I'm also discovering how useful boost pedals are, especially with envelope filters
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the studio one is great. i've been using one for many years now. having said that, the messenger is not all that different (i own one of these also). also, putting a hpf / lpf pedal in front of your favorite "colored" preamp will get you there too, i do this too. i love the hpf/lpf pedal in front of my api preamp, and my xotic rc bass booster, as well as others (tube preamps, etc)
You and I are reading from the same sheet of music (well, tab for me as I can't read
). The more preamps that I tried over the past few years, the more I realized that I really need to have an HPF (tame boominess and tighten up the bass), HPF (mostly string noise), and sweepable mids (switching between basses and especially fretless). I'm probably going to keep either the S1 or the Messenger Jr. - I have heard from most ppl that the Messenger isn't all that different, and it's smaller, and I like having a seperate boost, so we'll see what works best.
I picked up a few boost pedals and I'm looking at a few more. I used to have a Phat Phuk that I miss, and I have a few (tube, FET, and germanium, reel preamp, etc.) on the way, so more fun for me!!! I'm looking more for colored boost as opposed to a clean boost. I dig what the SMB does, and I'm loving the germanium boost in the Broadcast.
Who would have thought a simple pedal (boost) would be so much fun!
I have 3 independent boost pedals.You and I are reading from the same sheet of music (well, tab for me as I can't read
I'm probably going to keep either the S1 or the Messenger Jr. - I have heard from most ppl that the Messenger isn't all that different, and it's smaller, and I like having a seperate boost, so we'll see what works best.
I picked up a few boost pedals and I'm looking at a few more. I used to have a Phat Phuk that I miss, and I have a few (tube, FET, and germanium, reel preamp, etc.) on the way, so more fun for me!!! I'm looking more for colored boost as opposed to a clean boost. I dig what the SMB does, and I'm loving the germanium boost in the Broadcast.
Who would have thought a simple pedal (boost) would be so much fun!
1. F-Pedals clean boost it was like $19.00 usd & small it's a keeper. Not on a board currently.
2. Hagerman Value Boost I'd call it clean with tube warmth. It's staying unless I get an RFE.
3. SBM Neve vibe has that certain something I can't describe but most definitely like. Another keeper. Right now it's after my Messenger Jr but long-term it will feed MSJ.
Then I have 2 OD pedals with clean boost built-in both have tons of volume/gain on tap Rodenberg LDB Deluxe pedal eats up to much pedalboard space eventually I'll need to sale it. Hamstead Subspace has clean boost once again tons volume/gain on tap. Great pedal to good to let go of for now anyway. MBD is winning that spot on my board solely because of its ease of use. The Subspace has more options than any pedal I own which tends to have me tweaking it all the time. While the MBD has better low end umph/response and tends to make me tweak around less.
You mentioned several pedals idlike to try one day.
The Hagerman's are on my list as well. More GAS and "catch and release"
ALWAYS feel free to hit me up if you want dibs on anything that I buy. I'll gladly let any of y'all have first crack at something before I offer it to the general public if I decide to sell.
Just to cast another oddball your way: Have you ever looked at the Audio Kitchen Fake Plastic Trees ?
After trying out a load of preamps and drive pedals this one really struck a nerve with me, and an odd one, to be precise. This is the one pedal that has so many sweet spots that I really can't decide what to do with it.
I currently have it on the board I use for dub sessions because it can do a terrific version of a growling low end synth, especially coupled with a Fuzzrocious BDPG, but it also is great to impersonate a tube amp that is set to 101%.
I found it special and very different from anything else I ever touched. On top of that, it's not that easy to get a hold of and it is expensive.
After trying out a load of preamps and drive pedals this one really struck a nerve with me, and an odd one, to be precise. This is the one pedal that has so many sweet spots that I really can't decide what to do with it.
I currently have it on the board I use for dub sessions because it can do a terrific version of a growling low end synth, especially coupled with a Fuzzrocious BDPG, but it also is great to impersonate a tube amp that is set to 101%.
