Worship Bass Pedalboards

[RockinBass85]

Hey everyone, I'm pretty new here but I've loved seeing everyone's gear for worship and thought I'd post my own! This is the set up I'm using for worship at the moment. I have a fuzz and, phaser, and reverb that I'll patch in rarely depending on the set. The Noble and Cali76-CB is a perfect combo, sounds amazing.

Cool setup. Here's mine. The gaps are for the pedals I'm awaiting, the EHX Bass Soul Food and a Boss DD-500. I initially ordered an SA Nemesis, but the dealer ran out of stock, so I chose the Boss. I had a joyo como sitting around and decided I'd give it a try. My mxr comp I use as a volume limiter for when I slap. It's all houses in a behringer briefcase.

 

[Mosfed]

SIGNAL CHAIN:
Bass/Guitar -->
Digitech Drop -->
Boss SY-300 -->
LOOP -->
[Panda Audio Future Impact] -->
Eventide H9 Max -->
LOOP -->
[Source Audio Aftershock -->
Source Audio Manta Bass Filter -->
Empress Compressor -->
Empress Heavy -->
Empress Multidrive] -->
Eventide H9 Core -->
LOOP -->
[Zoom MS-100BT
Source Audio Nemesis] -->
Darkglass B7K Ultra -->
Pigtronix Infinity Looper -->
Singular Sound Beat Buddy -->
Bass/Guitar Amps

MIDI CHAIN:
Livid Guitar Wing (via Bluetooth) -->
MIDI Designer on iPad (via Bluetooth) -->
Zivix PUC+ -->
Singular Sound Beat Buddy [merged] -->
Source Audio Reflex [merged] -->
Boss SY-300 -->
MIDI Solutions Quadra Thru -->
[Source Audio Hub,
Pigtronix Infinity Looper,
Panda Audio Future Impact,
Eventide H9 Max --> Eventide H9 Core --> Source Audio Nemesis]

EXPRESSION AND AUXILIARY CONTROL:
Source Audio Reflex --> Eventide H9 Max (via MIDI)
Source Audio Reflex --> Eventide H9 Core (via MIDI)
Source Audio Reflex --> Panda Audio Future Impact (via MIDI)
Source Audio Reflex --> Source Audio Hub (via 1/4" TRS)
Source Audio Reflex --> Boss SY-300 (via 1/4" TRS)
Source Audio HH3 --> Source Audio Hub (via 1/8" TRRS)
Source Audio Hub --> Source Audio Aftershock and Source Audio Bass Manta Filter
Custom Momentary Dual Footswitch --> Singular Sound Beat Buddy
Custom Momentary Dual Footswitch --> Pigtronix Infinity Looper
Custom Patch Bay --> Allows 2nd Board into SY-300 Loop with Future Impact

BOARD AND POWER:
PT-Pro
Mono Soft Case
Voodoo Labs Pedal Power Mondo
MXR ISO-Brick
EBS Flat Cables
BTPA and One Control MIDI Cables
Homemade TRS Cables

Seeing the SY-300 next to the already stupidly large Future Impact makes it look ginormous.

 

[zwkoch]

Every time I think I've talked myself into trying a chorus or something at church to change it up a little bit, add some variety, I watch this video and wonder...



I have a tuner, a compressor (that I really don't need as it's set so that I rarely even see a light go on) and a Radial JDI. It's been working of years. But then I get bored, or someone in the band gets new stuff and I feel left out.

This isn't simply a debate for worship bassists, it is a debate that the entire bass community has.

I personally love effects. I love the creativity that they spark. I love that they allow me to speak with my voice. They are like spices in the cabinet. You have to choose the right spice in the right amount at the right time. Some sets, I keep it clean, because that is what the song needs. Sometimes my creativity ignites the creative fire in those around me and we come up with something amazing that is truly ours. I'm grateful to be in a church that embraces creativity. It's part of our culture.

With respect to FOH, I can say that if used wisely, bass effects do come through the mix rather well. Again, wisdom must be used as to what you use and when you employ effects. If you pick your spots, the effects work well and can add a lot to the dynamics of the song.

 

[simotek]

I used some OD last sunday as I hear it a lot in worship groups I listen to but have come to the conclusion that I'll just go back to my clean tone as it sits better with what we do.

