Whats the best synth effects pedal for bass?

[JohnDavisNYC]

step one: hear a sound in your head
step two: be able to program it on an analog synthesizer (or software equiv.)
step three: make it with pedals (if it's possible)

seems to work ok for me. i find that the biggest hurdle for many is understanding synth architecture and figuring out how to re-create it with discrete effect pedals.

i will concede that there are some sounds that you can't get, but they are actually very few if you spend the time and explore options.

oh yeah, and practicing your ass off helps, too.

john

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by JohnDavisNYC

step one: hear a sound in your head
step two: be able to program it on an analog synthesizer (or software equiv.)
step three: make it with pedals (if it's possible)

seems to work ok for me. i find that the biggest hurdle for many is understanding synth architecture and figuring out how to re-create it with discrete effect pedals.

i will concede that there are some sounds that you can't get, but they are actually very few if you spend the time and explore options.

oh yeah, and practicing your ass off helps, too.

john

John if u don't mind i would like to hear your thoughts on using some combination of overdrive, chorus/flanger, delay, filter, octave to achieve synthy sounds.

Do you think a player trying to get an effect heavy sound with the goal of translating it to electronic music is better off learning about alot of individual effects like that or are they better of getting some type of synth pedal with wave forms and then gradually adding pieces around that.

I know you highly recommend that players learn about synthesis in general, but you know alot about pedals, if you were a rookie starting out today what would you grab?

[gastric]

For the novice a synth pedal will be much easier to get usable and enjoyable results out of. Note there's a LOT of different "synth" tones in the world. Poppy bass synth isn't the same thing as deep dubstep throb.

[JohnDavisNYC]

I don't mind getting into this subject at all! I had a nice reply typed on my phone, but it f-ed up and I lost my post. Anyway, the gist of it is what I always say... buy an octave pedal and an analog mono synth (or software... but that's not as fun or as good sounding)...

the octave pedal will always be useful, and using a synth will teach you the sort of sounds you like and can get on a real synth... from there you'll start being able to conceptualize sounds and the sort of sounds you need from pedals to get to those sounds. I had a yamaha CS01 before I owned any effects pedals, and so my concept for 'pedal board synth' is a direct result of spending years and years with that synth (and many others),

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by JohnDavisNYC

I don't mind getting into this subject at all! I had a nice reply typed on my phone, but it f-ed up and I lost my post. Anyway, the gist of it is what I always say... buy an octave pedal and an analog mono synth (or software... but that's not as fun or as good sounding)...

the octave pedal will always be useful, and using a synth will teach you the sort of sounds you like and can get on a real synth... from there you'll start being able to conceptualize sounds and the sort of sounds you need from pedals to get to those sounds. I had a yamaha CS01 before I owned any effects pedals, and so my concept for 'pedal board synth' is a direct result of spending years and years with that synth (and many others),

Thanks alot

[RickenBoogie]

Depending on your goals, using a "bass synth" effects pedal is usually the better option. Each one has it's own characteristic sound, and none will do what an actual synthesizer can do, but if you like the one thing it does do, it's all good. Mixing an octave down with fuzz and an envelope filter is also a good option, but again, you get one basic sound, and no more. With the availability of new analog synths being what they are, that will always be the best way to go- look at DSI MoPho keys, Arturia MiniBrute, Moog MiniTaur, etc. all under a grand.

[JohnDavisNYC]

Face. Palm.

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Depending on your goals, using a "bass synth" effects pedal is usually the better option. Each one has it's own characteristic sound, and none will do what an actual synthesizer can do, but if you like the one thing it does do, it's all good. Mixing an octave down with fuzz and an envelope filter is also a good option, but again, you get one basic sound, and no more. With the availability of new analog synths being what they are, that will always be the best way to go- look at DSI MoPho keys, Arturia MiniBrute, Moog MiniTaur, etc. all under a grand.

One sound? I'm not an effects genius, but based on this video I think I could do quite alot with the behringer. I just need a little patience and time. Pairing it with other effects would make it even more versatile.

Behringer RSM guitar FX pedals review - BSY600 Bass Synthesizer - YouTube

I already know I could get a ton of sounds from an octave, fuzz, filter combo too. I was able to get a good amount of sounds using just very basic filter effects, so I have no doubt about using a setup like that effectively. I'm just getting differing opinions from others on whether you can do convincing synthy sounds (or even something even more unique that fits in with an electronic music sound) with such a combo. That is my main concern.

[gastric]

Like I said previously, there's a WIDE variety of "synth" sounds. You should share some sound samples that you'd like to emulate. Dubstep throb? Bouncy and quick 80's bass synth? You need to be wayyyy more specific on your end to get more specific recommendations from everyone else's end.

For example, the good 'ole OC-2 > fuzz > filter doesn't really give a quick, downswept 80's dance synth sound. The filters cannot typically retrigger fast enough when fed octave > fuzz.

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by gastric

Like I said previously, there's a WIDE variety of "synth" sounds. You should share some sound samples that you'd like to emulate. Dubstep throb? Bouncy and quick 80's bass synth? You need to be wayyyy more specific on your end to get more specific recommendations from everyone else's end.

