• 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.

Help me find an overdrive catered to my needs.

Visirale

Visirale

Mar 23, 2003
3,043
6
37
Orlando
#1
So I've been lucky to run into some cash, and I'm revamping my rig. I got rid of my SABDDI for an Avalon U5. I'm so very happy with the sound of the avalon... it's perfect! Now I'm looking for an overdrive to put in front of my DI so that my (occasional) dirty sound will go through the house and sound good. I barely use effects at all, I find that most of them suck out the bass or affect my signal too much. I've been using (actual) synths for most sounds. But I want something for a subtle bass overdrive to the occasional distortion that retains the bass. I didn't like how colorful the bass driver was. So far I've been looking into the EHX english Muff'n and the aguilar agro (which should go well with my new aguilar cabs ;) ). Just wanted to hear opinions about these too and some other units that I could check out that will stay bassy and powerful, yet sound good through the PA system. It will be put in front of the DI and the amp so the wet sound will go to the PA.

Opinions?
 
#2
I've heard that the Agro is a great unit.

I repeat what I just said in another thread....the Analogman modded Ibanez TS9DX Turbo Tube Screamer is amazing for what you're describing. You can even leave it on at a low setting just to fatten up your sound. Fabulous pedal.

The Barber LTD SR is supposed to be great for this as well. I haven't had the pleasure of trying it yet.
 
#6
Thanks for the opinions guys, I'll start checking all of these out.

Is there one that will leave my bass sounds (say under 200 hz) completely unaffected and only color my mids and up? I know that's asking a lot, but I can't stand when my fundamental bass tones are colored in any way.

Haha, sorry I'm so picky.

Oh, and the less it boosts my signal the better. I prefer to run boost through my avalon DI's +30 dB class A power section :D. I read that the EBS multidrive was class A, so I guess that's a good thing.
 
#8
Visirale said:
Thanks for the opinions guys, I'll start checking all of these out.

Is there one that will leave my bass sounds (say under 200 hz) completely unaffected and only color my mids and up? I know that's asking a lot, but I can't stand when my fundamental bass tones are colored in any way.

Haha, sorry I'm so picky.

Oh, and the less it boosts my signal the better. I prefer to run boost through my avalon DI's +30 dB class A power section :D. I read that the EBS multidrive was class A, so I guess that's a good thing.
Click to expand...

I've personally found that on lower/medium settings on my English Muff'n that there is audibley more distortion on higher strings than the lower ones. The bass cuts through very well, to the point where in recording i need to cut it slightly. I highly recommend it unless you want an uber precise sounding OD, it can be a bit mushy.
 
#9
I strongly recommend T Rex Bass Juice: I have tried several od/ds pedals, this is definitely one of the best, plus it's got a boost button that's really crazy, it's true bypass and does not bite low frequencies... it is a bit expensive, but it is worth it
 
#11
Visirale said:
So I've been lucky to run into some cash, and I'm revamping my rig. I got rid of my SABDDI for an Avalon U5. I'm so very happy with the sound of the avalon... it's perfect! Now I'm looking for an overdrive to put in front of my DI so that my (occasional) dirty sound will go through the house and sound good. I barely use effects at all, I find that most of them suck out the bass or affect my signal too much. I've been using (actual) synths for most sounds. But I want something for a subtle bass overdrive to the occasional distortion that retains the bass. I didn't like how colorful the bass driver was. So far I've been looking into the EHX english Muff'n and the aguilar agro (which should go well with my new aguilar cabs ;) ). Just wanted to hear opinions about these too and some other units that I could check out that will stay bassy and powerful, yet sound good through the PA system. It will be put in front of the DI and the amp so the wet sound will go to the PA.

Opinions?
Click to expand...

Just played through the agro this past week....it is indeed a very nice unit, however it generates some very radical tones on the extreme end of it's spectrum, so much so that i would never use said tones......and the street price is roughly $340.00 a little stiff for just an FX unit

The English Muff'n i tried some time back and found it just to be ok, but i seemed to lose too much note definition. at a price of $189.00 i didn't think it was worth it

I suggest you try the Digital Music Corp. Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive at $129.99

This is an overdrive pedal based on the vintage TS808 format, it includes the original JRC4558 opamp, but has been modded with metal resistors and polyester capacitors which creates a tighter midrange, a crsiper high, and overall IMHO a far better capacity for note definition than the original 808. They have also added a clean boost channel which allows you to blend the clean signal with the overdrive circut. This allows you to boost the direct clean signal which in turn restores the attack and feel which is usually lost in most pedals when the signal is compressed in the ovedrive circut. The boost claims to be a 20db boost, i have not measured this claim but i can tell you you notice a huge difference when its on and when its not...lol

It comes with a 5 year warranty and is made and assembled in the U.S.

