Tone suck due to my pedal chain?

[JacksonsMen]

Since my last bout in the studio, (where i essentially changed up my whole signal chain between songs to try new things) I havent quite gotten my amp running as well as id like it to be.

Here's my whole chain:
Bass -> Korg Pitch Black Tuner -> Ibanez TS9 -> MXR DynaComp -> Boss NS-2 -> SansAmp Bass DI+ -> SVT4

This is entirely a subjective question, but if this were your chain, what would you move to where in the path?

[RickenBoogie]

Well, I'd lose the NS-2 for starters. If you need to get rid of noise, I bet it's the TS-9 or DynaComp making it. Replace whichever it is, and the NS-2.

[Warrior_Bass]

I would go:

Bass -> MXR DynaComp -> Ibanez TS9 -> SansAmp Bass DI+ -> Boss NS-2 -> Korg Tuner -> Amp

I prefer a compressor to be first so that it reads the truest signal from my bass, not from the output of other pedals. Other pedals may clip or respond in an unfavorable way, whereas the compressor can fix that from the beginning. I would put the overdrives in whichever order you prefer with both activated. Next I would put the noise gate, because even if the gate is active, having an overdrive after the NS-2 can still introduce noise to the path. Having the noise gate after the overdrive cuts their signals completely. I would put the tuner last so that when I'm tuning, there are no other pedals sending noise to the amp, so it is a true mute.

Edit: BTW, the NS-2 is inherently a tone sucker. Ultimately you'd probably want a bypass looper if it's really bugging you.

[JacksonsMen]

the noise is only an issue when the dynacomp and ts9 are running at the same time. The TS9 is on 95% of my set and I only run the dynacomp for feedback and retardo-sustain. The NS-2 seems to keep the crazy transients and high shrill screeches at bay while still letting the sounds saturate.

does the NS-2 have a reputation for eating up tone? Is that a trait of noise suppressors/gates in general or just the NS-2?

[scotch]

Originally Posted by JacksonsMen

the noise is only an issue when the dynacomp and ts9 are running at the same time. The TS9 is on 95% of my set and I only run the dynacomp for feedback and retardo-sustain. The NS-2 seems to keep the crazy transients and high shrill screeches at bay while still letting the sounds saturate.

does the NS-2 have a reputation for eating up tone? Is that a trait of noise suppressors/gates in general or just the NS-2?

By definition a noise suppressor is removing frequencies. Even the best ones can make your overall sound seem less natural. They continue to improve on suppression technology, but ultimately it is treating symptoms - not curing a problem.


... on a tagent (I've been considering starting a thread on this), I've noticed that SVT-4's respond very different than most amplifiers when using effects. Something about the SVT-4's input stage seems to act strangely when different impedances are introduced. I regularly rent amps when travelling & whenever I'm thrown a '4, I need to change many of my pedals gain and output settings to compensate. Doesn't ever happen with any other amp I've used. Weird.

[JacksonsMen]

I havent had the chance to A/B it with another comparable rig so i wouldnt have any point of reference. I am in the market for a SVTCL right now to replace the 4 as my main touring head.

Next time i get back to our practice space i'll try taking the NS-2 out of the line and see what I end up with

[saxman_singcan]

+1 to the bypass looper. I have one for my effects on my pedal board and I my preamp effects before the looper. (tuner on the other side of the looper, on the outside.) Something to consider.

[Kromwarp]

Originally Posted by Warrior_Bass

I would go:

Bass -> MXR DynaComp -> Ibanez TS9 -> SansAmp Bass DI+ -> Boss NS-2 -> Korg Tuner -> Amp
pedals sending noise to the amp, so it is a true mute.

This setup, except I'd lose the NS-2 and run the tuner first

[JacksonsMen]

i have a strong feeling that im going to be hitting up the search function to find out more about these bypass loops

[vegas532]

If you need a noise reduction unit but don't want the tone suck, replace the NS-2 with an ISP Decimator.

[dalconthenovice]

can i ask what a noise reduction unit is??

[scotch]

Originally Posted by vegas532

If you need a noise reduction unit but don't want the tone suck, replace the NS-2 with an ISP Decimator.

Yeah, the ISP is a step above the Boss - which is a step above the Rocktron hush.

Still, a problem in the signal chain is being 'corrected' by pulling out frequencies with a gate. If your' not losing anything about your tone - great! If you are missing something, might be time to employ a different strategy!

[JacksonsMen]

I'll have to A/B it with and without the NS later this week. My guitarist also has a decimator so i'll see how that works too.

[dalconthenovice]

muuuuuuuust ask again...

whats a noise reduction unit?

[standupbassman]

http://www.bossus.com/gear/productde...?ProductId=151

watch the video. It's one of the last things the guy talks about.

[bThumper38]

Record clean and manipulate the tone post production.

[blastjv]

Originally Posted by Kromwarp

This setup, except I'd lose the NS-2 and run the tuner first

I agree, except I prefer to run the tuner last for 2 main reasons:

1 - When I mute the signal with the tuner, I mute the noise that is generated by all the pedals as well. My chain isn't very noisy, but it's dead quiet when I hit the tuner.

2 - I prefer to have my 'always on' OD (in my case an Xotic BB Bass) first, because since it's always on, it buffers my signal through the rest of my (otherwise all true bypass, even the Morley which I modded) pedals (including my tuner).


Also, maybe you can use the BDDI's EQ to tame the DynaComp a little? Not sure what you use the BDDI for...just a DI, is it an integral part of your whole sound, just an occasional effect...???


-JV

[Floyd Eye]

Anyone have any experience with the "Sunday Driver" pedal?

[raymondl3]

Originally Posted by JacksonsMen

the noise is only an issue when the dynacomp and ts9 are running at the same time. The TS9 is on 95% of my set and I only run the dynacomp for feedback and retardo-sustain. The NS-2 seems to keep the crazy transients and high shrill screeches at bay while still letting the sounds saturate.

does the NS-2 have a reputation for eating up tone? Is that a trait of noise suppressors/gates in general or just the NS-2?

My experience is a compressor can increase the overall noise level the higher the compression setting... and that's with a clean sound. Throwing the overdrive in the mix (which itself is going to produce "noise") is going to add fuel to the fire.

I would lose the dynacomp. The TS-9 should be compressing the signal somewhat anyway. The Boss pedals are tone suckers as are the Ibanez. If it were me I would sell the Dyna, Ibanez, and Boss and invest in a higher quality overdrive like a Xotic.

[Caca de Kick]

Once the OP gets his SVT CL he shouldn't even need the compressor pedal anymore. Right? At least that's my experience with tube amps.