Three compressors? I see that you are a man of sophistication...
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Source Audio Sorcerers Society (S.A.S.S) Part 3
- Thread starter gregmon79
- Start date
I did some checking and found that while I did already had the latest firmware for the C4, several other pedals were out of date because my Desktop editor was not the latest version. It wasn't giving me the latest firmware for my pedals. With the latest version of the editor, I found firmware updates Ventris, Nemesis, EQ2, and the Hub.
Here's my list of devices with their current versions:
Neuro Desktop Editor 0.8.60
Neuro Hub 1.21
EQ2 1.20
Nemesis 1.25
Ventris 1.25
Ultrawave Bass 1.10
Atlas 1.11
C4 1.21
The good news is the Nemesis and Ventris work now, and the EQ2 still works.
The bad news is the Mobile app doesn't seem to be able to recognize that there are presets on the Atlas, Ultrawave or C4 when connected via USB
My next step is to order a different cable or adapter to see if it behaves any differently, unless anyone has any other suggestions.
Cool setup!
true that it’s oh so many ways of using the sa pedals. I use ultrawave as a preamp with drive. Usually a clean and compressed tone, then midi to switch in various levels of distortion. And eq2 in stereo, but used to have eq first and last in my chain.
Hehe, I have been experimenting with serial compression with the Cali76 and the Empress. The Becos Compiq is being used as a limiter on the C4 output so that I don't blow out my ears or a speaker. I have found that when trying new patches there can be huge amplitude changes until you get it dialed in. So the Becos is a tiny pedal that can go to full limiting. I will be looking at what the Atlas can do for the new board but may just use the Empress on it.
I'm looking for some advice. I have no pedals at all, and I'm wondering about dipping my toe into pedal land. I was thinking the C4, Spectrum or Ultrawave. There seems to be a fair bit of overlap between these. But where to start?
My initial thought was the Ultrawave, as if all else fails I'd have access to a decent compressor.... But then the main effect in the Ultrawave seems to be distortion, for which I see limited use. (Although this may be biased by my somewhat old view of what distortion is.)
Any suggestions welcome.
My initial thought was the Ultrawave, as if all else fails I'd have access to a decent compressor.... But then the main effect in the Ultrawave seems to be distortion, for which I see limited use. (Although this may be biased by my somewhat old view of what distortion is.)
Any suggestions welcome.
I have the Ultrawave (UW) and the C4. Those two don't have a ton of overlap. But the C4 can run any of the presets that work on the Spectrum. Here's some quick thoughts.
The Ultrawave has a TON going on, but here's some basic highlights:
- super sweet compressor that inspired their Atlas compressor
- multiband overdrive/distortion/fuzz
- multiband or single band tremolo
- 10 band EQ w/ HPF and LPF
- 3 band EQ
- Clean blend
If you're of then mindset that you want a solid comp and some EQ options with the ability to add some killer dirt, the UW is a great choice. (And if you want to go deeper, there's lots of craziness that can happen, too.)
The C4 has so many options it's insane.
- 4 different channels to mix in with different options (Sine, Saw, Sqaure, Mono/Poly-phonic...). Depending on the choice, can do tremolo, different modulation, up to 3 Octaves up/down, add a subharmonic.
- two envelopes that can trigger two different filters
- tons of filter options
- dirt options
- LFO options
- Sequencer
- harmonizer
It's an insane pedal. Aside from a compressor and tuner, I'd be truly hard pressed to let the C4 go.
And a great selling point for all SA pedals are the downloadable and shareable presets: you don't have to start from nothing as lots of people are out there playing and creating, too.
So starting off completely with pedals, I dont know how knowledgeable you are about effects already? I would advise plenty of research initially (here on Talkbass), watching demos, trialing, considering what musical direction/dimension a given pedal could take you into......etc
I got my first SA pedal this year - the Ultrawave and followed up with the C4 a few months after. I already had a few pedals, including a digital processor (Boss) but nothing with the level of application. I researched the Ultrawave & C4 for ages before buying, but perhaps that's just me.
Bottom line is, if you enjoy extended time tweaking settings via software, exploring & learning /discovering, then the SA world is a whole lot of fun. If you dont have time or inclination for that, then the SA pedals can still deliver but you're not learning about how the sounds come together, so you dont have the level of control.
For myself, SA pedals are a long project in themselves, which I really like. Little bits at a time. Some confusions along the way, but plenty of nice surprises.
I too didnt used to have a lot of use for distortion. I tried a several OD pedals and just didnt really like any of them. Im still not crazy about full on distortions, prefer subtle break up. Its the ability to fine tune the UW distortions, combine with compression, trems, EQ etc, that really opens up fresh potential. The SA expression pedal also adds to your level of control, so you can sweep in the levels and find sweet spots etc. UW works well with some delays I recently discovered.