I found it special and very different from anything else I ever touched. On top of that, it's not that easy to get a hold of and it is expensive.
I *have* heard of it, and would love to try it one of these days. LMK if you think of parting with yours
Edit: and Damn GAS, there are a few available on Reverb ...
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Ooo, do share here? Curious how you're comboing the two and whether or not that's something I need to explore as well!
5sg.
I always seen envelope filters as an extension of the instrument - they are all different and respond differently to various basses. The most obvious use is matching the load of active/passive basses (using a boost to match two basses levels), but also I love setting a filter to just barely trigger under normal play and then kick in thick and juicy (with a boost) for a solo or chorus. Plus, playing with the different boost levels brings different tones and responses. Cool stuff.Ooo, do share here? Curious how you're comboing the two and whether or not that's something I need to explore as well!
5sg.
And I dunno, maybe I just have a weird definition of fun ;-)
I noticed that I picked up a couple of console-type preamps lately. I was looking for Neve in a pedal, ended up with a few options.
Hudson Broadcast - no EQ, but has the best dirt amongst the bunch - sounds like an overdriven console in a really good way. The version that I have has the germanium boost options, so that is also super helpful. I'm really digging this, I'm trying to find a place on a board for it.
Broughton Studio One - the hype is real. Sounds great, has three essentials (HPF, LPF, sweepable mids) plus a nice sweet touch of tone boost. It DOES sounds different than the SBM+Messenger Jr. - the S1 has some sort of compression-type tone (or maybe it's an ultra smooth slight clipping) to it that smooths the sound out - the SBM+Mjr doesn't have this. Impossible for me to get any dirt on this without a seperate "boost" pedal, at least for me.
Broughton Studio Mini Boost+Messenger - Again, the hype is real. The SBM adds that Neve sweetness, and the Messenger Jr is pristine and responsive, again, with three of the essentials. It's more flexible IMO than the S1 - the S1 has a compressor type smoothness that you can't get rid of; the Mjr sounds cleaner, but with the SBM I can get some nice hair/dirt out of this - nothing too fuzzy, but some nice console style clipping.
JHS Colourbox - Great all around pedal. Perhaps not fair as it's not made specifically for bass, but I find it limiting for bass - the HPF is useless for bass and it overdrives almost too easily in the lower settings and not easily enough in the higher settings. The OD gets harsh very quickly - too harsh for my tastes for the most part, but it's a nice clipping at lower levels. All of that said, it does sound great in certain situations - it adds a good amount of console tone "magic", and if I want clean with lots of really, really good EQ then it's the box to go to. I keep thinking of selling this, then keep thinking about how useful it is and how it sounds great in certain situations.
Grace Designs ALiX - the best of the best, IMO. Even flat, the tone is more dynamic and full - sounds incredible. The EQ is super responsive, and the DI is great. Add a boost switch and HPF and a ton of other options. This one is a winner, and it's no wonder that I have it paired with a Noble.
Origin DCX Bass - probably the most bass friendly of the bunch. The OD is up there with the Broadcast, but it's more flexible. The console tone is definitely there, and it's one of the most touch-sensitive OD boxes out there. Great box, killer tones.
I'll probably be putting the SBM+Mjr up for sale - I really like the combo, but I need an "all-in-one" so the S1 edges them out. Still thinking about putting the JHS up as well, I figure if I need one down the road I can always pick one up ..
Hudson Broadcast - no EQ, but has the best dirt amongst the bunch - sounds like an overdriven console in a really good way. The version that I have has the germanium boost options, so that is also super helpful. I'm really digging this, I'm trying to find a place on a board for it.
Broughton Studio One - the hype is real. Sounds great, has three essentials (HPF, LPF, sweepable mids) plus a nice sweet touch of tone boost. It DOES sounds different than the SBM+Messenger Jr. - the S1 has some sort of compression-type tone (or maybe it's an ultra smooth slight clipping) to it that smooths the sound out - the SBM+Mjr doesn't have this. Impossible for me to get any dirt on this without a seperate "boost" pedal, at least for me.
