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

[Alex_H]

I just bought and received a C4! One hitch though, it doesn't seem to have come with a USB cord. Is this standard?

It is. My had no USB cord too. Luckily I had some still around. Mini-USB is not that common these days but in terms of stability it's the much better solution.

 

[BurningSkies]

I just bought and received a C4! One hitch though, it doesn't seem to have come with a USB cord. Is this standard?

Yep. I bought mine 'new' from dealer without a USB cable.

While I had one or two that functioned I ended up buying a pair for this specific use (one right angle, one left angle) these work:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NNTV6O/

 

[BenHack]

View attachment 3588700

^^^ This gives me hope for what I'm looking to do. Anyone know if the 'input low cut' applies at the 'front' of the chain or is specific to when the signal enters the distortion processing engines? In other words, would the 'clean' through be effected by the Input Low Cut or not?

Anyone have a block diagram of the signal flow as to where the 'additional filters' are and/or where the master Parametric EQ is?

Hi Burning Skies

The input low cut is basically an HPF for the incoming (clean) signal. Have a look at the link, it explains how the role of each parameter in the Neuro editor.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Cheers

Ben

 

[BurningSkies]

Hi Burning Skies

The input low cut is basically an HPF for the incoming (clean) signal. Have a look at the link, it explains how the role of each parameter in the Neuro editor.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Cheers

Ben

Yeah, I get that it's a HPF, but 'input' can mean a bunch of things. I note that it the other control which is a LPF on the clean through actually states 'Clean' in it's title/function.

I'm wondering if 'input' refers to the front end input of the pedal or the input to the 'effect stages' of unit (aka leaves the clean through/lows intact) and only effects the stuff hitting the distortion.

 

[BenHack]

Yeah, I get that it's a HPF, but 'input' can mean a bunch of things. I note that it the other control which is a LPF on the clean through actually states 'Clean' in it's title/function.

I'm wondering if 'input' refers to the front end input of the pedal or the input to the 'effect stages' of unit (aka leaves the clean through/lows intact) and only effects the stuff hitting the distortion.

I just assumed it was affecting the clean signal before any drive engine stuff. I’m not really using that feature as I’ve got an HPF at the end of my chain.

 

[Alex_H]

isn't that really old? I thought you could do all your hub programming/editing and control in Neuro desktop these days?

I knew it was older but did not knew it was real ancient and I like the software.

I think Hub Manager has been pretty much replaced by the Neuro Desktop now so I doubt there's any support for C4 in the Hub Manager.

I feared that, but after I used the Neuro Desktop software a bit I think it's a usable replacement.

 

[rsmith601]

I knew it was older but did not knew it was real ancient and I like the software.


I feared that, but after I used the Neuro Desktop software a bit I think it's a usable replacement.

We were going crazy supporting all kinds of updaters and editors. And doing a bad job of making these things robust. Now, we have one thing that does it all, and it is very reliable.

 

[Robertron]

Hi Burning Skies

The input low cut is basically an HPF for the incoming (clean) signal. Have a look at the link, it explains how the role of each parameter in the Neuro editor.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Cheers

Ben

This was really helpful!

Why aren't these parameter definitions outlined in the manual?

 

[bassbrad]

This was really helpful!

Why aren't these parameter definitions outlined in the manual?

I would guess that the manuals were published before the revisions were made to the Neuro Editor. Keeping all the Manuals updated would be a huge task beyond the capabilities for a small company like Source Audio that has products that are constantly evolving.
@rsmith601
It might be good to have a Glossary page as well as a FAQ page that users can reference for new users, and even older users who encounter changes as evolution brings new features and options to older devices.

 

[rsmith601]

I would guess that the manuals were published before the revisions were made to the Neuro Editor. Keeping all the Manuals updated would be a huge task beyond the capabilities for a small company like Source Audio that has products that are constantly evolving.
@rsmith601
It might be good to have a Glossary page as well as a FAQ page that users can reference for new users, and even older users who encounter changes as evolution brings new features and options to older devices.

A visit to the product page makes it clear there are tips for using the desktop editor.

