Source Audio Sorcerers Society (S.A.S.S) Part 3

[Adamixoye]

Without going into too much detail, suffice it to say that our proof-of-concept work with the MXR pedals required a big investment of time and resources, but we learned a lot in the process.

The Neuro circuit is complex, consisting of a microcontroller, digipots, solid-state switches, power regulators - over 40 additional components were required for each MXR mod. Existing pots and switches in the effect, including the footswitch, need to be meticulously de-soldered and replaced with digitally-controlled versions that sit on a separate custom circuit board and are wired back in to the original circuit. Mounting the new circuit board inside the chassis and drilling a hole for the Neuro port can be challenging as well due to space limitations... and after all that, you still have to write the software!

This is why, for the moment, it makes the most sense for us to work directly with analog effect makers to design the Neuro module into their products from the beginning.

One way the community can help us is to write your favorite pedal makers and tell them that you're interested in seeing the Neuro interface in their future products. The more interest we can build, the better chance we have of getting more manufacturers on board in the future.

Okay, sounds like I wasn't too far off! Certainly the idea is awesome and it will be interesting to see how the implementation plays out.

Now, I just need to find a way to lock you guys in a room with Darkglass and Empress...

 

[Adamixoye]

By the way, a clone that shows up later...what is the origin of the name Nemesis?

 

[Nic.]

Without going into too much detail, suffice it to say that our proof-of-concept work with the MXR pedals required a big investment of time and resources, but we learned a lot in the process.

The Neuro circuit is complex, consisting of a microcontroller, digipots, solid-state switches, power regulators - over 40 additional components were required for each MXR mod. Existing pots and switches in the effect, including the footswitch, need to be meticulously de-soldered and replaced with digitally-controlled versions that sit on a separate custom circuit board and are wired back in to the original circuit. Mounting the new circuit board inside the chassis and drilling a hole for the Neuro port can be challenging as well due to space limitations... and after all that, you still have to write the software!

This is why, for the moment, it makes the most sense for us to work directly with analog effect makers to design the Neuro module into their products from the beginning.

One way the community can help us is to write your favorite pedal makers and tell them that you're interested in seeing the Neuro interface in their future products. The more interest we can build, the better chance we have of getting more manufacturers on board in the future.

Whoa I see. That sounds really complex. What if the pedal is rehoused? Would that help?

 

[NoxNoctus]

By the way, a clone that shows up later...what is the origin of the name Nemesis?

NSFW language

 

[kleinenenten]

Well, got my BEF in the mail today, and thus far, I'm underwhelmed. It's got a HUGE volume drop, which was the one thing the MXR seemed to have over the SA. Also, I just haven't gotten a filter sound that's blown me away. I'm still trying stuff out, obviously, but I haven't found that "sweet spot". Any fellow BEF users kind enough to share settings? I'm looking for something wet with some heavy vowel sounds that plays well after fuzz. Also, not too trebly, as I don't like cab "squeals". I will say, however, that the squeals from this unit are much less than any other I've used. Let's hope my TB brethren can help get me a filter sound I love from this thing!

Thanks!

 

[adamaarts]

Well, got my BEF in the mail today, and thus far, I'm underwhelmed. It's got a HUGE volume drop, which was the one thing the MXR seemed to have over the SA. Also, I just haven't gotten a filter sound that's blown me away. I'm still trying stuff out, obviously, but I haven't found that "sweet spot". Any fellow BEF users kind enough to share settings? I'm looking for something wet with some heavy vowel sounds that plays well after fuzz. Also, not too trebly, as I don't like cab "squeals". I will say, however, that the squeals from this unit are much less than any other I've used. Let's hope my TB brethren can help get me a filter sound I love from this thing!

Thanks!

I don't know the control differences between the Manta and the BEF but I remember turning down freq and resonance counter clockwise and then everything sounded better leaving those alone for the most part.

 

[kleinenenten]

I don't know the control differences between the Manta and the BEF but I remember turning down freq and resonance counter clockwise and then everything sounded better leaving those alone for the most part.

