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Polyphase or Enigma Q Balls

V

Viscera_Eyes

Oct 27, 2008
32
0
#1
I'm trying to decide between the two for Christmas, but I don't really have any sort of preference. I know it's very difficult to compare an envelope filter to a phaser; however, I would like to know your opinion on which pedal to get. Also, If you have had both pedals, which one did you enjoy more?

I play progressive/experimental rock (Tool, Radiohead, The Mars Volta, Led Zeppelin...), but also do a lot of improv and enjoy making bass parts using effects. I really don't need either pedal, but they both seem really cool.

Any feedback would be deliciously appreciated.
 
#5
selfblessed said:
I would go with a phaser before a filter in your band situation. Seems like it would fit easier.
Click to expand...

+1 i think.

a lil bit more versatile and maybe more capable if your looking on the broader side of stuff. i dont use heaps of filters per se. neither do i use much phasers. go around and try some stuff. cause you might end up getting either or and hating both.
 
#12
I really dig the way that the Bassballs makes my bass sit up straight in the mix when I need to get everybody to listen up...so I have to second the 'get both' - because the q-balls is pretty much a deluxe Bassballs.

I run a bassballs before my EP-1 and it's fantastic. Those subtle tweaks that make effects worth having for more than just a gimmick.

If you can find a used EP-1 with the marv mod, up/down switch, and an expression control of the blend (and resonance while you're at it) then I'd suggest you go for that. If you can find a stereo polyphase super cheap then I'd suggest you go for that.

While EHX makes some great gear, I'm incredibly impressed with the tone that my Pigtronix gear preserves, supports, and improves.
 
#14
Gross large, not gross disgusting. Still sounds like multiple filters sweeping just out of phase. There's a very similar quality to the Bassballs but it works more like an Envelope Filter. It's tweakable and is 'more effect than tone' than the bassballs' 'more tone than effect'.

Aside from the vowellistic potential of the bassballs (which is very subtle) the only 'effect' that is in a bassballs is a distortion circuit, and to many that's a tone approach rather than a punctuating or supportive sound effect.

The Enigma can at the very least come close to quacking.

Hell...Get a Bassballs and a Polyphase, Viscera_Eyes...a nano one with the knob mods.
 
#16
So, did you end up getting either pedal?

Ever since this thread and what I was personally looking for--I got both
Click to expand...

Yea, I went with the polyphase. Just thought it would fit my style better. Although, I think I will definitely check out the enigma sometime. However, now ehx came out with that Deluxe Memory Boy, which also looks really sweet....
 
#18
newbold said:
Gross large, not gross disgusting. Still sounds like multiple filters sweeping just out of phase. There's a very similar quality to the Bassballs but it works more like an Envelope Filter. It's tweakable and is 'more effect than tone' than the bassballs' 'more tone than effect'.
Click to expand...

the qballs IS an envelope filter. main similarity to the bassballs is that both filters have switchable distortion. other than that, completely different filters

it says "qballs" and is also similar to the qtron, but i dont hear folks comparing it to that
 

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