• 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.

How to tame the volume ?

Tymophil

Tymophil

Aug 16, 2006
74
10
#1
Hi all,

Here is my problem. I play in a cover band, and I try to have my tone match the mood of the song. My band mates are quite happy with this... or not...

Because, unfortunately, if I change the settings on my bass (EQ, pickups balance), the volume changes quite dramatically.

I use a multi-effect pedal that can substitute for the changes, and get me a volume that doesn't vary.

But I get a better tone by changing settings on the bass. But then, as I stated, I get a volume that changes too much to be useful.

Is there a trick/device to insure that any setting on the bass would produce the same volume whatever the EQ/pickup balance ?
 
#8
It would to a certain extent, but one requirement of using compression is liking what it does, and if the volume changes are all over the map, compression might have limited use unless you squash the bejabbers out of your signal.
 
#9
JimmyM said:
It would to a certain extent, but one requirement of using compression is liking what it does, and if the volume changes are all over the map, compression might have limited use unless you squash the bejabbers out of your signal.
Click to expand...
As someone who DOES like what compression does, I agree. IMO the best approach is a volume pedal, or careful use of the volume knob on the bass or the amp. One way or another, if you're going to change your sound in a way that causes a jump or drop in volume, you have to have equal ability to compensate for that with a volume control--preferably one that is not inherently changing your dynamics at the same time.
 
#10
I'm surprised that you're getting THAT much difference out of a bit of knob-twiddling on the bass itself...but then I am a passive player. I know that playing with a passive tone control can change the apparent volume of your sound, just by emphasising frequencies that cut through the mix more prominently, but I've never really found an appreciable loss of signal unless I wind the tone right down to <1. Are you playing an active bass and pushing the bass or treble boost right up for certain songs?
 
#11
AuntieBeeb said:
I'm surprised that you're getting THAT much difference out of a bit of knob-twiddling on the bass itself...but then I am a passive player. I know that playing with a passive tone control can change the apparent volume of your sound, just by emphasising frequencies that cut through the mix more prominently, but I've never really found an appreciable loss of signal unless I wind the tone right down to <1. Are you playing an active bass and pushing the bass or treble boost right up for certain songs?
Click to expand...
My bass is active, and EQ and/or pickup balance do change dramatically the volume.
 
#12
nikolozj said:
is your bass active? do you use active (built in pre-amp) volume pot to change volume?
Click to expand...
My preamp is active (MEC for a P/J pickups config). There are two knobs to cut/boost treble and bass, one knob to balance pickups and a volume knob.

If I boost any band (bass or treble) the boost in volume is big to huge. If I have the balance between pickups in favor of one over the other, once again, the boost is quite big.
 
#13
I had this problem with my gear. I go from two different active basses (with different output levels) and an upright (with another substancial output difference). What I did was get a Sansamp Programmable BDI pedal. It has three programmable settings that I can put different volume and EQ levels on. I have one for each bass.
 
#14
Yeah, if you're dramatically changing eq, that'll do it. I agree that a volume pedal is the simplest solution, especially if you're already effects. A compressor or limiter could work too, but if you compensate for too extreme a difference, you'll compress/limit all the dynamics and feel out of your playing.

Another option, if there's only two main volume levels you're running into would be to use a pedal as a gain boost. For instance, take a pedal with just a mild effect (I've done this with both overdrive and chorus pedals), turn the gain knob up a tad on the pedal, and zero out the effect level, then turn on the pedal when you need the boost. Its not a great option, as this will definitely effect you're overall tone, and is far less versatile than a volume pedal, but if you need a quick, cheap fix using only things you already have, it could be a temporary fix.
 
#17
bassgod0dmw said:
Why add a volume pedal when you could just use the volume knob on the bass? It's going to accomplish the same exact thing, unless you're running the pedal in the FX loop of the amp.

I also agree with using a comp.
Click to expand...

The advantage of a volume pedal is you can change/tweak the volume while you are playing. With the volume knob you have to stop playing and guess at the volume change with the knob.

If it's not right you have to stop playing again, etc.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back