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Double Bass Good variable HPF unit? Possibly FDeck?

J

JCartwright

Jun 11, 2008
52
8
Manchester
#1
Hi,

I've been playing a bunch with a really loud band using a k&k bass max pickup and have been having a real hard time with some extreme low end so I want to invest in a HPF.

I've been looking at the FDeck but they're pretty rare over in the UK and I was wondering if there is any risk in using one over here?

If anyone knows any contact details for Francis Deck that would be super helpful too!

Any suggestions of other good variable HPF unit's that wont break the bank would be very much appreciated!

Thanks,
Joe.
 
#5
I was hoping that would be the case, I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't blow up or something (I don't really understand anything to do with electronics).

I think I have some kind of estranged family somewhere in the US, maybe they'll be able to help out.

Any suggestions for an alternative product?
 
#14
JCartwright said:
Any suggestions for an alternative product?
Click to expand...

Link Removed

Not only does the Fishman have a HPF filter (it's called depth on there unit) it also has

5 band graphic
adjustable compressor
input gain and master gain out
Phase switch
XLR output to DI into a desk
It can also be powered by 9v battery(that is switch mod doubled for more headroom), 48 volts from desk or wall wart
 
#15
bloodyjack said:
Link Removed

Not only does the Fishman have a HPF filter (it's called depth on there unit) it also has

5 band graphic
adjustable compressor
input gain and master gain out
Phase switch
XLR output to DI into a desk
It can also be powered by 9v battery(that is switch mod doubled for more headroom), 48 volts from desk or wall wart
Click to expand...

For many, all of those features are neither necessary nor desirable. Also, from the reports I've seen from DB players, the fdeck performs better. That's not surprising, given it's circuit-design.
 
#16
The post asked for options and in my humble opinion this is the best Upright Bass pre-amp with a HP feature I have found.
I am a DB player and have been designing Pro Audio equipment for musicians for over 30 years, as part of my research developing a Double Bass preamp I purchased one to reverse engineer to see what they were actually doing. I was so impressed I junked my plans and stuck with the Fishman.
 
#17
bloodyjack said:
The post asked for options and in my humble opinion this is the best Upright Bass pre-amp with a HP feature I have found.
I am a DB player and have been designing Pro Audio equipment for musicians for over 30 years, as part of my research developing a Double Bass preamp I purchased one to reverse engineer to see what they were actually doing. I was so impressed I junked my plans and stuck with the Fishman.
Click to expand...
You're certainly entitled to your opinion. What we seem to share is the fact that we've been involved in the design of audio equipment for decades. In my case, I've done it for laboratory purposes that are far more demanding than what musicians typically require or want. I'm not easily impressed. It's no secret that I was in communication with Francis (fdeck) when he was designing his device. I did bench tests on his prototype and discussed tweaks with him. Certainly, the Fishman has more features which, as I said, for many are neither necessary nor desirable. For those who do want those features, the Fishman would likely be a good choice as it packs in a bunch of useful functions for a nice price. On the other hand, if one is looking for no more than a buffer amp with a quality HPF, I'll take the fdeck device all day long. Given one wants only such a device, I'd sure like to hear why you find the Fishman to be a better choice.

The OP said he was looking for a pre-amp with an HPF. Now, the Fishman goes for around $160. The fdeck Series 3, the most expensive version, goes for all of $100 and it has a dual-stage HPF (cascaded filter sections). His Series 2, which has a -12 dB/oct adjustable HPF (the same rejection rate as the Fishman) goes for all of $65. Now, given the very high quality of the fdeck circuit, I don't see why it would be advisable for the OP to spend the extra money.

Take a look at this thread, do a search for "Fishman", and read what players who have used both have to say. No, this doesn't "prove" anything but it speaks to the use of both devices under real-world conditions. Have you used both?
 
#18
Not to mention that the Fishman "marries" you to its baked-in tone. It's not necessarily a bad one...I would describe it as wooly, woody, warm even sometimes. Some people want that (sometimes me included). But if you don't want that tone, you can't get around it. So if you need compression, EQ, and DI, in addition to the buffer, HPF, and want that Fishman tone always, then go for it! Or use the F-deck and EQ and DI at your amp. I personally have not found a use for compression with the upright. If I need any at all, then I'm also usually looking for a tonal change, so I use my favorite overdrive pedal. YMMV
 
#19
One of the characteristics I like best about the fdeck is that it is completely "unvoiced." It sounds that way and it measures that way. Folks around here know that I'm not a fan of "voiced" equipment that, to use Tim's words, has a "baked-in" sound. If I want tone-shaping, I'll use my tone controls.
 

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