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Should I get the Source Audio C4?

Fynn

Fynn

Jan 6, 2022
1,152
1,406
25
Germany
#1
I've been looking for a good synth pedal for a long time. Actually I was looking into getting an actual full fledged synth, but those tend to be expensive and I'm not sure I could use it musically, while also playing bass.
So now I'm back at looking into synth pedals. I love EHX stuff, but all the 9 series pedals, and the synths they make, seem a bit limited. Recently I stumbled across the C4 and looked a bit into it's functionality. It seems to be one of the most useful synths for guitars out there at the moment.

Now I just have two questions. Firstly, are there any other, potentially better, alternatives to the C4?
And secondly, has anyone done a sort of organ type sound with the C4 before?
 
#2
The only other synth pedal I know of in the same class as the C4 is the Future Impact. Both are full synths on the inside with limited controls on the box - in both cases, you really need to hook it up to the computer and explore using the matching apps. They're like The Tardis - "bigger on the inside"...
 
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#3
bholder said:
The only other synth pedal I know of in the same class as the C4 is the Future Impact. Both are full synths on the inside with limited controls on the box - in both cases, you really need to hook it up to the computer and explore using the matching apps. They're like The Tardis - "bigger on the inside"...
Click to expand...
Yeah, I read that. I think the C4 has like 6 different preset slots? Even 3 would probably be enough for me though haha
 
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#4
Fynn said:
Yeah, I read that. I think the C4 has like 6 different preset slots? Even 3 would probably be enough for me though haha
Click to expand...
Yeah, but the trick is finding which 6 settings to fill the slots. Out of must be a thousand billion possibilities (or so). ;)

I couldn't navigate through the potential sounds with the onboard interface on either box, I really needed the full graphics displays of the apps to find my way around. Then it was easy to find some of those "phat'n'nasty" sounds I was looking for...
 
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#5
bholder said:
Yeah, but the trick is finding which 6 settings to fill the slots. Out of must be a thousand billion possibilities (or so). ;)

I couldn't navigate through the potential sounds with the onboard interface on either box, I really needed the full graphics displays of the apps to find my way around. Then it was easy to find some of those "phat'n'nasty" sounds I was looking for...
Click to expand...
I do have some very specific sounds I'm looking for in my head, but yeah, I'm not very well versed in the art of creating synth patches haha
Trial and error till you find the golden sound.
 
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#6
I have both the C4 and FI and love them both. I do find the user experience a lot easier on the C4 but the FI does offer options that make it unique and a useful tool. There is a vast library of sounds for the C4 in the Neuro Cloud that will get you started. Another reason I prefer the C4 on bass is the glitch factor is predictable so something I can 'play'.

The FI can be triggered from a MIDI source like a keyboard or sequencer, which I do about half the time.

IMHO they are different enough that I will not claim one is the better as they sound and play differently like comparing a Moog to and ARP or other synth.
 
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#7
Yes. You absolutely should.

When you get it, spend a day combing instructional videos. That Zach Rizer guy has a very good one.

It looks s a fantastic pedal if you are comfortable with the app.

And get a simple switcher like a Disaster Area DMC Micro (think that’s what it’s called). A small switch will let you manage 100+ presets instead of just 4.

Editing is fun and easy but the community patches are limitless too.

 
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#8
bassbrad said:
I have both the C4 and FI and love them both. I do find the user experience a lot easier on the C4 but the FI does offer options that make it unique and a useful tool. There is a vast library of sounds for the C4 in the Neuro Cloud that will get you started. Another reason I prefer the C4 on bass is the glitch factor is predictable so something I can 'play'.

The FI can be triggered from a MIDI source like a keyboard or sequencer, which I do about half the time.

IMHO they are different enough that I will not claim one is the better as they sound and play differently like comparing a Moog to and ARP or other synth.
Click to expand...
MIDI functionality is always a great thing. But it's also a bit pricier. I think I need to do some more comparing on the tonal options.
I wouldn't mind spending some time learning an interface, aslong as the results are great.
 
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#14
You can access past the 6 presets with a MIDI controller. Also you can use an expression pedal to control some parameters. Honestly -- The Ultrawave is more utilitarian than the C4. I use my C4 more with my guitar and also drive it with other instruments as well like Baritone sax. Also always sweeten the synth sounds with a delay or reverb. Most if not all analog synth guys do this. Otherwise it's too dry and unappealing with no space, reverb after it.
 
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#16
I love my C4.

I don’t plug it into my computer to manually set my sounds. Instead I plug my phone directly to the pedal and use the app to upload presets from the community.

most of the presets are plug-and-play with minimal tweaking required, so it’s pretty damn easy to get really useful and creative sounds out of it.

and it tracks really well!
 
#20
Fynn said:
I've been looking for a good synth pedal for a long time. Actually I was looking into getting an actual full fledged synth, but those tend to be expensive and I'm not sure I could use it musically, while also playing bass.
So now I'm back at looking into synth pedals. I love EHX stuff, but all the 9 series pedals, and the synths they make, seem a bit limited. Recently I stumbled across the C4 and looked a bit into it's functionality. It seems to be one of the most useful synths for guitars out there at the moment.

Now I just have two questions. Firstly, are there any other, potentially better, alternatives to the C4?
And secondly, has anyone done a sort of organ type sound with the C4 before?
Click to expand...
Love the c4 synth, had it since release. First i bought one then I sold it, then a year or so later I bought another one. Its got a steep learning curve but check out some sites that can teach you about modular synths and everything makes sense faster.
 

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