There's no resonance control, but I'll certainly give frequency a shot.

 

[stambroker]

There's no resonance control, but I'll certainly give frequency a shot.

My BEF Pro has a specific "volume" parameter that I can control, available in the backpage menu. If you have the BEF, I would try replacing the battery or checking to make sure your power supply is giving enough power if the volume drop is considerable. Usually EF's give huge volume BUMPS for me, so it's strange that you're getting a drop.

 

[Nic.]

Well, got my BEF in the mail today, and thus far, I'm underwhelmed. It's got a HUGE volume drop, which was the one thing the MXR seemed to have over the SA. Also, I just haven't gotten a filter sound that's blown me away. I'm still trying stuff out, obviously, but I haven't found that "sweet spot". Any fellow BEF users kind enough to share settings? I'm looking for something wet with some heavy vowel sounds that plays well after fuzz. Also, not too trebly, as I don't like cab "squeals". I will say, however, that the squeals from this unit are much less than any other I've used. Let's hope my TB brethren can help get me a filter sound I love from this thing!

My BEF Pro has a specific "volume" parameter that I can control, available in the backpage menu. If you have the BEF, I would try replacing the battery or checking to make sure your power supply is giving enough power if the volume drop is considerable. Usually EF's give huge volume BUMPS for me, so it's strange that you're getting a drop.

Regarding volume drops - I think it probably depends on what kind of filter you're using. If you're using a resonance filter you'll probably get a huge bump, but if you're using something that cuts (e.g. lowpass or highpass filters) you'll be more likely to get a drop.

Anyway, I'm using my Manta on filter #2 (one of the low pass filters) and no distortion for my wobble sound. Since there's no distortion on mine, I expect my results will be similar to what you can get. I've noticed the volume drop if I set my volume at unity. As said above, probably due to cutting out the frequency ranges - when it's full open, the volume is similar to without the filter, but as I sweep all the way down, the volume cuts. When the filter is full closed, there's almost no volume at all.

When I'm using it with my wobble sound, it's mostly within a certain range along the sweep, so I've adjusted my pedal volume to make up for the volume decrease that results. If you're using it with fuzz, you'll probably want to find the right volume setting that plays well with your fuzz.

Also, the amount of volume cut will probably depend on the frequency content of what you're feeding into your filter. If you've a lot of high frequency content and very little low frequency content, and you use a low pass filter, you'll probably experience more volume cuts than the other way round, since when you cut above a certain frequency, you'll be cutting out more of your sound. Do note also that different frequencies have different perceived loudness.

Well I hope all that helps! If you've any particular sounds you're looking for you can try posting here too. I took quite a while to find the 'right' low pass filter sound, but now it's stuck and I don't seem to find anything I like better.

 

[kleinenenten]

My BEF Pro has a specific "volume" parameter that I can control, available in the backpage menu. If you have the BEF, I would try replacing the battery or checking to make sure your power supply is giving enough power if the volume drop is considerable. Usually EF's give huge volume BUMPS for me, so it's strange that you're getting a drop.

Backpage menu? I've picked up some info from this page that sounds like there's some sort of computer program that can help tweak these pedals. Is that correct? Could my volume issue be a matter of getting that program and tweaking the pedal's actual settings? Just thinking, because that would be AWESOME!

In an update, I may have been slightly hasty earlier. The filter sounds are certainly improving. I went through another round using only low frequency settings, and they definitely sound better. And I hadn't thought of the fuzz's high end being cut out by the low pass. I was just hoping the low pass would eliminate squeals. If there's a way for it to cut less highs, I'd be interested in that too. Thanks as always TB, and if there's any other tips, they're always welcome!

I'll keep twiddling and let you know. Tomorrow's the first rehearsal with the band, so we'll see how it is in the mix.

 

[Nic.]

The BEF can't be edited from computer I think. But there are backpage functions that you can access, it's in the manual somewhere. I don't know how it's done for the BEF but when I was using the MWBD Pro, I think it consisted of holding down two of the EQ control buttons together.

