we all have trouble... and then eventually we figure out how to play an envelope filter.
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Envelope filter for bass. Users wants and needs
- Thread starter JAUQO III-X
- Start date
we all have trouble... and then eventually we figure out how to play an envelope filter.
I like the thick "bwaps" that come from the classic FX25 and similar units. I kind of like the slow and thick envelope as opposed to the fast, snappy watery envelope. Although they both have their uses. I am also tired of all these complex controls. Just make it 2-3 knobs dangit!
I'm pleased enough with the Bass Balls..either the Russian or American versions..they both do the job well for me!
I have no idea whether this exists already but it would be great to have a thread with people's tips on how to find usable settings on various envelope filters. Sort of a compilation of good sounds on a variety of different pedals. That would definitely help me alot anyway...
I've been snarking out this morning but here's a sincere answer to the OP
I want an envelope filter that's really designed for bass guitar. OK, I HAVE one (EBS) but I wish that MORE envelope filters really had a range tailored for bass. All too often, feature-rich envelope filter pedals offer TOO MANY variables and it becomes ridiculous trying to re-dial in a setting
it seems to me that with better, bass-specific design, features like memory settings would be unneccessary.
I DO wish the BassIQ had a decay knob sometimes :0
I want an envelope filter that's really designed for bass guitar. OK, I HAVE one (EBS) but I wish that MORE envelope filters really had a range tailored for bass. All too often, feature-rich envelope filter pedals offer TOO MANY variables and it becomes ridiculous trying to re-dial in a setting
it seems to me that with better, bass-specific design, features like memory settings would be unneccessary.
I DO wish the BassIQ had a decay knob sometimes :0
Unrepresented
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Not frustrated, but it is something I'd probably change if I were redesigning it for me. That and attack and release controls.
the AF-9 has a great sound but it's a good example of what i DONT like about many envelope filters: lots of flexibility, but scant few useable settings for bass players - and those settings are nigh impossible to dial in twice with those short, touchy sliders
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But the available settings increase significantly if you utilize it with a blend pedal.
bongomania
Commercial User
Here's the thing--people post that request all the time, but the reason no such thread exists is because there is literally no such thing as a good envelope filter setting.
The thing with envelope effects, as RCC said just above, is that you have to actually play them as an instrument in order to get good results. Sure, anyone can get "blap blap quack" just by plugging in and going, and maybe some are satisfied with that. But for those that are trying to get a really good sound, it has everything to do with how you play it, and hardly anything to do with the specific settings (independent of the player).
I'm quite happy with my Q-tron. I would like it if it were much smaller and ran on 9 volts. It would also be cool if it were programmable or had foot switches for up/down and LP/Mix.
there are a lot of pedals I could have kept that would have been more useful with an additional pedal purchase... in any case, I don't much care for wet/dry blending. Though I imagine it makes highpass mode much more practical
Here's the thing--people post that request all the time, but the reason no such thread exists is because there is literally no such thing as a good envelope filter setting.
The thing with envelope effects, as RCC said just above, is that you have to actually play them as an instrument in order to get good results. Sure, anyone can get "blap blap quack" just by plugging in and going, and maybe some are satisfied with that. But for those that are trying to get a really good sound, it has everything to do with how you play it, and hardly anything to do with the specific settings (independent of the player).
This is all true, however, people can certainly benefit from other's experience. Why just the other day I was encouraged to explore the Band Pass mode more fully. Thanks
Unfortunately there is no formula - no effect is more dependent on the bass and the player themselves than an envelope filter. Such a filter is activated by the input signal, so it is influenced by the pickup output, the preamp/EQ/tone settings, any effects that precede it in the signal path, and above all YOUR FINGERS.
Envelope filters respond to your playing, and you will likely have to adapt your technique (and/or your EQ/output settings) in order to get good results. You'll also want to keep in mind that the filter has a (sometimes adjustable) rolloff frequency, so it will sound more dramatic in some playing positions than others.
I thought about a few more cool things to have. LP/BP/HP switchable settings, an expression out for sweeping the frequencies, and either an up or down sweep switch or a start stop frequency knobs like the meatball.
The Line 6 Otto filter has pretty much all of those apart from the expression and it has TP instead of HP.
