• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Damnation Audio Fan/Appreciation Thread

#302
gregmon79 said:
I started stacking my Rat Tail with the MBD1. Ever since @bassmusic17 swapped his to the first in his chain, I tried it that way too. I've had some good success as well doing the same. It sounds awesome! I still need to try the UD. And I want to try the Fifth Gear still too. mmmmmmm
Click to expand...

I've had a fifth gear v1 on my board for a bit and I think it works good to add some push and satuation to your tone on the fly, or as a low drive tone, but has a low end loss as a stand-alone when cranked up high. I have it almost first in the chain to act as a boost to other pedals.
For the MBD-1 I really like it close to the end of my chain so any pedal I have can be run through it in case said pedal has low end loss.

MBD-1 is easily my desert island pedal. It has magic that can't be attained through any pedal i've tried so far. It always makes anything I have or do sound better, never the same or worse.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fuzzbass and cataract
#303
donahue said:
I've had a fifth gear v1 on my board for a bit and I think it works good to add some push and satuation to your tone on the fly, or as a low drive tone, but has a low end loss as a stand-alone when cranked up high. I have it almost first in the chain to act as a boost to other pedals.
For the MBD-1 I really like it close to the end of my chain so any pedal I have can be run through it in case said pedal has low end loss.

MBD-1 is easily my desert island pedal. It has magic that can't be attained through any pedal i've tried so far. It always makes anything I have or do sound better, never the same or worse.
Click to expand...

Low end loss with the v1 FG??! I have #1 v1 and it adds lows. Love that thing. Although I’ve never cranked it at high volumes. It’s possible it gets mushy or too much low end cancelling itself out maybe. Especially when stacked. I’ve never lost low end from mine though. Only gained a bit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cataract
#304
gregmon79 said:
Low end loss with the v1 FG??! I have #1 v1 and it adds lows. Love that thing. Although I’ve never cranked it at high volumes. It’s possible it gets mushy or too much low end cancelling itself out maybe. Especially when stacked. I’ve never lost low end from mine though. Only gained a bit.
Click to expand...
My v2 Fifth Gear(s) would get kinda “glassy” when the gain was cranked, but I usually only used it as a barely dirty boost. Also I was playing a 4003 so I was used to the treble taming, great pedal overall!
 
  • Like
Reactions: donahue
#305
cataract said:
My v2 Fifth Gear(s) would get kinda “glassy” when the gain was cranked, but I usually only used it as a barely dirty boost. Also I was playing a 4003 so I was used to the treble taming, great pedal overall!
Click to expand...

I can't really say for certain if I'm honest. My knob has live around 9 to 10 o'clock the whole time I've owned that pedal. Not to say I haven't cranked it before. But never when playing with a band.
 
  • Like
Reactions: donahue and cataract
#306
gregmon79 said:
I can't really say for certain if I'm honest. My knob has live around 9 to 10 o'clock the whole time I've owned that pedal. Not to say I haven't cranked it before. But never when playing with a band.
Click to expand...
I’d say stacking a cranked Fifth Gear into the rest of what your board’s got going on would make your bandmates PROBABLY hate you. :bassist:
The MBD-1 definitely loves a good, tasteful boost. Been talking myself out of picking up a second one to set fully hi-gain, especially seeing everyone’s recent pics.
This has probably already been brought up maybe but I think it’d be really cool & useful to see a two switch variation of the MBD-1 (similar to the Rusty Box & Nuñez Annex) with a second gain stage / boost switch. I’d buy one in a heartbeat!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Agosix and SunnBass
#307
Following the good advice of the past few posts, I reversed the order of my board and put my AE Oppressive Cult Destroyer into my MBD-1. Sounds sick!
 

Attachments

  • 20180525_151811.jpg
    20180525_151811.jpg
    768.8 KB · Views: 34
  • Like
Reactions: Fuzzbass, donahue, Matt Dean and 6 others
#308
Those who have conversed with me know my hesitation on the integrated boost subject. It's not because I don't think it's a good idea it's just hard for me to nail down the way I want to do it. I don't do something unless I have a specific personal need but I do hear you all and want to play along.

