source audio c4

[bassbrad]

I use a Source Audio C4 and a Spectrum Filter, and I'm running into calibration issues with my passive basses. When I start the calibration process and dial up the input knob while plucking, I never reach the stage where the LED starts flashing red. The green LED gets somewhat brighter, but even when I pluck very hard, it seems like the signal is too weak to reach the optimal input level.

I connected a Fender Downtown Express pre-amp and hooked up the Source Audio devices afterward. With the pre-amp at maximum volume and the EQ off, there’s still no red light. However, when I set the mids to the maximum, the input becomes strong enough for the pedals to function properly. At that point, all my presets sound much better, and the glitches and tracking issues disappear.

Now I'm stuck with an EQ that needs to have the mids dialed in every time I use the Source Audio pedals.

Are there any specific instructions for dealing with passive basses?

I don't have instructions but might I suggest what I do.

I have one bass that has a lower output than most of my other basses, a vintage Harmony HB with a DeArmond pickup. When I use that bass I add a gain boost pedal like a TC Spark mini or Mosky Xp, either of those will get the proper response. I also have a SBMM Ray 4 that is super powerful and with that bass I always use a compressor, it sounds better that way and I can set the output to a friendlier level.

 

[beaubryte]

What about something like an LPB-1? $45 and some space on the pedal board, but might do the trick without needing to dial in an EQ.

I don't have instructions but might I suggest what I do.

I have one bass that has a lower output than most of my other basses, a vintage Harmony HB with a DeArmond pickup. When I use that bass I add a gain boost pedal like a TC Spark mini or Mosky Xp, either of those will get the proper response. I also have a SBMM Ray 4 that is super powerful and with that bass I always use a compressor, it sounds better that way and I can set the output to a friendlier level.

Thanks guys, gonna try adding a small booster!

 

[Mohawk]

I don't have instructions but might I suggest what I do.

I have one bass that has a lower output than most of my other basses, a vintage Harmony HB with a DeArmond pickup. When I use that bass I add a gain boost pedal like a TC Spark mini or Mosky Xp, either of those will get the proper response. I also have a SBMM Ray 4 that is super powerful and with that bass I always use a compressor, it sounds better that way and I can set the output to a friendlier level.

Now that you mentioned it, I do make small adjustments to the compressor that is first in the signal chain before the SA pedals when switching basses. Just the input gain and the output volume to account for slight differences in my active bass's outputs. I don't change basses during a show so it is just an initial setup change.

 

[Bassinga]

Just a small PSA for all you folks out there looking a midi controller for your C4 at a reasonable price (I got it for 90 euros new delivered in Europe from China).

I discovered the Doremidi FC-3 on Aliexpress (you can also order it from the Doremidi website), it's a 3 switch midi controller with 16 banks of presets and has built in USB host functionality. I ordered it recently and it works flawlessly with the C4 via the USB to Mini USB cable without an adapter. It's got a full metal construction so its quite rugged. PC/CC are all available, it has an expression pedal input as well. The footswitches are all configurable via their own software which works well out of the box on Windows 10.

It also has a 5-pin midi connection as well which is great for me because I need it to control my Darkglass ADAM and C4 simultaneously.

https://www.doremidi.cn/h-pd-61.html

Small side note: It needs centre positive power which is atypical for pedals but it comes with an adapter cable which is awesome. If you have any questions about it, let me know.

 

[joshofbass]

Just a small PSA for all you folks out there looking a midi controller for your C4 at a reasonable price (I got it for 90 euros new delivered in Europe from China).

I discovered the Doremidi FC-3 on Aliexpress (you can also order it from the Doremidi website), it's a 3 switch midi controller with 16 banks of presets and has built in USB host functionality. I ordered it recently and it works flawlessly with the C4 via the USB to Mini USB cable without an adapter. It's got a full metal construction so its quite rugged. PC/CC are all available, it has an expression pedal input as well. The footswitches are all configurable via their own software which works well out of the box on Windows 10.

It also has a 5-pin midi connection as well which is great for me because I need it to control my Darkglass ADAM and C4 simultaneously.

https://www.doremidi.cn/h-pd-61.html

Small side note: It needs centre positive power which is atypical for pedals but it comes with an adapter cable which is awesome. If you have any questions about it, let me know.

Do you get any weird noise issues? Usb beeping and buzzes

 

[5stringedfrenzy]

Do you get any weird noise issues? Usb beeping and buzzes

I have the FC-3 too, no noises here. with the laptop I use USB isolators to eliminate those noises. Works on 3 SA pedals on a usb hub, but you need one for each pedal. there are a bunch on ali or amazon, the type i've been using have ADUM3160 chips inside

 

[Bassinga]

Do you get any weird noise issues? Usb beeping and buzzes

I haven't noticed anything but I don't power it via the USB Host port, I power both pedals via a separate power supply. I'll keep an ear out and if I notice anything I'll post here.

