Greg Edwards69

An update on the Airpods idea. I recently succumbed and bought a set of Airpods Pro 2 (amazon deal - pay over 5 months 0% - sometimes Amazon isn't so evil), and had our first rehearsal since getting them last night. As digital earplugs they actually work quite well. The transparency mode produced a very clear sound, much clearer than any other musicians earplugs I've used over the years (including Etymotic, Earasers, Elacin custom moulded, Docs pro plugs amongst others). And at a comfortable level without any noticeable latency. One of the features of transparency mode (and why I wanted to try them as earplugs in the first place) is that any noise over 85dB is automatically attenuated back down to that level via compression. Fantastic you might say. However, one of the first instruments to get compressed (possibly because I was standing so close to my frfr) was my bass. It was still clear, but just not as present in the mix. It was almost as if I had the opposite experience of passive earplugs that attenuate the top end - the airpods attenuated the low end. I reckon if I move my speaker to the opposite side of the room next time, then the airpods may fare better. But so far, so good!

Maybe you've had an allergic reaction to the metal used on the flat's wrap?

Looks like standard fare for many rehearsal rooms I’ve been in. It shouldn’t have been that difficult for the sound person to work out. Even our singer can use one of those!

I have raised this in the "bug" thread on the Line 6 forum. I'm being told that it's due to "Pans Law". Apparently each half of a split path is reduced by 3db in order to make the mixed result unity gain. But this also applies to the crossover split, which isn't very useful. However, I'm seeing a different result than would be expected from Pans Law. I'm seeing a net reduction in volume on equal splits, and a bigger than expected reduction on crossover splits. (and yes, I've experimented with polarity too)

So with the wife at work for the entire bank holiday weekend, I was finally able to do a deep dive into an issue that's been plaguing me for a while. Namely, the difference volume (or what I initially thought was tone) between split and non split paths. I had found out somewhere else that a Y and A/B split path has a -3db drop in volume. Naturally I assumed it would be the same for the crossover split. So I've had a 3db gain block after the merge block for a while but it still didn't sound right. After much faffing and measuring (inc running pink noise through native into and RTA) I've discovered that a crossover split has a -6db drop in volume! That's quite significant. I've now gone through all my presets set the merge blocks level to +3db for Y or A/B splits and +6db for crossover splits and my levels are now far more consistent. I kind of understand the logic of reducing the level for Y and A/B splits, but certainly not such a huge drop for crossovers. Surely, the volume should be the same coming out as going in.

Whilst I agree that synthesis is the weak point in the Helix for some of us bassists, the legacy synths added last year have largely prevented me from buying another pedal for the couple of songs I needed it for.

On the plus side, it’s useful that Warwick offer a seemingly complete range of spare parts for their instruments and amplifiers, even for older models.

It’s also worth mentioning that 3.60 includes a Russian Big Muff model. This a crucial part of many Muse type bass tones. All I need now is an Animato model and a Prunes & Custard model and I’ll be very happy.

Me and one of the guitarists have recently bought a U4 set with an extra receiver. Only had the chance to use it twice at a gig. First time was "experimental" as we hadn't properly planned out the optimal channel to use to avoid clashing with other wireless devices (such as one of the lead mics and the other guitarists U2) so we had a bit of interference throughout. However, once we worked out what everything else was running on, we set it up again for this weekend's gig and it performed flawlessly. Possibly the best monitoring I've ever had. Only a couple of issues. My shirt kept nudging the volume knob down, so I had to tuck that part oƒ my shirt behind it. Whilst the sound was quite clear, we both set it was a little too bright and shrill at the top end, but upon investigation. this is possibly more to do with our KZ ZS10 earphones than anything. I've never had the chance to use these earbuds with a decent system before, so I was quite surprised by the brightness (although I do occasionally use them with me helix at low volume for home practice, and I recall them sounding a little bright, but I wasn't sure if it was the headphones or my patch settings). I need to experiment with this further. It's also made it clear we need a "'technical rehearsal" soon to iron out some issues. For example: We need to tweak the other guitarists (who doesn't use IEM yet) solo boost level as his rhythm volume was slightly too low and his lead was slightly too loud. I've noticed and mentioned this a number of times in the past but this made it more apparent. If he gets on board with the IEM solution he'll likely notice it more too. The two lead singer are using the older cheaper G4M IEM system which struggles with a full mix, and the drummer has recently started using a wired IEM. However, our desk only has two pre-fader aux outs with the other two being post fader. So any monitor outs taken from the latter are to volume changes. We've also just gotten a subwoofer at last within the last week. So we've only been able to try it at one gig. We definitely need to spend time learning how to balance it with the tops, at my sound out front at the weekend was very, very different to my FRFR (took it just in case, but hoping not to need it soon) speaker and IEM.

