| Author | Message | ||
| robthejock
New Username: robthejock Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2003 |
Hi. I bought a used SF2 a few weeks ago and while I am waiting on a manual, could anybody help with some basic settings suggestions? I use mainly a Spoiler and Marshall tranny amp. I've read the previous posts and they've been useful, but I could use more help. Cheers, Rob | ||
| davehouck
Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 87 Registered: 5-2002 |
It's very versatile and can be used in many configurations, so it's difficult to offer a basic setting suggestion. After I got mine I tried many different combinations until I settled on a general configuration that I work off of. I use it in mono; I use the first filter as a low pass and second as a high pass. I have the direct gains all the way up. I adjust the filter gains, frequencies and damping depending on the room and stage and occassionally for particular songs. I found that in the process of dialing in the SF2 I was also making adjustments to the preamp EQ settings. After I had finally dialed in what I thought was a very nice tone at home, I went to a gig and found that it would not cut through the guitars. So I'm still working on my tone. Fortunately it's something I enjoy doing <g>. (I also found very nice configurations using both filters in the low pass setting and I found the band pass setting very useful as well.) Your settings will of course depend to a large extent on your bass and your preamp and even your speakers. My primary bass is an Essence with a maple body, top and neck and of course only one filter. Thus the tonal characteristics of my bass vary greatly from say a Rogue with ebony neck lams, mahogany body and coco bolo top and back <g>. The SF2 helps me bring out a warmer and broader low end and a smooth high end. One thing that would help a lot in a live situation would be to get rid of the guitar players; but that's not always practical. (Note: I imagine that this problem does not exist if the guitar players are playing Alembic guitars.) Dave | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 499 Registered: 9-2002 |
HI brothers, I also recently got my SF-2 but he's not in my rig yet. 1. What I read around here is that one can link the first channel to the second? Do I have to play than in "stereo" mode or in "mono"? 2. Every channel is "set-able" to low-pass, band-pass and high pass. Does "low-pass" means = manipulating the (setable) low frequencies, "high pass" = the high frequencies and "band-pass" = no manipulating at all? 3. Edwin (Van Huik) who sold me the SF-2 gave me the warning that the SF-2 asks experimenting and time to master. He even talked about 2 years before you cab really say "hey I know what I'm doing"! Well ...if that would be possible at all generally spoken LOL. Anyway: there is a a very handy PDF-file dwelling around in these threads. I dunno where exactly but I know that good'ol Brother Joey (with the Bigredbass) was the author! Paul the bad one | ||
| davehouck
Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 88 Registered: 5-2002 |
In mono mode, a single input signal is split into three separate channels, one dry and one for each of the filters, then recombined at a single output. I don't have a bass with stereo electronics, so I don't know the answer to your question about playing in stereo mode. Simply put, the low pass filter works the same as the filter on your bass, it lets through all frequencies below the point at which you set it. The high pass filter is the opposite, it lets through all frequencies above the point at which you set it. The band pass filter lets through only the particular frequency at which you set it. Yes, it takes experimenting; and I would not say that I have it mastered. For instance a setting that sounds good on my maple Essence 4 has to be readjusted when I switch to my walnut Essence 6. Of course, that's my own experience; others may have their SF-2 setup differently to where switching basses doesn't require readjusting. Dave | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 508 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Dave, thanks for sharing this. To be precise: I will not use my Series in Stereo. It's through the F1-X mono-input. To be honest. I thought I "got" it but now I'm really confused. Anyway ...I'll install the SF-2 first and experiment along, after that I'll be back with a lot more stupid questions. Paul the bad one | ||
| robthejock
New Username: robthejock Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2003 |
Hi Guys, and thanks for the info. As well as being a little more informed I also feel slightly less ignorant as the possibilities seem endless. With my set up I seem to be getting a great bottom end but not much top. Keep twiddling those knobs I suppose. Rob | ||
| jimbobv
New Username: jimbobv Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2003 |
Here's my default settings (left to right) that work will with most of my basses - P, J, Elan, Modulus. I run it in mono mode... Gain 10 FG: 2 Freq: 110 DR: 10 Type: Low Pass Direct Gain 10 FG: 7 Freq: 680 DR: 2.8 Type: High Pass Jimbo | ||
| robthejock
New Username: robthejock Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2003 |
Cheers,Jimbo, the good folks of Birmingham, UK, will hear those settings tonight! Thanks, Rob | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 515 Registered: 9-2002 |
Rob, go and have a look at the pdf-file Brother Bob has on this location, http://alembic.com/club/messages/449/2902.html Paul the bad one | ||
| robthejock
New Username: robthejock Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2003 |