 

[BurningSkies]

Plugged in my new.used SA AfterShock tonight, did a reset and made sure the firmware was updated (also re-updated to 7.2 on my Neuro desktop). Seems like I may find some stuff in there I can like even if a lot of the really distortiony things are out of my bailiwick (I try to use that term whenever applicable).

...one thing question and it probably is more due to me being a lummox than otherwise. How do I save presets beyond the 'main six' the hardware interface allows?

I know I should be able to save/access a full 128 with the MIDI implementation, but I can't figure out the step between finding/browsing or editing and getting those patches burned onto the pedal? When I do 'save as' I don't get the option for empty slots like the C4?

 

[Gibs210]

Plugged in my new.used SA AfterShock tonight, did a reset and made sure the firmware was updated (also re-updated to 7.2 on my Neuro desktop). Seems like I may find some stuff in there I can like even if a lot of the really distortiony things are out of my bailiwick (I try to use that term whenever applicable).

...one thing question and it probably is more due to me being a lummox than otherwise. How do I save presets beyond the 'main six' the hardware interface allows?

I know I should be able to save/access a full 128 with the MIDI implementation, but I can't figure out the step between finding/browsing or editing and getting those patches burned onto the pedal? When I do 'save as' I don't get the option for empty slots like the C4?

Aftershock only has 6 presets and they are not accessible via midi. The c4 was the first to offer 128 and midi access. This is where your hub will come in handy if you want more presets, or if you want to use it in tandem with the c4 you can program your hub to recall settings on both pedals, including the state of the bypass switch. Helps reduce the amount of programming needed for a song.

 

[Adamixoye]

Plugged in my new.used SA AfterShock tonight, did a reset and made sure the firmware was updated (also re-updated to 7.2 on my Neuro desktop). Seems like I may find some stuff in there I can like even if a lot of the really distortiony things are out of my bailiwick (I try to use that term whenever applicable).

...one thing question and it probably is more due to me being a lummox than otherwise. How do I save presets beyond the 'main six' the hardware interface allows?

I know I should be able to save/access a full 128 with the MIDI implementation, but I can't figure out the step between finding/browsing or editing and getting those patches burned onto the pedal? When I do 'save as' I don't get the option for empty slots like the C4?

It doesn't work that way. You only get 128 presets in the form of Hub scenes.

 

[rsmith601]

Plugged in my new.used SA AfterShock tonight, did a reset and made sure the firmware was updated (also re-updated to 7.2 on my Neuro desktop). Seems like I may find some stuff in there I can like even if a lot of the really distortiony things are out of my bailiwick (I try to use that term whenever applicable).

...one thing question and it probably is more due to me being a lummox than otherwise. How do I save presets beyond the 'main six' the hardware interface allows?

I know I should be able to save/access a full 128 with the MIDI implementation, but I can't figure out the step between finding/browsing or editing and getting those patches burned onto the pedal? When I do 'save as' I don't get the option for empty slots like the C4?

I made the decision to put 128 presets on the C4. Seemed silly not to do it. The older one series pedals did not have the same amount of memory.

 

[benevan]

I made the decision to put 128 presets on the C4. Seemed silly not to do it. The older one series pedals did not have the same amount of memory.

Will this be the design feature moving forward with the newer 1series pedals?

 

[rsmith601]

Will this be the design feature moving forward with the newer 1series pedals?

Case by case, I think
But generally yes.

 

[Matty Koff]

So, I just received the Aftershock, and the Spectrum intelligent filter, and without even plugging my smartphone into them just out of the box.. these pedals are pretty freaking killer compared to what I have.

The spectrum, seems be able to handle the job of both my mxr m288 BOD, and my mxr m82 envelope filter.
I've never really been happy with the m82 personally, just never could quite get a sound out of it I was happy with, where the spectrum just brings me all kinds of joy just playing with the tron and dumpling settings, while the octave in the thrust setting tracks quite well down to Ab.

The aftershock, just downright kills my EHX Big Muff Pi Deluxe for fuzz, and also sounds quite good using the tube and heavy setting. Kind of can't wait to see what I can get out of both of these pedals with the app.

c4 was unfortunately on backorder using the same retailer.. but I'm looking forward to getting my hands on one.

Do these qualify me for acceptance into the society?

