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Tracking optimizations

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by L.kan, Apr 15, 2012.

  1. Apr 15, 2012 #1
    L.kan

    L.kan Guest

    Jan 18, 2009
    Hello,

    I own an exar octavium, an octave Pedal.

    It´s tracking is not superb but not that bad eighter.
    I compared it yesterday to the aguilar octamizer, mxr octaver, the ehx POG, and the OC-3.
    Trackingwise it is quite similar to the aguilar and the mxr. Soundwise its close to the MXR.
    It´s impressive that none off them where flawless.

    The main Issue I have with the Pedal is that it starts creeping away, when I am not playing.
    I mute the strings but as soon as I let go, the slightest string vibration makes it kind off LFO droning.
    (Which I actually can misuse in combination with a booster on the Moogs LPF as an LFO)

    This unwanted noise produced by the octaver makes the effectchain behind it go absolutely crazy.

    So
    IN GENERAL HOW DO I ACHIEVE OPTIMAL TRACKING?

    Clean Playing, ok.
    But what could a buffer do for me and
    what influence do the Basses Pickups have?

    my chain at the moment is :)
    Lakland skyline 44-01
    FreqBox
    my octave pedal, it should be first...
    Ibanez Phat Head distortion
    gated fuzz
    MF101
    Line 6 M9
    controled by an MP 201
    soon a geiger counter will nest in.

    Please tell me you tracking improvement tricks.

    L.
     
  2. Apr 15, 2012 #2
    Unrepresented

    Unrepresented Something Borderline Offensive

    Jul 1, 2006
    San Diego, CA
    A noise gate will decrease unintended activation below a threshold.
     
  3. Apr 16, 2012 #3
    L.kan

    L.kan Guest

    Jan 18, 2009
    Thank you.
    but that is not the way I want to go.
    I tried my philosphers tone infront of the exar, but that does -of course- not solve it.
    Lower volume settings do...
    I´d rather invest in a new octaver than a noise gate.

    But I still am wondering about the methods to improve tracking.
    In a philosophical matter ;)

    *L
     
  4. Apr 16, 2012 #4
    bassbrad

    bassbrad

    Aug 17, 2000
    Leander, TX (outside Austin)
    I find that octavers, envelope filters, synth type and pitch shifters are very sensitive to minute changes in playing style.
    Changing the pickup setting or volume and EQ/tone changes may have a positive effect as well as how hard, soft or where you pluck can make improvement on tracking.

    I find it more rewarding to play to each ones particular traits rather than expecting (or forcing) them to adapt to me. YMMV
     
  5. Apr 16, 2012 #5
    Dave W

    Dave W

    Mar 1, 2007
    Westchester, NY
    I'm confused. You say that you don't like that it tracks every little nuance of your playing because it makes everything go crazy, but you want to make it track better?

    I would turn the octave off when you don't want it and turn it back on when you do. Sometimes you gotta tap dance!

    As for optimizing tracking: Put it close to the front of the chain. Different basses make them react differently (my ASAT clips my OC-2 in active mode, and can do it pretty easily in passive mode as well). If you have multiples, figure out which bass works best with it. Also figure out how low it will track and stay above that.
     
  6. Apr 16, 2012 #6
    Unrepresented

    Unrepresented Something Borderline Offensive

    Jul 1, 2006
    San Diego, CA
    A noise gate set for gain reduction? I know that's not what you want but it sounds like it would address your stated concerns.