New Origin Effects DCX Bass

[Evan J]

why the tuner in second? Usually the tuner goes first no? I mean there’s no rules but it’s the common setup.

Well it’s nothing to do with impedance or buffering or anything technical like that haha

I have a size 18 shoe and I kept accidentally stomping on the second gain stage of my Lucydreamer or a pedal next to it. This configuration let me use the edge of my shoe to tap the pedal without stomping on anything else.

 

[AlexMG]

has anyone compared the DCX Bass with the new SA Zio for bass?

 

[Johno Dunn]

has anyone compared the DCX Bass with the new SA Zio for bass?

Great question! I’ve had both, but at different times, so I can’t compare. I feel like they are targeting the same audience, just doing it differently. I sold the DCX, because at the time I had a Super Vintage as well. Now I have a Zio.

 

[johnk_10]

has anyone compared the DCX Bass with the new SA Zio for bass?

IMO, having both the ZIO bass and two DCX bass pedals, one wouldn't replace the other. The ZIO is more of a clean or mostly clean studio sounding preamp, whereas the the DCX can be used as a heavy overdrive if desired.

 

[Ian774]

In every video of the ZIO I’ve seen, I prefer the sound before the pedal is engaged. I see the DCX as a great tone enhancer. The ZIO changes the sound, but not in a pleasant way to my ears.

 

[GlassToMouth]

has anyone compared the DCX Bass with the new SA Zio for bass?

I'm looking at getting a Zio to go at the end of my chain. I'm currently using a Nux MLD NBP-5 at the end. Mainly for DI, HPF, and occasional solo boost as I keep it off by default. But the NUX HPF can't be adjusted on the fly, USB only. I like the thought of replacing it with something analog like the Zio. Plus the XLR on the NUX is really hot. I already have a C4 and an Atlas on my board. The DCX Bass is my first Origin product and it's definitely a winner.

 

[Erithon]

Thanks to compelling sound samples and good thread advice here, had to acquire a DCX to shootout against my longtime FTT Black Vehicle for my own ears to decide which stays.
Though the FTT's boost (pre- or post- drive) is a great feature, I don't use it enough to justify. The DCX betters it in every other way - a more consistently musical drive that doesn't bloat at higher settings, a *much* more versatile and pleasing eq, all in half-size footprint. Plus it more nicely jibes with the Jive, and other onboard saturators (Edison, Humboldt).

Slightly reluctant to sell the FTT, because the two together sound better than either alone. But I'm reaching saturation....saturation. And soon I'll have new room (and $) for ____? Maybe octave or synth, plus a mini boost before DCX. This board's nearing (subjective) perfection. Thanks!

View attachment 5346961

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's fascinating to hear someone else's take on these two pedals, especially since we drew different conclusions: I agree the footprint of the DCX Bass is superior and it beats the Black Vehicle at higher gain, but I disagree it's "a more consistently musical drive" and my ears prefer the Black Vehicle at lower gain (which is how I use overdrive).

If you are reluctant to sell the Black Vehicle and you think the two together sound better than either alone, why not run both to achieve that optimal sound? You say you are reaching saturation on your board, but it seems to me that there is room for both drives, even if you add in a suboctave or synth pedal and mini-boost. Your board currently has negative space which some clever tetris will allow you to utilize (for example, consider rotating the Humboldt and Black Vehicle 90 degrees). Plus the Humboldt, APEX, and Studio One have considerable overlap (compression with the Humboldt and APEX; EQ with the Humboldt and Studio One) so there might be some redundancy there--especially given you can EQ via your HX Stomp. Also the Night Owl Edison and TC Polytune 3 are great at what they do, but other pedals do the same thing with a smaller footprint: Sushi Box More, Broughton Audio Archetype Valve Boost, Peterson Strobostomp Mini.

 

[odarellmc]

I'm looking at getting a Zio to go at the end of my chain. I'm currently using a Nux MLD NBP-5 at the end. Mainly for DI, HPF, and occasional solo boost as I keep it off by default. But the NUX HPF can't be adjusted on the fly, USB only. I like the thought of replacing it with something analog like the Zio. Plus the XLR on the NUX is really hot. I already have a C4 and an Atlas on my board. The DCX Bass is my first Origin product and it's definitely a winner.

I think the zio would go first, how else would you send a clean signal to FOH?

 

[Jesuguru]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's fascinating to hear someone else's take on these two pedals, especially since we drew different conclusions: I agree the footprint of the DCX Bass is superior and it beats the Black Vehicle at higher gain, but I disagree it's "a more consistently musical drive" and my ears prefer the Black Vehicle at lower gain (which is how I use overdrive).

If you are reluctant to sell the Black Vehicle and you think the two together sound better than either alone, why not run both to achieve that optimal sound? You say you are reaching saturation on your board, but it seems to me that there is room for both drives, even if you add in a suboctave or synth pedal and mini-boost. Your board currently has negative space which some clever tetris will allow you to utilize (for example, consider rotating the Humboldt and Black Vehicle 90 degrees). Plus the Humboldt, APEX, and Studio One have considerable overlap (compression with the Humboldt and APEX; EQ with the Humboldt and Studio One) so there might be some redundancy there--especially given you can EQ via your HX Stomp. Also the Night Owl Edison and TC Polytune 3 are great at what they do, but other pedals do the same thing with a smaller footprint: Sushi Box More, Broughton Audio Archetype Valve Boost, Peterson Strobostomp Mini.

