Source Audio Aftershock - is there anything it can't do??

[dirtychinchilla]

I've had the Aftershock on my board since Christmas last year. Every time I try something else for boost/distortion, I end up thinking, "the aftershock can do this."

For example, I've just added a Darkglass Alpha Omicron to my board. It's got a high end that I really like, and obviously you don't lose any bass with it, which is great. So I A/B'd it with the aftershock...and I feel like I can get the same thing out of it without even going past the default programs uploaded to it.

It's sort of frustrating, because I like pedals and I like buying pedals (though I intentionally run a mini board), and it just makes me feel like any other distortion is unnecessary.

I think there are two downsides to it - switching between the programs is a bit annoying. You have to press the foot switch down and hold it for five seconds, in which time it activates the current patch so you have to make sure your sound is muted before you do that. Secondly, they're expensive enough that I don't want to buy two of them!

I guess a relevant question is, what am I using the aftershock for and what am I used the Alpha Omicron for? The latter, I was thinking of using for a boost where I need a bit more dirt. The former does fuzz, and also happens to do a fairly good Hysteria tone...I'm probably not using it to anywhere near it's capabilities!

 

[sloppy_phil]

This goes pretty well contrary to the advice one often receives on this forum, but I'd say if you're happy with the Aftershock, then don't bother messing with your recipe for success!

This place is like a den of magpies; everyone is constantly on the lookout for the next shiny bauble to add to their collection. But if the Aftershock is giving you the sounds you need and want, well... what's the problem, precisely? Nothing wrong with being satisfied with one's gear!

 

[bassbrad]

My only complaint about the Aftershock is 6 is not enough, especially considering the possibilities. IMHO Source Audio should offer an updated version.

 

[dirtychinchilla]

This goes pretty well contrary to the advice one often receives on this forum, but I'd say if you're happy with the Aftershock, then don't bother messing with your recipe for success!

This place is like a den of magpies; everyone is constantly on the lookout for the next shiny bauble to add to their collection. But if the Aftershock is giving you the sounds you need and want, well... what's the problem, precisely? Nothing wrong with being satisfied with one's gear!

You're right. I really like the Darkglass tone for certain things though - certainly not for everything. The Aftershock just seems to do a great job of it as well!

My only complaint about the Aftershock is 6 is not enough, especially considering the possibilities. IMHO Source Audio should offer an updated version.

I think it could do with having two footswitches. I really hate the way in which you switch between patches.

 

[MynameisMe]

The problem with the multifunction digital pedals is they're too difficult to use live if you're switching settings.
If you're not using it live or could live with it in one setting then it's fine.
Sounds like a great one to try.

 

[dirtychinchilla]

The problem with the multifunction digital pedals is they're too difficult to use live if you're switching settings.
If you're not using it live or could live with it in one setting then it's fine.
Sounds like a great one to try.

I very strongly recommend it! I am using it live though irtually all the time

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Great thread! I love my source audio filter but I don't like to fiddle with it. Based on what I've read today I could never use the aftershock for my live pedalboard.
I kinda want a C4, but I always have the same questions: "how intuitive are the presets?"
I can't go bank hunting in the middle of a live jam.

 

[dirtychinchilla]

Great thread! I love my source audio filter but I don't like to fiddle with it. Based on what I've read today I could never use the aftershock for my live pedalboard.
I kinda want a C4, but I always have the same questions: "how intuitive are the presets?"
I can't go bank hunting in the middle of a live jam.

Well you really get foot switch one or two, and then flick the switch 1-3! I think it's manageable if you don't have to do it a lot

 

[Discount Bassy]

You will be ruined by the Bass Ultrawave. It can do everything the Aftershock does for starters.

 

[MynameisMe]

I very strongly recommend it! I am using it live though irtually all the time

If it has more than one foot switch then you should be able to use it live. I found too many things can go wrong on stage if it is too complicated. Probably my limited skill level

 

[redwood]

Grab a cheap midi controller with as many switches as you need. Problem solved.

 

[dirtychinchilla]

I think I've concluded that I need a clean boost and that the Darkglass Alpha Omicron isn't useful to me. I might give the Darkglass Harmonic Booster a go

 

[fmb]

I don't own a Source Audio device, but, reading the After Shock manual, it seems you should be able to control some parameters using an expression pedal or switch plugged into the control input (pages 19-22).
Maybe you can try this?

Fmb

 

[gillento]

Can anyone point me to the "right"/"best"/"appropriate" Distortion engine for the early RATM (first album) sound?
Apparently a Marshall Guv'nor was being used (before going all secretive from the 2nd album on) as overdrive/distortion.

I checked the factory preset by Nate N. but I think the DG-like high end does not do justice.

 

[paskisti]

I've had the Aftershock on my board since Christmas last year. Every time I try something else for boost/distortion, I end up thinking, "the aftershock can do this."