I don't know if i'd call OD an effect, I also think the right overdrive works well with the right songs and use it at times, whether I use it or not often depends on which / what the electric guitar is playing. Occasionally we play something where some synth effects fit well so i'd use them there.

 

[sk8]

I don't know if i'd call OD an effect, I also think the right overdrive works well with the right songs and use it at times, whether I use it or not often depends on which / what the electric guitar is playing. Occasionally we play something where some synth effects fit well so i'd use them there.

Good point. I think effect because of OD pedals as I tend to run a clean tone as my main tone but yes, it can be the tone.

 

[Adamixoye]

Seeing the SY-300 next to the already stupidly large Future Impact makes it look ginormous.

It's big. The interface is great though.

 

[Rocksolid]

I've just ordered a Neutrik DI for my Nano sized IEM only board I use for worship, as the Radial SB-2 that I was using now resides with my PA for other duties.

The Neutrik DI doesn't even have a pass thru, but the size, and price were right for what I needed.

 

[sk8]

I've just ordered a Neutrik DI for my Nano sized IEM only board I use for worship, as the Radial SB-2 that I was using now resides with my PA for other duties.

The Neutrik DI doesn't even have a pass thru, but the size, and price were right for what I needed.

Reminds me of the Orchid Micro DI

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

A bargain for anyone in the UK

 

[SteveC]

I used some OD last sunday as I hear it a lot in worship groups I listen to but have come to the conclusion that I'll just go back to my clean tone as it sits better with what we do.

When we are missing our guitar player (like this week) I sometimes think a little drive might be nice to help fill in for the missing guitar. Same when keys are missing - maybe a little chorus or delay to help fill the space. But I think overall, my roll is to provide a solid foundation for the guitar and keys to build upon and dress up with effects and pads and all that.

 

[RockinBass85]

It's big. The interface is great though.

I'm thinking about replacing my markbass supersynth with the SY-300. How do you like it? I'm going for that effect that'll give me a keyboard synth tone. The supersynth is okay at best with subpar tracking and a limited amount of tones I can generate that sound like a keyboard synth.

 

[Rocksolid]

Reminds me of the Orchid Micro DI

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

A bargain for anyone in the UK

Yeah I like their stuff. Almost purchased from them a while ago. As you say - if I was in the UK it would be a no brainer.

 

[SteveC]

I've just ordered a Neutrik DI for my Nano sized IEM only board I use for worship, as the Radial SB-2 that I was using now resides with my PA for other duties.

The Neutrik DI doesn't even have a pass thru, but the size, and price were right for what I needed.

Thats pretty cool. I have a Nano IEM board, but I'm in no hurry to get rid of my JDI.

 

[RockinBass85]

When we are missing our guitar player (like this week) I sometimes think a little drive might be nice to help fill in for the missing guitar. Same when keys are missing - maybe a little chorus or delay to help fill the space. But I think overall, my roll is to provide a solid foundation for the guitar and keys to build upon and dress up with effects and pads and all that.

Musically yes. As bass player, you combine with percussion to form the rhythm section. It's our job to work in conjunction with drums and other percussive instruments to create a foundation for lead and chordal instruments.

Now that said. It's like I said earlier, effects can sound good if used wisely but it's really about the overall sound of the team and the song. Toddefunk during the Deep Impact tour played Funky Jesus Music, he started out clean. He played most of the song clean because he was laying down some serious funk grooves. However in the chorus, you've got that bass synth coming through just like in the album and it's pretty cool.

Another example, the bassist for Jesus Culture has a small pedalbaoard setup. Heck I think I have double the amount of pedals. Anyway, his main almost always on go to bread and butter pedal is his Tech 21 programmable sansamp. He has it setup to give some light drive, which he says helps him cut through the mix a little better. He's used that setting for the past 12 years on almost every recording.

Overall these fellows have a band mindset, what they do and use as far as effects go is geared towards the overall sound of their bands.

 

[SteveC]

Overall these fellows have a band mindset, what they do and use as far as effects go is geared towards the overall sound of their bands.

For sure. I don't think I have any trouble "cutting thru" or being heard. We have a pretty good mix and a pretty knowledgable sound guy. I think we are a less is more kind of band, and between the guitar and keys, we have plenty going on. I sometimes think a little "drive" on some of the more up beat, driving tunes might be nice. The times where I play long sustained notes (happens a lot) I think some kind of chorus/time delay type of effect might be nice.

