while since I opened that box - got serial #21!



Herwig

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

Is it pathetic that I own or have owned all of these pedals?

Only if *pathetic* is some kind of French slang for *admirable*

[warwick.hoy]

Cough

Source Audio Soundblox® Pro Multiwave Bass Distortion

Cough

[Eric!]

Originally Posted by behndy

hurm. i'd argue "pinnacle" on any effect. what somebody wants to hear is so subjective.

coughIronEthercough

[behndy]

lulz.

oh, you DERTY.

i know a guy that likes other fuzzes better than the Oxide. he's a different cat though. i've NEVER met somebody that liked a filter better than the Xerograph though. maybe as well at being different, but not better.

and yesh. i think Taylor makes shizz that at least ties for Pinnacle Position in it's pedal genre, if not outright stomps the competition.

DERTY.

[Matt Dean]

Originally Posted by behndy

lulz.

oh, you DERTY.

i know a guy that likes other fuzzes better than the Oxide. he's a different cat though. i've NEVER met somebody that liked a filter better than the Xerograph though. maybe as well at being different, but not better.

and yesh. i think Taylor makes shizz that at least ties for Pinnacle Position in it's pedal genre, if not outright stomps the competition.

DERTY.

cough-+1cough

[cultrvultr]

Originally Posted by behndy

. i think Taylor makes shizz that at least ties for Pinnacle Position in it's pedal genre, if not outright stomps the competition.

PEDAL PUN