Broughton Studio Mini Boost+Messenger - Again, the hype is real. The SBM adds that Neve sweetness, and the Messenger Jr is pristine and responsive, again, with three of the essentials. It's more flexible IMO than the S1 - the S1 has a compressor type smoothness that you can't get rid of; the Mjr sounds cleaner, but with the SBM I can get some nice hair/dirt out of this - nothing too fuzzy, but some nice console style clipping.
JHS Colourbox - Great all around pedal. Perhaps not fair as it's not made specifically for bass, but I find it limiting for bass - the HPF is useless for bass and it overdrives almost too easily in the lower settings and not easily enough in the higher settings. The OD gets harsh very quickly - too harsh for my tastes for the most part, but it's a nice clipping at lower levels. All of that said, it does sound great in certain situations - it adds a good amount of console tone "magic", and if I want clean with lots of really, really good EQ then it's the box to go to. I keep thinking of selling this, then keep thinking about how useful it is and how it sounds great in certain situations.
Grace Designs ALiX - the best of the best, IMO. Even flat, the tone is more dynamic and full - sounds incredible. The EQ is super responsive, and the DI is great. Add a boost switch and HPF and a ton of other options. This one is a winner, and it's no wonder that I have it paired with a Noble.
Origin DCX Bass - probably the most bass friendly of the bunch. The OD is up there with the Broadcast, but it's more flexible. The console tone is definitely there, and it's one of the most touch-sensitive OD boxes out there. Great box, killer tones.
I'll probably be putting the SBM+Mjr up for sale - I really like the combo, but I need an "all-in-one" so the S1 edges them out. Still thinking about putting the JHS up as well, I figure if I need one down the road I can always pick one up ..
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Great feedback. In the same category, you should also have tried the Caveman BP1, the Caveman BP1 compact, and Rheingold BP2 IMO
You and I are reading from the same sheet of music (well, tab for me as I can't read
I'm probably going to keep either the S1 or the Messenger Jr. - I have heard from most ppl that the Messenger isn't all that different, and it's smaller, and I like having a seperate boost, so we'll see what works best.
I picked up a few boost pedals and I'm looking at a few more. I used to have a Phat Phuk that I miss, and I have a few (tube, FET, and germanium, reel preamp, etc.) on the way, so more fun for me!!! I'm looking more for colored boost as opposed to a clean boost. I dig what the SMB does, and I'm loving the germanium boost in the Broadcast.
Who would have thought a simple pedal (boost) would be so much fun!
I've been using Fdeck-3 HPF for years. An essential tool, IMO. I recently invested in a Broughton Audio HP+LP that is excellent and also provides additional gain/boost.
Great feedback. In the same category, you should also have tried the Caveman BP1, the Caveman BP1 compact, and Rheingold BP2 IMO
Rheingold BP2 you say? I have not heard of it until now, and now ... GAS! Looks pretty interesting! Have you tried it? This is going to the top of the list, along with the Fake Elastic Trees pedal. I really need to get rid of a few things tho.
The Caveman is on my list to try, but it just seems so. .. expensive for no EQ. There's one in the classifieds for awhile, I have been toying with picking it up.
How are you using the RFE in conjunction with either of these setups.
Right now I'm using the RFE after the DCX. It's almost like a speaker sim, but I'm using teh EQ a little more for fretless. Works great!
*sigh* I originally wondered if the Hudson Broadcast was a Talkbass Flavor of the Month, but I've kept seeing the Hudson Broadcast come up here and there for long enough that it's now been added to my G.A.S. list.
$$$ is an issue for me as well, along with the size... Even the Compact seems unnecessarily large, and pedalboard space is always at a premium. I know pedals can be different in person than in Youtube demos, but I've not been impressed enough to overcome either of those things.
Hmm Hmm.... Haven't heard of this one. Will be interested in thoughts if you ever check one out.
5sg.
if you are constantly fighting boominess might i recommend switching to sealed cabs and buying an auraxlex gramma pad. i have done both and no long have to fight the bass frequencies or a hollow stage. it will render the HPF obsolete.
