Show me your compact pedalboard setup

[adube810]

The big show board

 

[RumbleBot]

Not the smallest board but I consider it compact. Just rewired and reordered tonight to take advantage of the new Byte Heaven SC-1 crossover pedal. The high signal chain is Byte Commando -> Sub-n-up -> Black Secret -> Helix. The low chain is the Sweeper -> Lofi-Machine. Both mix back with a passive, 1K resistor loaded mixer cable into the Flashback delay.
I'm really loving this chain so far. The crossover adds a whole new dimension for processing. I generally use a modded ProCo Rat for my main distortion, but it still killed too much of the fundamental. But with the crossover, I'm able to use the Mooer clone and save some floor space while also being able to run the distortion harder. And having the phaser only working on the high signal really makes it more usable.
I've got 8 pedals and a custom foot controlled sampler all in a single unit. It's all powered by a single fused switch with a standard D plug. There's an exposed USB port for the internal sampler system, a 1/4" pass-thru jack for the bass signal with a blend knob for the sampler signal. Very handy for practicing with samples on my own through a single amp. There's also a dedicated DI for the isolated sampler output to feed to FOH.
The whole unit scissors closed and included cable wrap posts and a carry handle. Shuts down and packs up in about a minute. The frame is build from 1/2" sande-ply and rolled with two coats of Duratex.

 

[Das Jugghead]

I am a total jack@ss because I can NOT remember if I ever answered your question or not? If I didn't, I apologize, and if I did, looks like you're gonna hear it again, LOL!

So, I have the Stomp, the GT 1KCore, and the QC. Of those three, the QC wins because it sounds just a tiny bit better, and its U.I. is better than almost any other piece of digital gear. Between the HXS and the GT1k, it's a bit closer...

Lemme preface this by saying that if some one said you can only play *insert either unit*, I'd be ok. If I have a choice, I'm gonna pick the Stomp. It's obvious that L6 has some bass players working there, lol! There's way more bass-specific options in the L6 gear than most of the other modelers. All of the amp models in the HXS are based on actual bass amps and the cab sims are pretty decent. The bass gear in the GT1k is fairly generic, but it's Boss quality, so it sounds ok. As far as utilities, the L6 wins. The HXS pitch shifter is better than just about every other pitch shifter, the tuner is almost on par with the Sonic Research Turbo Tuner, the EQ's work well, the noise gates work well, and you can add a volume block! When it come to modulation, the GT1k wins. Boss knows how to make effects, L6 isn't as good. the user interface is better with L6. It's way easier to move stuff around on the HXS than it is on the GT1k.

I know I made it sound like I don't like the GT1k, but that's not exactly the case. I think the GT1k is a solid unit that can do everything a player needs, but the HXS has been around longer and there's more stuff in there "for bass". I have them both mounted on boards, and I use both boards regularly.

Going ampless has been one of the best things we've done. No more stage volume wars, which I would almost always win, no more multi trip load-ins/load-outs WITH a cart. If I wasn't running my own IEMs and wireless mic, all I'd hafta bring/setup would be my basses and pedalboard. Even with that other stuff, it still only takes me 10 minutes to get ready, and that's if I take my time. You sound the same, every night. The benefits definitely outweigh the "I miss my rig". It's interesting to see folks that come out to our shows complaining about how loud other bands are when they go to their shows. As long as you've got a good sound person, you be very happy. Good luck, my brotha...

Revised compact board...
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Thank you for such a detailed response sir. I'm leaning heavily toward the HX Stomp XL almost entirely because of the ability to split my signal, treat the two chains separately, and recombine them. I don't use a lot of effects (none really) but I'd be in to being able to run an octaver and/or harmonizer when the two guitars are playing dual solos.

I am trying to get the guys to go ampless for all the reasons you listed but guitarists are such delicate flowers when it comes to not having their amps shrieking from the back of the stage.

 

[krdp_nsk]

Question for all of the players who have a cab sim/sansamp at the end of your rig: does it sound good to have the cab sim sound going into an amp AND going into a recording interface AT THE SAME TIME?

Trying to get my head around it, but maybe not a big deal.

Seems like a cab sim would sound great going into an interface, but not as good going into an amp because you are simulating what's going on in real life but then actually getting a real amp sound and maybe both at the same time isn't going to sound as good in the end.

Just trying to get my head around the concept. Asking here instead of starting a new thread because so many people use SANSAMPs at the end of their chain.

I'm going to add a tech Q\strip to the end of my chain and just wondering if it's going to sound good going into both the Focusrite and my amp at the same time. You can do some cab sim settings on the Q\STrip and wondering if that's worth it.