When I built the prototype I realized that I want to hit the front end harder so I added an opamp boost to the front of the circuit. The idea that people would want another boost was crazy to me at the time but I'm starting to learn not every uses the MBD the same way I do. So I wonder if its not about needing a boost but wanting multiple input sensitivity options. Or are there really maniacs out there that want to seriously pummel the MBD.

For most versions of the pedal there is a boost trim that gives a good range but I understand that is not always convenient.

Here's a few quick questions...

If a boost were included in some far off revision:
1. do you care what style of boost?
2. along with a boost gain control, would you need a separate volume control when boosted?
3. how do you use the boost (ie. set the MBD for low gain and then boost for distortion or set the MBD for high gain and then boost for insanity?)
4. carrots?
5. and this one is most important. What are you using now to boost it? I do see lots of people stacking pedals so is a boost truly needed or just convenient?
6. Would you still be bringing your other pedals too?
7. Do you use the internal boost trim? How do you set it?
8. Do you use a boost because the available gain is not enough?
9. Are you worried about noise with excessive gain?

And the big one:
10. What's more important? Smaller size or an integrated boost?

I would like to state that I do not have any concrete plans for a redesign especially since the original still scratches the same itch it always has (and I'm releasing a new batch soon). I think the MBD will always be the MBD. Any changes with it will be for reliability and constructability sake. Don't expect and MBD 2.0 per se, but I do want to incorporate user feedback in some new pedals one day.

Thanks!
 
  • Like
Reactions: theunknowndude, gregmon79, kevk and 2 others
#310
donahue said:
Most people probably want a 2 channel MBD for switchable low and high gain settings is my guess. Basically two MBDs in one with shared everything except gain control? Not an actual "boost" per se like the GMP. Just my guess though.
Click to expand...
Yes, this. I would like a separate level control for the boost. The Nunez Annex has one and it is super useful to be able to set the amount of boost. BUT, if the circuit is done right I think you could get by without it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cataract and donahue
#311
father of fires said:
If a boost were included in some far off revision:
1. do you care what style of boost?
The idea of a slightly sparkly/gritty boost that can be used independent of the current MBD circuit would be glorious. (A la the new W&C super russian.) I like the idea of using that as my cleanish/gritty tone, and knocking the always on OD off my board.
2. along with a boost gain control, would you need a separate volume control when boosted?
Preferably.
3. how do you use the boost (ie. set the MBD for low gain and then boost for distortion or set the MBD for high gain and then boost for insanity?)
Low Gain > Boost for Distortion. (Or boost always on and kick in the MBD circuit for dist/thunder.)
4. carrots?
Always.
5. and this one is most important. What are you using now to boost it? I do see lots of people stacking pedals so is a boost truly needed or just convenient?
In my case, things rotate. Mostly I dial in a slightly dirty "clean" tone using a light OD pedal. I've occasionally had a fuzz or distortion pedal after that, and then an MBD-1 late in the chain. This lets me dial in some distortion going Light OD > MBD when I want it. More importantly, it lets me thicken everything and beef up the low-end when I want it. I've got some fuzz pedals that benefit from the depth added by the MBD-1 after.
6. Would you still be bringing your other pedals too?
I would have other stuff on my board. Again, if the boost circuit could be used without the MBD circuit, I might be able to ditch my always-on OD. Of course that depends on what the boost circuit sounds like. Therein lies the challenge...
7. Do you use the internal boost trim? How do you set it?
Your factory settings.
8. Do you use a boost because the available gain is not enough?
No, it's just another option and way to stack up the gain.
9. Are you worried about noise with excessive gain?
Somewhat, but it comes with the territory and is hardly noticeable live.