 

[imabuddha]

The spectrum, seems be able to handle the job of both my mxr m288 BOD, and my mxr m82 envelope filter.
I've never really been happy with the m82 personally, just never could quite get a sound out of it I was happy with, where the spectrum just brings me all kinds of joy just playing with the tron and dumpling settings, while the octave in the thrust setting tracks quite well down to Ab.

Glad to hear this. Those 2 pedals had been on my to buy list until I learned of the Spectrum. ;-]

 

[BurningSkies]

It doesn't work that way. You only get 128 presets in the form of Hub scenes.

Aftershock only has 6 presets and they are not accessible via midi. The c4 was the first to offer 128 and midi access. This is where your hub will come in handy if you want more presets, or if you want to use it in tandem with the c4 you can program your hub to recall settings on both pedals, including the state of the bypass switch. Helps reduce the amount of programming needed for a song.

So the hub has 'slots' for me to save AfterShock presets to? That's sort of a bummer, though I can handle it by just building 'scenes' for the AfterShock alone and think of the Hub as the AS, though it adds to some complexity with my controllers and isn't the most graceful.

-Is this going to screw up how I use my C4 with the Hub as just a MIDI Host (Like, do I have to unplug the connection when I set my board up at every show so the hub doesn't 'scan the C4' or try to fuss with what I have setup on that pedal).

-Will I be able to use CC from a controller to scroll preset-up--preset down or is that kind of CC not supported.

-Right now 'in the field' edits I do for levels, etc. in the C4 I can save on the pedal by holding down the footswitch. Will I be able to at least function similarly with the AfterShock, or am I relegated to having to use the editor to get things done. Or because the presets are held on the Hub do I have to use another process.

Way easier for many controllers when people are layering in MIDI effects just to drop in a new Channel & whatever PC or CC you need if you're working with patches you already have and use.

The phrasing on the website:

"The Aftershock also features full MIDI capability and simplicity when coupled with the Neuro Hub"
- Preset Saving — Save up to 128 effect presets."

Is a bit weak when it comes to how it works given the C4 also gives me 128 presets when using my hub as a host. But not needing to use the Hub to store and save them. That should probably be revised given how some of the other pedals function.

I made the decision to put 128 presets on the C4. Seemed silly not to do it. The older one series pedals did not have the same amount of memory.

Time to think about a round of upgrades (AS2 etc., ?) you've got a singular series of pedals that now handles MIDI differently from pedal to pedal which is really mix and match in terms of core feature sets. When it comes to my board which has other MIDI pedals on it, it amounts to me (and others like me) having to use several different schemes of control from a pseudo-MIDI proprietary communications thing to standard commands.

 

[GMC]

In reference to BurningSkies above, the Aftershock is a pre C4 One Series. The hardware on the C4 is slightly tweeked version of what's on the Aftershock. The C4 has additional memory so that it can store 128 patches. Where as the humble Aftershock has only space for 6.

I really like the way midi is implemented on the Hub and C4...accessing the internal 128 preset library via midi. The Aftershock (along with all the other small one series units) can connect in the same way but only has 6 internal slots. The hub does allow the saving of 128 scenes on it's self.
The hub does allow multiple pedals to save multiple settings in one scene. But you can't access each pedal interdependently from that scene.

I currently have only Aftershock and C4 connected to my Hub. I use the hub to access the 128 patches on my C4 via midi as a pass through...a bit like a router. But I use my 128 hub scenes purely for my Aftershock. So for me, Midi 1 CC's call up the hub scenes (which are my Aftershock scenes) and Midi 7 CC's are calling up my C4 patches. This effectively makes my Hub scenes dedicated to my Aftershock, which is working well. I just need to remember to hook up my C4 via USB to edit the patches and for the Aftershock I have to hook up my Hub.

At some point it would be wise for SA to unify the hardware but we wouldn't have the C4 if the hardware wasn't tweaked. Can you imagine having only 6 patches on a C4 until the hub update last week was launched? I far prefer using the hub as a pass through...allowing access to the patches on the pedal, but each pedal therefore would need more than 6 patches going forwards. It would be a lot easier for SA to support and produce new pedals for us too.