I guess the only way to know is to try.. Maybe I'll visit my local store and see if I can "borrow" a couple things and try this weekend.

 

[Johno Dunn]

I've just ordered a Neutrik DI for my Nano sized IEM only board I use for worship, as the Radial SB-2 that I was using now resides with my PA for other duties.

The Neutrik DI doesn't even have a pass thru, but the size, and price were right for what I needed.

Please let us know how these sound when you get you yours.
Johno!

 

[sk8]

Thats pretty cool. I have a Nano IEM board, but I'm in no hurry to get rid of my JDI.

Regretting getting rid of my JDI

 

[sk8]

When we are missing our guitar player (like this week) I sometimes think a little drive might be nice to help fill in for the missing guitar. Same when keys are missing - maybe a little chorus or delay to help fill the space. But I think overall, my roll is to provide a solid foundation for the guitar and keys to build upon and dress up with effects and pads and all that.

our saxophonist was absent so I thought it might fill the sound out exactly as you described there but think in hindsight I would have been better sticking to my usual clean tone

 

[Adamixoye]

SteveC, Adamixoye has a very good point. Case in point, toddefunk, tobyMac's bassist. Uses a slew of effects live and in the studio, and they are heard (at least on their Live albums). People can hear your effects, it does have some to do with how your church PA and your bass rig are set up. It also has to do with how the sound techs mix your team together, and how you ultimately sound within that mix.

Lastly, some effects can be heard, some may go unnoticed but it ultimately boils down to how what you're doing is contributing to the overall song composition. Example, one of my favorite YouTube bass players, Valter Kabas. He's got a mean skill for slap bass. I've listened to his tunes for years and never noticed that he used effects. The most obvious of which was a chorus effect. I had assumed his Tobias Growler had an amazing tone, which it does. It all mixed so well with his Micheal Jackson covers that it never even occurred to me that he was using effects in the first. Fact is he was, and it made his recordings sound that much better, the overall composition of the songs were that much tighter, polished, and better.

In my own personal experience, people notice when I break out the markbass super synth. The worship team loves it and the crowds hear it and enjoy it too. Ironically, in the song Sing Sing Sing, I pan to the neck pickup and kick on my OBD-3 for a really fun, upbeat, rock tone. Some think that's the guitarist, but if it helps the overall song composition, which I believe it does, then that's okay because that's what's important.

Yes, this.

My point is that I don't think Reeves is offering a "just my opinion" or "what works best for me." He's being pretty dismissive of effects in general even though his sound guy, the style of Tomlin's music, and his own personal playing probably are all significant factors. I've seen that video brought up a lot on Talkbass, not just in a worship context, but in the context of dismissing effects. I just don't think his viewpoint is that insightful. It may be true for his situation but I imagine it could easily be changed if he really wanted it to.

 

[SteveC]

Do any of you use a small head (like a Genzler or Aguilar) as a DI? I really liked the Magellan 800 I played thru a while back. I wonder about using it as a DI - run it post to get some EQ, Contour, maybe even drive in the house and more importantly my IEM's.

I have a really nice set up right now with the Nano board with the TU-2, M87, JDI and my Rolls receiver for my IEM's and the custom cable made by Dave. It's hard to give up the size and ease of that set up.

I don't need a new amp but would love an excuse to get a Magellan head and 12-3 cab for home practice and occasional small non-PA gigs. Kill 2 birds. I know it's just G.A.S. justification, but it has been mentioned as an alternative to trying to find a more "present" sound for my IEM's as while fantastic, the JDI is really clean.

Thoughts?

 

[SteveC]

Yes, this.

My point is that I don't think Reeves is offering a "just my opinion" or "what works best for me." He's being pretty dismissive of effects in general even though his sound guy, the style of Tomlin's music, and his own personal playing probably are all significant factors. I've seen that video brought up a lot on Talkbass, not just in a worship context, but in the context of dismissing effects. I just don't think his viewpoint is that insightful. It may be true for his situation but I imagine it could easily be changed if he really wanted it to.

For sure. I don't disagree. Every gig is different. I'm sure if he wanted to he could have added effects, but didn't for whatever reason. Maybe the rest of the band didn't like/want them. Who knows.