Osiris

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1507801280' post='3388006'] It doesn't matter at the end of the day - you can get the mA rating from the manual, and test manually in a daisy chain to see if it creates noise when sharing power with other pedals. Those are the only two things that are important! [/quote] Amen to that brother

I've been using a TU2 for about 15 years now, but unfortunately I have no idea whether it is analogue or digital. However, I've never had any issues (noise, interference etc) when powering it using either a battery, dedicated power supply or my Fuel Tank Junior. In fact, a battery seems to last forever in there so maybe it's analogue after all?

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1507470321' post='3385643'] Thanks to you, Cuzzie and Cameron (and despite the best efforts of Osiris who would have me just use a Zoom B3n and nothing else!) I've now got a pretty good effects board, which I'm having a lot of fun getting to grips with. [/quote] To be fair, Al, my point has always been you not throwing money away on something that you don't actually need as the B3n already has it covered. For example, at least one of your pedals (that costs more then the B3n new) [i]significantly [/i]under performs in comparison to some of the equivalent models on the B3n. You know the one to which I'm referring .

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1507721418' post='3387420'] +1 ... I had no idea they were German. [/quote] Me neither but it does answer the question of why when I ordered a pedal from them a few years ago it came with a European mains adaptor and not a UK one (although they had included a European to UK adaptor in the package). Other than that my experience was fine, but having had issues with online purchases before from other retailers you have my sympathy, for what it's worth

I'm also contemplating the same thing, a pair of one 10's or a single two 10. So any thoughts on this would be welcomed by me too.

[quote name='Jus Lukin' timestamp='1507070031' post='3383206'] I have some great comps, FEA Dual Band and Rothwell Love Squeeze being particularly good ones, but limited to one? I think it might have to be the Boss LMB-3. (Yeah, I clocked the pun, just going to ignore it though!) It's good at super subtle levelling, peak limiting, and a mighty squish without too many weird artifacts. The 'enhance' function isn't much cop, and I actually think that replacing it with the attack control from the CS-3 would make for something very useful indeed. For the record, I've only used clones, and those cheaper than the Boss, too. [/quote] I've also got a Boss LMB-3 and agree that it is a very good compressor despite being labelled a limiter - although it does do limiting brilliantly as you say. And yes, the enhance control is best left at minimal settings, or even off altogether. Haven't really touched it since getting the Spectracomp though!

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1507039643' post='3382937'] I have an A/B input box that lets me switch between either using a cable or my Smooth Hound Wireless. So my chain is bass>cable>A/B box>Spectra OR bass>wireless>A/B box>Spectra. Either way the hiss is present on certain presets. I only really notice it through headphones via a Phil Jones BigHead though. When playing through speakers it's much less noticeable, though still present. Having read up about the TonePrint settings on the Spectracomp, it sounds like a setting called "Auto Makeup again" could be the culprit. [/quote] I only ever use mine with my gig rig and have never heard any noticeable noise added from the Spectracomp using the MuscleComp TonePrint which is my preference when gigging. I usually have it set at about (or just before) 10 o'clock which is perfect for me to add punch, keep everything even but still allow enough dynamic control by adjusting my playing style. I use the TonePrint as is, no further editing. I use a separate compressor (or 2, via a Zoom B3) for rehearsing through my bedroom amp and headphones and they add a small amount of noise, but nothing significant or distracting. As I understand things most compressors add a little noise to the signal due to their nature, but some are worse than others. Stick with it, it works brilliantly with my gear

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1507028166' post='3382793'] I have a Spectracomp myself and for a very long time used the MuscleComp TonePrint...but it always annoyed me that when engaged it noticeably amplified any hiss/noise. [/quote] Everything is quiet as a church mouse with my set up (bass - Boss tuner - Spectracomp - amp) using the MuscleComp TonePrint. Have you got anything else in your signal chain that might be causing the noise, or causing the SpectraComp to amplify the noise?

