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

[robd]

Been going thru a lot of SA posts....

seems to me that quite a few people (including myself) want an eq that truly integrates with the hub and SB2 pedals, so that the user can program a unique eq curve for any scene and save it on the hub for recall along with the other SB2 pedal settings

Anyone but me want to see this?

Any plans on a SB2 eq pedal, since the hardware on the PEQ won't allow this?

 

[FretNoMore]

It would be nice to have more covered by SB2 pedals (delays, amp sims maybe, octaver, synth?). In the meantime you can control other MIDI enabled pedals so there are ways.

I'm putting together a board where a Zoom MS-60B and/or MS-70CDR supplies the delay and reverb effects. Controlled by a DMC foot switch that can send MIDI over both 5-pin and USB plugs. The PC commands to the SA pedals go via the Hub and the PC commands to the Zooms directly from the foot switch.

 

[rsmith601]

Hi all, can somebody enlighten me about the "regular" overdrive/distortion settings on the SB2 Multiwave bass pedal? How do they compare with typical sounds generated by commonly used pedals (or boutique devices, for that matter)? I'm clear on the single band, multi-band, foldback, and octave settings.

This is just my take on it, but others could comment too. The single band normal setting is the most mainstream drive tone on this pedal. It is the same tone on the SB2 and SB Pro, so you can listen to it on the older videos we did.

 

[ncabral]

I've some more questions about using the hub -

According to the manual, it can accept midi via the USB jack, e.g. from a computer...

1) Can anyone confirm if this includes MIDI PC messages?

2) And does anyone know whether there exists a device that can take in a USB midi message and send it out by USB as well? I'd search for this but I've no idea what it's called or how I'd begin searching.

Basically I have a Softstep controller (http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep12/articles/kmi-softstep.htm), and it sends out midi through USB. I can configure what messages it sends out.

The other end of the softstep cable is a normal sized USB cable. Also, I know it's considered a slave device, not a master device.
I believe the zoom ms60b and source audio hub are also slave devices.
So what I think I need is something that acts as a master device.

Does anyone know how I can make this work? Something like this:
Link Removed

My idea is that since the MS60B works on fixed MIDI PC messages, I'll just configure the hub to react to those same PC messages as well. Then, I'll send a PC message from the softstep, and it'll be forwarded to both the MS60B and the Hub, and they'll both change respectively.

So... does anyone know how I can get this to work? :x

.. this product just came to my attention:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I think it bypasses the need for an iPad or computer
[email protected]

 

[jwr]

Just watched a demo for the Stingray?????? What's the difference between this and the Manta?

 

[rsmith601]

Just watched a demo for the Stingray?????? What's the difference between this and the Manta?

3 main things: 1) Filters are voiced for guitar rather than bass. 2) There is only one flavor of distortion, so no type and drive.......just drive. We did not think the guitar players wanted all the synthy funky stuff.....and it was complicated to use. 3) The mod source has the random sequencer thing.

 

[Inertialsky]

Does anyone know where we can find a short (4-6") sensor cable?

I'm trying to get rid of the small rat nest of wound cables on my board...

I emailed Source Audio a few weeks ago and the response was that they only have one length available (too long)

The only ones I've found would need to be imported from Korea and I am concerned of the quality.

 

[rsmith601]

Does anyone know where we can find a short (4-6") sensor cable?

I'm trying to get rid of the small rat nest of wound cables on my board...

I emailed Source Audio a few weeks ago and the response was that they only have one length available (too long)

The only ones I've found would need to be imported from Korea and I am concerned of the quality.

These cables are now used for lots of other applications besides us. The signal is not super delicate like an audio cable, so quality is a bit less important than usual. The is technically a male to male 1/8 inch TRRS cable. Some others may know more about how to find one?

 

[Inertialsky]

The actual build quality was what I was concerned with. I know it's just serving as a signal cable not an audio cable.

I know it's just a 4 pole 3.5mm male to male. My question is if it's wired how we would expect it to be wired, ie, outer tip to outer tip, second to second, third to third, etc... I imagine it is but the last thing I want to do is break something or cause a short.


This is the one I found. Not too many 4 pole male to male options...

Edit: Just ordered one to try out. If I don't report back within a week assume the worst.

 

[Nic.]

Hi all, can somebody enlighten me about the "regular" overdrive/distortion settings on the SB2 Multiwave bass pedal? How do they compare with typical sounds generated by commonly used pedals (or boutique devices, for that matter)? I'm clear on the single band, multi-band, foldback, and octave settings.

This is just my take on it, but others could comment too. The single band normal setting is the most mainstream drive tone on this pedal. It is the same tone on the SB2 and SB Pro, so you can listen to it on the older videos we did.

