Tone is fuzzy when bass goes through effects pedals.

badsushi33 · #1 09-15-2009, 08:18 PM

Hey, I have a MM Sterling HS, a Fender Rumble 100, a BOSS Loopstation rc-2, and a Zoom B2 pedal. When I plug my bass straight up to the amp, the sound is fine, but when I plug it in through either pedal, the tone becomes distorted when I play barely above quiet. Help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

groooooove · #2 09-15-2009, 09:02 PM

its either bad bypass, or your clipping the input of one of your pedals. does the rc-2 have a gain knob? try lowering it.

bobbass4k · #3 09-15-2009, 09:02 PM

Is the zoom set to distortion?

I jest, but ya never know

badsushi33 · #4 09-15-2009, 09:11 PM

Hmmm, I must be clipping it. The tone sounds fine on the rc-2 until it plays back. I had the same problem with a Crybaby a while ago, but I returned it thinking there was something wrong with it. I remember when they tested it in the store it sounded fine. I'm in a dorm room right now so I can't really test it...Ah well, thanks for the help!
And no...the Zoom is not on distortion.

smo · #5 09-15-2009, 10:55 PM

If that doesn't work - try lowering the output on the bass.
Some pedals and actives just doesn't mix.

fightthepower · #6 09-15-2009, 11:08 PM

Are you running your effects through the effects loop?

It sounds like you are if this is happening with other effects as well, but not when used in other rigs. If you are, try running them straight into your amp.

Most effects pedals are designed to receive an 'instrument level' input - like the signal coming directly from your bass.

Most effects-loops are designed to work with 'line level' devices, like most rackmounted effects, and therefor do not work well with most effects pedals; the most common problem is distorting from the effects-loop sending an amplified bass signal and clipping the pedals. There are exceptions to the rule (some pedals work with either; some effects loops have the option for line or instrument level; etc), but generally you should run pedals in front of your amp (bass->effects->input of amp)

If you aren't using the effects loop... then I don't have any suggestions other than to make sure you're using a proper power supply.

nad · #7 09-16-2009, 01:03 AM

My Sterling distorts all kinds of pedals, amps, children, etc. Ridiculously loud basses. Try lowering the pickups and/or volume knob.

badsushi33 · #8 09-16-2009, 11:16 AM

Yeah, I'm not running through the effects loop. Thanks, though. I am using a 1-spot, which is what Guitar Center recommended. It is not the Boss power supply. Nad, so you think it's the Sterling itself? That could very well be. You say it distorts children. I'll take it to a daycare and see if I can distort any. If that is the case, then it must be the bass. Thanks all for your help! If there are any other suggestions I'd be glad to hear them!

rratajski · #9 09-16-2009, 12:57 PM

The Boss RC-2 wants its OWN power supply. Period.
It will give noise if it's daisy chained or is not getting enough mA.
Get a Boss 9.6V power supply.
The manual says to give it 9.6V.

Also, adjust the playback volume on your RC-2, but 1st you need to give it the correct power.

bigblondeafro87 · #10 09-16-2009, 12:59 PM

you could be distorting the preamp of the Fender, try lowering the output of the pedal and see if it is distorted at low output levels

Din Of Win · #11 09-16-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smo

If that doesn't work - try lowering the output on the bass.
Some pedals and actives just doesn't mix.

+1

i have to do major tweeking when i switch from my passive jazz to my active ATK

Also, (haha i didn't read much of the post so if this has been said i apolagize) you may have a bad input jack somewhere or a faulty cable. Pedals remind me of christmas lights... if one stops working they ALL get affected... and then it takes forever to find THE one.

**grygrx** · #12 09-16-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rratajski

The Boss RC-2 wants its OWN power supply. Period.
It will give noise if it's daisy chained or is not getting enough mA.
Get a Boss 9.6V power supply.
The manual says to give it 9.6V.

Also, adjust the playback volume on your RC-2, but 1st you need to give it the correct power.

+1

This took some learning from me on the RC-2 also, and ultimately one of the reasons I abandoned it.

groooooove · #13 09-16-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nad

My Sterling distorts all kinds of pedals, amps, children, etc. Ridiculously loud basses. Try lowering the pickups and/or volume knob.

lowering the pickup physically will dramatically change the tone, and you might not like that. getting used to backing off the volume knob might be a better idea.