On my board, the Zoom MS-60B is responsible for generating a pure tone (it has ZNR (ZOOM's unique noise reduction) → AcBsPre preamp → BassGraphicEQ).
After it, the signal goes to the Shift Line A + CabZone Bass, which mainly uses the pulses of the Ampeg Heritage B15 by Shift Line and Ampeg SVT-810E by Shift Line cabinets
and emulation of the final amplifier on 6L6 Deep Bass tubes.
Next, I connect the board to the Head/Combo Return, and send the signal from the XLR of my CabZone Bass to FOH.
If there is no effects loop on the combo, then I connect it to Input, but leave the combo EQ flat.
There have been no complaints from the public, sound engineers and musicians of the groups in which I play, only positive feedback.

But that's just my case, my instrument, my setup, the rehearsal/stage equipment I play through.

To understand whether the sound is right or not (or rather, your sound or not, whether it suits the music you play),
you just have to experiment with different options.

Wish you luck!

 

[pbass6811]

Thank you for such a detailed response sir. I'm leaning heavily toward the HX Stomp XL almost entirely because of the ability to split my signal, treat the two chains separately, and recombine them. I don't use a lot of effects (none really) but I'd be in to being able to run an octaver and/or harmonizer when the two guitars are playing dual solos.

I am trying to get the guys to go ampless for all the reasons you listed but guitarists are such delicate flowers when it comes to not having their amps shrieking from the back of the stage.

I feel you, bro. I took about 3 years, across two guitar players, before we finally got to this point, LOL! Even after I sold my Helix Floor to my guitar player, it took another 3 months before he even plugged the damn thing in, LOL! Now, I gotta work on getting him to use the pitch shifter and stop using a wedge for guitar monitoring. I have no idea why he's so resistant to IEMs, because he already wears earplugs...

Good choice, I like the Stomp XL, I just wish it had an XLR out.

 

[BEADist]

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Very nice DIY stuff there !! Do you perhaps have a topic were you explain about this custom controlled sampler, maybe with a picture from under the hood ?

 

[Hoyt]

Thought again about what I wanted to bring for this funk band audition tomorrow. Not sure it qualifies as “compact” anymore, but it should definitely give me some options. One of the songs on the set is “Let it Whip” from the Dazz Band, so I should be able to emulate that synth with what I have here. Basically, I added the Nocturne Bass Brain because I’ll be playing my passive basses, a Rothwell Love Squeeze compressor clone, and the (new to me) Keeley Bubble Tron for some phasing.

I have some additional compression available on my BBE BMAX pre, so I should be all set.

 

[Das Jugghead]

I feel you, bro. I took about 3 years, across two guitar players, before we finally got to this point, LOL! Even after I sold my Helix Floor to my guitar player, it took another 3 months before he even plugged the damn thing in, LOL! Now, I gotta work on getting him to use the pitch shifter and stop using a wedge for guitar monitoring. I have no idea why he's so resistant to IEMs, because he already wears earplugs...

Good choice, I like the Stomp XL, I just wish it had an XLR out.

Preaching to the choir. I don't have any experience with effects processors so I'm guessing if I get one it will take me several months to get it dialed in before it makes an appearance in the Bombshelter. Insofar as the DI I would pick up another Radial DI.

The drummer and I have been trying to get the rest of the guys to go IEM's. The guitarists are somewhat open to the idea but the singer is adamantly against the idea. I think as we crank up the gigging schedule the idea of going ampless will gain traction. Time will tell.

Thanks again for all your feedback.

 

[NerdyOcean]

How many cab Sims does the Hotone have? I've been curious about this specific unit since some time ago. How do you like yours? Any insight that you want to share?

It holds 40 IR files. I really like it. The software works great. That was a big concern due to these companies can really have bad software. I loaded the Shiftline Pack and just use those. It is also nice that it has a semi parametric EQ. I have my favorite IR loaded in slot 00 and the same IR with EQ loaded in 01 for when I use passive mode on my bass. The headphone out is good quality.
It is simple and does its job very well.

 

[pbass6811]

Any of yous fine, upstanding folks using the Darkglass Element? I'm not super enamored with the OCSMini, but I can hear it's benefits. I'm wondering if the Element might be a better option, since I can't seem to find a lot of stock available of the Hotone Omni IR...

I HAD an Element. I got it, opened the box, looked at it, put it back in the box, and returned it a few days later as it wasn't completely clear that I could run the 1/4 out to an amp without the cab sim, so I never used it. Since I'm not using an amp now, that's no longer an issue. I watched a few demos and it looks like a solid piece of gear. I really have no use for the headphone portion at this moment, but we are planning some vacations for later this year, so it might come in handy.

