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Do I have this rig setup "correctly?"

Systolic

Systolic

Nov 29, 2009
2,159
1,078
Madison,Wisconsin
#1
I've read to much, and I may have confused myself. It happens. I know there is no definitive "right" way. But this is how I have this configured currently. I'm less worried about the traditional effects as I am the pre/comp/dist order.

Would you set it up differently?


Active Bass→Tuner→Preamp (Zoom B3)→Compressor (Rack - Rane DC24)→Distortion (Darkglass B7k)→Effects (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser)→Volume Pedal→Power Amp→Cabinet


I almost long for the days when I had a passive bass going straight to a normal bass head.
 
#2
Not how I'd have it, but just like you say...there is no right or wrong way.

Bass > Volume Pedal > Tuner (in volume pedal tuner out) > Phaser > Distortion > Chorus > Flanger > Preamp > Power Amp

If you're using the B7K as an always on preamp or it's DI output I would put it last in the chain. If you're only using it for distortion I'd have it as above

Since the compressor is rack it's kind of a PITA to place. Generally speaking rack gear wants a line level signal and pedals don't usually have enough output to drive that. They're usually happy in an amps FX loop but you don't have that. An FX loop is just a connection point between a preamp and a power amp, so you could place it after the B3 and before the Power Amp as long as the B3 to drive it properly.
 
#4
The volume pedal can be placed wherever you want.

Put it before the preamp and it acts like the volume knob on your bass. Placed before an effect like delay you'll get delay trails. Placed before and it would cut them off. I know you don't have delay, it's just the easiest example.
Put it after the preamp and it acts like a master volume for the whole rig

I'd be more concerned about the preamp and compressor, and properly driving the compressor and power amp.
 
#8
Systolic said:
Right, but the Preamp does. Zoom B3 output is line level.
Click to expand...

In your original signal chain in your OP, you have the preamp running first. Then you have it sending that line level signal into the rest of your effects, which they may not like and distort because there is too much signal going into them. Same thing with the compressor, it probably wants a line level signal and it's also going to output a line level signal, so any pedals after it may get too much signal.

This would be slightly less confusing if you were using a standard amp or pre/power setup.
The comp would go in the FX loop and everything else would be out front.
 
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#9
Dave W said:
In your original signal chain in your OP, you have the preamp running first. Then you have it sending that line level signal into the rest of your effects, which they may not like and distort because there is too much signal going into them. Same thing with the compressor, it probably wants a line level signal and it's also going to output a line level signal, so any pedals after it may get too much signal.
Click to expand...

Perfect. That makes sense. So for all intents and purposes the B3 should be the last thing on my board and then on into the compressor then to the amp?
 

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