Is the Source Audio BEF pro still worth it?

[RexxRokket]

The title pretty much says everything. Considering all the options available these days, would be a good choice to get a SA BEF pro?

I found one but I can't test it since it is far away (there's not even one EF locally). I want an EF on my analog board and thought that this one could be a good choice. Has anyone around here tested it and compared it with some others EFs, if so, what do you think?

There's also a Digitech Bass Synth Wah around, but not close enough.

(Yeah I have seen videos and read threads and all that stuff, just looking for updated opinions and some advice, that's all).

 

[Kijuer]

I had both the BEF Pro and the Manta, both from Source Audio. Despite the BEF Pro has more controls and an EQ sections I felt it was never "strong" enough. It felt like my tone was "losing strength" through it. I wasn't able to dial in a "cutting" sound, it always sounded weak and blurry. OTOH, the Manta was brutal (in a good way) but it sounded a lot more "artificial".

To sum it up: I wouldn't pick any of the two again today.

I found the T-wah settings on the Boss MD-500 to be absolutely perfect, but that's a multi-fx unit and I honestly can't tell you if its "T-wah" effect is the same of the original "T-wah" pedal :-/

 

[Nunovsky]

The title pretty much says everything. Considering all the options available these days, would be a good choice to get a SA BEF pro?

I found one but I can't test it since it is far away (there's not even one EF locally). I want an EF on my analog board and thought that this one could be a good choice. Has anyone around here tested it and compared it with some others EFs, if so, what do you think?

There's also a Digitech Bass Synth Wah around, but not close enough.

(Yeah I have seen videos and read threads and all that stuff, just looking for updated opinions and some advice, that's all).

I had one and I really liked it. If you don't mind about the size (which was the main reason I eventually sold it) it's a solid envelope filter that can deliver a lot of tones. And the prices have been quite low on the used market.

 

[rsmith601]

The title pretty much says everything. Considering all the options available these days, would be a good choice to get a SA BEF pro?

I found one but I can't test it since it is far away (there's not even one EF locally). I want an EF on my analog board and thought that this one could be a good choice. Has anyone around here tested it and compared it with some others EFs, if so, what do you think?

There's also a Digitech Bass Synth Wah around, but not close enough.

(Yeah I have seen videos and read threads and all that stuff, just looking for updated opinions and some advice, that's all).

We don't make it anymore, but it was one of our most successful products for a long time.

 

[RexxRokket]

We don't make it anymore, but it was one of our most successful products for a long time.

I see, but how does it compare to your newer units such as the Spectrum soundwise?

 

[bassbrad]

The BEF is interesting as a collectors item but if you can the Spectrum or C4 is money better spent. IMHO the Spectrum and C4 are far beyond in capabilities and sound over the BEF. While the BEF was the beginning and offers the EQ and six presets and was state of the art in its day. Fast forward to the Spectrum that offers a more flexible programming tool through Neuro as well as the vast user Library. It is an Envelope Filter, Octaver, Distortion, Modulation that offers several wave forms - it is dual engines that can be configured stereo, parallel, series or to have separate operation depending on your routing. 128 memory locations accessible by midi is a fun plus.

The C4 for a bit more money can do all that but adds full 4 voice mono synth capabilities. Both are bargains of value.

 

[Aloe]

I still use the first-gen BEF (non-pro). I had Manta, but eventually traded Manta and left the BEF. also had MXR envelope filter and EBS BassIQ.

pro BEF is a unique pedal. it's a mix of EQ and envelope filter pedals. do you really need this mix despite the large size? it's up to you.

 

[FilterFunk]

Loved mine, but I have other pedals that get me closer to what I want and need.

The "backpage" features on the BEF Pro are no joke, they're easier to use than I thought they'd be, and I like the fact that it's all right there on the pedal. The EQ alone is great!

Dang...I think I want another BEF Pro...