If you want a nice overdrive unit that is not obnoxious and is very "tweekable" buy this you won't regeret it..... i think its been the one of the best investments i have made into "my sound"

happy hunting!! (but start here)
__________________
 
#12
Visirale said:
Thanks for the opinions guys, I'll start checking all of these out.

Is there one that will leave my bass sounds (say under 200 hz) completely unaffected and only color my mids and up? I know that's asking a lot, but I can't stand when my fundamental bass tones are colored in any way.
Click to expand...

Yep. The EBS one does that. I think it keeps a bit more than below 200hz as well.
 
#13
PunkRocker33133 said:
After listening to the clips of the Bass Juice, I really want one. Where can I get it?

EDIT: Also on the topic of T-Rex Pedals how is the Mudhoney on bass?
Click to expand...

Have you heard of the TC Electronic Vintage Bass Distortion? It's basically the same pedal as the Bass Juice, also made by T-Rex.
Read here:

http://www.bassplayer.com/story.aspx?content_id=24400
http://www.bassplayer.com/story.aspx?content_id=24412

Both of them usually sell for $280 but I found this online shop called Thomann and they are selling it for 95 euros! On top of that you have to pay 30 euros for the shipping fees but I think you will still safe some money.

Invalid Link Removed

I have to say that it's a great pedal and I'll definetly recommend it to everyone.

Go to TC Electronic site and they've got a video demo of the pedal. This baby can do much more than what you'll see on the demo... You can easyly get the same sounds as the T-Rex does.
 
#14
The T-Rex Bass JUICE and the T.C. Electronic Vintage Bass Distortion are made by the same comapny in Denmark so it is no suprise the sound pretty much the same. They were ok pedals for me when i tried them....not much loss of low end, but seemed to be more Fuzz than an overdrive sound.....also to my ears they seemed to lose a little note definition....and at an almost $300.00 dollar street price brand new i just thought there was better stuff out there....
 
#15
Since you're going to be running direct, there are very few good choices IMO. 99% of distortions and overdrives sound terrible direct since they need a tweeterless cab to roll off the extreme highs.

The AGRO is at the top of the list, rack it up with the U5 and you're done.
 
#17
Ah you guys rock!

I'm gonna go to bass central later this week to pick up a cab. The EBS sounds great! I'll definitely give it a go. Also the AGRO. See what else they have. I'll also run by GC to check out the muff'n and the others you guys mentioned. Unfortunately I can't get anything to obscure because I need this in about a week and really wanna play them first. I'm lucky I have BC near by to try the stuff they carry that no one else does...
 
#18
Also (didn't want to start a new topic) when I was playing today, my soundguy said he loved the sound of my avalon, but as he brought it to my attention, the low B string is absolutely earth shattering (thank you EBMM) and the rest of my notes are a bit quieter. We talked about compressors. I really don't want to go with a rack, but I want that subtle studio comp sound. Just to level out the playing a bit. Not the gimmicky (sorry if you love it :) ) sounding squash that a lot of pedals seem to be about. I've read a bit on here and like the sound of the EBS multi comp. It's hard to tell from sound samples because most of them have only the wet sound and no dry sound to compare it to. I think it might be good for what I'm looking for (just to leave it engaged constantly) and stick it it front of the Avalon.

Any thoughts on how this would work for me?
 
#19
pickles said:
Since you're going to be running direct, there are very few good choices IMO. 99% of distortions and overdrives sound terrible direct since they need a tweeterless cab to roll off the extreme highs.

The AGRO is at the top of the list, rack it up with the U5 and you're done.
Click to expand...

Oh, and don't worry about the extreme highs, I use the highcut on the avalon and it does -3dB at 8kHz and above... I like how it tames my ray 5 a bit. I'm hoping it will keep the overdrive under control too.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back