fdecks HPF, Part II

[azwhofan]

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

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.

couldn't agree more with Coolhandjjl

 

[Downunderwonder]

You can set hpf3 so low as to only cut the stuff your speakers make a hash of, or higher as you please.

 

[danis]

Any option for us people from Europe to take the Fdeck HPF ?
I really need this kind of pedal and I prefer this one from the sfx mini-Thumpinator because I like the selectable frequency.

 

[Jeff Elkins]

Any option for us people from Europe to take the Fdeck HPF ?
I really need this kind of pedal and I prefer this one from the sfx mini-Thumpinator because I like the selectable frequency.

I am going to get back active on this forum; I had needed a break from forums for a bit. If any non-US bassists are in needed of an Fdeck, I am available as a middle-man. I think the only continent I have not helped send an Fdeck to is Antarctica.

 

[danis]

Thx,will check it!

 

[StuartV]

Ordered. Now, hurry up, Francis!! LOL

 

[caeman]

Soon, Danis will know the power of the Fdeck. Mwuhahahahahahahahahha!

 

[danis]

Yes, Thx to Caeman I will soon have a HPF3 in Greece. We worked this out in 30 minutes
I really need to tame those huge lows from my Hiwatt copy especially in my boomy basement or some "weird" stages.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Soon, Danis will know the power of the Fdeck. Mwuhahahahahahahahahha!

I thought it was Bwahahahahahaha!

 

[NKBassman]

So, I'm a little confused by it being called a "preamp". Where do users typically place it in their chain?

I'm most interested in maximizing the power output of a low wattage tube amp, so I'm assuming I'd put it at the end of my pedal board, just before the amp input?

 

[BurningSkies]

When the volume is up all the way, it's unity gain. Unless there some impedance mojo between the unit and your amp's front end you won't be using it to boost the signal to your power amp.

 

[Jeff Elkins]

I thought it was Bwahahahahahaha!

It must be an evil fretless laugh...

 

[caeman]

It must be an evil fretless laugh...

Yes, Bwuhahahahaha is for you fretted people. I only play fretless, so it is more of a mwah sound.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

So, I'm a little confused by it being called a "preamp". Where do users typically place it in their chain?

I'm most interested in maximizing the power output of a low wattage tube amp, so I'm assuming I'd put it at the end of my pedal board, just before the amp input?

I think the "preamp" term came from when Version 1 was originally designed for DB players, and the piezo pickup really did need some sort of interface before it could connect to the amp.

 

[FerruleCat]

HPF3 hit my mailbox today. Now my DIY cabs have a bit of insurance against low end stress and damage.

 

[MarkA]

PFSchim, I sometimes play a Mesa Walkabout. Posted my experiences with it and the HPF3 earlier in this thread, but, in brief, I find that it makes a big difference when running that amp at high volume - significantly more dynamic headroom available - and is more effective in that regard and less harmful to the low end than using the lowest band of the Walkabout's excellent semi-parametric EQ. I played the WA with a 2x12" cab loaded with Faital 12FH500 drivers and a 6" mid. Not the Berg you mention but perhaps not entirely dissimilar. I usually leave the frequency set at 35 Hz, but might have had it at 40 or 45 Hz in that case.

NKBassman, I've run the HPF3 both in front of and behind a Micro POG (octave) ->fuzz--> envelop filter. At the end of the chain offers more protection, I suppose, but in front cleaned up the response of the envelope filter. This was subtle, though. TThere is a visceral uber-low through some cabs with the octave down that the HPF somewhat attenuates, but I think in most cases it's best not to push that at volume.

Closest I have to a low wattage tube amp is the WA, but the HPF did yield noticably more usuable juice with that amp. I imagine right in front of the input would be best - I also liked it in WA effects loop. At low volume, unless I were trying to tame a boom, I'd likely run without.

 

[FerruleCat]

The HPF3 took care of the slight low-end looseness on my DIY 1-12 with Emi Kappalite 3012ho. My Rogue Beatle bass with LaBella flats sounds killer through my Aggie TH500 and that cab, and I can push it a bit harder now. In addition, the tone profile of that bass doesn't bring out the upper-mid gankiness of the 3012, so it's all quite solid and smooth.

 

[kzr750r1]

One update from me is using the HPF3 at the end of chain and rolling back the volume helped in our direct to board jams. I have OD and Fuzz on all the time. Until I in the mix and not overload everyone else. Clarity improved and never hurt the over all tone. Even better today with more clean tone blended in...

 

[Jim Carr]

...will they ruin my live sound, or perfect it?...

I am certain you realize that the answer is neither of the choices you insist upon. IME, "It all depends."

Tone on stage is not tone in the house.
The acoustics of the venue and stage, the PA situation, and your rig/instruments interaction with the aforesaid will all have their say.
I have found that the fDeck HPF can make a big difference in tightening the low end in SOME venues. It is not so easy to access how effective it is unless you can get out from the stage during a performance—something I rarely have the luxury of doing.

It is worth repeating: tone on stage is not tone in the house. Just because you don't hear boominess on stage doesn't mean it is NOT there in the house.

 

[kzr750r1]

Yeah but you would hope the sound guy has a clue how to balance both. He has a few controls at his end to battle the bulge.