Graham Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 (edited) I could do with an envelope filter for a song we're adding to our set - Hey Ya by Outkast. I'll probably use it in a couple of other places too, but the prompt to get one is this song. Ideally I'd like to get an MXR, but as the next three months see all three of my children's birthdays and then Christmas, I can't spend that kind of money right now. So, what's the cheapest, least bad option out there? Edited October 4, 2017 by Graham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 The MXR is indeed a good choice for that track. Maybe look for a cheap DOD FX25 or FX25B, or a Digitech Bass Synth Wah on eBay? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Posted October 4, 2017 Author Share Posted October 4, 2017 The Digitech is a good shout, I remember trying one years ago in Denmark Street and liking it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjimmyc Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 I have an Ashdown one which works well and is available for not much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee650 Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 (edited) The DOD 440 reissue is really good (or a tone factor bottom feeder - similar thing) and not mega money. I used a digitech bass synth wah on that tune with fantastic results. They are usually on here for roughly £50 but you get a lot of nice synth and octave for your money too Edited October 7, 2017 by lee650 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 EHX Micro Qtron. There are better but not at the used price of one of these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bo0tsy Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 I'd also say Micro Q Tron. Very usable, bit of a volume boost when you engage it, there's an adjustable internal trimpot which helps fine tune your sound too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CameronJ Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 +1 for the Digitech BSW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoham Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 It was this type of situation that prompted me to buy a Zoom B3. I was buying pedals to use in one song, and sometimes we’d drop the song! (For example I bought a chorus for Don’t Stop Believing and it got old pretty quickly!) I know some folk just don’t like multi effects, but think of this as three interchangeable stomp boxes and you’ll do just fine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xroads Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 [quote name='geoham' timestamp='1507128393' post='3383508'] It was this type of situation that prompted me to buy a Zoom B3. I was buying pedals to use in one song, and sometimes we'd drop the song! (For example I bought a chorus for Don't Stop Believing and it got old pretty quickly!) I know some folk just don't like multi effects, but think of this as three interchangeable stomp boxes and you'll do just fine! [/quote] ...not sure if the B3 is much cheaper than an MXR pedal, however, I support this idea. I have it and it gets used for envelope, chorus/flanger and synth type of effects. If you play in a cover band and need a multitude of sounds just for an occasional song here and there this is the way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 What about the Zoom 60B? It can be treated as a single pedal, as its smaller and lighter than the B3, and still has various flavours of filter. If nothing else these Zoom boxes can allow you to try out various types of filter until you find the right one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totorbass Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 Great EFs on the MS60b indeed (plus synths, etc.) I even hesitated to get rid of my beloved Meatwad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Higgie Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 If you can, grab a Boss FT-2. Can usually be found for around £40-50 second hand, and it's a really great filter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee650 Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 This has got me thinking now as I'd like a second octave and a filter , so the BSW would be ideal! I shouldn't have sold mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 Bassballs - and you can sometimes pick them up for under a score (£20). In fact I may even have a spare somewhere... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 [quote name='Graham' timestamp='1507111766' post='3383332'] I could do with an envelope filter for a song we're adding to our set - Hey Ya by Outkast. I'll probably use it in a couple of other places too, but the prompt to get one is this song. Ideally I'd like to get an MXR, but as the next three months see all three of my children's birthdays and then Christmas, I can't spend that kind of money right now. So, what's the cheapest, least bad option out there? [/quote] Cheap but decent sounding and easy to get good sounds from... Digitech Bass Synth Wah is pretty cool, and lots of extra sounds. For around 50-60 quid you might be able to find one of the Source Audio Bass Envelope Filter pedals (BEF, not the 'pro' version). The original Soundblox pedal. It's larger than your average pedal but it has a variety of envelope filters and some phasers, it's really easy to tweak, there's no issues with weird peaks or bottom end loss, and it just sounds great, If you can find one... don't hesitate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 [quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1507117732' post='3383404'] EHX Micro Qtron. There are better but not at the used price of one of these. [/quote] The problem with that one, for me, is that the effect is a lot louder than the input signal. I like it, I owned THREE... but each time I let it go because of the volume issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 [quote name='geoham' timestamp='1507128393' post='3383508'] It was this type of situation that prompted me to buy a Zoom B3. I was buying pedals to use in one song, and sometimes we'd drop the song! (For example I bought a chorus for Don't Stop Believing and it got old pretty quickly!) I know some folk just don't like multi effects, but think of this as three interchangeable stomp boxes and you'll do just fine! [/quote] Good call... the Zoom MS60 has a few good envelope filter models in it, plus plenty other fun sounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 [quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1507393066' post='3385207'] Bassballs - and you can sometimes pick them up for under a score (£20). In fact I may even have a spare somewhere... [/quote] Only it's not really the type of effect most people think of as 'envelope filter'... but a fun effect all the same. I had one that was modified to get access to the sweep of the two oscillators and was pretty cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted October 7, 2017 Share Posted October 7, 2017 [quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1507411837' post='3385367'] The problem with that one, for me, is that the effect is a lot louder than the input signal. I like it, I owned THREE... but each time I let it go because of the volume issue. [/quote]. That’s another reason the Zooms work well, as you can balance the patch out to avoid the increase in level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 [quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1507411837' post='3385367'] The problem with that one, for me, is that the effect is a lot louder than the input signal. I like it, I owned THREE... but each time I let it go because of the volume issue. [/quote] Absolutely true. But I find that in the mix the volume boost makes the effect more useable. It's one of those effects that makes bass disappear behind everything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 BSW. Or L6 Otto filter. The Hotone is cheap at the mo, but not very good on bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 [quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1507462677' post='3385562'] Absolutely true. But I find that in the mix the volume boost makes the effect more useable. It's one of those effects that makes bass disappear behind everything else. [/quote] Not for me. I guess it will depend on your basic tone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 [quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1507469635' post='3385638'] Not for me. I guess it will depend on your basic tone. [/quote] Also true. It's such a personal thing the perfect envelope filter. Really getting suggestions won't get you very far til you try them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CameronJ Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 [quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1507469846' post='3385640'] Also true. It's such a personal thing the perfect envelope filter. Really getting suggestions won't get you very far til you try them! [/quote] Massive +1. I've owned about 7 different envelope filters in all, and still own 5 of them! Very different flavours which are so so subjective! The only way to know for certain is to try them for yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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