And the big one:
10. What's more important? Smaller size or an integrated boost?
That's a tough call, but I would opt for smaller size. If I had the preference, I would take a shrunken MBD-1 and use my own OD/boost to stack. The dual MBD/Boost pedal might make the board more often if it could replace another OD/boost pedal. I'm working with a Metro20, so space is an issue. The length of the current pedal make's it tough to fit on smaller boards...
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
Reactions: donahue
#315
I'm currently using 3 levels of dirt, W&C PPB for always on clean boost, a Dunwich ODB for OD and I've got a hand me down Duality I'm using until the next batch of MBDs hit the market. I like having some of my OD tone hiding under the distortion to keep the lows low.

I would prefer the smaller footprint and my own OD, buuuuut (there's always a but...) if there was a boost I firmly believe a separate vol for the extra oomph would be beneficial. I used a Bass Drive for years and years but hardly used the boost because I never really needed the volume increase, just the extra dirt.
 
#316
father of fires said:
Those who have conversed with me know my hesitation on the integrated boost subject. It's not because I don't think it's a good idea it's just hard for me to nail down the way I want to do it. I don't do something unless I have a specific personal need but I do hear you all and want to play along.

When I built the prototype I realized that I want to hit the front end harder so I added an opamp boost to the front of the circuit. The idea that people would want another boost was crazy to me at the time but I'm starting to learn not every uses the MBD the same way I do. So I wonder if its not about needing a boost but wanting multiple input sensitivity options. Or are there really maniacs out there that want to seriously pummel the MBD.

For most versions of the pedal there is a boost trim that gives a good range but I understand that is not always convenient.

Here's a few quick questions...

If a boost were included in some far off revision:
1. do you care what style of boost?

For me, I’d prefer an fx10 style boost. Clean boost. Maybe even a micro amp style

2. along with a boost gain control, would you need a separate volume control when boosted?

I know I would.

3. how do you use the boost (ie. set the MBD for low gain and then boost for distortion or set the MBD for high gain and then boost for insanity?)

I would use it to boost the signal so I could cut through better or bring more raunch.

4. carrots?
5. and this one is most important. What are you using now to boost it? I do see lots of people stacking pedals so is a boost truly needed or just convenient?

Honestly, I wouldn’t NEED a boost added to the MBD1. Because I run 4 different pres/tone shapers that is boosting my signal at all times. I’d prefer a low end or mid control actually. Like change the depth to an internal trim and turn that pot on the outside into a mid control.

6. Would you still be bringing your other pedals too?

Yep.

7. Do you use the internal boost trim? How do you set it?

I messed with it when I first got it. But then again, I only have one trim in mine so I’m not sure if it’s a bias or boost.

8. Do you use a boost because the available gain is not enough?

I utilize boost to add some balls and all out raunch to loud parts in songs most times.

9. Are you worried about noise with excessive gain?

Yes I do.

And the big one:
10. What's more important? Smaller size or an integrated boost?

Integrated whatever. Size ain’t nothin for me. I make it fit if I like it that much.

I would like to state that I do not have any concrete plans for a redesign especially since the original still scratches the same itch it always has (and I'm releasing a new batch soon). I think the MBD will always be the MBD. Any changes with it will be for reliability and constructability sake. Don't expect and MBD 2.0 per se, but I do want to incorporate user feedback in some new pedals one day.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

My answers are in red in your post...
 
#320
gregmon79 said:
See, I could care less. But I’ve actually had a couple dudes tell me they passed on the MBD1 because of its size. That’s crazy to me. So much missing out there!! Haha
Click to expand...

willsellout said:
Yeah it’s crazy to me too. It’s so worth the extra space.
Click to expand...

When I bought mine I was using a homemade board roughly the size of a PT Classic Jr. Since I've down-sized to a Metro 20, I'm finding space is much more of a factor. Particularly something that pushes into the third rail and eats up space where I could have a 125B sideways along the top. I get it though. On my previous board it was a non-issue...
 
  • Like
Reactions: willsellout

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back