Thanks Paul, I'd already found it and it's a great idea of Bobs. Top marks to him. I totally agree with your post, the SF2 is a mighty tone beast that rewards the effort put into it. And on a personal note, folks, I think it is really great to have members of the bass community being so generous with their help and advice. I've been playing for thirty years now and I still find this instrument of ours facinating. For most of this time I have used tube amps and I must confess to having some slight misgivings about buying the SF2,(fool), but now I'm out of the ice age and finding the tones available truly inspirational. BassThunder over Scotland soon, methinks! Rob. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 516 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brother Rob, beware: you're a lot farther than me. With me the SF-2 is still in his case! I didn't use it yet! SO please I would ask SF-2 owners to TRY to describe what they did with their tool and for what reason (do thi sto sound like that or ibn such circumstances). I'm eager to learn and I understand VERY well that I will be in the ice-age for some time! Paul the bad one PS 30 YEARS!!!!!!! Gosh! However ...me too. but not like this! I even stopped for 10 years between my 26th and 36th | ||
| robthejock
New Username: robthejock Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2003 |
Paul, I can't believe it myself, I still think I'm 28. I've used a few suggested settings, eg Jimbo's, and I'm slowly tweaking as I go along, only adjusting maybe one control slightly every few numbers.You can certainly hear the difference, but go slowly. So far I can get a great bass end, but I'm still searching for a full, piano -like top end with depth. However, I have also been getting several people commenting on my sound, so it must be getting there. When I can figure out a bit of what I'm actually doing I'll post my settings. In the meantime, plug in,tweak and play.Best regards, Rob | ||
| jimbobv
New Username: jimbobv Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2003 |
Try this learner on for size. (I culled part from the manual). Set one channel as low pass. The, set that channel's Filter Gain to about 3 or 4; set Damping Ratio to 10. While repeatedly plucking on open string, slowly adjust the Frequency from low to high - you'll find the 'resonant peak at the tuned frequency' for that note. Happy filtering | ||
| zitologist
New Username: zitologist Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2003 |
Rob, I no longer have my SF2, but my recollection is that you cannot use both filters in the mono mode without the settings in the second channel affecting the first. My solution was to use it in stereo with a Y cable out of the back into the mono input of my amp. This allowed for complete independence of both channels, the ability to blend direct and effect signals, and mix both channels separately from the front panel of the SF2. This configuration has a considerable gain boost, so use the SF2 volumes carefully to avoid overdriving the input of your amp. For as many nifty things as it did, I eventually abandoned it because my basses (Alembics, and Warmoths with Bartolini systems) really did the job just fine, and I like to keep the signal path as uncolored as possible. Plus, I hate adapters in my rack gear, which is just me being fussy and strange. The SF2 was useful in a few recording situations where I used it before my DI. My only other complaint about the SF2 was that it did not have enough output to use it solo with a power amp. I tried this once with what was usually my biamp rig with a crossover. I simply ran each channel of the SF2 into each channel of the power amp, sans crossover or anything else. The sound was beautiful and super clean, almost sterile. It would have cut magnificently if it only had more output. | ||
| cntrabssn
Junior Username: cntrabssn Post Number: 16 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hello Rob, Though the y-cable arrangement mentioned by Zitologist seems to work, I'd double-check with Mica to be sure that this type of connection is supported. I only mention this because this type of configuration may not provide any sort of electrical isolation between the two signals. You probably know this already, but when you use the SF-2 in mono mode, channel "A" direct gain controls the overall input gain to the unit. Channel A filter gain, channel B filter gain and channel B direct gain are all mixed in parallel at the channel B output. Channel B direct gain becomes the overall direct output in mono mode. The mixing function allows you to listen to each output individually and mix them as you desire. I've read that you're looking for a brighter sound. I don't know what settings you're using now, but try the following: - Start with the settings Jimbo provided earlier. - Change the following on channel "B": - Direct Gain: 8 - Filter Gain: 8 - Frequency: 6.0Khz - Damping Ratio: 4 Remember, you can listen to the sound of each filter by turning down the other outputs. This really helps when you're searching for sounds. It's best to leave the "A" direct gain at 10 unless you're overdriving the SF-2. If you listen to the high pass alone set as I described, you'll just hear clicks and string noises. But when you add the direct signal to it, you may start hearing something you like. However, keep in mind that if you have any noise problems like RFI, this setting will emphasize those as well. As Mica mentioned on the other thread, the SF-2 is a powerful tool capable of a wide range of sounds. I hope you eventually find what you're looking for. And I really hope you get your manual, 'cause it will help with understanding how the unit works. The block diagrams are indispensable. Good Luck, - nate. | ||
| robthejock
Junior Username: robthejock Post Number: 12 Registered: 6-2003 |