Another thing I find with distortion, is that just my bass, playing solo in a room, it can sound less desirable, extreme, almost annoying !! BUT.....sit it well in a mix, with drums etc, then the subtle magic can come alive.
I'm gradually finding outlets for my band using both the UW and C4. I want to do more 'experimental' noises, so I might start another band. I'm not that skilled at creating my own presets from scratch, but like tweaking existing ones from the community. That is a brilliant resource - a lot of skilled dudes out there.
So go for it, have fun and treat it like a new instrument - takes time. What sounds / music are you into?
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Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it.
Where am I coming from? I suppose I'm coming from an acoustic jazz world (where I play upright bass). I'm looking to get more into electric bass based jazz. I was chatting with a drummer recently who enthused about a drum bass duo, which could be fun...
I can see subtle distortion would sit well in the mix. I've been researching for a while. Part of the problem with research is that the videos or sound samples I hear are often showing quite an extreme example, which are amazing but possibly of limited immediate use (for me at this point).
As the C4 can run the spectrum presets, then it seems starting with C4 is preferable over the spectrum.
I feel I should have a compressor. One of the things I love about music is dynamics and articulation and I'm worried I would overuse a compressor and it would remove those elements that I love. Obviously, this would be a user error as I'm sure it's possible to enhance without flattening everything.
I'll investigate the C4 some more and see what I come up with.
Where am I coming from? I suppose I'm coming from an acoustic jazz world (where I play upright bass). I'm looking to get more into electric bass based jazz. I was chatting with a drummer recently who enthused about a drum bass duo, which could be fun...
I can see subtle distortion would sit well in the mix. I've been researching for a while. Part of the problem with research is that the videos or sound samples I hear are often showing quite an extreme example, which are amazing but possibly of limited immediate use (for me at this point).
As the C4 can run the spectrum presets, then it seems starting with C4 is preferable over the spectrum.
I feel I should have a compressor. One of the things I love about music is dynamics and articulation and I'm worried I would overuse a compressor and it would remove those elements that I love. Obviously, this would be a user error as I'm sure it's possible to enhance without flattening everything.
I'll investigate the C4 some more and see what I come up with.
dru
drum and bass would be good! Jazz background too, interesting.....
Dont be put off, the UW compressor can enhance your articulations. Its straightforward to adjust, with the helpful graphic and can be dual, if using both channels. Nate Navarro's video gives a great explanation to compression fundamentals (later in the vid):
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I also have an analogue compressor (Markbass Compressore), which I like and use in combination with the UW. I would describe the UW compressor as more 'intense' (in a good way), tweaking the controls gives more pronounced effect than the Compressore. The UW comp can really give extra punch and definition. Use it as a standalone, or combining with the distortions, it's sort of 'interactive', loads of potential.
drum and bass would be good! Jazz background too, interesting.....
Dont be put off, the UW compressor can enhance your articulations. Its straightforward to adjust, with the helpful graphic and can be dual, if using both channels. Nate Navarro's video gives a great explanation to compression fundamentals (later in the vid):
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I also have an analogue compressor (Markbass Compressore), which I like and use in combination with the UW. I would describe the UW compressor as more 'intense' (in a good way), tweaking the controls gives more pronounced effect than the Compressore. The UW comp can really give extra punch and definition. Use it as a standalone, or combining with the distortions, it's sort of 'interactive', loads of potential.
I have the C4 and the Ultrawave both and love the combination. I’m still learning how to use them after a couple years as there is so much to unpack.
The main thing I use my UW for is the dual band compression and leave the highs and lows split. When I want to apply some dirt, I leave the lows clean
Everything all wired up, including full USB and MIDI, and running in stereo. I’m surprised I found room on my desk for it, but managed to find a laptop stand that I could fit back there.
I like the small board size and simple connections. Have you ever tried sending a MIDI command to change the Neuro Hub scene from a tablet via the USB hub connection?
I'm trying to determine if that would be possible without using a MIDI controller like the Soleman for scene changes in a live setting. I realize there wouldn't be any visual verification feedback from the pedalboard of the scene selected, which is a negative factor of not using a board mounted controller. But would like to have a tablet setlist sending the MIDI scene commands to change scenes per song on stage. Then to simply plug in a laptop to make in depth preset changes to the pedals when setting up scenes beforehand.
Yes, I've used the ONE Control app on iPad ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]) for sending MIDI, using a CME WIDI adapter. It works quite well, and can create whatever interface works best for you.
I use Bandhelper on android to manage my set list, and it has worked perfectly to send midi commands to the neuro hub to change the scene based on the song I'm on.
I use the same app and I've been thinking of programming my GT1k Core to receive midi messages from the tablet to change patches depending on the song. The only problem is that our BL doesn't stick to setlists! Hahaha! He chops and changes as the night goes on, so I haven't put the time and effort in
Ive been enjoying this board lately
How short is super short?
Here are some 1 footers:
Boss BCC-1-3535 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRS Connecting Cable - 1 foot