I've the multiwave, and I agree that the "regular" setting sounds the most normal. That said, the multiband regular does sound a little bit more airy than I usually expect from "normal" distortions. Actually, if you're looking for a normal distortion, I personally think the micromodeller does that much better. Yesterday I tried the micromodeller with my bass at the local distributor. I was quite impressed. I didn't A/B directly with the multiwave, but based on my personal experience with the multiwave I'd say it's a bit of a challenge to exactly dial in a regular "crunch" sound or other classic sounds. But I didn't manage to get a crazy sputtery gated fuzz on the OFD while I have one with my multiwave+manta working together. I generally like the synthy modern sound with my band but the OFD is possibly on my long term plans if I have space.

By the way, if you guys have any good classic tight heavy crunch tones for multiwave, I'd really love some suggestions!

.. this product just came to my attention:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I think it bypasses the need for an iPad or computer
[email protected]

Okay that's great! I take it that that means that the hub can accept midi pc via the usb.

By the way... I just placed an order for the hub from my local distributor yesterday. He said the next shipment is expected to be in a few weeks. Can't wait! I'll update on whether I can get the setup to work when it's here.

It would be nice to have more covered by SB2 pedals (delays, amp sims maybe, octaver, synth?). In the meantime you can control other MIDI enabled pedals so there are ways.

I'm putting together a board where a Zoom MS-60B and/or MS-70CDR supplies the delay and reverb effects. Controlled by a DMC foot switch that can send MIDI over both 5-pin and USB plugs. The PC commands to the SA pedals go via the Hub and the PC commands to the Zooms directly from the foot switch.

Almost exactly what I intend to do...except that my footswitch is usb, so I've to control the hub by usb too. But anyway I've confirmed that I can send the same PC to multiple zoom pedals via a powered USB hub so sending to both zoom and SA should work.

 

[rsmith601]

The actual build quality was what I was concerned with. I know it's just serving as a signal cable not an audio cable.

I know it's just a 4 pole 3.5mm male to male. My question is if it's wired how we would expect it to be wired, ie, outer tip to outer tip, second to second, third to third, etc... I imagine it is but the last thing I want to do is break something or cause a short.


This is the one I found. Not too many 4 pole male to male options...

Edit: Just ordered one to try out. If I don't report back within a week assume the worst.

Yes, you are right. There is no tricky stuff. Tip to Tip, ring to ring, etc. That one looks perfect to me. Hope all goes well!

 

[mtb777]

MyCableMart.com has them in several lengths. 3.5 TRRS.

 

[Zvi Newman]

This is just my take on it, but others could comment too. The single band normal setting is the most mainstream drive tone on this pedal. It is the same tone on the SB2 and SB Pro, so you can listen to it on the older videos we did.

Thanks, I have done that. I also found some independent performances, demos, and reviews in a variety of languages - but the main focus is always (and predictably) on the multiband and synth-like sounds, which I seem to understand and definitely want.

I have a Hub, Manta, and Orbital, and will soon sell my 1st-gen BEF and Tri-Mod Wah. I'm thinking about getting an SB2 MWBD, but I want to see how I will work standard overdrive and distortion. I currently have an EBS Billy Sheehan OD and an MXR Bass Fuzz Deluxe. Both are great, but I'm in waffle mode. I love distortion because it's distortion. I hate distortion because I can't figure out the right sound and way (for me) to get it. ;-)

As such, feedback from users about the mainstream sounds on the MWBD would be much appreciated!

 

[Zvi Newman]

I've the multiwave, and I agree that the "regular" setting sounds the most normal. That said, the multiband regular does sound a little bit more airy than I usually expect from "normal" distortions. Actually, if you're looking for a normal distortion, I personally think the micromodeller does that much better. Yesterday I tried the micromodeller with my bass at the local distributor. I was quite impressed. I didn't A/B directly with the multiwave, but based on my personal experience with the multiwave I'd say it's a bit of a challenge to exactly dial in a regular "crunch" sound or other classic sounds. But I didn't manage to get a crazy sputtery gated fuzz on the OFD while I have one with my multiwave+manta working together. I generally like the synthy modern sound with my band but the OFD is possibly on my long term plans if I have space.

By the way, if you guys have any good classic tight heavy crunch tones for multiwave, I'd really love some suggestions!

Thanks, Nic.! I'm not sure about the OFD in my context. I'm liking the idea of an airy-but-"aggressive enough" distortion. When playing heavy stuff, do you find yourself painfully wishing that the MW could be more aggressive?

BTW, distortion/fuzz into the Orbital is fabulous too - give it a try.

 

[Nic.]

I've never had a problem with it not being aggressive enough. It's aggressive, just not in the same way. I don't know why exactly, but I think it's something to do with the harmonics. This morning I tried dialing in classic dirt tones again and I guess single band normal distortion gets close but not quite the same. That said, a lot of the time when listening to just the bass alone in my room, I find it a rather odd distortion sound, but somehow it just fits in nicely and doesn't sound odd when I'm jamming.

