SFX Thumpinator vs: Broughton HPF Pedal, both are micros, The Thumpinator runs about $160 shipped from UK, The Brough ton runs new for $95 plus the ride in, Like to hear your thoughts.
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SFX Thumpinator vs: Broughton HPF Pedal
- Thread starter BassBeginer64
- Start date
I cannot offer a comparison but am a long time satisfied mThumpinator user, not looking to stop using either anytime soon. I am sure the Broughton is fine and offer variable frequency and is more affordable.
I love the MicroThump (it’s also an amazing buffer) but if I was buying an HPF these days, I’d buy the Broughton.
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It’s really nice to be able to dial an HPF to a specific room if suddenly you are getting blasted one gig.
I own the microThumpinator and haven't used any other HPFs but I purchased the Thumpinator based on several reviews and comments I read.
There is something else going on with the Thumpinator. It's not JUST a HPF. To me it really tightens the bottom end up. Because it has not on/off switch, I purchased an FX loop pedal that allows me to bypass the Thumpinator if desired. There is a noticeable improvement in the low end when I engage the Thumpinator. You'd think you'd hear less bass, but you don't. It's not muddy and farty...it's clean, deep, piano type bottom end.
I play mostly 5 strings and the Thumpinator makes those low notes sound fantastic.
There is something else going on with the Thumpinator. It's not JUST a HPF. To me it really tightens the bottom end up. Because it has not on/off switch, I purchased an FX loop pedal that allows me to bypass the Thumpinator if desired. There is a noticeable improvement in the low end when I engage the Thumpinator. You'd think you'd hear less bass, but you don't. It's not muddy and farty...it's clean, deep, piano type bottom end.
I play mostly 5 strings and the Thumpinator makes those low notes sound fantastic.
It's a different animal. The SFX is 24dB/Oct and a really complicated filter (7th grade I think) and fixed, the Broughton 12dB/Oct and adjustable.
In the German forum some engineers looked at the MicroThumpinator and were actually quite impressed about the level of engineering in that little box. However, the price is really high for not doing that much.
In the German forum some engineers looked at the MicroThumpinator and were actually quite impressed about the level of engineering in that little box. However, the price is really high for not doing that much.
Had a Thumpinator and loved it but realistically I'd shoot for the Broughton from the two of them. Moot point though as I think Francis' filters are the ones to go for.
I have 2 Thumpinators, its just I am building 2 more pedal boards, and was looking to save a few bucks
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Just wanted to add +1 for the Thumpinator. I hadn't considered an HPF on my rig before reading this forum, but love it.
Both? I run a microthuminator underneath my board after the input, before the tuner. I just ordered a Broughton HPF that is going at the end of the signal chain before my limiter to clean up any extra too deep muddy subbiness added in with my octavers. Probably overkill.
I went for the SFX as an always on 'crud cleaner' at the start of my board.
The fact that it has a - 24dB/octave cut was key for me as I wanted the boomy low end stuff below my low B string (31Hz) cleaned up, but leaving my low end notes intact. As the SFX is set at a 28 Hz, it's perfect for what I was looking for it to do.
The compressor next to it in my signal chain then has a cleaner signal on which to act and seems to benefit too.
If the Broughton was -24dB / Octave rather than -12 dB / octave, the ability to select where to cut from and the greater flexibility this gives would make it a no brainer, but I didn't feel that -12 dB / octave quite cut it (excuse the pun!).
The SFX is actually much closer in price to the Broughton in the UK - all down to where they're respectively made and shipping costs.
The fact that it has a - 24dB/octave cut was key for me as I wanted the boomy low end stuff below my low B string (31Hz) cleaned up, but leaving my low end notes intact. As the SFX is set at a 28 Hz, it's perfect for what I was looking for it to do.
The compressor next to it in my signal chain then has a cleaner signal on which to act and seems to benefit too.
If the Broughton was -24dB / Octave rather than -12 dB / octave, the ability to select where to cut from and the greater flexibility this gives would make it a no brainer, but I didn't feel that -12 dB / octave quite cut it (excuse the pun!).
The SFX is actually much closer in price to the Broughton in the UK - all down to where they're respectively made and shipping costs.
I went with the Broughton unit which includes the LPF, a feature which has been invaluable. I've also used the Fdeck (excellent!) but never the Thumpinator.
Riis
Riis
Yup, I get the sense that the Fdeck is the one to go for in the US (it's actually not available in the UK) and the Thumpinator in the UK, simply based on buying local and avoiding shipping costs.
The Fdecks are going for ~$80 used here in the states...still a best-buy in my book.
Riis
I'm going to the states in June and I've already emailed fdeck about buying one whilst I'm there. It's a shame they're not available in Europe. Maybe we'll be allowed them after March 29...
That tightening is what you're basically getting when you use a HPF in your bass rig. I know "tightening" is sort of a subjective term, but that's what the fdeck and the hpf in my Mesa head do as well. I associate 'tighter' bass with less boomy, less baggage in the lows, and more focus. So that sounds in line with what other HPFs will also do to your sound...
I'm not entirely sure that you have read the thread up until now...
