A 'really clean' clean boost for live work...

[Walker]

Hello all,

We have a couple of numbers in our set list that require me to turn up my volume just a bit for a whole song or just part of a song.

I don't want my tone to change, I just want increased volume. I'm a big fan of 'simple stuff', especially in a live playing situation.

Will a clean boost pedal (with any tone controls set flat) do this for me?

Clean boost pedals seem to range from 30 quid to hundreds. As I don't want tone shaping, will a simple EHX LPB-1 be OK or am I better off stumping up the extra for an Xotic or Basswitch pedal?

Cheers

Chris

[ezbass]

You could use a graphic EQ pedal and just boost all the frequencies equally, that way you'll also have a tool that can deal with with any dodgy room acoustics. For instance http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=153

[Dad3353]

You could set to the louder setting during sound-check, then back off the volume knob to 'normal'..? When the need arises, turn up the wick. When no longer required, dial back to 'normal'.
Hope this helps.

[pantherairsoft]

Recently tried the TC Spark Booster. Wasn't really expecting much, but it was pretty damn excellent. Well priced too.

[lefrash]

I'd be tempted to ride the volume pot on the bass, saving on a pedal (unless you already had a pedal board). Its weird, I ride the volume knob all the time on guitar, but on bass its ptreey much on or off.

[chrismuzz]

Markbass Super Booster if you can find one. It has the awesome VPF and VLE filters too!

[fretmeister]

Depends a lot on the amp.

If you have a valve in the preamp (or solid state drive function) then any increased input signal will give more grit. but if you have an FX loop then you get a level boost after the preamp stage.

So something like the TC Spark / Suhr Koko Boost / DOD BiFET Preamp etc etc in the loop will give you an increase in volume without a tone change unless you actually want one.

Sometimes a boost is not about increasing the volume equally, but making it cut more. So sometimes a mid boost is better than a flat boost. A good EQ pedal gives you both options.

[Musky]

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1416240973' post='2608205']
You could use a graphic EQ pedal and just boost all the frequencies equally, that way you'll also have a tool that can deal with with any dodgy room acoustics. For instance [url="http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=153"]http://www.bossus.co...p?ProductId=153[/url]
[/quote]
Or just use the level control on it.

Edited November 17, 2014 by Musky

[Lozz196]

I really like the look of these for boosts:

http://www.sourceaudio.net/products/toolblox/programmable_eq.php

[ezbass]

[quote name='Musky' timestamp='1416259866' post='2608481']

Or just use the level control on it.
[/quote]Doh!

[Walker]

I tried a digital EQ pedal last night (with a slight mids tweak) and this will work a treat and means I don't need to buy anything!

Thanks for all the info and advice on this, really appreciated.

Chris

[FuNkShUi]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1416242407' post='2608220']
You could set to the louder setting during sound-check, then back off the volume knob to 'normal'..? When the need arises, turn up the wick. When no longer required, dial back to 'normal'.
Hope this helps.
[/quote]

This is how i do it. Works well for me

[redbandit599]

I use an EHX LPB1 in the effects loop, works ok for me. Simple as they come, and easy to tweak.

Used a Boss to EQ to do it too, but did find it quite sensitive in setting the level, and meant that I couldn't use the EQ without the boost without a fiddle.

[uncle psychosis]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1416242407' post='2608220']
You could set to the louder setting during sound-check, then back off the volume knob to 'normal'..? When the need arises, turn up the wick. When no longer required, dial back to 'normal'.
Hope this helps.
[/quote]

This, or an EQ pedal. Best way to do "clean" boost in my experience. Depends a lot on the amp though.

[tonyxtiger]

I just got a sonic spark from RMI/lehle. Very transparent with added tone shaping if you want. Recommended.

[sifi2112]

BBE Boosta Grande I'm selling will fit the bill ... shameless bump ... but will do you a good price

[JTUK]

I tend to like the volume flat out on the bass and once the onboard pre is set, ( and it doesn't need moving much )
I would back off the presense for that rear pickup style and that is about it.

Pet hate, set sound check levels and then everyone messes forever thereafter...??
Wtf was the soundcheck all about then..??