TC Electronic Spectracomp gets my shout. Relatively cheap and infinitely versatile. I stick to the free TonePrints from TC's site which are quick and easy to beam to the pedal and are a great way to try out loads of different flavours of compression. And if you don't like the current TonePrint, you just load up the next one (it literally takes 2 seconds) and move on. My favourite TP's are MuscleComp for punch and presence that makes the bass slice through a busy mix, Captain East for subtle parallel compression and Fed Comp for ultra transparent compression. MuscleComp sounds like it might well be what you're looking for to use with your BB, but if not you can always use it as a starting point and fine tune it using the free TonePrint editor app. Although I have a reasonable understanding of compression and can usually get a sound that I'm happy with from most single band compressors, the TonePrint editor app for the Spectracomp offers up something like 40+ individual parameters that can be configured to craft your own sound, if you're that way inclined. But for my needs there's loads of mileage to be had from the TonePrints alone. [quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1507022939' post='3382728'] One of my BC colleagues found it "bland" 'cos it was very transparent [/quote] That would be me then Yes, the TLC is very transparent, to the point of sterility, IMO. Arguably the least exciting compressor I have ever tried. If that's what you're looking for then go for it, but if you want punch or some of that tonal magic than only a compressor can add then look elsewhere. IMO, of course.

[quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1506767416' post='3380959'] Last night I got to the gig and I was really in the mood to play, and I played much better than I usually do, and really enjoyed it. I'm hoping others are like this and have developed a technique for getting into the mood to play? [/quote] Likewise, I occasionally turn up at the gig not being in the right frame of mind despite usually looking forward to it for days before hand. Those are the gigs where I feel like I'm playing with oven gloves on too [size=4] [/size] [size=4]There's no real sagely advise that I can offer unfortunately. What I do find that helps to varying degrees is to have an hour or so playing along to some of the set before the gig, focusing on the more complex stuff or the tracks that I get more of a buzz from playing. And take an afternoon nap too if you can squeeze one in, I have an under active thyroid gland so my energy levels can be a bit erratic and I find that resting up beforehand really helps me get through the night. But sometimes life gets in the way, job, family etc so you just have to turn up and soldier on even when you're not in the mood. [/size]

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1506838057' post='3381369'] I know what you mean, but if I just wanted to blend clean bass in, the VT500 / VTDI have a blend knob already. But it sounds much better putting the 'clean' side through this Effectrode unit - it's an unusual compressor in that as well as having a tube in to fatten things up, at low compression levels it adds low end, so perfect for using as a 'deep' channel! [/quote] Give it a go and see what happens [size=4] [/size] [size=4]I've not come across the Effectrode PC-2A before, it looks very interesting. [/size]

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1506727598' post='3380794'] Anyone ever try this or use it as their core sound? I'm a big fan of the VT Bass sound but always felt it overcompressed the low end and took away the thump of the note at medium drive levels. [/quote] Likewise, I love the VT bass sound(s) but I found them to be way too compressed out of the box (and I like a healthy dose of compression), certainly too squashed to use in a band situation. Are you sure adding in more compression is the right thing to do???

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/302205-if-you-could-only-choose-one-octave-pedal/"]Take a look here[/url], it might help [size=4] [/size]

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1506676269' post='3380300'] The amp (M900) is excellent and despite the assumed use for metal, it does a fantastic B15 sound and is very versatile. I use mine doing Big Band work with the drive circuit on low. [/quote] Yep, I totally agree with that, the clean channel on the Microtubes 900 is incredibly versatile. The switchable frequencies on the two mid controls are absolutely spot on for real world use. It is one of the best bass pre-amps out there in my opinion. However, I do think that this aspect of the amp is overlooked due to DG's reputation for only catering for the modern metal crowd. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/303884-amp-test-drive%3B-aguilar-darkglass-genzler-and-mesa-boogie/page__fromsearch__1"]More of my thoughts on it here[/url].

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506635594' post='3380151'] [b]Over priced, over hyped and last year's sound.[/b] Pointless speakers? Well actually once the short lived buzz about the transient metal sound has fizzled out, IMHO [b]A pointless product range[/b]. There I've said it... [/quote] Reading between the lines, am I right in thinking you're not too keen on Darkglass?

Can't really add anything new to the mountain of praise that has rightly been heaped on this chap. Just received a couple of patch cables from Mark and everything was a breeze, he was patient when I wasn't able to pay straight away (due to my online banking being down) and kept me informed every step of the way. Cheers Mark.

There have been comments on other threads that the design of the Darkglass amps appears to have been inspired by some of Apple's products. Looks like DG have also been influenced by their pricing structure Do I hear the POP of the Darkglass bubble bursting

To be fair, I've had no experience of the phat funk, but the Mojo does the low gain/touch of hair thing brilliantly, IMO, of course!

[quote name='KingPrawn' timestamp='1506373033' post='3378345'] Is there a Holy Grail of band harmony? [/quote] Yes there is, but like the legendary grail it seems to elude most that seek it. It sounds like most of us commenting on this thread have been around the block a few times and are just looking to make some music and have a good time doing it. I've been playing and gigging with bands for more than 30 years now and have played with all manner of assorted idiots, egotists etc. in that time. Some of them talented, some not, most usually deluded in some way. But I have at last struck gold with the band I'm with now, and have been for the past 6 or 7 years (about 5 years with the current line up). We're all of a similar temperament, all have full time jobs, 4 of the 5 of us have kids and most importantly, we all want to have a good time making music. So we're all in a similar position and have similar demands on our lives. Yes, we all have an off day now and again but they are few and far between and we have all leaned how to deal with each other and the situations when they do occur. Musically, I don't care for some of the stuff we play, I probably wouldn't go home and listen to some of it, other than learning and practising the tracks. But - and this is the deal breaker for me - the others in the band are a real pleasure to play with and we all enjoy what we do and respect one another. And to me that far out ways the urge to play songs of my choosing. So yes, it does exist, but is a vary rare animal indeed. Sounds like it might be worth sticking with the other guys and trying to get another guitarist in. Good luck whatever decision you make.

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1506417598' post='3378507'] These can all achieve a similar grit to the Phat Phuk: TC Spark (full size version, the mini one is clean with no gain control) Cheapest and most readily available option is the TC, it can hang with the rest tonally, a bit of a bargain really! [/quote] I briefly had the full sized spark boost and wasn't keen on the tone of the drive. Can't really put my finger on exactly what it was about it that I didn't like but it just didn't grab me. But that's not to say that it won't be exactly what you are looking for. However, I got much better results (for my tastes) with the TC Electronic MojoMojo which is fantastic at low gain for adding a hint of warmth/fur/hair/whatever you want to call it. The Mojo has a deep low end and loads of mids present too. I use if for dirty, vintage Geezler Butler style sounds . It doesn't really do the Tech 21/Darkglass scooped sound, it's pretty much the opposite to those tonally, but that suits my needs better. And best of all, you can pick one up new for under £50.

