Trade out my EHX Mini-Q for an MXR Bass Auto-Q?

3toes · #1 01-29-2008, 10:42 AM

I love my Mini-Q, I've got it dialed in pretty well, but I've been reading more and more about the MXR Auto-Q and was wondering how people felt about the two compared to each other.

The extra tweakability of the MXR really caught my attention. I like the idea of being able to better control the range and decay and whatnot.

So please tell me your thoughts.

JanusZarate · #2 01-29-2008, 11:23 AM

They're nothing alike...

One is an envelope filter, the other, an autowah. The Mini Q-Tron will respond to your playing dynamics, but the Auto Q runs cyclically on its own at the rate and settings you define.

The envelope filter vs. autowah question is something you'll need to think about before diving into autowah pedals.

3toes · #3 01-29-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

They're nothing alike...

One is an envelope filter, the other, an autowah. The Mini Q-Tron will respond to your playing dynamics, but the Auto Q runs cyclically on its own at the rate and settings you define.

The envelope filter vs. autowah question is something you'll need to think about before diving into autowah pedals.

d'oh! should have realized that. Thanks for setting me straight. I definitely like the dynamics of my q-tron, guess i'll stick with that.

JanusZarate · #4 01-29-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3toes

d'oh! should have realized that. Thanks for setting me straight. I definitely like the dynamics of my q-tron, guess i'll stick with that.

If you're not wholly satisfied with your Q-Tron, there's always a world of envelope filters to explore

3toes · #5 01-29-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

If you're not wholly satisfied with your Q-Tron, there's always a world of envelope filters to explore

Well it's not that I'm DISSATISFIED... but I'm a tweaker by nature, I love fiddling around with settings to find the perfect sound.

Ideally I'd like a Meatball but I just can't pony up that kind of cash. And I know there have been clones posted and I'm considering those as well, but other than that I'm more than willing to hear suggestions.

Being able to control the sweep/range/decay/direction/etc. are big pluses, and the Mini simply can't do all that. Perhaps the new Q+ from EHX?

JanusZarate · #6 01-29-2008, 02:10 PM

Seems to cover most of what you're looking for. Time to upgrade.

3toes · #7 01-29-2008, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

Seems to cover most of what you're looking for. Time to upgrade.

Quote:

Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron+ Envelope Filter Pedal Specifications:

* Drive (Up/Down)
* selects direction of filter sweep : upwards or downwards.
* Norm/Boost
* Normal mode allows setting the Gain control without changing the output volume.
* Peak (Q on the Mini Q-Tron)
* Determines frequency peak of filter. Makes more "effected sound" when turned up more.
* Gain
* Functions as both a volume control and a filter sensitivity control in boost mode. In normal mode it acts only as a filter sensitivity control, unlike the Mutron-III which also changes the unit's output volume.
* Range (Hi/Lo)
* Emphasizes vowel like sounds in low position, overtones in high position.
* Mode (LP/BP/HP/Mix)
* Select the filter used by the effect: Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass or a mix of Bandpass with dry unprocessed sound.
* Response (Slow/Fast)
* Selects either a slow, smooth, vowel-like attack or the fast, snappy response of the original Q-Tron.

Yes... yes it does. And since it apparently doesn't have the volume boost of the Q and Mini-Q I can sell off my limiter pedal as well.

markjazzbassist · #8 01-29-2008, 03:10 PM

well done Boo. you've aced this thread

to the OP - go for the Qtron+ XO and let us all know how it is. I don't think we've had a proper review on here yet.

JanusZarate · #9 01-29-2008, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

well done Boo. you've aced this thread

to the OP - go for the Qtron+ XO and let us all know how it is. I don't think we've had a proper review on here yet.

I thought about bugging syciprider to review it since he's had one for a long time, but you know what that thread would look like...

3toes · #10 01-29-2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

well done Boo. you've aced this thread

to the OP - go for the Qtron+ XO and let us all know how it is. I don't think we've had a proper review on here yet.

It's probably going to have to wait until I get my tax return

Ryan Mohr · #11 01-29-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

They're nothing alike...

One is an envelope filter, the other, an autowah. The Mini Q-Tron will respond to your playing dynamics, but the Auto Q runs cyclically on its own at the rate and settings you define.

The envelope filter vs. autowah question is something you'll need to think about before diving into autowah pedals.