I don't have an orbital, but I do use the phaser on the manta to give a "voice" to the notes. Actually that's also what I like about the foldback, it feels very synthy organic, and works well with my fretless.

I realize I don't have any decent recordings of my band's songs with all out multiwave distortion yet, when I recorded our older songs I was using the manta to distort. But once my guitarists get their tracks done for one of our newer songs I'll link here for an example of how the octave distortion can be used.

 

[Zvi Newman]

I've never had a problem with it not being aggressive enough. It's aggressive, just not in the same way. I don't know why exactly, but I think it's something to do with the harmonics. This morning I tried dialing in classic dirt tones again and I guess single band normal distortion gets close but not quite the same. That said, a lot of the time when listening to just the bass alone in my room, I find it a rather odd distortion sound, but somehow it just fits in nicely and doesn't sound odd when I'm jamming.

I don't have an orbital, but I do use the phaser on the manta to give a "voice" to the notes. Actually that's also what I like about the foldback, it feels very synthy organic, and works well with my fretless.

I realize I don't have any decent recordings of my band's songs with all out multiwave distortion yet, when I recorded our older songs I was using the manta to distort. But once my guitarists get their tracks done for one of our newer songs I'll link here for an example of how the octave distortion can be used.

Dist. sound: cool, sounds like what I think I'm after. Thanks!

Orbital: give it a shot if you have a chance. It also works fabulously with the Manta - I've come up with some insane sounds using them together, and I'm hoping to use them in some instrumental improv sections of the show my band is putting together. I'm talking about everything from synth to torn speakers to echoing helicopters to flushing toilets. The Manta's phaser settings are good, but the Orbital has much more.

 

[Nic.]

Dist. sound: cool, sounds like what I think I'm after. Thanks!

I suggest trying it with a band setup first, or buy from somewhere that offers returns if you turn out not to like it. It's definitely a very polarizing thing. I keep coming back to it, but I know a lot of people who'd really hate it (at least when they hear it alone and not in a band mix).

Orbital: give it a shot if you have a chance. It also works fabulously with the Manta - I've come up with some insane sounds using them together, and I'm hoping to use them in some instrumental improv sections of the show my band is putting together. I'm talking about everything from synth to torn speakers to echoing helicopters to flushing toilets. The Manta's phaser settings are good, but the Orbital has much more.

I'm definitely running out of pedalboard real estate here, as well as money. I don't think I really need an Orbital at the moment, it's not a priority. I estimate after my hub arrives and I set it up with my midi footswitch, I'll have just enough space for one more pedal on a Pedaltrain 2, and that last spot on my board is saved for a possible future Source Audio synth (or the OFD if I eventually feel an urgent need for it).

 

[mtb777]

That's easily solved with a PT-3.

 

[Nic.]

That's easily solved with a PT-3.

That's more money - some of it spent on a new PT-3 and most of it spent on treating back injuries from carrying too much equipment



Anyway, I realized I probably did use the multiwave on a recording of one of my band's songs, uploaded it here - https://www.noisesingapore.com/theworks/musicdetail/id/56757/ it's not heavy though, it's more of a rock song than a metal song.

I can't remember exactly what settings I used... but if I'm not wrong, in the earlier part, I used an almost clean patch, just a slight bit of drive blended into the clean signal. At around 1:57, I kick in my actual distortion patch, it should be one of the multiband foldback settings iirc. It's blended about equal or slightly less than the clean. So you can hear there's some hair on the tone that fits in the space between the guitars but isn't obtrusive, I think it comes through clearer when the guitar solo kicks in. It's the kind of sound that you notice when it's gone. Of course, that also has to do with the fact that I blended it in subtly rather than making it full on.

If you want to hear in a heavier context, I can't remember if I recorded this one with the multiwave or the manta. I know originally I used the manta on it, but I think I might have re-recorded with the multiwave. But anyway, I think this is more representative of how I usually use the multiwave in a band context-
https://www.noisesingapore.com/theworks/musicdetail/id/56758/
Again, I make the distortion subtle. When the guitars clear up in the chorus you can hear it clearer, especially in the last chorus at 3:20

The bass tracks here are all a few months old, I've come to understand how to use the pedal better recently.

 

[Adamixoye]

The actual build quality was what I was concerned with. I know it's just serving as a signal cable not an audio cable.

I know it's just a 4 pole 3.5mm male to male. My question is if it's wired how we would expect it to be wired, ie, outer tip to outer tip, second to second, third to third, etc... I imagine it is but the last thing I want to do is break something or cause a short.


This is the one I found. Not too many 4 pole male to male options...

Edit: Just ordered one to try out. If I don't report back within a week assume the worst.

So where is this from?

MyCableMart.com has them in several lengths. 3.5 TRRS.

Unless I'm missing something, I don't see any right-angle options on their site.