SIB Fatdrive

[bongomania]

Complaints about it not doing good distortion are really not valid, since it's not designed for that. If you want that, try the SIB Varidrive

I actually disagree with you, on the grounds that it goes into the buzzy distortion gain level at around 50% on the drive knob (IIRC- it's been a while). So while it may not have been designed for distortion, it caused distortion, easily, and in a way that was not pleasant to my ear. Whether anyone else likes the sound is of course totally subjective, but it's reasonable to point out if one of the qualities (drive) that a person might choose a tube drive unit for doesn't sound great to the reviewer.

 

[David Wilson]

bongomania, while I know what you're saying it doesn't change that the unit wasn't designed for distortion - it's meant for tube warmth and mild od.

To give a not quite fully thought out analogy (it's early and I haven't had enough coffee yet):
I can turn the bass / mid / treble boost on my onboard preamp up to full and get a horrible sound. That doesn't mean the preamp isn't any good.
Similarly, most overdrive pedals I've tried don't sound that great past 50%-60% on the drive amount.

We can agree to disagree on this one

 

[David Wilson]

Cool! thanks!

But I'm still curiuos about the EBS unit. Since it seems to offer both. It may be worth the extra expence. No?

it's definitely possible, EBS make some nice stuff.

 

[emjazz]

Just want to chime back in here....

I met up with Moosapotamus a couple of weeks ago and he was kind enough to bring along his Fatdrive. We got to test drive it through some Berg IP cabs...To me the Fatdrive through the IP's was the most heavenly tone I've ever heard. I'm sold on the Fatdrive and will get one as soon as the funds allow (I was already sold on the IP's! ). For now I'll run the Fatdrive into the power section of my GK 1001RBII and into my Berg 112's. When I can afford it I'll definately end up with the IP's to go with it.

The Fatdrive had the perfect combination of warmth and clarity for me. What a great little unit.

 

[moosapotamus]

emjazz!
Yeah, that was a blast meeting up at Rock City. Cool crowd, too. Man, that Berg IP112 blew me away. It's not much bigger than my microwave oven, but the sound that comes out of it is incredible... HUGE!!! If I had been blindfolded, I never would have guessed that it was a 112. Unbelievable!

Re: my fatdrive...
Don't forget that I replaced the 12AX7 with a 5751 which is a lower gain, more tubey sounding tube than the 12AX7.

~ Charlie

 

[wateroftyne]

While I like the SABDDI by-and-large, and find them almost invaluable, I also find the mid-scoop excessive.

I use a DHA Valvetone box, which I like a lot. Dave Hall (the builder) sells them on eBay UK.

Here's one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DHA-VT1-Puris...ryZ22669QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

These things thicken and add warmth to my tone without doing odd things to the EQ.

 

[bassicinstinct]

Sorry, but I remain totally unconvinced about the existence of the alleged "mid scoop" on the SABDDI.

If you use the Controls properly and sensitively, I maintain it is a total "non issue".

All subjective and IMHO, naturally.

 

[wateroftyne]

Believe me, I've pored over this pedal trying to get around it, but in my experience, the facts are:

When I engage the Sansamp, the 'mwaah' on my fretless P disappears entirely.

Roll the 'blend' back, you say...? Okay... but I have to roll it off totally before the mids begin to return. Even then, with the blend off, there's still a noticeable scoop.

The lower the blend knob is, the effect of the tube & speaker simulator are negated, too... so why even have the SABDDI there at all?

I've tried three or four of them, and they all do the same thing.

The only way around the mid-scoop is to roll the bass and treble off almost entirely.. better, but it's still detectable.

As soon as I switch the SABDDI off, or use the DHA VT instead, my mids come flooding back. Deny it if you will, but I can't deny my own experience.

That said, I'm perfectly happy to use the SABDDI on my fretted basses (with the blend set to 12 o'clock, usually). It sounds great with those.

 

[bassicinstinct]

Different strokes etc

Pleased you find it acceptable with your fretted bass although it is bizarre, to say the least, that the absence of frets bring about a "mid scoop" in conjunction with the SABDDI.

I have to admit that, when I first bought my unit, I did as suggested in the manual and used it with the Blend "full on" and I was a little underwhelmed. Having thrown the manual away and used my ears, however, I've never looked back.

 

[wateroftyne]

it is bizarre, to say the least, that the absence of frets bring about a "mid scoop" in conjunction with the SABDDI.

I don't recall saying this..?

The mid scoop suits my fretted basses. It doesn't suit my fretless.

Having thrown the manual away and used my ears, however, I've never looked back.

Ahh.. that's where I've been going wrong. I haven't been using my ears. How silly of me.

 

[bassicinstinct]

Pleased to have been of service.

 

[Nyarlathotep]

^ and that folks, is why I bought the Para Driver

 

[wateroftyne]

^ and that folks, is why I bought the Para Driver

Tried that, too... it didn't quite do the trick for me. No doubt it's perfect for some, though!