I think you can change the amount of highs cut off by changing the resonance parameter. Or you could use the blend function to keep more of the original signal. I think you'll find the blend function very useful for getting it right in the mix. That said, I realized that for the dubstep-ish wobbles I'm using, I have to use it at 100% wet or it won't sound right

 

[kleinenenten]

The BEF can't be edited from computer I think. But there are backpage functions that you can access, it's in the manual somewhere. I don't know how it's done for the BEF but when I was using the MWBD Pro, I think it consisted of holding down two of the EQ control buttons together.

I think you can change the amount of highs cut off by changing the resonance parameter. Or you could use the blend function to keep more of the original signal. I think you'll find the blend function very useful for getting it right in the mix. That said, I realized that for the dubstep-ish wobbles I'm using, I have to use it at 100% wet or it won't sound right

I'm using the BEF standard, not pro, so there are no buttons, just a footswitch. Also no blend. I'll download the manual and see what I can find.

 

[adamaarts]

I'm using the BEF standard, not pro, so there are no buttons, just a footswitch. Also no blend. I'll download the manual and see what I can find.

I don't want to be THAT guy, but you really should have got the Manta!

All good though. Even the Manta was overwhelming to me at first and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get a sound I was hearing in my head. It does get easier once you figure out where everything is and get used to it. Now I can't imagine my board without it.

 

[kleinenenten]

I don't want to be THAT guy, but you really should have got the Manta!

All good though. Even the Manta was overwhelming to me at first and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get a sound I was hearing in my head. It does get easier once you figure out where everything is and get used to it. Now I can't imagine my board without it.

Not in the budget, especially for an effect I'd use sparingly. The BEF is likely more than I'll need, but was cheaper used than my other leading option.

 

[adamaarts]

Not in the budget, especially for an effect I'd use sparingly. The BEF is likely more than I'll need, but was cheaper used than my other leading option.

I know, I was mainly joking. But I do sincerely hope you get what you're after. Sorry I can't be of any help here.

 

[adamaarts]

I posted this in its own thread since there's more than SA stuff going on (not much though TBH) but I did a quick medley of muse bass riffs. The Manta should be more well known. I have been loving the fuzz sounds from it lately, it makes my OFD feel neglected. A little high boost EQ after the Manta fuzz creates a very tight sounding fuzz. I absolutely love it.

 

[kleinenenten]

Well, BEF through speakers is still a bit harsh. More tweaking to come...

 

[RunBeerRun]

I want the cheap one, filters sound great, peak one is very unique, and the lfo waveforms are great, would also work well on guitar.

 

[kleinenenten]

Well, BEF through speakers is still a bit harsh. More tweaking to come...

Ok, I've got MY sound. For now at least. I downloaded the manual which explained the different filters available, and ended up on 12. The low Q MXR-based one. Which is ironic since I had the MXR as #2 on my list! Oh, well. Now I've got the "MXR" and plenty of others.

To recap, the mix tonight sounded great. Still just a touch harsh on occasion, but I can likely fix that with some tweaking or cleaner playing when necessary. This is a very responsive pedal! Now, let's see how many more times I can waffle on this pedal. I've barely had it a day and have gone back and forth at least twice each now...

 

[Nic.]

Ok, I've got MY sound. For now at least. I downloaded the manual which explained the different filters available, and ended up on 12. The low Q MXR-based one. Which is ironic since I had the MXR as #2 on my list! Oh, well. Now I've got the "MXR" and plenty of others.

To recap, the mix tonight sounded great. Still just a touch harsh on occasion, but I can likely fix that with some tweaking or cleaner playing when necessary. This is a very responsive pedal! Now, let's see how many more times I can waffle on this pedal. I've barely had it a day and have gone back and forth at least twice each now...

If it helps, subjective perception changes a lot during the honeymoon period and also when you're fresh from jamming. If you can, make recordings and listen a few days later, let your mind clear first!