Fair points all! Well, except Humboldt's eq doesn't come close to the Studio One, which also offers HPF/LPF, semi-para mids, and "special sauce" from the gain. And the compression on the Apex and Humboldt are quite different in character, complimentary rather than redundant. Apex is more transparent and adjustable, while the Humboldt adds color with transformer saturation - more of a tasty effect for me than pure compression alone. Highly recommended pedal!
I haven't had success with the couple of Sushi pedals I've tried for various reasons (one was quite noisy), though I know they have a deserved fanbase. I may try again someday, he's got some intriguing new offerings. The Polytune3 Mini is as small as they get, and the Edison is my always-on and is unlikely to leave the board -- however, I will gladly take an Archetype Boost off your hands (or anyone else's)!

 

[Erithon]

Fair points all! Well, except Humboldt's eq doesn't come close to the Studio One, which also offers HPF/LPF, semi-para mids, and "special sauce" from the gain. And the compression on the Apex and Humboldt are quite different in character, complimentary rather than redundant. Apex is more transparent and adjustable, while the Humboldt adds color with transformer saturation - more of a tasty effect for me than pure compression alone. Highly recommended pedal!
I haven't had success with the couple of Sushi pedals I've tried for various reasons (one was quite noisy), though I know they have a deserved fanbase. I may try again someday, he's got some intriguing new offerings. The Polytune3 Mini is as small as they get, and the Edison is my always-on and is unlikely to leave the board -- however, I will gladly take an Archetype Boost off your hands (or anyone else's)!

Sounds like you know what you like. That's great

One small quibble: "Polytune3 Mini is as small as they get." Technically, yes (at least when it comes to well-regarded tuner pedals). But the Polytune Mini also has sidejacks while the Peterson Strobostomp Mini has topjacks; the former consume precious real estate that could be devoted to fitting the suboctave, mini boost, and Black Vehicle.

 

[Ian774]

The DCX is an outstanding pedal, exhibit #41.


The core of my sound has been the SansAmp BDDI V2 for years. Before that it was the V1. I don’t use extreme settings, I pretty much keep everything around 12 o’clock, with minor adjustments to the EQ depending on the bass, room or amp. It gives me a tube amp-like sound on my practice room’s amp (straight into the power amp), or through the PA.


I have a Cali76 CB at the front of my pedal board to even out my sound, then go into the DCX, then SansAmp.

I usually use the DCX as a drive in Drive mode, but I also love it in EQ mode with low settings on the SansAmp (or even with the SansAmp off sometimes), basically as a preamp.


Now, I love the sound of some bassists like Eric Hamm from Citizen, who use(d) a Rat in front of a SansAmp for their main sound. So I thought, let’s try a Rat alternative in my setup. I ordered a Rattler bass by JAM.


Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s a great Rat alternative. The blend/mix knob is very useful and it sounds great in front of my SansAmp. But I decided to A/B it with the DCX in Drive mode, and I realised I prefer… the DCX. I like the tone and colour of the drive on it. I found it just works better for the drive sound I’m looking for. It sits great in the band mix too. So back to the shop the Rattler goes. Again, great pedal, but the DCX has a great drive colour, and it’s much more versatile, with its great sounding EQ mode.


Obviously it’s its own thing, it doesn’t sound like a Rat, an OCD or a Tube Screamer, or a Darkglass even, but it’s a nice sounding pedal that can either enhance your sound or give it a pleasant overdrive.


DCX FTW.

 

[Ian774]

To add to this above, today at practice I tried to go back and forth between the EQ and the Drive modes, while keeping my Cali76 settings untouched, and my SansAmp with everything pretty much at 12, give or take.

And I think I may actually prefer the sound I’m getting with the EQ mode with the band. With the drive between 1 and 2 o’clock, it really enhances my sound, adding punch, clarity and a bit of hair. Loved it.

 

[ImTheOnlyOne]

To add to this above, today at practice I tried to go back and forth between the EQ and the Drive modes, while keeping my Cali76 settings untouched, and my SansAmp with everything pretty much at 12, give or take.

And I think I may actually prefer the sound I’m getting with the EQ mode with the band. With the drive between 1 and 2 o’clock, it really enhances my sound, adding punch, clarity and a bit of hair. Loved it.

EQ, drive 11-1:00.

Past 1:00, unwanted breakup.

 

[javi_bassist]

I use my DCX in EQ mode 99% of the time and it sounds glorious. However, yesterday I had a band rehearsal with a project that I usually use some overdrive always on. I used to have an amp sim in my HX Stomp to make that overdrive. But yeasterday I used the DCX in Overdrive mode in front of the HX Stomp and it sounded incredibly good. DCX into Cali into HX Stomp.

 

[Ian774]

EQ, drive 11-1:00.

Past 1:00, unwanted breakup.

Define “unwanted breakup”? What if I like the breakup I have around 1 or 2?

 

[johnk_10]

i love mine at all levels on the drive control.

 

[ImTheOnlyOne]

Define “unwanted breakup”? What if I like the breakup I have around 1 or 2?

Level and the hotness of your signal will affect the where and how much of the breakup for sure.

Just a matter of opinion- I prefer the OD for drive, EQ for grit.

 

[Evan J]

EQ, drive 11-1:00.

Past 1:00, unwanted breakup.

I get what you mean. I stay between 11 and 1 on EQ mode when I want to stay in light saturation/grit territory for my always on sound.

 

[Ian774]

Level and the hotness of your signal will affect the where and how much of the breakup for sure.

Just a matter of opinion- I prefer the OD for drive, EQ for grit.

To be fair I agree. I usually only want grit and a bit of hair out of the EQ mode. If I want proper drive I use Drive mode. All I said was that I prefer the general tone I was getting with the EQ mode, bringing some grit, rather than more drive.

 

[IvanBassist]

Got to hangout briefly with Jacob of Origin yesterday while I was on a short trip to the UK.
It was super interesting to learn about the development and creation process of the pedals, and to hear how much attention to detail the team puts into making their products.

…and yes. He’s that much taller than me