For example, I've just added a Darkglass Alpha Omicron to my board. It's got a high end that I really like, and obviously you don't lose any bass with it, which is great. So I A/B'd it with the aftershock...and I feel like I can get the same thing out of it without even going past the default programs uploaded to it.

It's sort of frustrating, because I like pedals and I like buying pedals (though I intentionally run a mini board), and it just makes me feel like any other distortion is unnecessary.

I think there are two downsides to it - switching between the programs is a bit annoying. You have to press the foot switch down and hold it for five seconds, in which time it activates the current patch so you have to make sure your sound is muted before you do that. Secondly, they're expensive enough that I don't want to buy two of them!

I guess a relevant question is, what am I using the aftershock for and what am I used the Alpha Omicron for? The latter, I was thinking of using for a boost where I need a bit more dirt. The former does fuzz, and also happens to do a fairly good Hysteria tone...I'm probably not using it to anywhere near it's capabilities!

I know this is old topic, but we don't know how this ended. I would simply use Aftershock alone with small midi controller (Tech21 Midi Mouse on Mongoose) to jump between presets. This way you'll have 128 presets to choose under your foot and there is no need to use Darkglass at all.

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

I know that After Shock can only recall 6 presets by standard midi messaging. But, I think the SA164 HUB can store like 128 "scenes" that could potentially solve an access problem for more flexibility in a live situation for some with a midi switcher to talk to the HUB.

I know that the SA SOLEMAN is a monster foot controller with huge capabilities with the HUB.

@rsmith601

 

[InkCow]

I know that After Shock can only recall 6 presets by standard midi messaging. But, I think the SA164 HUB can store like 128 "scenes" that could potentially solve an access problem for more flexibility in a live situation for some with a midi switcher to talk to the HUB.

I know that the SA SOLEMAN is a monster foot controller with huge capabilities with the HUB.

@rsmith601

Personally, I would be hard pressed to need more than 6 distortions to justify a more complicated midi setup, but I have set up something somewhat analogous with my HX One and Ultrawave (although the Aftershock would work, too) with the M-Vave Chocolate. It has a custom mode where you can assign any number of midi commands to each of the four buttons for short and long presses. This gives you 8 possible “scenes”, which, for my purposes, is more than I really need, but YMMV.

For the Aftershock, you would need this: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Personally, I would be hard pressed to need more than 6 distortions to justify a more complicated midi setup, but I have set up something somewhat analogous with my HX One and Ultrawave (although the Aftershock would work, too) with the M-Vave Chocolate. It has a custom mode where you can assign any number of midi commands to each of the four buttons for short and long presses. This gives you 8 possible “scenes”, which, for my purposes, is more than I really need, but YMMV.

For the Aftershock, you would need this: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

That is the SA168 midi adapter.

You must have that adapter to have other than the SA proprietary TRRS midi control available with the SA164 HUB that can connect up to five (5) One Series and earlier Soundblox pedals.

The SA168 adapter has standard midi 5 DIN to TRS Input to TRRS Output AND TRS midi Thru. This would allow daisy chaining to another SA168 adapter midi Input to connect another One Series pedal with the TRRS Output of the second midi adapter. Or you could use the TRS THRU to any other standard midi compatible pedal such as a Two Notes Opus IR Loader.

The access to more than the six (6) stored presets on the older One Series pedals having "scene control" is a must. The scene is stored on the HUB, not the pedals. In the case of an Ultra Wave or Ultra Wave Bass (same pedal different paint job) you can access the entire 128 preset locations with standard midi control and not just SA proprietary TRRS midi control and scene storage.

The issue of what any user of the After Shock BASS Distortion considers necessary is a user determination. Being an older One Series pedal determines how you can reach your goal of flexibility beyond six (6) stored preset sounds without a Nuero Editor shuffle of presets. Newer One Series pedals have full range accessibility to 128 presets with SA168 midi adapter and standard midi messaging control and also are scene control compatible with SA164 HUB.

Working around After Shock BASS Distortion access is far less expensive (SA168 = $49 or SA164 = $99) and provides more sonic expression than putting many more pedals on your board. YMMV

Edit: I'm currently setting up an EQ2 and Spectrum Intelligent Filter with a single SA168 midi adapter. The EQ2 is standard 5 DIN Midi compatible from an SA SOLEMAN controller on output #1. Then to SA168 to SPECTRUM with midi TRS THRU to the OPUS. SA SOLEMAN #2 output to a group of Boss 1/8" TRS midi control compatible pedals.

 

[xsnrg27]

I have one of these i just want it to work. on/off switch seems to have gone bad. seems to be a common issue. As I bought it used (demo) I now have a very expensive paperweight. I will definitely stay away from their pedals in the future.

 

[bassbrad]

I have one of these i just want it to work. on/off switch seems to have gone bad. seems to be a common issue. As I bought it used (demo) I now have a very expensive paperweight. I will definitely stay away from their pedals in the future.

You should contact Source Audio to see if they can assist. It may not be a warranty fix since you bought it used but they aim to please their customers.