Guys,it's great to wake up in the morning, log on, and find advice like this from people across the world who really share a common interest. It really is a pleasure.Many, many thanks. What drives us in pursuit of that sound inside our heads? I've never been into pedals and effects,not even EQ really, as I've always used tubes, so the SF2 is going from one extreme to the other for me, but I am becoming convinced that the soundtrack to my life can be played through this baby.If the pusuit of tone is our goal, there is a good chance that the answer is contained in this little box. There you go,early morning philosophy. Cheerio for now, Rob | ||
| scrub
New Username: scrub Post Number: 10 Registered: 7-2003 |
I find that I'm sort of the other way around, rather than pursuing a sound in my head, the sound seems to drive me. I pick it up and I play it, and the way it sounds makes me play a certain way. If it's clean and sweet, my early classical guitar training takes over, and I catch myself using arpeggios and vibrato and being more melodic, whereas a different sound might put me more in a motown groove. As for effects and amps and whatnot - I used to work for Precision Audio in Los Angeles, at one point maintaining installations at The Roxy, Gazzari's, The Whiskey and The Palace, while also building big road rigs of anywhere from 5kw up to 50kw, and after having started on an Acoustic 360, then gone to a Sun Colossium, then a pair of SVTs and eventually arriving at a pair of GK800RBs matched with a pair of GK 4412s (4x12 reflex loaded, 2x10 front loaded), I ultimately ended up getting away from bass amps altogether and just using a cut-down PA rig - Crest Audio stereo tri-amp (2 @ 500wpc, 1 @ 100wpc), Precision Audio boxes w/Emilar speakers and Emilar horns with JBL drivers, 2x15, 4x10, 2x2" horn. One of the main benefits of using such a setup was that I could send the signal out of my rack to the snake head, then catch a return off the board into my amps and I would hear the same bass sound that was being sent to the mains. I could also catch a monitor feed and mix that in to my amps if I wanted to, and since club montiors were always worthless, I would normally do that when playing a club. To this day I still prefer to just use a clean PA for amplification and though I haven't played a stage gig for years, for practice I use a little Yamaha PA with one 250w per channel stereo amp and two boxes, each with a single 15 and a 1" horn. As for effects, I am a well-known and notorious gear thief. Over the years guitarists especially have learned that when something is missing from their rack or pedalboard, they should first look to see if I've patched it into my rig. I've been known to run chorus/flange, comp/limit, eq, aural exiters, pitch followers, spring reverbs, distortions, delays - anything I can get my hands on I'll patch it into my rig. I've used Leslies then miked them (I love Leslies). I've taken stick-on drumhead mics and stuck them to my bass. I used a talk box (I liked it, but I would drool too much). Ebow? Yup, bought one of the first ones that came out - awesome. When the Sonic Maximizer first came out, I tried it and it was cool, but it seemed to me that it would be better to use it on a PA than on some stage rig. Mine was mono so I swiped a stereo model from a keyboard player and patched it in between the mixing board and the mains on a 4kw club PA. I had to tweak the timing a hair as bodies filled the room, but it was excellent, but I stopped using mine for bass after that. I like amp/speaker rigs where the spectrum analyzer matches what the tone generator is doing as closely as possible, then I prefer to do whatever signal processing I'm going to do before I send it to the amps. But when it comes to processing that signal, anything goes. | ||
| dnburgess
Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 77 Registered: 1-2003 |
Scrub...its obsession like that which makes this such a good discussion group. David B. | ||
| robthejock
Junior Username: robthejock Post Number: 13 Registered: 6-2003 |
Cntrabssn and Jimbob, you are the guys when it comes to tone. Between both of you, your advice gave me a life saving sound on Sunday afternoon. There I was, in a dep gig with a delta blues band in the depths of the industrial heartland of England,at a pub full of drunks with scars, tattoos, foul language, violence.. and as for the men!! Get my drift? (think the Blues Brothers bar scene without the protective fence in front of the stage). They began to play,BB King, worried looks all round,this is'nt disco, the sound of flick knifes being unearthed, after 12 bars I'm in. WHAT A KILLER TONE! Suddenly the feet are tapping, god, they're dancing, they love us.We get paid extra to play another set! They have a whip round and pay us even more!This was one serious big bad irresistable bass tone.They want us back next week.Sure,call us, we say, as we give a false phone number.One for the memoirs. Scrub, I love your post.There are a million roads to our goal and I'm going down every one. Rob | ||
| scrub
Junior Username: scrub Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2003 |
Haha! If I was in England, then it's entirely possible I might have been in that crowd. Sounds like my kind of people - especially the women! Actually, that's a lie...I wouldn't have been there. I became a single father 16 years ago, and I swore off booze, bikes and broads until my son was 18 years old. Two years to go and then it's party time! (Any guesses how long it's been since I've played on stage?) My only real fear is that when I start riding again, I'll do something stupid like pull up in front of a club looking badass, then hop off the bike - forgetting to put the kickstand down. Elwood: Uh, what kind of music do you usually have here? Barmaid: We have both kinds, Country AND Western! |