So auto-wah doesn't respond to your dynamics, but that doesn't mean it has to be controlled by and LFO right?

JanusZarate · #12 01-29-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AqueousView11

So auto-wah doesn't respond to your dynamics, but that doesn't mean it has to be controlled by and LFO right?

Yep.

Crabby · #13 01-29-2008, 08:17 PM

I own both the Mini Q Tron and the MXR Bass Auto Q and like them both but neither one is "perfect". They actually sound very similar in the kind of drippy funky filter goodness they provide.

The Mini Q retains the original tone of your bass better while the MXR cuts off more highs and sounds muddier.

The Mini Q has that annoying volume spike whikle the MXR has a dedicated volume control.

The Mini Q is very touch sensitive which is great but can be a pain when switching from one bass to another as I find the sensitivity has to be set just right to get the best tone. The MXR is not sensitive to the input signal but still reacts differently to how hard you play. Thats sounds like a contradiction but it still seems to work that way.

The Mini Q is a one trick pony but its a great trick.

The MXR can get close but is not as sweet and rich sounding of a filter as its a bit muddier.

The MXR has the blendable warbly feature which is very unique and fun.

The MiniQ is true bypass and the MXR is not.

The Mini Q was $99 and the MXR was $145 (Canadian)

If I had to pick one....I still can't decide. the bottom line is the Mini Q sounds a wee bit better but the MXR is far more practical in a live setting. Thats why I still have both.

Having said all that, the new Qtron plus XO is very appealing and if it sounds as good as the Mini, I will likely replace both of mine with the new version.

3toes · #14 01-31-2008, 07:40 AM

Ok so I decided to completely rework my chain. I sold off my Mini-Q, my LMB-3, and the MT-2 that I never used but threw in there because I've had the thing since 1996.

I'll be picking up the XO Qtron+ in a week or so and I'll try to get some sound clips and my general impressions of it.

343 Salty Beans · #15 01-31-2008, 11:38 AM

I know it's a done deal that you're getting the QTron+, but the MXR Bass Auto-Q isn't an auto-wah. I'm pretty sure it's an envelope filter...I know, because I have one, and I love it. Probably not as tweakable as that XO you're about to get, but tweakable nonetheless, and the built in, blendable vibrato at the end of the decay makes for some interesting noise.

JanusZarate · #16 01-31-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 343 Salty Beans

I know it's a done deal that you're getting the QTron+, but the MXR Bass Auto-Q isn't an auto-wah. I'm pretty sure it's an envelope filter...I know, because I have one, and I love it. Probably not as tweakable as that XO you're about to get, but tweakable nonetheless, and the built in, blendable vibrato at the end of the decay makes for some interesting noise.

Then what's with the Rate knob, which is nonexistent on envelope filters?

It could possibly be an odd combination of both, or it might just be an unusual autowah....

Hmm... perhaps I should try to hunt one down to mess with this weekend.

Jared Lash · #17 01-31-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 343 Salty Beans

I know it's a done deal that you're getting the QTron+, but the MXR Bass Auto-Q isn't an auto-wah. I'm pretty sure it's an envelope filter...I know, because I have one, and I love it. Probably not as tweakable as that XO you're about to get, but tweakable nonetheless, and the built in, blendable vibrato at the end of the decay makes for some interesting noise.

No, it's definitely an auto wah. That said, it's a great pedal. Very funky. My experience with it was very close to Crabby's though I'd add that I thought the peaks of the filter (?) were often a bit thin sounding to me.

Auto wahs definitely have their place. I considered keeping the Auto Q just because I like it so much more when playing fast passages. IMO that's where an auto wah is better suited than an envelope filter since it's harder to control your dynamics when playing fast.

phillm47 · #18 01-31-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

Then what's with the Rate knob...

The rate knob is only for the LFO/shimmer effect.

manual here

bass-shy · #19 02-03-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3toes

And since it apparently doesn't have the volume boost of the Q and Mini-Q I can sell off my limiter pedal as well.

Has this been proven to be true? If so, I may have to give one a shot.

BmoreTele · #20 02-03-2008, 08:06 PM

The MXR Auto Q is BOTH and envelope filter and an auto wah. The rate controls the auto wah and the Blend controls whether you hear teh auto wah or the EF.

The Jacgues Trinity is another unit that does both.

The Q Tron lets you choose up or down EF but no auto wah.

There are so many choices.