Pet peeve of mine: The correct term here is infrasonic, not subsonic.
Subsonic refers to speeds lower than the speed of sound. Infrasonic refers to frequencies below 20hz. The HPF-3 is sort of "infrasonic+15" haha.
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fdecks HPF, Part II
- Thread starter Chef
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Subsonic refers to speeds lower than the speed of sound. Infrasonic refers to frequencies below 20hz. The HPF-3 is sort of "infrasonic+15" haha.
Sure. The pedal board is from a company in Maryland called The Custom District - customdistrictpedalboards.com. Elon is the name of the guy I spoke with there (phone and email, in CA and have no affiliation with the company). Very easy to deal with. The boards are all aluminum, made to order and extremely light weight. Can be ordered in many sizes and configurations--slanted, flat, flat with riser(s), such as mine. I first saw others here on TB, which fueled my interest and GAS. Delivery took about two weeks.
My board is 19.75" x 14.5" x .75" and has one 19" x 6" x 2" riser and two small riser-plates, each 1" in height (under the VT Bass DI and Strymon Favorite Switch). Riser hides a Decibel 11 Hot Stone Dlx power supply, Empress Buffer and Neutrik PowerCon coupler. Some of the pedals, except those over others in the back row, are mounted with Dual Lock on Custom District Quick Connect mounting plates, which have thumb-screws (plastic wing-type) that mate to the holes and allow quick changes without the mess of Velcro residue. Overall, it's by far the best board I've owned.
Pics of the current set up--HPF Pre 3 is now under the Turbo Tuner, VT Bass DI has replaced the Ditto:
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Caeman, you have long made the offer of forwarding Fdecks. I almost took you up on that offer, but someone offered me their Fdeck 3 and I now have it.
So, while I no longer have need of your services, I would like to thank you anyway for having offered and continuing to offer this generous service.
Welcome backtive.
So, while I no longer have need of your services, I would like to thank you anyway for having offered and continuing to offer this generous service.
Welcome backtive.
I haven't been gigging very much, but it looks like that is changing. And it looks like I'll be mostly gigging with my B-15R (100W all tube Reissue). I gigged it last weekend and was running it nearly maxed out by the end of the night (because, of course, the guitars got louder as we went, so the drums followed suit, etc.).
Anyway, I'm thinking I want to finally go ahead and get an Fdeck 3. I don't want to - and don't have room to - use a bigger rig or add an extension cab at the place we're going to be playing regularly. And I dang sure don't want to switch to my 500W SS head and a different 1x15. So, I'm thinking using this HPF will let me dial out the infrasonics and maximize efficient use of the power I have. I may also put in a different speaker with higher sensitivity.
Is there anything special I need to know to order one? I haven't been keeping up closely with this thread the last 3 or 4 months. Is there any discount for TB members? Not to sound like a cheapskate. I just don't want to miss out on it if there is.
Thanks.
Anyway, I'm thinking I want to finally go ahead and get an Fdeck 3. I don't want to - and don't have room to - use a bigger rig or add an extension cab at the place we're going to be playing regularly. And I dang sure don't want to switch to my 500W SS head and a different 1x15. So, I'm thinking using this HPF will let me dial out the infrasonics and maximize efficient use of the power I have. I may also put in a different speaker with higher sensitivity.
Is there anything special I need to know to order one? I haven't been keeping up closely with this thread the last 3 or 4 months. Is there any discount for TB members? Not to sound like a cheapskate. I just don't want to miss out on it if there is.
Thanks.
Aside from the FDeck, that rig seems pretty lean. A 100 watt tube may do it, but not that cab. Granted, it's a cool looking rig, and may work for some genres if the drummer is not too loud, but you mentioned being maxed out. I suggest reaching out to TB member and Ampeg expert JimmyM.
Let me explain a bit more. The band I'm playing with these days played a gig at a small pub last Saturday. A SMALL pub. I run the Master dimed and just vary the input gain for volume. By the end of the night, I had the gain at about 2:00. It still sounded good and was adequately loud (even with the place PACKED).
At the end of the night, the owner tipped us big (on top of the agreed-upon pay), and told us he wants to schedule us for once a month. They called Monday and scheduled us for Valentine's Day (which is a Saturday night), so I guess they're serious.
So, I think this amp is *enough* just as it is. But just barely. With the Fdeck to cut the mud off the bottom and give me a tiny bit more headroom, and then maybe swap the driver out of the cabinet for a Delta 15 (100dB sensitivity, I believe), I think the B-15R will be enough ... with a slightly bigger margin for crankage, if I ever really need to make their teeth rattle.
Besides I wanted an HPF 3 for a WHILE now and this is finally my rationalization to buy one!
been reading the fdeck HPF thread(s) for a while and had some questions for you all.