FWIW, we’ve recently acquired a subwoofer - an EV ELX200-12SP to beef up our PA system (up till now, just two Yamaha DXR12 speakers up on poles) and tried it out for the first time last night. As I’ve mentioned on another thread, it’s made us realise we need to spend some time with all of the PA gear in a rehearsal space to optimise it all as best as possible and know how to deal with certain common issues quickly. Currently me and the two guitarists have been using an FRFR speaker each as backline/personal instrument monitor (DXR10 for guitars and my headrush 112 for bass). I noticed last night that the sound out front was very different to my frfr. Much less mids, and note definition - almost compressed sounding - even with the eq set flat and compression bypassed on my mixer channel. That said it probably wasn’t the best venue to try it out in either - it’s quite a boomy place, or possibly the sub was turned up too high, although it didn't sound like it. We’ve also been looking into better IEM solutions too (the cheap G4M one we have is fine for bass but doesn’t handle a full mix, esp bass). Whilst the guitarists were considering ditching the backline if we sorted out IEM situation, I’ve adamantly retained my frfr until we got a sub, due to the low end loss sticking the main speakers up on poles. As such, me and one of the guitarists have recently started using an Xvive U4 system. After being plagued with interference the first time we used it, we've since got our channels optimised and it worked great last night. Although we both said it sounded a little too bright and shrill, certainly much, much brighter than the PA. Both of us are using KZ ZS10 earphones, so I wonder if there's something else at play. The desk is a Yamaha MG20XU. So the only eq is on each channel strips that unfortunately also affects the aux sends. The only solution we can think of is an external eq for the IEM. So yes. We definitely need to spend some more time with this gear in a controlled environment! PS, full disclosure. The PA system belongs to one the guitarists father, who usually runs the sound for us. Lovely guy but I believe he turned 80 in the last year or so and I’m not sure he’s up to the task of managing our live sound as well as he used to, so I think I it is prudent for us to spend time with the gear with a view to managing it ourselves. Personally, I think I have the best ear in the band, and I’d love to do the work myself, but it’s not easy playing bass at the same time and having a couple of other in the band also wanting to control the mix without as much knowledge.

Redonizm were back at Starr Sports, Canvey Island again. A decent night again and playing for an appreciative crowd. More importantly, after testing a new subwoofer (EV ELX200-12SP) it’s clear we need to spend some time in a large rehearsal room with the full PA to dial everything in just right. Whilst I think the sub did its job, it probably wasn’t the ideal room to try it out in as the ceiling is quite low and excites everything around low G on the bass, keys and acoustic guitar, even with low cuts and eq. Standing out front I noticed my bass tone was quite boomy and lacked definition compared to my frfr. On the other hand, the new Xvive U4 IEM a couple of us are using performed really well, if a little shrill sounding. But probably the best IEM sound I’ve ever had. FYI, we tried this out at our previous gig a couple of weeks ago at Birchanger social club (that I completely forgot to to a write up about), but we had a few interference issues with the one of the lead vocalists mic and one of the guitarists mics. In retrospect, we should have spent some more time researching and determining the most appropriate channels for each device, but live and learn! Anyway, we worked this out since and it performed very well last night with not interference issues whatsoever. If we can spend some quality time with the gear in a rehearsal space, and get everyone onboard with this IEM system, I’m now confident we can leave all the backline and home and just use PA.

I've notice the same thing with their hipshot stock. The one's I want (chrome shiny ultratlite xtender clover OR Y-shaped and matching ultralite licenced never seem to be in stock.

Phone adverse as well. But as I have a stammer, I have an excuse! . To be honest though, I really should push myself to use the phone more often.