[quote name='dmccombe7' timestamp='1506349774' post='3378096'] Not sure i've picked up your reasons for changing but is the weight of the Mesa too heavy. You mention you are looking for a 1x12 one handed lift at 300W. I wouldn't have thought a 1x12 that heavy but i'm used to larger cabs. I've used the Berg AE112 cabs which are NEO speakers. Very lightweight and nice tone. I've also got the Markbass rig which is lightweight but i only use it on occassions where there are a lot of stairs to climb or long distances from car. The only thing i would say and its down to personal taste is that the lightweight speakers don't seem to have the same depth of tone for me. Its difficult to pinpoint exactly why that is and i've tried them with various different amps. They just seem to lack something. Maybe its down to them being too clean in comparison to my heavier cabs. Dialling the tweeter or horns down altogether does help tho. Its never been an issue out front and audience always seem to like the Markbass tone so maybe its just where i stand on stage that i don't hear. Think you should def try before you buy tho. Dave [/quote] My initial thoughts were that a 4 ohm cab would be louder than my current 8 ohm one as it'd be pulling more power from the amp. But reading through the earlier comments in the thread it seems that's not necessarily a correct assumption. Having pondered what those people with far more knowledge on the subject than I have are saying, my reasons have shifted slightly in favour of going for something lighter. I don't know the official figure for the weight of the Mesa, but my guess is somewhere in the region of 15 Kg. It's surprisingly heavy for it's size. My big cab that I use on pretty much every gig is a Tecamp M212 and that only weights about 19Kg, but it actually feels lighter than the Mesa. But whether that is because I am underestimating the weight of the Mesa or the 212 only appears to be lighter because it's twice the size (and therefore it's all in my head!) I really don't know The Tecamp has Neodymium speakers and I'm assuming that the Mesa has a traditional heavy speaker. Tonally, the Tecamp doesn't lack anything when it comes to depth of tone. I much prefer the sound of it to the Mesa which has a strong mid bias that I'm assuming has to do with it being a relatively small cab in comparison to the bigger one? I'm happy to be proved wrong on that assumption though Yes, I'll definitely try before I buy! [quote name='Steve Browning' timestamp='1506344414' post='3378048'] Keep the Boogie!!!! [/quote] What are your reasons for saying that?

[quote name='la bam' timestamp='1506291523' post='3377720'] Thanks. That's what I thought it might be. I was considering a ms60b just as an on off pedal for my synth effect rather than continually switching my b3 and using the chorus and drive from my amp. [/quote] If you just want to use it like that, as you would a 'normal' stomp box, then it'll be fine. I own both the B3 and the MS-60B. As others have said, for switching individual effects on and off, or changing patches the B3 is the one to go for. But for an individual effect/patch or always on sound, the MS-60B is perfect.

Start with everything flat (knobs at 12 o'clock, or graphic sliders in the centre of their range) and go from there. Make subtle changes and try to avoid anything extreme I.e. don't fully cut or boost any particular frequencies. And remember to cut as well as boost too, sometimes you can add what's missing by removing part of what's already there! As for cutting the mids, it sounds great when it's just the bass in isolation, but it makes the bass harder to hear when playing with other musicians. If you're in a band, go for a sound that blends with the other instruments even if the bass doesn't sound very sexy on its own.

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1506185030' post='3376966'] I've been looking at these BF cabs lately as well, so tried a few out at the Gallery today and walked out having put down a deposit on a 4 ohm Retro 210. [/quote] Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it once it arrives

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1506165112' post='3376807'] If we have managed to establish, to your satisfaction, that there won't be much benefit in volume terms in switching from an 8 ohm to a 4 ohm [color=#ff0000][b]yes, I think we have[/b] [/color] [size=4]and you're after a quality light weight cab what about the BF Super Midget? [color=#ff0000][b]Great suggestion [/b][/color]At just 23 lbs and with 600W RMS (at 8 ohm) handling capacity and a 12" speaker I think it has all your boxes ticked? It will also be more transparent / less coloured than the more retro sounding BF 2x10 and therefore closer to your beloved Tecamp 2x12 in terms of not colouring the sound from your GM amps and it should be able to handle both the GM 800 as well as your back up GM 350 with ease.[/size] [/quote] [size=4]The shortlist at the minute seems to be either a Super Midget, Super Compact or a Retro two 10 - in no particular order. [/size] [size=4]The only problem at the minute is money, I've got a couple of substantial non bass related purchases incoming over the next months, so any potential change of cab would have to be by way of a trade, and I doubt many people are looking to trade their helium filled Barefaced cabs for the Mesa [/size]