Does a variable crossover pedal exist?

[Trombassix]

Something that can divide the bass signal into three movable bands, and output each one for separate processing. What's out there?

 

[René_Julien]

Three band splitters I do not know of.

I immediately think of this: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[sfx] delivers nice pedals. I own the thumpinator and and AY-2... and I'm gassing for the B³, once I know what it does.

Max (I think that's his name) also does custom work.

Maybe two of those X&M pedals would be a solution. First splitting bass / mid&treble... then the second in the loop to split the mid / treble.
Not sure if that is a wise idea.


Why would you want 3 different bands?

 

[Trombassix]

Thanks for the recommendation RJ. The only real reason to choose three bands over two for the crossover is experimentation on my part. At the moment, I'm looking to control my bass signal and add subtle rhythm without picking too much. I want to control the textures of the bands too and might add different types and amounts of distortion per frequency band. If there are no three band crossovers on the market then I'll start with a two band pedal and decide if I have enough control.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I use Rolls mini crossover sx21, $65 from Parts Express, with a Wounded Paw v3 blender. I don't know what you're going for with 3 bands but I sure endorse 2!

I found that raising the crossover too high lost effective driving of the effects, so I doubt you'll get far with the extra band. I'm not using the main in on my v3 so I *think* you could run with that but a V4 would let you cascade sx21 if you wanted to try it. You could always employ the 2nd Roils as a HPF on the end of the chain.

Beware the phase dropout in blended signal. Some pedals return a 180° off signal which is fine in series but blending cancels the crossing frequencies instead of summing. I use the series option of the last channel to give me footswitching phase flipping. I shudder to think how you could pull off 3-way.

 

[Trombassix]

Cool! Another recommendation. Thanks DUW. I wonder if a phase flip (polarity invert) can be sorted out at the patch cable level? I'm just getting back into bass playing after an 8 year hiatus! I dug out my old Bass Pod after my first bass gig in a looong time and was enjoying the sample and hold (like a step phaser). It's got the ability to adjust the crossover to the effect, which is pretty nifty! I'm interested in playing long notes and having them have a rhythmic texture and also splitting the sounds like they do on a keyboard the lower I go, the more fuzz and the mids can be clean with step phaser and special fx on the very top maybe. I'm thinking of either using an AdrenaLinn III, Source Audio Bass Filter Pro or a Zoom MS60b for the mid. If I go for a treble band then maybe some delay or stereo chorus...

 

[bongomania]

I wonder if a phase flip (polarity invert) can be sorted out at the patch cable level?

Nope. It needs an active device. A cable's "polarity" is just signal versus ground, while a signal's polarity is in the time or amplitude domains.

 

[Trombassix]

Thanks for the reply B. When I read it, I was only half paying attention and now it's buried in the fog of memory. Something about a resistor... But instrument cables aren't balanced, only shielded

 

[Downunderwonder]

If you look up my original cheap crossover thread, there is some detail on the ins and outs.