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I can't decide, so you do it for me... poll.
- Thread starter rayzak
- Start date
I voted for "other please specify" because I have the Q-tron and I think it sounds amazing!
I've heard a lot of good things about the other mentionned though
I've heard a lot of good things about the other mentionned though
I sold my Q-Tron and DOD FX25 after buying the Maxon. It's a very nice pedal. But haven't tried the other two, so coudln't compare them.
Voted EBS because I think its the most "wet" sounding Envelope filter I've ever heard. I will own one in the future.
bongomania
Commercial User
I feel that each envelope filter sounds/works better or worse with different basses, different playing techniques, and different interactions with other pedals/preamps/etc. I've heard people say totally opposite things about each of the different filters: the EBS is "sterile" to one person and "wet" to another, the Maxon does or does not have a problem with volume jumps, etc., depending on who you're talking to. I would actually recommend buying a few different ones (either used, or from a store that will allow returns) and trying them out with your bass/technique/setup/etc., because all of those parts are very interdependant. I've owned most of the "good" ones, but I still keep a cheapo DOD fx25 around too because I like it.
bongomania
Commercial User
I own all three and I think bongomania is right on the money. The correct answer is... it depends. All three of these envelope filters are good, but for different reasons.
Currently, I am very much into the Emma. What I like about it is that, compared to the EBS and the AF-9, I feel it has the least impact on the tone and character of my basses. I play a 1960's Vox teardrop hollow-body and a Hamer Cruise Bass (kind of like a J-bass). In other words, it is the most natural sounding, to my ears. So, I would use the terms 'wet' and 'organic' to describe it.
I think the AF-9 is maybe the most tweakable of the three, and may be the contender for "best-envelope-filter-that-can-be-used-for-almost-any-instrument". The way the filter sweeps also feels 'wet' to me. But, in comparison to the Emma, I think it imparts more of a 'filtered' sound, and is not as 'natural' sounding as the Emma.
The EBS is probably the most durable. I think the tracking is also the most accurate, precise and predictable of the three. I don't know for a fact, but would guess that the EBS might be better for 5-stringers. Folks that play funk-style and such that rely on fast, short, tightly spaced notes might also prefer the EBS.
BTW, I voted for the Emma.
~ Charlie
Currently, I am very much into the Emma. What I like about it is that, compared to the EBS and the AF-9, I feel it has the least impact on the tone and character of my basses. I play a 1960's Vox teardrop hollow-body and a Hamer Cruise Bass (kind of like a J-bass). In other words, it is the most natural sounding, to my ears. So, I would use the terms 'wet' and 'organic' to describe it.
I think the AF-9 is maybe the most tweakable of the three, and may be the contender for "best-envelope-filter-that-can-be-used-for-almost-any-instrument". The way the filter sweeps also feels 'wet' to me. But, in comparison to the Emma, I think it imparts more of a 'filtered' sound, and is not as 'natural' sounding as the Emma.
The EBS is probably the most durable. I think the tracking is also the most accurate, precise and predictable of the three. I don't know for a fact, but would guess that the EBS might be better for 5-stringers. Folks that play funk-style and such that rely on fast, short, tightly spaced notes might also prefer the EBS.
BTW, I voted for the Emma.
~ Charlie
I haven't found an envelope filter that can give me a significant gain in sound over my ol' BSW to justify switching.
I own the Emma and I will never consider getting rid of it. I don't like the Qtrons, and I have compared the Emma to an EBS BassIQ...I found the EBS very dry and almost irritating, as opposed to the smooth, wet sound coming from the Emma. I havn't had the chance to play thru the AF-9, but, i doubt I'll have a reason to try one
The Emma is the punchiest and fastest responder, the EBS is probably the smoothest and most predictable, and the Maxon is the most colored and "filtery" of the three. I personaly prefer the wetness and color of the Maxon. That being said, I've been using a tube envelope filter from Flip called the Funky Box that won't be leaving my setup. If I were you I would also seriously consider Pigtronix's EP-1 envelope phaser. It's got a nasty envelope filter that is quite sensitive, as well as a juicy analog phaser. They offer a modification to allow the phase to be thrown manualy with a foot pedal kind of like a wah but move the phase in and out.
I voted for the EBS IQ. I've played a lot of envelope filters thru my 5 string and this has that thick, funky wet sound I crave... in addition, my bass idol MM uses one and I LOVE this tone!
moosapotamus said:
