alexa3020 Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 I’m currently using big muff pi on bass. I would say I’m fairly happy with the pedal but there is one major issue - the ability to blend in your clean tone. Without clean tone the bass tends to get lost in the mix. there is an option to add your dry signal. It comes in at the same volume as your original signal and you can match fuzz volume to it. This means the signal is too loud. So I’m thinking of a new fuzz pedal. A lot of which don’t have blend controls & im wondering, if I had a better fuzz pedal would it matter so much if there wasn’t a clean blend? Or is a clean blend essential? I’ll be interested to know what you guys think 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrowlyBassDude Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 I like a clean blend on overdrives and fuzzes. There are true bypass pedals you can get, so you can blend-in other pedals. I'm sure Earthquaker Devices make something like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbasspecial Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 I run my fuzz through the dirty loop of my Billy Sheehan deluxe pedal and mix in the clean tone. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itu Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 I am using a X-over: it keeps low clean, and I can crunch the highs a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 Coloursound Bass Fuzz doesn't need a blend, it's got TONS of low end. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SumOne Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 7 hours ago, paul_5 said: Coloursound Bass Fuzz doesn't need a blend, it's got TONS of low end. I've got an MXR Brown Acid which I think is based on the Coloursound and likewise - no bass loss, no need for clean blend. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexa3020 Posted May 24, 2022 Author Share Posted May 24, 2022 37 minutes ago, SumOne said: I've got an MXR Brown Acid which I think is based on the Coloursound and likewise - no bass loss, no need for clean blend. That’s interesting - These are not overly expensive new, and I’ve seen a few priced well secondhand. Perhaps worth a look I’d prefer a single pedal that does the job as I’m limited for space on my board - and I would prefer to keep using the nano+ if possible Ps the compressor will be updated at some stage - so that may free up some room 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexa3020 Posted May 24, 2022 Author Share Posted May 24, 2022 9 hours ago, pbasspecial said: I run my fuzz through the dirty loop of my Billy Sheehan deluxe pedal and mix in the clean tone. I’ve heard good things about the billy Sheehan pedal. Even more attractive with the option to blend signals 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 Boss LS-2 will let you have a clean blend with everything and set the levels. It's one of those really boring but amazing problem solving pedals. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 Honestly, I think too much importance is placed on a clean blend. None of my favourite overdrive or fuzz pedals have them, and those that do I usually have it turned way down. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexa3020 Posted May 24, 2022 Author Share Posted May 24, 2022 1 hour ago, Doddy said: Honestly, I think too much importance is placed on a clean blend. None of my favourite overdrive or fuzz pedals have them, and those that do I usually have it turned way down. I do like the sound of the big muff without the dry signal in isolation. I have found with that pedal though that it just gets lost in the live mix of a rock band. it’s sort of similar to scooping your mids - sounds great in isolation, but doesn’t work in a live mix 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassist_lewis Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 It really depends what you're using and what you like. I have the JHS Crimson, which is basically an early 90s Russian Big Muff, and at some settings of the tone knob, it gets very thin and un-bassy. My Malekko B:Assmaster has a dry volume so sounds very full, but my Tru-Fi Super Fuzz has no dry blend and its still has really good low end response. When I'm using a fuzz, I'm looking to cut through with mids and top end, so I'm not particularly bothered by having lots of lows, though its better when its not totally sucked out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matybigfro Posted May 29, 2022 Share Posted May 29, 2022 A good bass fuzz as with any good bass distortion or drive shouldn't need a clean blend. A properly designed bass pedal should retain your low frequencies in the sound it puts out and allow you manipulate the output with eq controls. Personally I think clean blends are a con I don't see that they actually let you retain low end in a meaningful way. I find them annoying especially on fuzz where the whole point is to have a highly clipped signal. If a clean blend also had a lpf/tone control on it then that would make so much more sense but most don't. Otherwise all your doing is mixing your signal and personally more often than not dirty and clean signals mixed without splitting the frequencies sound wack. My guess is because distortion is changing the frequency response of your sound so you're either gonna end up with a the distorted signal significantly louder in the mids or highs than the cleans or its gonna be quieter than the clean mids or highs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itu Posted May 29, 2022 Share Posted May 29, 2022 I did some homework years ago and tested a variety of units. First of all, some work better with high impedance basses, and some with lo-Z basses. That's why I have separate boards for different bass types. Clean blend is not my thing. X-over is (like IE Divaricator). With a X-over I can use effects in a different way than without. Low end is clean and makes the thump. High end can be pushed, even over ordinary limits when in need. X-over is easy to use. The main thing is to find the cross-over frequency that suits the sound preferred. I have found 400 Hz functional, yours may be very different, or even changing. Try it, you'll like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matybigfro Posted May 29, 2022 Share Posted May 29, 2022 I think i'd want splitting highest 250Hz for a decent fuzz tone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted June 3, 2022 Share Posted June 3, 2022 It all depends on what you want from a fuzz / distortion / overdrive. Personally I bought my fuzz pedal because it has the best blend I've heard. IMO obviously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexa3020 Posted June 4, 2022 Author Share Posted June 4, 2022 7 hours ago, MacDaddy said: It all depends on what you want from a fuzz / distortion / overdrive. Personally I bought my fuzz pedal because it has the best blend I've heard. IMO obviously. Which fuzz? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted June 4, 2022 Share Posted June 4, 2022 3 hours ago, alexa3020 said: Which fuzz? Flattley bass poison ivy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boodang Posted June 4, 2022 Share Posted June 4, 2022 If your favourite pedal doesn't have a blend then you just need a parallel mixer pedal to do the job. I use an EHX tri mixer, not just for overdrive but for other effects as well. Parallel mixing opens up a lot of possibilities. Another parallel pedal is the KMA which has a frequency crossover for splitting the signal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itu Posted June 4, 2022 Share Posted June 4, 2022 https://ironether.com/pedals/divaricator/ This is far smaller than the KMA, practically equal in performance and features, but IN/OUT needs an insert cable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boodang Posted June 4, 2022 Share Posted June 4, 2022 6 hours ago, itu said: https://ironether.com/pedals/divaricator/ This is far smaller than the KMA, practically equal in performance and features, but IN/OUT needs an insert cable. Good suggestion and great pedal, as all Iron Ether pedals are, but... have you tried to buy one?! They're rocking horse sh*t it terms of trying to get hold of one. I'm on the email email waiting list for several of their pedals and it's a long wait! Plus not cheap... $250 plus import. EHX parallel = £100, in stock now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GremlinAndy Posted June 4, 2022 Share Posted June 4, 2022 (edited) I’m trying to get a Divaricator too, and you’re right …they’re impossible to get hold of. Edited June 4, 2022 by GremlinAndy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itu Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 IE is not the easiest to get. I have, or have had four units in total: FMeron, FrantaBit, Nimbus, Xerograph DeLuxe... and Oxide! Yes, five units. During the covid I had to sell some of my equipment, and Franta, Oxide, and FMeron left the building. I was not happy, but kids eat so much... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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