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Mike Kroeger's tone(nickleback)

#2
I don't think it really matterrs. If you get his rig, his sound engineer, and his sound engineer's equipment you may be able to copy it. You're not going to be able to copy his recorded tone live with just buying his rig. What is it you like about his sound?
 
#5
I've been listening to Nickelback for several years now, and I'm as tired of the radio stuff as much as the next guy, but I still really like them.

From the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] website:

For Nickelback’s most recent tour, Mike has brought five Spector basses: two U.S. Series models (a bolt-on fretless and a neck-through fretted) and three Czech-made Europe Series models. Mike likes his Ernie Ball strings (.045–.130) to sound crisp, so Shuu usually changes them every show. Each bass is fitted with a transmitter for a Sennheiser EW300 wireless system. “The wireless packs have a pad switch for 0dB, –10dB, –20dB, or –30dB attenuation,” says Shuu. “Those Spectors have such a hot signal I have to take Mike’s signal down 30dB, or else it could blow everything up.” The packs run on different frequencies, so Shuu uses a Coleman Audio switcher to route the appropriate signal to Kroeger’s rig.

The signal chain’s first link is a Vox V850 volume pedal, which Shuu works from offstage. Next comes an Avalon U5 DI/preamp, followed by a Peavey VSX crossover. His low frequencies go to a Peavey Kosmos subharmonic generator, followed by one Peavey PRO 500 head; the head’s preamp-out jack feeds a Peavey GPS 2600 power amp, which pumps into two Peavey PRO 115 1x15 cabinets. The highs go from the crossover into a Morley switcher box, which Shuu uses to toggle between Mike’s clean and distorted sounds. In the clean position, his signal goes to a second Peavey PRO 500/GPS 2600 combination powering two Peavey 8x10 cabinets; one cabinet is ported and one is sealed. In the dirty position, the signal goes to the PRO 500/GPS 2600 as well as to a Peavey Triple XXX guitar head followed by a Triple XXX 4x12 guitar cabinet. As a result of this bi-amped configuration, Kroeger always gets clean low-end support through the 1x15s, whether he’s distorted or not. The house gets four signals: a mic signal from one of the 1x15s, a mic from one of the 8x10s, a mic from the 4x12, plus a direct line from the Avalon.
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Unless you need to play stadiums, I think you could get away with a decent Spector bass, his FX setup, and a Peavey combo. It won't be perfect, but it'll be darn close.

:bassist:
 
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#6
Hate to rain on your parade but he still uses his Warwick Thumbs in the studio. Not the Spectors. I have it on good authority. Nuff said.

As I agree with the other folks, you are not going to get his recorded tone live. But, that doesn't mean you should work towards that end if that is the tone you want.
 
#9
BigMikeW said:
Hate to rain on your parade but he still uses his Warwick Thumbs in the studio. Not the Spectors. I have it on good authority. Nuff said.

As I agree with the other folks, you are not going to get his recorded tone live. But, that doesn't mean you should work towards that end if that is the tone you want.
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That's like cheating on your girlfriend with her sister:D

Seriously though, does he really use Warwicks in the studio? He's one of, if not THE biggest endorser for Spector. Would be a bit ironic if he recorded with Warwicks. I like it, though!
 
#10
I think Mike has a great tone ... people shouldn't put the "I hate Nickelback" thing in their reviews.. ..
I had that feeling reading this responses ....maybe I'm wrong.
This is not a thread about Nickelback BUT it's a specific question about Mike's tone.
I agree that everyone should find it's voice and not try to copy other bass tones, but there are references around...as far as speaking of the "tone" ... surely he's one of mine, his spectors or warwicks sound awsome.
 
#11
last time I talked to Mike it was still Spector-ville w/ EMG HZs being the big deal. Massive Passive. And a blend of U5, Peavey rig, and Triple X half stack.

I wouldn't doubt there are other basses being used, recording is recording and going for certain sounds for certain songs so why not switch it up.


besides, it really is about the player anyway at the end of the day.
 
#14
Sleeq said:
i didnt notice anything special about his tone...

or playing for that matter...

(my opinion)
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I don't notice anything special about Marcus's tone but there are plenty of people who would disagree with me. It's a matter of taste. What you think is a great tone might suck to others, and vice versa. If the OP likes his tone, who is anyone else to say he's wrong?
 
#15
i didn't intend to start any flame wars; usually we ask about "unique" (also very subjective) tone that many (or most) bassists want to learn. Such as Jaco, Geddy, etc.

To me just getting a five string active bass with rounds will get you "very close" to that tone, since there is, IMO, nothing sensational about the tone I hear on their songs.
 
#16
Secret to the sound of Nickelback:

42-18850794.jpg
 
#19
Up to "The Long Road" CD, Mike did use Warwicks in the studio. On 2005's "All The Right Reasons" he used Spectors. That's right from him, not some cooked up rumor. Just listen to that CD and it's the signature Spector sound.

BTW, Mike and Graham Maby are who made me a Spector player. That tone and sustain, nice.
 

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