My application would be electric 4 string into various amps/cabs (Mesa WA, SVT6Pro, 200w Fender Studio, PF500 - Berg CN212 and NV610, LDS 2x15, PF115HE, WA 1x12)
I don't play super loud, but often end up using my amp EQ controls to reduce the vary lowest frequencies
For example, on a Mesa WA, the low para EQ suggests it allows +/- 15dB at 30hz ( I do not know what the slope is). I will often set it at 30hz and roll it off ~10dB.
My most regularly used cab is a Berg CN212, which can deliver lots of low end when eq'd in that direction. I don't know about excessive driver excursion, but I do find myself rolling of deep lows fairly often when playing a high volume levels (which is not very often, but still .... )
I also use some fx; Octaver (the one built into the iStomp), envelope (MXR M82) and VT deluxe
So, my questions are:
using the fdeck HPF basically removes infrasonic information from the source signal (i.e. my bass) - what happens at the amp, does it now simply stop reinforcing/amplifying those frequencies ?
I see that the lowest setting on the HPF is 35hz, and its sweepable up to 100hz (?) where do most electric users set the HPF ? and if you set if much above 35hz, don't you end up with much less "low end rich" sound ? - remember I am asking, not telling, trying to understand how these impact the overall sound.
What is the impact of the HPF on FX devices, particularly something like an Octave or Envelope pedal, both of which tend to "add" huge lows as part of the effect ?
I am particularly interested to know if there are any HPF users who also run a Mesa Walkabout, and if you use a WA into a CN212 or NV610, that would be the perfect match.
I am often not keen on checking out Youtube demos of these kinds of things because the quality of the audio often does not represent well, but are there any demo's out there for this device ?
any and all answers are welcome.
thanks
My application would be electric 4 string into various amps/cabs (Mesa WA, SVT6Pro, 200w Fender Studio, PF500 - Berg CN212 and NV610, LDS 2x15, PF115HE, WA 1x12)
I don't play super loud, but often end up using my amp EQ controls to reduce the vary lowest frequencies
For example, on a Mesa WA, the low para EQ suggests it allows +/- 15dB at 30hz ( I do not know what the slope is). I will often set it at 30hz and roll it off ~10dB.
My most regularly used cab is a Berg CN212, which can deliver lots of low end when eq'd in that direction. I don't know about excessive driver excursion, but I do find myself rolling of deep lows fairly often when playing a high volume levels (which is not very often, but still .... )
I also use some fx; Octaver (the one built into the iStomp), envelope (MXR M82) and VT deluxe
So, my questions are:
using the fdeck HPF basically removes infrasonic information from the source signal (i.e. my bass) - what happens at the amp, does it now simply stop reinforcing/amplifying those frequencies ?
I see that the lowest setting on the HPF is 35hz, and its sweepable up to 100hz (?) where do most electric users set the HPF ? and if you set if much above 35hz, don't you end up with much less "low end rich" sound ? - remember I am asking, not telling, trying to understand how these impact the overall sound.
What is the impact of the HPF on FX devices, particularly something like an Octave or Envelope pedal, both of which tend to "add" huge lows as part of the effect ?
I am particularly interested to know if there are any HPF users who also run a Mesa Walkabout, and if you use a WA into a CN212 or NV610, that would be the perfect match.
I am often not keen on checking out Youtube demos of these kinds of things because the quality of the audio often does not represent well, but are there any demo's out there for this device ?
any and all answers are welcome.
thanks
It is sweepable to 140 Hz. You can certainly put it in the fx loop, in between pre and power amps, but most folks get best resulst at the end of their pedal chain, keeping those frequencies out of the head at the start. If you have a faulty head and it is self-generating uber low frequencies after the preamp, well of course the FDeck won't be of much help in the pedal chain. But if you amp is doing that, get it serviced. Regarding interaction with other pedals, you really have to do some tests, see what you like.
My trace 1518 doesn't make much 60 hx even, doesn't stop it producing righteous low E ( 80 2nd harmonic ).
I don't think youtube demos of the Fdeck will be very useful. It's hard enough to judge low end on most home speakers or headphones, let alone through youtube compression and questionable user recording techniques.
If you sweep the cutoff up, you will lose low frequencies - after all, that's what it is supposed to do. But the subjective effect on the sound may not be what you expect. Often you can't hear the difference until the cutoff gets surprisingly high. At high volumes, the lows can get overwhelming, so you might actually find you like the sound better after you cut out some of the lows.
If you sweep the cutoff up, you will lose low frequencies - after all, that's what it is supposed to do. But the subjective effect on the sound may not be what you expect. Often you can't hear the difference until the cutoff gets surprisingly high. At high volumes, the lows can get overwhelming, so you might actually find you like the sound better after you cut out some of the lows.
TB users of the HPF, please bestow your wisdom on me.