 

[Bassinga]

I have the FC-3 too, no noises here. with the laptop I use USB isolators to eliminate those noises. Works on 3 SA pedals on a usb hub, but you need one for each pedal. there are a bunch on ali or amazon, the type i've been using have ADUM3160 chips inside

Sorry, I didn't quite understand what you're doing. You're controlling 3 SA pedals simultaneously via a USB hub and 1 FC-3?

 

[5stringedfrenzy]

Sorry, I didn't quite understand what you're doing. You're controlling 3 SA pedals simultaneously via a USB hub and 1 FC-3?

Seperate setups, just thought that extra bit of info would be helpful. At first I used FC-3 with C4 in host mode like you are, now I have more pedals so it's a USB hub into Bandhelper or Ableton kinda deal. The isolators remove usb noise in either case.

 

[ShoesMagoo]

I use a Source Audio C4 and a Spectrum Filter, and I'm running into calibration issues with my passive basses. When I start the calibration process and dial up the input knob while plucking, I never reach the stage where the LED starts flashing red. The green LED gets somewhat brighter, but even when I pluck very hard, it seems like the signal is too weak to reach the optimal input level.

I experienced a similar issue with the three basses I had at the time and one other I borrowed to test, all passive or passive/active (discussed several pages back in this thread). Tried all the reset and update procedures but ended up having to use a boost before and/or compressor after to get those basses to register properly with the calibration function. Have purchased a hotter, fully active bass since then with no issues.

 

[beaubryte]

I experienced a similar issue with the three basses I had at the time and one other I borrowed to test, all passive or passive/active (discussed several pages back in this thread). Tried all the reset and update procedures but ended up having to use a boost before and/or compressor after to get those basses to register properly with the calibration function. Have purchased a hotter, fully active bass since then with no issues.

Well, glad to hear that it's not just me or my basses. Tried adjusting pickup heights, used other strings, checked the wires etc. Seems that a lot of members here use boosters. Gonna try the TC Spark Mini to see if that helps.

 

[bassbrad]

@beaubryte I should add that I have a separate group of effects on my C4, Spectrum and FI that are tuned to my SBMM Ray 4 because it has such a high output.

 

[FenderMeBass]

So figured I’d come here …. Wooofff

anyway the c4 has a lot of potential. But the problem is it works anew then it doesn’t. I’ll have it dialed in while plugged into neuro desktop, I’ll throw it on a small pedal board and it works, and the. 20 minutes later the pedal just makes awful sounds like it’s broken. I’ve been trying to dial this thing in for years because I need a synth sound for Chaka and Whitney and Stevie stuff but I need it to be reliable !

 

[Quatschmacher]

So figured I’d come here …. Wooofff

anyway the c4 has a lot of potential. But the problem is it works anew then it doesn’t. I’ll have it dialed in while plugged into neuro desktop, I’ll throw it on a small pedal board and it works, and the. 20 minutes later the pedal just makes awful sounds like it’s broken. I’ve been trying to dial this thing in for years because I need a synth sound for Chaka and Whitney and Stevie stuff but I need it to be reliable !

It is perfectly reliable in my experience. How are you powering it? Do a factory reset and then reload the latest firmware.

 

[FenderMeBass]

It is perfectly reliable in my experience. How are you powering it? Do a factory reset and then reload the latest firmware.

I did that. im powering it with a good power brick. 9v.

 

[Quatschmacher]

I did that. im powering it with a good power brick. 9v.

How many mA is the supply? If under 150 that’ll be the issue.

 

[FenderMeBass]

How many mA is the supply? If under 150 that’ll be the issue.

I'll double check

 

[rsmith601]

I did that. im powering it with a good power brick. 9v.

What you describe is EXACTLY what happens when the pedal does not get enough juice to operate.

 

[Mohawk]

So figured I’d come here …. Wooofff

anyway the c4 has a lot of potential. But the problem is it works anew then it doesn’t. I’ll have it dialed in while plugged into neuro desktop, I’ll throw it on a small pedal board and it works, and the. 20 minutes later the pedal just makes awful sounds like it’s broken. I’ve been trying to dial this thing in for years because I need a synth sound for Chaka and Whitney and Stevie stuff but I need it to be reliable !

The C4 was my first Source Audio pedal and it has been working constantly (about 6 days a week) since I bought it exactly 4 years ago. I used a Voodoo Lab 4x4 supply originally but switched to CIOKS supplies a few years ago. I typically use about 25 patches in a setlist out of 50 patches saved on it. Knock on wood, but it's been a super consistent and valuable piece of gear so far. Just sharing my experience that would seem to indicate there is a problem with your unit or your setup for it. ;D

 

[PaulYeah]

My C4 suddenly doesn't seem to be responding to CC messages from either my DMC.micro or from Ableton. I've checked the MIDI cable connections and they seem to be fine. I did a factory reset and ensured the firmware was updated. I feel fairly clueless about MIDI, so it's probably something obvious and dumb I'm doing wrong.

What should I try?

Also, is it better to post this kind of thing in this thread, in a new thread, or somewhere else?

Thanks, everyone!