Boss bass Synth SYB-5 digital?

I have an SYB-3, which is the pedal the SYB-5 is modelled after, and I know my pedal is analog simply by the way it processes sounds. There may be some digital processing, but there's not in any of the settings I use. I actually use this pedal to make very lo-fi vintagy sounding sine waves and the sound is definatly not digitally processed.

 

The SYB-5 is very definitely digital, you have the correct interpretation of DSP. I don't know the processing specs though.

 

Yeah, and some people think Aliens rule the planet...




























Ooops... I've said too much!

 

LOL!

 

I guess you must not be using it, then.

Straight from the SYB-3 manual:

A/D Conversion: 19-bit AF Method
D/A Conversion: 16-bit Linear

It also says it creates sounds based on internal sampling and pitch detection, and lists a pitch detection range. It's digital, all right, from the moment your signal hits the input processor.

I've used digital synth pedals that sounded amazingly organic, so I wouldn't trust the sound as an indication of whether something is digital or analog. With that being said, I have never actually used an SYB-3 or SYB-5... and I probably should fire those up just for fun and review purposes.

Back to the OP... the SYB-5 manual doesn't specify that sort of information like the SYB-3's did, but one could probably assume it's 24-bit. That's the standard seen on most modern pedals, including most of Digitech's pedals.

 

despite the higher bitrate, I still hear that the SYB-3 is better from most sources.

I also hear the digitech bass synth wah is the best synth in that price point, though the SYB-3/5 does one effect pretty well that the digitech does not do

 

Higher bitrate does not equal better pedal, after all.

My favorite example is with the Boss PS-3 and PS-5. The PS-3 is simply a better pedal because of its unique features and options, even with lower-bitrate converters. The PS-5 carries over only a few of the PS-3's great features...

 

And my very favorite digital delays are 12-bit. It's true!

 

You're a traitor to the audiophile community. 12-bit converters? Bah! You probably love Windows 3.1, too...

 

I don't think the PS-3 is a better pedal, just different. You can certainly get some wild sounds and effects out of it.

I do, however, think the PS-5 is, overall, a better pedal than any of the Digitech Whammys for a number of reasons (small real estate, uses standard PSU, sounds better than the WH-4 but not WH-1, etc). The T. Arm function rocks, and the detune setting is beautiful in stereo.

Each has their strengths and weaknesses. The PS-3 would never get any use if I had it, as it does not fit my needs. The PS-5 is fun for, for example, radiohead type sounds which it pulls off effortlessly (and without an exp pedal!)

 

IMHO and IME, I like my SYB-3 much much better than the digitech. Its been a while since I've tried it, but the SYB-3 is still on my board. I like the sounds of the synth on the boss more.

 

+1

 

Oh, I forgot to add that you get way more than you pay for when buying a PS-5 in relation to a WH-4 or WH-1. Excellent bang for your buck, especially on the used market. This is a hard fact to argue, even if you're a WH-1 fan (as most pitch-shifting users are ). But of course, this is all my opinion and I welcome all discourse on the matter. I never cease to find it interesting

Anyhow, sorry for the thread derailment. I'd like to see an honest shootout (even if merely verbal) displayed here between the SYB-3, SYB-5, and Digitech Bass Synth Wah.

 

Oops...

I forgot to add "IMO" to that post of mine.

The PS-5 does sound great, but I'm into glitchy stuff. Which is why I now have a Whammy IV.

The PS-5 doesn't have what I'm looking for, despite what it IS loaded with... but that's what the rest of the pitch-shifter market is for.