Dood

[quote name='Al Heeley' post='705383' date='Jan 8 2010, 12:47 PM']Can you tell me how the Hartke 4 x 10 cabs are normally wired? (eg: 400W Hartke 410XL cab) Is it 4 x 8ohm speakers wired in S+P to give 8 Ohm total resistance? Is it possible to rewire them to give a total 4 Ohm impedance thus get more power from the amp?[/quote] Hey Al! Being an ex-Hartke cab owner, I can tell you: Yes it is as you describe and no, I'm afraid you can not get a 4 Ohm impedance from any config using all 4 speakers.

[quote name='silddx' post='705491' date='Jan 8 2010, 02:08 PM']Now I understand! I'm going to have a crack at that, I'm not completely happy with the couple of maxed out distortion bass tones I've set up but I've been using the Drive and the Bronze Master. Don't know why I didn't think of using guitar amp overdrive. Cheers.[/quote] I got so fed up with losing a decent bass tone everytime I added distortion - and guitar amp distortion is always better - so figured I'd mix the two. You may find that on the new distortion patch, you mighyt want to add a little more bottom - or take a bit of top off the bass tone sound - as I found that sometimes it can sound like two instruments playing as opposed to one integrated tone. I guess it depends on how you want it to sound, but try it! I had an e-chat with Dave Meros ages ago about how he sets up his gnarly bass tones and the X3 appears to be a simple way of using as little gear as possible. - I've just been taking a look at the Boss GT Pro rack and it looks like that does some nice 'dual path' stuff too - but haven't seen many samples of how it sounds.

[quote name='silddx' post='705442' date='Jan 8 2010, 01:29 PM']Thanks dood. I adore the POD, only issues for me are volume balancing between patches and getting EQ right for PAs. Other than that, I doubt I'll ever want an amplifier as such. Superb bit of kit. You only use guitar amp sims?[/quote] T'is ok! Well, what I meant is that I use the Dual paths all the time on the X3. Tone 1 is usually my bass tone - pretty much I would say was the equivalent of a DI only signal path from a normal bass signal chain - ie - no mic'd cabinet sound. It's just what I prefer. I think Guy Pratt does, or at least used to much prefer it too. However, when it comes to adding dirt to the tone - Well - despite being virtual - I like to emulate the recording method of feeding the bass through a guitar stack as well and then mix the two together in stereo. Duff McKagan, Tye Zamora and countless others use this method. Thing is, to get that nice amp tone that I want takes a bit of fiddling, but I can get what I want eventually!

The one I used for my SVT2Pro was bought from...... wait for it...... Maplin!!!!! - Not sure if they still do them now though!

[quote name='silddx' post='705350' date='Jan 8 2010, 11:59 AM']I don't really need a fully featured preamp (is it possible to go direct to a power amp from a POD? I believe so but not sure of the implications).[/quote] Yup! - There's info' in the manual about how best to achieve that. I don't use any bass amp models on my X3 for bass tones - only guitar sims, if needed.

edit: Sorry - I missed the budget bit - you may be able to pick these up as a pair second hand for 500 mebbe.

[quote name='paganskins' post='705373' date='Jan 8 2010, 12:31 PM']A lot of the guitarists who use modeling based setups go straight into powered full range speakers like a pair of [url="http://www.mackie.com/products/srm350v2/"]these [/url][/quote] Similarly, I was impressed by these [url="http://www.wharfedalepro.com/Home/Products/POWEREDLOUDSPEAKERS/EVPXPSERIES/EVPX15PM/tabid/165/Default.aspx"]http://www.wharfedalepro.com/Home/Products...65/Default.aspx[/url] for monitoring. A Pair would certainly give you enough volume under your nose!

[quote name='velvetkevorkian' post='705325' date='Jan 8 2010, 11:41 AM']Hi Dood, It certainly does. There are preset algorithms for both guitar and bass, with different options for each. The guitar ones have a variety of pretty common amp models/distortion preamps, while the bass one has "Ampeg" and "Vox" (I think) amp models, as well as a bunch of distortion box models. They work for me, although I use it mainly for home practice through my hi-fi and a bit of recording- not used them live yet. Maybe one of these days...[/quote] Thanks! I'm on the look out for a MIDI controllable distortion I can put in my rack system - and basically seeing what's out there that will integrate in to my gear. I'll have a look a bit closer at this one! - I like that it is a half rack size!