For example, the good 'ole OC-2 > fuzz > filter doesn't really give a quick, downswept 80's dance synth sound. The filters cannot typically retrigger fast enough when fed octave > fuzz.

Aight then. Let's start with some hip hop/r&b. Mix of old school and new school and both smooth and edgy bass synths.

Outkast- B.O.B - YouTube (bass synth starts at :56)

Outkast - Roses (deep and grainy)

Outkast - Ghetto Musik

Kid Cudi - Day n Night Lyrics ! (Original) - YouTube (starts at 1:51 has a nice lo fi quality)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-5qoEHjC98 (remix of above song with nastier bass synth starting at 1:14 probably my favorite out of all of these.)

Cooler Than Me (Gigamesh Final Remix) - One Foot Out the Door (2009) - YouTube (bass synth sound drops at :46. Something tells me this is the most difficult one out of my links.)

Lil Troy - Wanna Be A Baller - YouTube (an expression pedal could open up things to get that rising gurgly growl maybe?)

The Dream - Falsetto Lyrics - YouTube (the mid rangey bassball-esque one not the sub bass. A bassy version of that is what I would aim for I suppose)

"Teddy's Jam I" by Guy - YouTube

Teddy's Jam II by Guy (Has two bass parts one is dominate at :55 and the second layer comes in at 1:47)

I Like by Guy

Piece of My Love by Guy

Soul 4 Real- Candy Rain - YouTube (can be heard very clearly at :57)

New Edition - Candy Girl - YouTube (synth drops at :22)

My Perogative by Bobby Brown

Rock Wit'cha by Bobby Brown (probably the most natural sounding one out of my links)

Tenderoni by Bobby Brown (another simple smooth one)

Don't Be Cruel by Bobby Brown (great slappy synth line)

You Send Me Swingin' by Mint Condition (So much bubbly)

Keith Sweat - Make It Last Forever - YouTube (:23)

Written All Over Your Face by Rude Boys (This one is easy to hear in the mix)

R Kelly - Ignition Remix - YouTube (i think this could be done with straight auto filter maybe?)

Jodeci - Stay - YouTube (Love the higher frequency parts of this bass line like from :34 to :36)

Ginuwine - My Pony - YouTube (I think something similar to this would be easy with the behringer dw400 auto wah/human voice)


That's enough I think. Thank you very much for your help again.

EDIT: I couldn't resist I added some more. Guy and Bobby Brown/New Edition had some sick synth bass.

[cultrvultr]

Most of those can be played pretty convincingly with either a novation bass station or older Yamaha.

I was able to get really close to the sound on the ignition remix with an overdrive->octamizer->xero deluxe. Fuzz was too much, but an overdrive or clean boost will give you the sound.

[BugZaney]

i want something that can get sounds like the synth going on in this song.

Grails - I Want a New Drug - YouTube

please?

[gastric]

Note I'm not a professional so these are just my opinions. Ideally anyone talking about this stuff with words should be able to support their theories with some actual sound clips to back them up so we know what sounds they can actually generate with the gear their suggesting. Me included. I do have a lot of synth examples on my various pages (check my signature below)

Outkast- B.O.B - YouTube (bass synth starts at :56)

Fuzz > Filter of some sort should get you in the ball park. Unsure what filter will instantly give you that nasaly sound specifically but if you're talking live then the ballpark should make the crowd happy.

Outkast - Roses (deep and grainy)

Octave > Maybe some tubey overdrive > Blended bitcrusher

Outkast - Ghetto Musik

There's a variety of synth tones in this song. 0:45 should be possible with some sort of Fuzz > Filter. I don't have a Digitech BSW but it may have a factory tone similar to that. 1:28 should be just some Octave > Comp

Kid Cudi - Day n Night Lyrics ! (Original) - YouTube (starts at 1:51 has a nice lo fi quality)

Octave > Fuzz > Filter > Chorus will get you real close, with the chorus being the key. You won't get the initial attack sound without something advanced like a Roland GR-55 or some other real synth.

Kid Cudi Vs Crookers - 'Day 'N' Nite' (Club Mix) - YouTube (remix of above song with nastier bass synth starting at 1:14 probably my favorite out of all of these.)

Here's where John Davis and his Moog LPF controlled by the Moog MP-201 is the man. You'll need a killer beat synced LPF filter for the first part. The slower part is just a thick, downswept filter. Again, downsweeps are usually the weak link in most filters and synth pedals, they tend to up-sweep mostly for whatever reason.

Cooler Than Me (Gigamesh Final Remix) - One Foot Out the Door (2009) - YouTube (bass synth sound drops at :46. Something tells me this is the most difficult one out of my links.)

Heavily beat synced which instantly makes it more difficult. I'm not sure if the Moog MP-201 can cut a waveform like that and hold to a tempo rock solid. You can try Octave > Fuzz > Slicer (a triggered, beat synced, LFO) > Filter and hope the filter can retrigger off the slicer fast enough to keep up. Or try to a find some synth box that can reliably retrigger that fast so you can simply pluck out the notes but that's not likely to be possible.

