Go with the Behringer Toro. Thats as close to Tauras 1'S as you can get. And they're affordable. I prefer actual midi pedals as opposed to the Kieth Mcmillen pedals, but that of course would be up to you.
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Where do you get bass pedals??
- Thread starter Neil Folkard
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If you're technically inclined, you can build them with an Arduino and some switches. I managed to get a pre-programmed Arduino that just needs switches, power, and a USB connection to a computer or MIDI connection to a MIDI soundbank to work. I haven't had the time to put it together, but I have all the pieces.
you forgot ceiling fan light fixtures, boxes on the top shelf in the closet, bottom of the underwear drawer, under car seats, bathroom cabinets and the like…
Neil: Many years ago, I played bass in a YES tribute band. Having bass pedals that generated big fat thick deep low end notes was a must. The setup I used (which btw I still own), was a Roland PK-5 midi pedals unit (which has one octave of pedals) into a Moog Minitaur sound module. That was the easy part. The more challenging part was downstream of that......the massive amplification and speaker setup (which I no longer own). To generate those low notes at rock band volume (we were kinda loud), I needed lots of power and very capable sub speakers. I ran the signal out of the Minitaur into a Crown 2000-watt power amp, then into a pair of massive washing-machine-sized sub cabs that I constructed (designed using TS parameters of course) and each cab loaded with a McCauley 6174 subwoofer (freq response 15-800 Hz). When I stepped on those pedals, it ruptured spleens. I loved it!
I don't play in bands anymore, so I have since *greatly* downsized the amp/speaker gear to what you see in the pic below as I now just play in my room. That's an SVS SB-2000 Pro powered subwoofer on the bottom. No way is it loud enough to play in a band, but it provides massive low end at bedroom volumes. Its freq response is 19-240 Hz +/- 3 dB. The upper cab handles the mids/highs.
Neil: Many years ago, I played bass in a YES tribute band. Having bass pedals that generated big fat thick deep low end notes was a must. The setup I used (which btw I still own), was a Roland PK-5 midi pedals unit (which has one octave of pedals) into a Moog Minitaur sound module. That was the easy part. The more challenging part was downstream of that......the massive amplification and speaker setup (which I no longer own). To generate those low notes at rock band volume (we were kinda loud), I needed lots of power and very capable sub speakers. I ran the signal out of the Minitaur into a Crown 2000-watt power amp, then into a pair of massive washing-machine-sized sub cabs that I constructed (designed using TS parameters of course) and each cab loaded with a McCauley 6174 subwoofer (freq response 15-800 Hz). When I stepped on those pedals, it ruptured spleens. I loved it!
I don't play in bands anymore, so I have since *greatly* downsized the amp/speaker gear to what you see in the pic below as I now just play in my room. That's an SVS SB-2000 Pro powered subwoofer on the bottom. No way is it loud enough to play in a band, but it provides massive low end at bedroom volumes. Its freq response is 19-240 Hz +/- 3 dB. The upper cab handles the mids/highs.
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You don’t necessarily need to have a huge amplification arsenal in order to play/use these. I play my Taurus 3’s through the AUX IN of my Fender Rumble Stage 800 combo as an on stage monitor plus I get them in my IEM’s, and they are DI’d out into our meagre 2k PA system.
I went on a quest a few years ago to find some Taurus-style bass pedals. Actual Moog Taurus pedals were rare as hens teeth and very expensive. What I ended up using for the Taurus sound is an iPad app called Syntronik, by IK Multimedia. It has various old school synth sounds, including a Moog Taurus (which Syntronik calls "Bully 3 Raw Oscillators"). That got me a close enough approximation of the sound. Nowadays there is also the Behringer Toro, which wasn't an option back then. It's very reasonably priced and at some point I want to try one.
Next, for pedals, I tried the Keith McMillen foot controller, but it was too small and squished together for my feet. Then I found the Studiologic MP-113 (Invalid Link Removed) and that worked great. It's just a controller--it contains no sounds of its own, but it triggers the Syntronik sounds on my iPad very well, via MIDI. I was fortunate enough to find a used Studiologic on my city on Craigslist. I think I paid $150.00 for it. New, they retail for about $600.00.
In order to connect the Studiologic pedals to the iPad to trigger the sounds, and the iPad to an amp for audio output, I bought a cheap dongle on Amazon that has USB inputs and an 1/8" audio output. And I bought an iRig MIDI 2 to convert the MIDI output from the Studiologic pedals to USB in order to go into the iPad dongle. And then an 1/8" male to 1/4" male audio cable to go out from the iPad dongle to an amp or recorder.
It was a bit of a challenge figuring out what adapters, dongle and cables I needed, but it wasn't too difficult, and once assembled I had a relatively inexpensive but very useable foot pedal setup. The real challenge has been getting proficient at using it!
Next, for pedals, I tried the Keith McMillen foot controller, but it was too small and squished together for my feet. Then I found the Studiologic MP-113 (Invalid Link Removed) and that worked great. It's just a controller--it contains no sounds of its own, but it triggers the Syntronik sounds on my iPad very well, via MIDI. I was fortunate enough to find a used Studiologic on my city on Craigslist. I think I paid $150.00 for it. New, they retail for about $600.00.
In order to connect the Studiologic pedals to the iPad to trigger the sounds, and the iPad to an amp for audio output, I bought a cheap dongle on Amazon that has USB inputs and an 1/8" audio output. And I bought an iRig MIDI 2 to convert the MIDI output from the Studiologic pedals to USB in order to go into the iPad dongle. And then an 1/8" male to 1/4" male audio cable to go out from the iPad dongle to an amp or recorder.