Any info is appreciated.

 

[RumbleBot]

Very nice DIY stuff there !! Do you perhaps have a topic were you explain about this custom controlled sampler, maybe with a picture from under the hood ?

I put a thread up here if you're interested.

 

[bass-shy]

Any of yous fine, upstanding folks using the Darkglass Element? I'm not super enamored with the OCSMini, but I can hear it's benefits. I'm wondering if the Element might be a better option, since I can't seem to find a lot of stock available of the Hotone Omni IR...

I HAD an Element. I got it, opened the box, looked at it, put it back in the box, and returned it a few days later as it wasn't completely clear that I could run the 1/4 out to an amp without the cab sim, so I never used it. Since I'm not using an amp now, that's no longer an issue. I watched a few demos and it looks like a solid piece of gear. I really have no use for the headphone portion at this moment, but we are planning some vacations for later this year, so it might come in handy.

Any info is appreciated.

I'm using the Element and really digging it. It's a really useful device!

The 1/4" output is unaffected by the cab sim or any other tone shaping stuff in the Element. Only the headphone and XLR outputs send the wet signal. Well, I guess the USB does too so you can use it as a recording interface? Not really sure about that since I don't use it that way.

 

[goodformetal]

Small stage/small board for next couple weekends. Sacrifices were made but I’m not too mad.

 

[JRoss13]

I've read the whole thread til this point, and I've seen a lot of cool boards! I've noticed a ton of folks using the Zoom MS-60B, which I've never used, so I looked up the specs out of curiosity. The spec sheet I read says the pedal draws 500mA, but it looks like some of you are using power supplies that offer less than that per port. Are there no issues with the pedal at less than 500mA?

 

[krdp_nsk]

I've read the whole thread til this point, and I've seen a lot of cool boards! I've noticed a ton of folks using the Zoom MS-60B, which I've never used, so I looked up the specs out of curiosity. The spec sheet I read says the pedal draws 500mA, but it looks like some of you are using power supplies that offer less than that per port. Are there no issues with the pedal at less than 500mA?

I didn't have any problems.
I use MS-60B for two different groups. but since I have a single pedal, I have to move it from one board to another. on the main board, it is powered by my Vitoos VP1 DC-10X Power Supply (however, lately I still power it from the output 18V 1A BUT through a self-made 9V voltage regulator built by me based on the LM7809), and on the second board I connect it with a garland with between the Boss LS-2 and Shift Line CabZone Bass with the Zoom ADS-5M-12 block. But there were no problems. Some time ago I used a usb power bank to power this pedal.

However, it is still better to use a suitable power source.

 

[J Posega]

I've read the whole thread til this point, and I've seen a lot of cool boards! I've noticed a ton of folks using the Zoom MS-60B, which I've never used, so I looked up the specs out of curiosity. The spec sheet I read says the pedal draws 500mA, but it looks like some of you are using power supplies that offer less than that per port. Are there no issues with the pedal at less than 500mA?

Most digital pedals tell you the startup power draw, but once they've booted, they run on less.

Many power supplies can provide more mA to any single port than what the ports are labelled to output, you just have to make sure your total mA draw isn't more than the total that the power supply can handle minus the amount your other pedals are drawing as well.

 

[BEADist]

The spec sheet I read says the pedal draws 500mA, but it looks like some of you are using power supplies that offer less than that per port.

On this site there are actual power-draw measurements :

Zoom – stinkfoot.se

It says the MS-60B draws 140 mA.
I run one on a outlet that provides 200 mA max. and I have had no problems or heat.

 

[deepestend]

My current. Just added the tech 21. I keep trying to get rid of the Plumes, but it's a solid pedal. On its own it sounds like it sucks out the low because of the mid push... but in a band mix, it really helps give the bass some presence (and the Q\strip adds mids back in). Also tried to ditch the StroboStomp because it's big and heavy, but I just like it way too much. So easy to see and I have the display on at all times.

For a while, I was able to get good sounds out of the Tall Font Russian muff, but for some reason I can't get it to sound good right now. Just sort of disappears or is too boomy or distorted. I've had it just right in the past, but have to readjust to this setup. The germanium boost side is great, though.

 

[metron]

Cross posting from the Fuzzro thread, but I think this qualifies here too.

None more compact. I guess I could saw the end off the nano…

 

[GMC]

I’m not sure I can call my pedal board “compact” any more.