I did a really general sound with BOSS OC2 > Slicer > Bit Crush (not sample reduction) > EQ But it doesn't sound deep and 80s bass like, sound more like sliced filtery distortion. I saved the patch, will try to get you a sound clip sometime.

[RickenBoogie]

Even with soundclips, I'm not sure who's saying what. My previous comment re: synth effects pedals stands. You simply cannot compare a pedal that emulates a "synth" sound to a synthesizer. The pedals, while having some range of control, have one voice to work with. Face Palm away, if you're happy with what you've got, wail away. I tried various synth pedals and combinations of pedals, and never was happy until I went the keyboard synth route.

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by gastric

Note I'm not a professional so these are just my opinions. Ideally anyone talking about this stuff with words should be able to support their theories with some actual sound clips to back them up so we know what sounds they can actually generate with the gear their suggesting. Me included. I do have a lot of synth examples on my various pages (check my signature below)

Outkast- B.O.B - YouTube (bass synth starts at :56)

Fuzz > Filter of some sort should get you in the ball park. Unsure what filter will instantly give you that nasaly sound specifically but if you're talking live then the ballpark should make the crowd happy.

Outkast - Roses (deep and grainy)

Octave > Maybe some tubey overdrive > Blended bitcrusher

Outkast - Ghetto Musik

There's a variety of synth tones in this song. 0:45 should be possible with some sort of Fuzz > Filter. I don't have a Digitech BSW but it may have a factory tone similar to that. 1:28 should be just some Octave > Comp

Kid Cudi - Day n Night Lyrics ! (Original) - YouTube (starts at 1:51 has a nice lo fi quality)

Octave > Fuzz > Filter > Chorus will get you real close, with the chorus being the key. You won't get the initial attack sound without something advanced like a Roland GR-55 or some other real synth.

Kid Cudi Vs Crookers - 'Day 'N' Nite' (Club Mix) - YouTube (remix of above song with nastier bass synth starting at 1:14 probably my favorite out of all of these.)

Here's where John Davis and his Moog LPF controlled by the Moog MP-201 is the man. You'll need a killer beat synced LPF filter for the first part. The slower part is just a thick, downswept filter. Again, downsweeps are usually the weak link in most filters and synth pedals, they tend to up-sweep mostly for whatever reason.

Cooler Than Me (Gigamesh Final Remix) - One Foot Out the Door (2009) - YouTube (bass synth sound drops at :46. Something tells me this is the most difficult one out of my links.)

Heavily beat synced which instantly makes it more difficult. I'm not sure if the Moog MP-201 can cut a waveform like that and hold to a tempo rock solid. You can try Octave > Fuzz > Slicer (a triggered, beat synced, LFO) > Filter and hope the filter can retrigger off the slicer fast enough to keep up. Or try to a find some synth box that can reliably retrigger that fast so you can simply pluck out the notes but that's not likely to be possible.

I did a really general sound with BOSS OC2 > Slicer > Bit Crush (not sample reduction) > EQ But it doesn't sound deep and 80s bass like, sound more like sliced filtery distortion. I saved the patch, will try to get you a sound clip sometime.

Thanks alot man. You've been a big help.

I have some thinking to do i guess.

If you are not to busy I'd like some thoughts on some of my old school examples. I really appreciate that you went one by one though wasn't expecting that. Gave me good ideas about some of those new school type sounds.

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Even with soundclips, I'm not sure who's saying what. My previous comment re: synth effects pedals stands. You simply cannot compare a pedal that emulates a "synth" sound to a synthesizer. The pedals, while having some range of control, have one voice to work with. Face Palm away, if you're happy with what you've got, wail away. I tried various synth pedals and combinations of pedals, and never was happy until I went the keyboard synth route.

Well no ivories will be getting tickled around here.

[jbednarski]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Even with soundclips, I'm not sure who's saying what. My previous comment re: synth effects pedals stands. You simply cannot compare a pedal that emulates a "synth" sound to a synthesizer. The pedals, while having some range of control, have one voice to work with. Face Palm away, if you're happy with what you've got, wail away. I tried various synth pedals and combinations of pedals, and never was happy until I went the keyboard synth route.

+1

[Darko74]

Originally Posted by Bassline1414

I was also wondering about bass synth pedals, and I was looking for a specific tone. I don't know if any of you have heard Chameleon by Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, but that bass tone sounds a lot like a synth pedal to me and I was wondering how I couold get my bass to sound like that.
Thanks

try this if u have one of these.

[11o8o]

Finally I have found BOSS ME8B. This thing is much better than ME 6B.
It has really a lot of usefull options. Synth effect is advanced even for 2012 criteria.

Can't compare with MIDI equipped gear but if one do not want to install MIDI pickup, this may be really end of search.

[11o8o]

Some forumers stated that "GT-6B synth effect is the best of the lot (GT-5, GT-3, GT-8, GT-10, GT-100, GT-6B, GT-10B)".
Yesterday, I have bought GT 6B. This should be nice final touch to my synth engine.