Hmmmm - tough one! I have a Pod X3 - and found that all the factory presets needed tweaking, so I have just built my own with really unimaginative names. The one I use the most at the moment has the following signal chains: input> Tone 1 (on) > Wah > Vetta Juice > Modern Console preamp > TL Compressor > post EQ > (VOL) > LOOP > Random Chorus (off) > Ping Pong Delay (off) > Plate Rev (off) >Stereo Out L+R .......> Tone 2 (off) >Wah > Vetta Juice (off) > Metally guitar amp mebbe Diezel sim (no cab) > TL Compressor > post EQ > (VOL) > LOOP > Random Chorus (off) > Ping Pong Delay (off) > Plate Rev (off) >Stereo Out L+R It does change a lot - but one thing to notice, despite using the POD - I don't add any amp sims at this point. Certainly no point doing that if I'm plugging in to backline, but in the case of the guitar amp signal - I use the post EQ to 'shape' it so that it sounds a lot nicer going in to an amp. Where pedals are marked as off, they are ready just to be stomped on when needed - either for boost of instant tone variation. Finally, for recording - the USB output automatically sends my DAW a tone 1 Dry, Tone 2 Dry, Tone 1 L+R Wet and Tone 2 L+R Wet. This means that I can reamp or play with any of the individual paths without affecting the other. Tone 2 will probably get a speaker sim added for a bit more 'room' effect - I've been introduced to 'impulses' for cab simulations - there's loads of info' on the net about it all - but even the 'sims' that peopole have made themelves are really effective in bringing life to a mix. edit: I realised I have some presets on my rack rig - but as it took ^^^ this much to explain the X3 - I'd shy away from spending the rest of the morning explaining my other gear's patches!! oppphhh!!!

[quote name='velvetkevorkian' post='704546' date='Jan 7 2010, 06:15 PM']I dig the "5150 Drive" patch on my VF-1 for both guitar and bass, although I've now moved more towards using the "Hyper Metal" preset.[/quote] Hey matey! Does the VF-1 do distortion and drive presets then?

[quote name='mcgraham' post='703041' date='Jan 6 2010, 04:24 PM']Woah! The G-Force is[i] ridiculous[/i]! I'm absolutely boggled by how many effects and options there are in there. The G Major isn't bad, and isn't that expensive either... but man, that G-Force is something else.[/quote] I ridiculously sold my G-Force thinking that the line6 X3 would replace it - momentous fail!! - So I ended up buying the G-Major 2 as well. The GM2 has some great functions, like being able to switch external amps/pedals as part of a patch change / midi message which is great - but it doesnt have the infinite routing options of the G-Force, which I do miss.

[quote name='jonthebass' post='702879' date='Jan 6 2010, 02:31 PM']Is everything OK over there? Anyone know? Regards, A curious Jon.[/quote] Alex has posted a message in his sticky at the top of the forum [quote]This post has been edited by alexclaber: Today, 01:17 PM Reason for edit: Forum is now closed to free posting. New questions sent via pm/email will be posted and then answered here for all to read.[/quote] The moderation team are not aware of this decision.

[quote name='mcgraham' post='702864' date='Jan 6 2010, 02:22 PM']Thanks Dood! I have a couple of different tones I like that I achieve using my preamp, but I have to adjust my eq between these on the fly when playing live - not ideal. I'm not too fussed about effects as it was primarily to shift tones using eq, but I imagine once I establish some nice eq patches, I'd end up adding some subtle effects to benefit them. How are the TC Elec G-Force or G-Major at that sort of thing?[/quote] The G-Force has a better EQ section, being a 4 band parametric, Vs the G Major's 3 band Para - but even so - they are brilliant - but obviously, the units are fully featured effects units, not just EQ and hence are very powerful. I use my GM2 to shift my EQ curves depending on what I am playing - so a standard tone mimics the '12 o'clock' controls of an Alembic/BBE/Trace V-type tone stack - solos I can pop in a bit of mid - and other noises, such as distortion can be kept under control by rolling off the tops a bit. Actually, i think TC are fantastic and am toying a bit with trying out their Nova Drive - as it will pair nicely with the GM2 - IF it makes the right noises of course. (The Nova Drive is a programmeable Analogue distortion)

