I need Rig/Pedalboard Advise

Oct 3, 2024
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Hi all,

my name is Nils. Im searching for some help/advise with my pedalboard. At the moment i play a lot of rock, funk , fusion and hip hop. I tried to build a pedalboard and bass rig to fit all my needs. At the moment im a little bit lost with my Pedalboard. One of my question is about the Pedalorder im using at the moment. I know there is no right or wrong but something feels odd:thumbsdown:.

Atm moment im using in Order:

Bass (mostly fender Pbass)
Tuner (pitchblack)
Tech 21 bass driver Di (i dont need the DI....any idears for a Preamp?)
Keeley Bassist Compressor (Im thinking about gettin an cali76)
Boss OC2
an Old EHX quetron//big box (should i switch it?)
Way Huge Pork&Pickle
Jam Pedal The Rattler bass edition
tc electronics SCF Chorus//Flanger
Sushi Box finally bass in mind Di out
Genzler magellan 800 1x12,2x10,1x15 all bass array

It would be great if can get some tipps or tricks.?......maybe some of these pedals dont work well with others.??.......Just feel free to give me so thoughts

:hyper::bassist::thumbsup:🥸

Greetings&Groovings
Nils
 
Is the BDDI used just for drive or is it an always on preamp?
You don’t need DI, just using the Magellan?

If so, try the BDDI at the end of the chain before the Finally, or try taking it out altogether and see what you like. That’s a different preamp because of the amp and cab sim. Many people don’t like that into the front of their amp.
 
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Not sure what your ultimate goals are but here is what I would do:

1. Drop the Tech21 BDDI unless you are using it as an alternate flavor for a completely different tone than your amp. If you are using it as the preamp that you mainly use I would move it last in the chain and and consider dropping it straight into the power amp of you head (Bypassing the preamp of your head) or running your head completely flat.
2. The Keely is fine but I prefer the Cali76. Depends on what you are trying to do with it. In my case I run it first in my signal chain to kind of tame my super hot Spector basses. Depending upon what you are using it for placing it before and after the drive pedals to see which you prefer would be recommended.
3. Not sure what the application is for the P&P but I would think the Rattler can give you anything that it can unless you are just looking for 2 flavors of drive or using the P&P or the Rattler as more of a Fuzz.
 
Is the BDDI used just for drive or is it an always on preamp?
You don’t need DI, just using the Magellan?

If so, try the BDDI at the end of the chain before the Finally, or try taking it out altogether and see what you like. That’s a different preamp because of the amp and cab sim. Many people don’t like that into the front of their amp.
Hi, i use the BDDI as a preamp atm........so its kind of an always on Pedal for me.
Often I cant use the magellan DI cause i just take my board and bass for giggs. Thanks m8
 
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Not sure what your ultimate goals are but here is what I would do:

1. Drop the Tech21 BDDI unless you are using it as an alternate flavor for a completely different tone than your amp. If you are using it as the preamp that you mainly use I would move it last in the chain and and consider dropping it straight into the power amp of you head (Bypassing the preamp of your head) or running your head completely flat.
2. The Keely is fine but I prefer the Cali76. Depends on what you are trying to do with it. In my case I run it first in my signal chain to kind of tame my super hot Spector basses. Depending upon what you are using it for placing it before and after the drive pedals to see which you prefer would be recommended.
3. Not sure what the application is for the P&P but I would think the Rattler can give you anything that it can unless you are just looking for 2 flavors of drive or using the P&P or the Rattler as more of a Fuzz.
Hey! Thanks for the replay. I use P&P as fuzz and the rattler ass an overdrive. I have read that a lot of people put their Preams at the front of the chain so i put it there. or ist the BDDI just not a good preamp?

My goal is to get some knowledge and i want to know if im on the right way....:D i know there are so many different opinions but maybe i do some minor mistakes.
 
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Hi, i use the BDDI as a preamp atm........so its kind of an always on Pedal for me.
Often I cant use the magellan DI cause i just take my board and bass for giggs. Thanks m8

Gotcha. Definitely try BDDI at end of chain or without. The BDDI is a great preamp, just depends on taste and how and where you use it. Others may disagree but I just don't think that preamp would work well before all the other stuff in the chain. If you just aren't in love with the tone of it, there are many other preamps out there. You talked about the Keeley. It is a good compressor, but I can't recommend the Cali76 enough. I was about through with compression until I got the Cali. Another thought with that in mind, if you didn't like the tone of the BDDI, there is the new Darkglass Luminal Booster which is a clean preamp with lots of tweakability and it also has a compressor. I cannot speak to it as it is new and I haven't tried it out but it seems to be getting good reviews.
 