It was a bit of a challenge figuring out what adapters, dongle and cables I needed, but it wasn't too difficult, and once assembled I had a relatively inexpensive but very useable foot pedal setup. The real challenge has been getting proficient at using it!
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FYI, I talked myself into it and went and bought a Toro today!
Cute Yorkie!!! And smart setup!Neil: Many years ago, I played bass in a YES tribute band. Having bass pedals that generated big fat thick deep low end notes was a must. The setup I used (which btw I still own), was a Roland PK-5 midi pedals unit (which has one octave of pedals) into a Moog Minitaur sound module. That was the easy part. The more challenging part was downstream of that......the massive amplification and speaker setup (which I no longer own). To generate those low notes at rock band volume (we were kinda loud), I needed lots of power and very capable sub speakers. I ran the signal out of the Minitaur into a Crown 2000-watt power amp, then into a pair of massive washing-machine-sized sub cabs that I constructed (designed using TS parameters of course) and each cab loaded with a McCauley 6174 subwoofer (freq response 15-800 Hz). When I stepped on those pedals, it ruptured spleens. I loved it!
I don't play in bands anymore, so I have since *greatly* downsized the amp/speaker gear to what you see in the pic below as I now just play in my room. That's an SVS SB-2000 Pro powered subwoofer on the bottom. No way is it loud enough to play in a band, but it provides massive low end at bedroom volumes. Its freq response is 19-240 Hz +/- 3 dB. The upper cab handles the mids/highs.
View attachment 5371021
I had a Behringer Toro for a while and it worked surprisingly well at replicating the Moog Taurus. No complaints just too much gear for my home setup and not a priority.
As far as foot controllers, if you have the dough I'd recommend the Crumar Mojopedals for sure. That or a 12 step if you can actually find them in stock.
I know some people successfully use the McMillen 12 Step, but I am not a fan. One problem might be the size of my feet - I just found it very hard to properly trigger notes. Also, the display went bad as soon as I got it (bought it used), and they said they couldn't/didn't do anything to repair that. Finally, you can't just plug them into your synth module - you have to use a MIDI expander, so extra cables/hardware instead of a simple MIDI cable. (You can't use the USB MIDI out on the 12 Step to control a synth module, only to connect to computer for the editor) I'm still hanging onto mine "just in case" but greatly prefer my Roland PK-5A. I used to have the Taurus 3 but it was just too huge - was fortunate to get a Sirin when they came out, but I think I'd be happy with a Minitaur too. Here's a pic of my setup for a solo gig:
My question is: to do what?
Pedals are designed to do something. Unless that something is needed, they're a waste of money. If the OP's band leader wants him to get a pedal, the questions are (1) why and (2)to do what, exactly?
There are general purpose pedals like overdrive and reverb, but those two questions still apply.
Definitely not plug&play - you would need to have a MIDI pickup on the bass to be able to trigger a synth like that.
Late to the party, I believe the future impact pedal has a midi out so that can translate bass to MIDI for you.
PS. Love that Alembic bass
Most of the pedals I currently own have been purchased used via Reverb, eBay, or online MI dealers, like PrimoFX (where I've purchased a number of One Control BJFe pedals), or even G uitar C enter's online used division.
Edit: nevermind, I just saw the OP was looking for synth bass organ pedals.
I have been playing around with synths and bass pedals for a year or so now. I have a Behringer Poly D, a Behringer Toro, Studio Logic MP113 and Roland PK-5 midi pedals.
The cover band I am in lost its second guitarist back in January for the umpteenth time in the last two year. We are now rolling as a 4 piece and I am going to fill in some of the soundscape with pedals an synths.
The Toro works fantastic. Big whomping bass. But, it is very limited in what sounds you can coax out of it. If bass is what you want, bass is what you get. There is a variable setting and an octave button but, as I said, the Toro is all about bass.
In the band, I am going to use the Poly D with the MP113. I am trying to keep the sounds I am using very simply. I don't want to be constantly twirling knobs on the Poly D. But it does give me more flexibility than the Toro.
I bought the Roland PK-5 used but it seems to another piece of gear I would have to "learn" before feeling comfortable for live use. The MP113 is just plug and push pedals to make sounds.
Above all, it just good fun to be able to add to the band's sound while channeling some inner Geddy. Caveat being, I am no keyboard player.
Edit: The Poly D was purchased new off Amazon. The Toro was new from Sweetwater (really inexpensive - like $250 US or something). The MP113 was purchased new from an online Canadian company. The PK-5 was purchased used locally.
The cover band I am in lost its second guitarist back in January for the umpteenth time in the last two year. We are now rolling as a 4 piece and I am going to fill in some of the soundscape with pedals an synths.
The Toro works fantastic. Big whomping bass. But, it is very limited in what sounds you can coax out of it. If bass is what you want, bass is what you get. There is a variable setting and an octave button but, as I said, the Toro is all about bass.
In the band, I am going to use the Poly D with the MP113. I am trying to keep the sounds I am using very simply. I don't want to be constantly twirling knobs on the Poly D. But it does give me more flexibility than the Toro.
I bought the Roland PK-5 used but it seems to another piece of gear I would have to "learn" before feeling comfortable for live use. The MP113 is just plug and push pedals to make sounds.
Above all, it just good fun to be able to add to the band's sound while channeling some inner Geddy. Caveat being, I am no keyboard player.
Edit: The Poly D was purchased new off Amazon. The Toro was new from Sweetwater (really inexpensive - like $250 US or something). The MP113 was purchased new from an online Canadian company. The PK-5 was purchased used locally.
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