[quote name='mcgraham' post='702841' date='Jan 6 2010, 02:06 PM']Anyone know of any eq/preamps that you can program eq and pre settings into and use a footswitch to move between? I imagine something like a POD is a good option but I was wondering what else there was out there. Mark[/quote] Funny you should ask - as I was looking at something similar myself. The nearest I had come so far was finding a MIDI controlled effects unit with a good EQ on board. - I'm after some other functionality *as well* as EQ so my findings may differ from yours. There *are* however programmeable EQ's out there either in rack or pedal form. I seem to recall Boss made a pedal that did exactly what you need. As for preamps - they are pretty much guitar based - but you have options like Peavey's errr.. I think it was called Bass-fex or something similarly 80's.. Look out for the Rocktron Blue Thunder bass preamp too. If you don't need 'preamp' especially look at the TC Electronic G Major / G Major 2 - or G-Force. As you've mentioned, the line6 kit - especially the X3 units will give you an awesome array of options to play with - however - I was put off by the 3u sized box of the X3 Pro and ended up geting the X3 Live - which I only really use for recording.. but line 6 havent gotten it together with the Windows 7 drivers yet and I suffer all sorts of BSOD issues on my workstation.

[quote name='basshead56' post='702785' date='Jan 6 2010, 01:22 PM']Just finished all 16 pages. Wow![/quote] Same here, GOOD GRIEF! what a story huh? That's awesome!

[quote name='mcgraham' post='701806' date='Jan 5 2010, 04:17 PM']I had actually resigned myself to never getting one, but then a mint second hand IP cab came up on for the same moola that I'd paid for my Schroeder 1210L and Acoustic Image Clarus... no brainer really! Few months later the EX112 came up for sale at less than what I paid for my Schroeder 1210L on its own... yet another no-brainer. Result? Complete Berg IP rig for (I believe) less than half price... not to mention covers for both! God bless Bass Chat...[/quote] God Bless BassChat, sometimes - I hate BassChat - because this forum knows how to empty my wallet fast!! Nice!!!

[quote name='xgsjx' post='701589' date='Jan 5 2010, 01:50 PM']I wouldn't bother with any effects or a compressor & spend time learning to hold your bass so that you can play how you want to.[/quote] Maybe, however I am thinking that certain playing techniques and bass configurations will lend themselves to a certain tone. Sometimes, you can improve technique, but the inherent tone of the instrument still has the overwhelming majority in the tone stakes. My point is, that Pest may prefer to play fingers with a thumb on the pickup but wants a fatter tone - and thus - a few judicial adjustments to the gear he has will make the learning experience more enjoyable. (Hnece my suggestion over amp EQ controls etc) p.s. - Love your avatar - from one of my fave films!

I find a really good way of smoothing out your tone, before messing around with compressors and such like - is to get to grips with EQing. If you have an amp that has a graphic or parametric EQ - or can grab a pedal to work with, it is very easy to drop out certain frequencies or boost others to smooth out the tone. Boosting at 50Hz and 100Hz will give the bass more of that 'bass drum' thump and bottom end - whilst boosting frequencies around 400hz and 800hz add to the 'boxey' or 'woody' tones. I think you may need more 100Hz and less around 300-1Khz. Going by your description I think that the higher frequncies will just be a case of adjusting to taste - but try scooping out those middles a bit, but not too much and I think you'll get a smoother tone.

[quote name='mcgraham' post='701790' date='Jan 5 2010, 04:06 PM']I couldn't stomach the RRP and brand new retail price through.[/quote] Yeah, pretty much the cost of a whole new rig inside one small box is a bit much to cough up at retail!

[quote name='mcgraham' post='701754' date='Jan 5 2010, 03:47 PM']+1 Although I've found my favourite rig in my Bergantino IP/EX stack. It sounds phenomenally huge when coupled together, puts out beautiful tone and fills even massive venues (I did a wedding gig at the Albert Hall in Nottingham and anyone who's been in there will know it's blooming huge venue - the stack positively filled the place without even getting anywhere near half volume). Sadly, I'm in love with In-ear monitoring at the moment and find this is a better solution than lugging amps around when I have PA support.[/quote] I've a massive thumbs up for modular 'active speakers'. I'd like to try out the IP range to see how it compares to my ISP active cab. I'd love to see more companies catch on to this way of thinking - especially as a musician could turn up to a gig with a bass, a tuner, a preamp pedal (such as a sansamp) and a cab. Makes sense to me!

[quote name='Conan' post='701700' date='Jan 5 2010, 03:13 PM']I may be confused, and they may have updated the spec, but I thought the Big One DID have a tweeter, and the midrange driver was 6"?? [/quote] I believe Alex has a design in place to add a tweeter to a Big One - but the original designed Big One is tweeterless. The Midrange unit is a model that can extend up in to the tweeter frequencies - and with a bit of boost from your amp's EQ can do sparkle. I don't have a Barefaced cab - however - my ISP gear also uses midrange cones instead and a specially designed preamp to produce those sparkly highs associated with tweeters - but none of the harsh top when pushed hard.