I've always struggled to tighten up the low end of my bass sound, and never been able to accomplish this in a very good way... Rolling off the bass EQ never really solves the problem, or achieves the desired sound I was searching for in the first place. I have always resigned this "blooming low-end to be the result of the style and manner in which I play bass... I play in a soul/R&B type band (think 60' 70' Motown Sound) and my main set-up is:
Bass: AVRI 63 P-Bass (Fingers - La Bella flats and the occasional foam mute)
Rig: Ampeg Blueline SVT and 2 Berg NV115's
So I've always just settled on the fact that blooming low end is the nature of "my" beast. But when I record in the studio, we always just through a HPF on the channel, and it's great! After researching these on TB for a few days, I'm beginning to think a HPF, like the FDECK or Thumpinator, might be the solution to my "blooming" low end problem live.
After reading all the chatter about these two units and what they do... my real question is, will they ruin my live sound, or perfect it?
The reason I ask, is that I'm all about the "thump" I don't want it gone, I just want everything that come after, and below it, gone.
My Question, in a nutshell: Will one of these HPF filters chop so much of the lowed off that it'll be ruined, or will it carve the end off perfectly?
Thanks in advance!
Sugar McGuinn
I've always struggled to tighten up the low end of my bass sound, and never been able to accomplish this in a very good way... Rolling off the bass EQ never really solves the problem, or achieves the desired sound I was searching for in the first place. I have always resigned this "blooming low-end to be the result of the style and manner in which I play bass... I play in a soul/R&B type band (think 60' 70' Motown Sound) and my main set-up is:
Bass: AVRI 63 P-Bass (Fingers - La Bella flats and the occasional foam mute)
Rig: Ampeg Blueline SVT and 2 Berg NV115's
So I've always just settled on the fact that blooming low end is the nature of "my" beast. But when I record in the studio, we always just through a HPF on the channel, and it's great! After researching these on TB for a few days, I'm beginning to think a HPF, like the FDECK or Thumpinator, might be the solution to my "blooming" low end problem live.
After reading all the chatter about these two units and what they do... my real question is, will they ruin my live sound, or perfect it?
The reason I ask, is that I'm all about the "thump" I don't want it gone, I just want everything that come after, and below it, gone.
My Question, in a nutshell: Will one of these HPF filters chop so much of the lowed off that it'll be ruined, or will it carve the end off perfectly?
Thanks in advance!
Sugar McGuinn
My peavey t-20 through my fender sb300 fills the room. I have the hpf set around 50hz usually. I then just boost sub-bass till it feels great. This will help you sound live as well as in the studio.
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
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- Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
I've been using the HPF3 since the 'early days'. I have one of the original Proto units and have used it every gig for about 3 years. Most people don't know it's there, including sound men and band mates. I can tell, because it totally cleans up the washy super deep lows without screwing up the intentional deep lows I want. Will it fix your situation? I dunno... Sometime the boom comes not from the sub 40hz stuff but the stuff up around 150hz or so...
yes, possibly, that's what I'm interested in trying to figure out. None of my amps are "malfunctioning" but they are all capable of delivering a lot of low end, and combined with the 2 ported cabs I have on hand (CN212 and LDS 2x15 with 15PR400's) the low end can really start to get to be too much. Even the NV610 can get pretty rumbly when its being drivenby a 6Pro at near full throat. Rolling off the low/bass controls when the overall volume is (way) up tends to move my tone into the "too midrangey" zone. So, that got me thinking of the fdeck HPF.
The bigger picture of what's happening for me is kind of a throwback situation, at least in my experience. In the past 10 years or so, most gigs I did (jazz/world music and Americana/rootsy stuff) had full PA/FOH support, and so a smaller amp/cab on stage was just fine and typically provided a very even frequency set without "too much" of anything. Lately, in the past year or two, I have picked up some gigs where only Vocals and a bit of kick/snare go in the PA, and I have to cover the venue with my stage rig (that's so 70's/80's in my experience). Now the gigs are a lot of fun and I have rigged up to handle them, but I am getting into this zone where I am pushing some pretty big lows, and when the V goes up to cover the venue, I feel like it is probably too much (certainly on stage). Which brings me back to my interest in fdecks HPF. I suppose that for $108, it's a pretty easy decision. I should just try one and see if it addresses some of the issues. If not, nbd, I can just sell it and go back to figuring out some other method.
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Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
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- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
I haven't used Francis' HPF, but I built my own along pretty similar lines. I find that using mine as a sub-bass control works really well for tailoring punch and avoiding boom resonances in various rooms. For instance, it can take a frequency response that looks like the green (top) trace:
and turn it into this:
...which is a heck of a lot punchier, besides being easier on your amp and cabs. If you want the peak at 80 or 200Hz, that is do-able too. Lots and lots of other curve shapes available too.