Same here. The power socket on my Headrush speaker is in exactly the right place to damage a straight IEC plug when used in tilt-back monitor orientation. I found an appropriately angled 90 degree lead on Amazon to rectify this oversight. I believe the particular seller sold them in both left and right versions. Up and down 90 degree adaptors are also available Amazon.co.uk : right angle IEXC

I've had several over the years, Zoom BFX708, Boss GT6B, Zoom B9.1ut, Korg AX3B, Korg Pandora PX4D, a couple of Zoom MS60B's, Line 6 M5 and now only using my Helix LT (I also have Nux Mighty Plug if that counts. I've gone back and forth between multifx units and stomp boxes over the years, or building hybrid setups with both, and nothing has come as close to perfection (for me) as the Helix. It has the models I wanted (including the Pearce pre-amp), the routing options I required that can be changed at the press of a button and the global eq which is worth the admission price alone IMHO.

Do what I did and use two of them! I had two on my old pedal board for processing both signals from Attitude bass, and sold them both when got my Helix. I kinda wish I had kept one now

I had a bolt-on 5 string Thumb. My first 'high end' bass. I bought it circa year 2000 from the old Bass Centre in Wapping along with a Warwick CCL combo amp. IIRC, it was ovankol body and neck, with wenge fingerboard. The former of which required regular waxing, and the latter feeding with lemon oil to stop it drying out. The tone was fantastic and was my main bass for a number of years. I've never heard another bass with that kind of growly piano tone... and that B string was perfect. But as others have mentioned regarding ergonomics, the neck dive and first fret reach got to me (I'm only 5'7" so the nut felt like it was in the next post code). Repetitive lines in the first few frets would make my left hand cramp up, and I ended up in pain for a couple of days after every gig due to the neck dive. It ended up living in a gig bag for a number of years before I finally sold it. However. I have since heard that Warwick basses made around that time had chunkier necks and were more prone to neck dive - mine was huge D shaped bassball bat of a neck. I quite liked it actually, other than the dive. Apparently more recent models within the last 10 years have slimmer profile necks again and balance better. But I would still recommend trying one with a strap, just to make sure the reach is okay.

Yamaha released the Attitude LTD3 with artificially aged wood using their A.R.E. and I.R.A techniques. Along with a revised neck joint, spine joint and pickup change this somehow more than doubled the price compared to the previous 2 versions. Considering I paid £899 for my already excellent LTD2 (end of line clearance - I believe the usual price was around £1600) there's no way I'm gonna fork out around £4k for a LTD3, and I doubt many people (if any) would even hear the difference in the construction techniques.

Unfortunately, our closest cheap supermarket is Aldi which as everyone knows, runs a similar business model. As such, we don't venture to Lidl very often. I'll make a point of popping in there more often if I'm close by in future to see of they have these in stock.

Interesting. We have two Lidl’s in Southend, I’ll have to make time to pay them both a visit.

I need one or two of these in my life. Commenting so I'll get a notification if they reappear in Lidl. PS, searching for similar on google, amazon and ebay without much luck.

Just keep your fingers crossed that you or your loved ones will never need to move into a residential care home. Now that is all about profit!

Found it, via the Keeley website Bass Compression with Robert Keeley - YouTube I believe the Keeley Bassist pedal is also based upon the compressor limiter/levelling amplifier circuit design, so it's ideal for levelling and smoothing things out transparently.

Whilst Ovnilab is a great resource, it hasn't been updated for a number of years now so it doesn't include more recent and readily available pedals. Also, because he was burned once by TC Electronics, he refused to review anymore of their pedals, which is a shame, because I only hear great things about the Spectra Comp and Hyper Gravity pedals. Also worth checking out are the Darkglass Hyper Luminal, and MXR M87 Lastly, do you know what sort of compressor you want? Compressor sustainer (feedback) or compressor limiter (feedforward). Robert Keeley did a great video on this that I can't seem to find at the moment (I'm at work). FWIW, I find the latter more useful for transparency and taming peaks and levelling bass. The former has more of an "effect", which is great in its own right.

Same here. I've had mixed experiences with using supplied backline. From crappy combos meant to fill the room, to cabs with no top end whatsover to amazing backline on stage only to find they want to take a DI directly off my pedalboard before it even reached the amp. As I mention above, all of us using a helix with FRFR has made us much more consistent, whether we're in the PA or not, or using the FRFRs or not (we've yet to come across a gig where we have to use the supplied backline and not be in the PA) Indeed, we had an outdoor small festival gig last summer. Whilst they had average supplied backline on offer, we simply asked for a monitor each instead. The sound was great and the setup, soundcheck and pack down afterwards was super quick. Even the sound guys commented on how easy it was to manage.