Signal Variation Issues

[Jubey Monster]

Hi all, currently have connected in series Bass -> Digitech Whammy -> Pod X3 Live (not through effects loop, using it for distortion sounds) -> Boss DD-7 -> Amp. Now, the issue I'm having is to do with substantial increases and cuts in signal volume when I flick the various effects on and off (it's particularly quiet with everything ON). While I recognise that this isn't a perfect situation, without a compressor e.t.c, in the interest of developing my knowledge of all things effects, would someone be able to point out to me (or link to me a thread) why this signal variation occurs, and how it may be rectified (Compressors, boost pedals? I know people rave about giving your signal back its "life," however my understanding of these pedals is lacking). Cheers in advance!

 

[bongomania]

You don't need a compressor or boost. You need to identify which specific devices are causing too much cut and too much boost to your levels, and correct them individually. For example, if the signal drops with the Whammy, then try putting the Whammy in a separate bypass loop (a little box with a footswitch that provides a bypass with no drop in signal level). If the Pod is causing problems when bypassed, same thing; if it's causing problems when engaged, then you need to correctly set the levels of each effect patch. Take each item and figure out what it's doing "wrong", and doing that will tell you what you need to do to set it "right".

 

[Eric!]

Bongo's pretty smart about everything.

Also, make sure your power supply/supplies are providing enough current to all your pedals. Insufficient current sometimes results in half-working pedals, and the volume'll decrease, usually.

 

[Jubey Monster]

Awesome guys, cheers! Just on a side note, I've done some research and have the notion of the compressor pretty down pat, which leaves boost. I figure this is a good opportunity to learn more so I'll ask; is generally boost to be used at the end of an effects chain to, well, boost, a signal that has suffered a decrease in volume in travelling through several effects units?

 

[cheapbasslovin]

I only played through a POD XT Live one time, but as I was flipping through patches on it, the output volume from one patch to the next was very inconsistent.

Multis commonly create a situation where you need to work hard to even the volume between patches. I'd start there.

EDIT::: Pull the XT live out of the chain and see if there is any problems with the Whammy and delay to verify the POD is the problem.

 

[bongomania]

is generally boost to be used at the end of an effects chain to, well, boost, a signal that has suffered a decrease in volume in travelling through several effects units?

No, because there should not be any drop in volume through the chain. Generally boost is used to either push an amp or a dirt pedal into overdrive, or to just get louder during a solo or an aggro passage in a tune.

 

[Jubey Monster]

Cheers, all good info, thanks