Synth tones - I need your input

4-string · #1 03-11-2011, 08:22 AM

OK, so I am looking for some synth sounds, and don't really know which way to go. I currently have EBS Octabass and BassIQ. Would an additional fuzz do the trick? If so, recommendations are welcome. I never use fuzz or dirt for anything else, so synth application is all I am going to need from it. I had a Mastotron, but had to return it before I got to try it in my gig rig (long story that involves damaged amp, VAT, customs etc.). The only thing I have on my board that brings some dirt to the table is a VT. I tried it with the filter and octave, not good.

I could also go for a synth pedal. The MarkBass SS looks really nice, but I am a knobs and sliders kind of guy, I don't like the thought of connecting it to my mac for editing presets. The EHX BMS looks much better in that respect, but I need to be able to switch sounds between tunes without trial and error (ie moving sliders until it sounds right). So out of the two, I guess I'd go for MB.

Which brings me to a couple of questions: are the octave sounds in the MarkBass SS good enough to replace my Octabass? I had an EHX Micro POG, but sold it because I hated the way it sounded. The tracking was excellent, but it didn't even come close to the fat tones of the EBS IMO.

Keeping both the Octabass and BassIQ, AND getting a SuperSynth seems a bit much $.

Any advice appreciated.

A couple of disclaimers:
1: yes, I did search, and I did read lots of posts about synth, fuzz etc. 2: no, I can't go somewhere and try them all out, not an option
(there, that probably saved a few of you from posting)

Gonzo476 · #2 03-11-2011, 08:30 AM

A synth can produce thousands of different sounds, so if you could post some links with an example of the sound you're looking for it would help

Personally, what I use most is a Woolly Mammoth clone for gated fuzz and a Subdecay Prometheus for deep round sounds a la Daft Punk in Around The World.

4-string · #3 03-11-2011, 08:47 AM

You are absolutely right, but honestly I don't really know...this is new territory to me, and I just want some fat synth sounds. One tune from our set list is "It's about the dollar bill" by Johnny Guitar Watson. I wouldn't mind something like that.

I am well aware that this is a sequencer, and that MK is doubling the sequenced lined, but something that could fill out the bottom a bit like this would be cool:
YouTube - To Be With You Again Level 42 Live at The Apollo London 22nd 2003

Thanks for the pedal tips.

d180fuzz · #4 03-11-2011, 08:51 AM

Gonzo's right - a "synthy" tone can be alot of different things. That said, I have a feeling that when that term is used here, generally, it refers to something akin to a sawtooth or otherwise distorted tone, coupled with another pitch via an octaver, and also filtered or even modulated (envelope filter or phaser).

I'm curious - what order were you connecting your pedals in? If the VT wasn't first in the chain, I don't think it would get you there.

From my estimation (and having never played a VT myself), going bass-->VT-->Octabass-->BassIQ would get you close with some tweaking, but again, without knowing what you're shooting for, it's hard to say.

d180fuzz · #5 03-11-2011, 09:18 AM

I was still typing my reply when you posted the MK video - you can probably take the BassIQ out of the equation and get close. The VT may not be the best dirt source for this type of sound, though...

4OnTheFloor · #6 03-11-2011, 12:58 PM

If you aren't afraid to DIY, the "Bazz fuss" is super easy to build for around $40. One of the best non-gated fuzz pedals for synthy sounds available IMO. Or build a woolly mammoth, super easy as well. I can't believe the mammoth is so expensive. There are tons of schematics online and after the learning curve trying out new pedals is fast and easy.

hecTr0n · #7 03-11-2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4OnTheFloor

If you aren't afraid to DIY, the "Bazz fuss" is super easy to build for around $40. One of the best non-gated fuzz pedals for synthy sounds available IMO. Or build a woolly mammoth, super easy as well. I can't believe the mammoth is so expensive. There are tons of schematics online and after the learning curve trying out new pedals is fast and easy.

Where would someone start learngin about diy pedals? I've searched online and ya schematics are easy to find but never can find a website where it starts u from the beggining teaching u what exactly u need to know and do to make ur own.

4-string · #8 03-11-2011, 03:57 PM

Thanks for your input guys, greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately, I'm all thumbs (no pun intended

so DIY could turn out to be both time consuming and expensive.

4-string · #9 03-12-2011, 05:22 AM

Does anyone have an opinion on how the octave sounds on the MB SS?

pmaraziti · #10 03-12-2011, 10:33 AM

Not great in my expeirence. I have a MB SS on my board and happy with it. I only wish I could find out how to get rid of the octaver presets and use more for Synths.

4-string · #11 03-13-2011, 06:22 PM

Thanks. I was afraid that was the case. And afaik, completely deleting the octave presets can't be done.

Muziekschuur · #12 03-13-2011, 06:25 PM

I own a Behringer BSY600 & a expressionpedal (can be a volumepedal). And this works nicely for alot of syth sounds. I allso have FUZZ, distortion, reverb and chorus and wah on the board.

Will006 · #13 03-13-2011, 07:10 PM

With the help of moogerfooger low pass filter you can do this :

YouTube - dharmesha13's Channel

and

YouTube - Bass Guitar Dubstep LIVE!!

kevteop · #14 03-13-2011, 10:46 PM

Think about what a typical analogue synth consists of:

Waveform generators (oscillators - one or more), filters, LFO-based effects like tremolo, pitch vibrato (sure another oscillator but not a pitch-producing osc), distortion

Think about what pedals you've got and how they fit into those categories.

This will help you think about how to make synth sounds using the pedals you've got now and what pedals you could add to what you've got now.