Gotcha. Definitely try BDDI at end of chain or without. The BDDI is a great preamp, just depends on taste and how and where you use it. Others may disagree but I just don't think that preamp would work well before all the other stuff in the chain. If you just aren't in love with the tone of it, there are many other preamps out there. You talked about the Keeley. It is a good compressor, but I can't recommend the Cali76 enough. I was about through with compression until I got the Cali. Another thought with that in mind, if you didn't like the tone of the BDDI, there is the new Darkglass Luminal Booster which is a clean preamp with lots of tweakability and it also has a compressor. I cannot speak to it as it is new and I haven't tried it out but it seems to be getting good reviews.
Yeah i have heard the cali is like the gold standart....maybe i should get one. The old ehx pedal gives me a hard time too......i kind of love it and kind of hate it....its so hard to find the sweet spot....and it seems to react different every day

Electro Harmonix Qtron (Big Box)

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https://reverb.com/fr/item/48953160-electro-harmonix-qtron-big-box&psig=AOvVaw0ychWFUd5_QYYS1aEntyil&ust=1728049770863000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCNjo15qt8ogDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAh
:(
 
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Hi Nils,

you have a nice selection of pedals on your board.

My approach would be:

As mentioned above, put bass driver di before finally or even after it and all the dirt after oc-2 and before the filter. Then try moving the compressor back in the chain, one pedal at the time and try different setting too. Maybe it's not the Keeley but its position in your chain.
 
Hi Nils,

you have a nice selection of pedals on your board.

My approach would be:

As mentioned above, put bass driver di before finally or even after it and all the dirt after oc-2 and before the filter. Then try moving the compressor back in the chain, one pedal at the time and try different setting too. Maybe it's not the Keeley but its position in your chain.
Alright so the most would put the tech21//any other preamp at the or close to the end it seems. Im rly thankful! But to change my compressor was always on my mind. Do you guys have any envelope filters who would be great in my set up (im thinking about a Discumbobulator instead of the big ehx envelope)?
 
I typically try to have my OC-2 in the front of the chain for tracking purposes, usually after my compressor. Some people like the compressor at the end but I've had success with it in the front. As mentioned above I would move the tech driver further back in the chain.
Good luck and have fun with it.
 
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Hi all,

my name is Nils. Im searching for some help/advise with my pedalboard. At the moment i play a lot of rock, funk , fusion and hip hop. I tried to build a pedalboard and bass rig to fit all my needs. At the moment im a little bit lost with my Pedalboard. One of my question is about the Pedalorder im using at the moment. I know there is no right or wrong but something feels odd:thumbsdown:.

Atm moment im using in Order:

Bass (mostly fender Pbass)
Tuner (pitchblack)
Tech 21 bass driver Di (i dont need the DI....any idears for a Preamp?)
Keeley Bassist Compressor (Im thinking about gettin an cali76)
Boss OC2
an Old EHX quetron//big box (should i switch it?)
Way Huge Pork&Pickle
Jam Pedal The Rattler bass edition
tc electronics SCF Chorus//Flanger
Sushi Box finally bass in mind Di out
Genzler magellan 800 1x12,2x10,1x15 all bass array

It would be great if can get some tipps or tricks.?......maybe some of these pedals dont work well with others.??.......Just feel free to give me so thoughts

:hyper::bassist::thumbsup:🥸

Greetings&Groovings
Nils
Nils, take out the DI's. Get a limiter and EQ.
Also, remember the compressor; it has a big effect on the OD and Qtron. I turn mine off before engaging qtron (also big box, but considering going micro)
Other than that, the order is OK, but you can experiment a little, like moving the envelope and OD around.
 
Nils, take out the DI's. Get a limiter and EQ.
Also, remember the compressor; it has a big effect on the OD and Qtron. I turn mine off before engaging qtron (also big box, but considering going micro)
Other than that, the order is OK, but you can experiment a little, like moving the envelope and OD around.
The one DI is my preamp at the moment......the other (finally) i need for recordings....

Also i tried a smaller newer qtron from EHX but it sounds wierd to me....
 
I know there is no right or wrong but something feels odd:thumbsdown:.


Yep, the best order depends on the specific sound qualities you want.

The problem may be one specific pedal or it may be an interaction between two or more pedals.

Some strategies.

