• 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.

EMG BQC in a Pedal?

KevInDaBassment

KevInDaBassment

The cat's "meh..."
Jul 30, 2010
8,451
9,332
Gulf Coast
#1
Unlike my other posts, I'll keep this one quick and simple since it's a request for suggestions or leads...


I've got a 5'er with EMG JX pickups and the BQC preamp (which I LOVE). Part of the magic in EMGs is they can be pretty malleable, but I've got a dilemma. 3 basses that are just EMG X-series pickups with the standard V-(V)-T controls. One of which can't even support the # of knobs a BQC requires. The BQC is also $200 each, so I'd like to find a pedal that does what it does. If I want coloration, that comes from my VT Bass DI at the end of the signal chain (or my amp). I'll spare the reasoning, but give my needs and wants in a list:

- MUST be transparent without extra coloration. Don't want an OD pedal or preamp (already got that covered).
- Has to be Parametric EQ, don't want to futz with sliders in a pinch. Needs to be quick changes
- Mid sweep is a must
- Clean boost would be nice, but isn't necessary (a compressor is going after this pedal)
- Needs the 9v battery option to power it
- Ideally under $200, but it can be in the ballpark. DEFINITELY nothing $300+
- Fine with used, doesn't HAVE to be new (if it's under $200)
- Ideally a standard or smaller casing (no bigger than the VT Bass DI or EHX Small Clone)


MXR M81 is the front runner so far...
+ Good price and available used pretty easy
+ Feature set seems in-line
- Not sure about transparency
* Would like mid frequency to sweep a LITTLE higher (cutoff is 1k). BQC is 1k too, but


Looked at the Phil Jones PE-5 (no sweep), Wampler EQ-uater (Bass freq is at 150Hz), NUX Melvin Lee Davis (no 9v option), EHX Battallion (no sweep), EBS Stanley Clarke (way too big and WAY too expensive), and ISP Beta Bass (Same as EBS Stanley Clarke).


Like I said, the MXR M81 is the way I'm leaning, but if something better is out there I'd like to take a look. I also like to support smaller builders, so if that's an option for the right price I'm open to that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TonyP-
#3
#6
sunbeast said:
You can just put the BQC in an external box! I've done this with several internal preamps, and if you plan to use battery instead of pedal power then even better as occasionally wall power can be noisy powering some preamps.
Click to expand...
Here’s an example, made for use in my studio: Delano Sonar 2-band, active/passive. The passive tone control is always in the circuit, with two capacitor values. The hammered-plate jack is the input, and the battery is connected to the output. The box is copper shielded.

1754539047065.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • IMG_8387.jpeg
    IMG_8387.jpeg
    1.6 MB · Views: 15
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: thebandcircle, PeaveyPlayer, Deleted member 394512 and 3 others
#8
sunbeast said:
You can just put the BQC in an external box! I've done this with several internal preamps, and if you plan to use battery instead of pedal power then even better as occasionally wall power can be noisy powering some preamps.
Click to expand...
I was just thinking about Rodney McG recommending this route so you can have your same preamp no matter what bass you are using.
 
#9
Would an Empress ParaEq Mk 1 work? 3-band parametric (with 3 switchable Q's) plus up to 20dB of clean boost (some earlier version don't feature this, though). V7 (the only one with white lettering, if I'm not mistaken) lets you switch Eq and boost independently.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KevInDaBassment
#11
Mozztronics FP-1 ticks a lot of boxes - transparent EQ, sweepable mid, about the size you're looking for, and retails here in Aus for the equivalent of about $200USD.

But like others have said; if you love the BQC, put that in a box with a battery and go forth!
 
#14
FaithNoMan said:
EWS BMC looks like it's exactly that, in a pedal. The MXR stops at 1K, whereas the others mentioned go well past that.
I like my attack in the 1.5-2.5K region.
Click to expand...
That appears to just be a sweepable mid control (unless I'm looking at the wrong pedal). I should have worded my post properly, looking for the BQC System (3-band with sweepable mids) equivalent in a pedal.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Zooberwerx
#15
sunbeast said:
You can just put the BQC in an external box! I've done this with several internal preamps, and if you plan to use battery instead of pedal power then even better as occasionally wall power can be noisy powering some preamps.
Click to expand...

Ralph Manak said:
Here’s an example, made for use in my studio: Delano Sonar 2-band, active/passive. The passive tone control is always in the circuit, with two capacitor values. The hammered-plate jack is the input, and the battery is connected to the output. The box is copper shielded.

View attachment 7293719
Click to expand...
The thought was definitely stewing in my mind (it would be an awesome side project when time permits). Not sure if it would come under my $300 limit once I get the BQC, pedal case, any other cabling, and if it requires drilling/modification of some kind...that may be a no-go since I live in an apartment and have insanely limited access to power tools right now. I'd also need instructions, as I can solder...but honestly not an electrical engineer by any means lol.

With the external power supply pedal they offer, I'm surprised EMG hasn't tried something like this too. It'd be nice and turn-key as well!

Time and money permitting this would be a really cool project to tackle when I've got free time for it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ralph Manak
#16
KevInDaBassment said:
That appears to just be a sweepable mid control (unless I'm looking at the wrong pedal). I should have worded my post properly, looking for the BQC System (3-band with sweepable mids) equivalent in a pedal.
Click to expand...
I stand corrected. I can think of a few multi-band pedals but can't swear they'll embrace the EMG vibe. I've used the Q Strip and the Broughton REF would be interesting.

Riis
 
#17
corvette_br said:
Would an Empress ParaEq Mk 1 work? 3-band parametric (with 3 switchable Q's) plus up to 20dB of clean boost (some earlier version don't feature this, though). V7 (the only one with white lettering, if I'm not mistaken) lets you switch Eq and boost independently.
Click to expand...
Now THAT is the kind of suggestions I'm looking for! That is a pretty sick pedal, seems like the non-Deluxe will suit me just fine. This may knock out the MXR pedal for good...even has Q adjustment on the Empress! Thank you for the suggestion!
 
  • Like
Reactions: corvette_br and Gearhead17
#18
Gearhead17 said:
Tech 21 Q Strip is TRANSPARENT! I use it on my pedalboard all the time. MXR M81 is also a very clean unit and use it as well.. Both devices have no "baked-in tone" to worry about.
Click to expand...
That Q Strip is also super tempting, just have to track one down. I love the Tech 21 stuff, it's always quality and ruggedly built. Another great suggestion, thank you for bringing it up!
 
#19
Bob_Ross said:
I can't remember the last pedal I saw that offered a 9V battery option, I'd assumed those had gone the way of the dodo.
Click to expand...
There definitely seems to be fewer out there than before, but some do.

I figured since the feature set I'm really looking for is the same as the onboard preamp, it shouldn't be unheard from a technical perspective to power it with a 9v. As I'm looking further in, some of the great suggestions still don't take a 9v to power them :crying:
 
#20
If you  really want to buy something check out the mxr thump. Its the size of your avg Mooer pedal. I got one of those 9v battery converters off of Amazon and I keep it in my pants pocket so I don't have to futz with a pedalboard and now every bass I own is active. It has bass treble midwith sweeep and there's another knob I can't remember, and relatively inexpensive.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back