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Boss PS3 Reverse Delay Question

speak_onion

speak_onion

Jun 22, 2007
864
6
43
Queens, NY
www.speakonion.com
#1
Is it possible to get reverse delay and/or volume swell sounds from this pedal?

As I've written several times befoer on TB, I love my Boss PS3, and it's all-out kookiness. I'm aware that sometimes it's not constructive to get a particular sound in your head and then try to get the PS3 to do it-- you're better off just letting the wackiness wash over you and take you where it may-- but I've been trying to get reverse delay or swell sounds out of it, and I'm having trouble.

Mode 7 is reverse delayed pitch shift, but I read somewhere (I don't think it was here, probably a different forum) that if you set the interval for unity, it's workable reverse delay or volume swell sound. I've done that, but it doesn't really seem to work; it's more of a weird bubbling sound. I know! That makes no sense! I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong here, or not using the right settings. If anyone has tried this and succeeded and/or failed, I'd love to hear about it.

Alternately, if you'd like to chime in on other options for getting that sound, I'm all ears, even though I've laready searched around for that info and read most of it. I think I'm considering building a Lazy Sprocket or getting an Echo Park if I can't make the PS3 work. As pretty as the Pigtronix Attack/Decay is, it's too expensive and too big just to get that sound.
 
#2
I'm going only on my memory here (my PS3 is downstairs and I can't set it up right now), but I think the memory on the PS3 is kinda limited.

So if you want the sounds to come out reversed you would need to play short notes that kinda die away quickly (like if you are using a foam mute)

If you trying to play long notes that exceed the buffer length in the delay (i.e. the time of the delay), then you will get parts of your sound reversed in time and it could have bubbling sound you are hearing.

So if your note was 3 buffers long, consider the segments to be
A->B, B->C and C->D. with the sound decaying from A to D.

Coming out you would get B->A,C->B,D->C. So you would get volume discontinuities between A/C, B/D.

So I would say try it with short notes to see if you get what you want. Otherwise, you may need to look at an envelope modification pedal like the slow gear (or the BYOC version)

EDIT: Sorry SO, didn't realize it was you when I typed that up (if so I wouldn't have bothered explaining the techinical stuff). I'll grab my PS3 and see if I can it it work at all today during lunch at work.
 
#3
It's cool. maybe one day soemone else will foolishly try to use the PS3 for luscious, slow volume swells, and then find this thread and benefit from your technical explanation.

I played with it a bunch more last night, and I think I came to the realization of what you described. It can't really be done. I still love my PS3, but I think I'll need to build a Lazy Sprocket or sell a kidney and buy a Pigtronix Attack/Decay.

Thanks professor! ;)
 
#4
I wouldn't spend the money on the Pigtronix. The BYOC is a good cheap solution.

Or you could got nuts and build your own. I'd be happy to collaborate with you if you are interested (I've got some ideas on the notion myself that I need to find the time to flesh out)
 
#5
For anyone else still reading, Here's the settings I used to best effect.

Balance: 100% EFX
F. Back: 0%
Pitch: 12 oclock
Mode: 7

As near as I can figure, the delay is pretty short, maybe 300 - 500 msec. If you play a quick note, like a pop, you'll get a noticable swell. But it's useless with my normal finger picking style.
 
#7
hoerni said:
I wouldn't spend the money on the Pigtronix. The BYOC is a good cheap solution.

Or you could got nuts and build your own. I'd be happy to collaborate with you if you are interested (I've got some ideas on the notion myself that I need to find the time to flesh out)
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was kidding about the attack/decay. I don't really have a kidney to sell.

Those PS3 settings are the same ones I tried. I experimented with the feedback, but I had no luck. It sounds cool, it's just not the slow swell that I'm looking for.

I think it would be great to collab on a volume envelope pedal. It would be cool to have other options than just the classic slowgear swell. I'll start to read up on ASDR and VCAs and envelope detection while I'm on vacation next week.

@ assboglin: Word on the street (and by street I mean Talkbass) is that the SV-2 is no good with bass. If you've tried it and know otherwise though, please fill me in!
 
#8
hoerni said:
For anyone else still reading, Here's the settings I used to best effect.

Balance: 100% EFX
F. Back: 0%
Pitch: 12 oclock
Mode: 7

As near as I can figure, the delay is pretty short, maybe 300 - 500 msec. If you play a quick note, like a pop, you'll get a noticable swell. But it's useless with my normal finger picking style.
Click to expand...

ok dude i figured this out long before i read this. i use that setting and use a pick and when i hit i just wiggle the string that i am hitting and just let it ring out while i wiggle it. it gives you that chelo sound.

but thats just something cool i do with that setting. i dnot think its what your looking for.
 

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