1. Remove one pedal at a time until the odd quality goes away.
2. Totally disassemble the pedalboard and rebuild it one pedal at a time until the oddness appears.
3. Experiment with all combinations of pedals in pairs. Try each pair of pedal ordered 1,2 and 2,1. It can be helpful to take notes on you observations. You may find some sounds you want to document, so you can quickly reorder your pedals to meet different sound goals.


When you have a lot of pedals, you may want to try the half split method. Basically you break the signal path in half and play through both to see which half is producing the weird quality. After you identify which group of pedals is causing the problem, you can opt for another half split or proceed by removing one pedal at a time.
 
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I have been operating on a totally new theory of pedal placement recently that has been working better for me - the more often it's on, the later in the chain it goes. It's easier to dial in tones, hunt down noise, avoid unnecessary pedals, etc. Even try modulations earlier in the chain than is orthodox, and don't move them back unless they actually sound bad.
 
Lots of great ideas and suggestions in this thread. This is my current baz board. I also am all over the place for different projects. With this board, I can find myself covering lots of ground across genre's and era if i'm doing covers or just want to incorporate different feels into my music.

For standard popular and/or rock music, I'll just go: compressor, SuperVintage for EQ/ a lil gain into the amp. & I will utilize the other things as needed.

The signal chain here is: Tuner > Compressor > both going into Radial ABY > SIGNAL PATH A: MXR Octave > MXR Envelop Filter > Origin Effects SuperVintage BassRig > TC Looper > Amp (GK Legacy 800). SIGNAL PATH B: out of the ABY > DOD Meatbox Sub Synth > Radial Pro D2.

I have 3 choices for a DI signal in my rig depending on the playing scenario: I can use the Origin SVT DI which has the 8x10 cab simulator on it. The DI from the Radio PRO D2 which is Signal B so it's the clean bass and/or the DOD subsynth (massive subs), or the DI from the GK Legacy if i want to incorporate the contour switch from that head into the house system.

*note I don't run the DOD subsynth into bass amps as they don't really reproduce those frequencies in any type of real way. I only run the Meatbox through a mixer connected to a subwoofer then you REALLY feel what that pedal is meant to do. it will rattle your soul guaranteed.

So, similar to the OP, i like to play all types of music as well: rock, RnB, hip hop- which is where the DOD Meatbox shines for the more modern 808-based music. It lets you get into that realm of low end frequencies with a bass guitar and not only a synth. lots of fun.

I've used all the food groups of basses with this rig. Right now it's a Lakland 5 string through this board, into a GK legacy 800.

and yes everyone should try out the revised version of the Cali76. No, it will not crush your dynamics once you learn how to dial it in to taste.

-thad

baz pedalboard.png
 
Lots of great ideas and suggestions in this thread. This is my current baz board. I also am all over the place for different projects. With this board, I can find myself covering lots of ground across genre's and era if i'm doing covers or just want to incorporate different feels into my music.

For standard popular and/or rock music, I'll just go: compressor, SuperVintage for EQ/ a lil gain into the amp. & I will utilize the other things as needed.

The signal chain here is: Tuner > Compressor > both going into Radial ABY > SIGNAL PATH A: MXR Octave > MXR Envelop Filter > Origin Effects SuperVintage BassRig > TC Looper > Amp (GK Legacy 800). SIGNAL PATH B: out of the ABY > DOD Meatbox Sub Synth > Radial Pro D2.

I have 3 choices for a DI signal in my rig depending on the playing scenario: I can use the Origin SVT DI which has the 8x10 cab simulator on it. The DI from the Radio PRO D2 which is Signal B so it's the clean bass and/or the DOD subsynth (massive subs), or the DI from the GK Legacy if i want to incorporate the contour switch from that head into the house system.

*note I don't run the DOD subsynth into bass amps as they don't really reproduce those frequencies in any type of real way. I only run the Meatbox through a mixer connected to a subwoofer then you REALLY feel what that pedal is meant to do. it will rattle your soul guaranteed.

So, similar to the OP, i like to play all types of music as well: rock, RnB, hip hop- which is where the DOD Meatbox shines for the more modern 808-based music. It lets you get into that realm of low end frequencies with a bass guitar and not only a synth. lots of fun.

I've used all the food groups of basses with this rig. Right now it's a Lakland 5 string through this board, into a GK legacy 800.

and yes everyone should try out the revised version of the Cali76. No, it will not crush your dynamics once you learn how to dial it in to taste.

-thad

View attachment 7045189
What a nice board! I would like to have some kind of overdrive in my chain.....where would u put it on your board?
 
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