I've had my share of successes and frustrations with the TLSE. We all have wondered if we should use some other gizmo or effects box with the TLSE. I have used 3 in very different contexts and have had decent results.
(1) ART "Professional Tube Parametric Equalizer":
In terms of enhancing the TLSE's amplifier and distortion modeling capability, this device is VERY usefull. This applies to blues, rock and metal players equally. This particular gizmo has a 12AX7 in it. I've also tried other tubes.
I permanently have the low-band attenuate in the 83-105hz range. That way I can use the TLSE's and the Amp's Bass and Mid knobs without flubbing out the bass all the time. I then use the mid-band to tone shape and "amp-model". I turn the EQ off, get the best out of the TLSE I can, then turn the EQ on and fine tune. Like for instance:
SRV -- mid boost 800-900hz
Duane Allman -- mid boost 1000hz
EVH -- mid attenuate 500hz
ZEP -- mid boost 1000hz; high boost 2000 a little
Sabbath ...
Alice In Chains ...
Angus ...
GOOGLE SEARCH:
http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&safe=off&q=Professional+Tube+...
EBAY SEARCH:
http://search.ebay.com/PARAMETRIC-crossover-car_W0QQcatrefZC6QQdfspZ34QQ...
USED
My local Music-Go-ROund has 2 used ones for $60. I paid $100 on ebay.
CHEAPER$
For a cheaper alternative go to eBay and search for the new ARTEC PARAMETRIC eq. I tried it. It works OK. If you intend to gig with it, buy 2.
(2) cheap compressor pedal:
I've tried 4. The Guyatone ST2 worked best. However, this is not a pure transparent box. It has color. I happen to think that it adds a bit of warmth. If you have a good tube amp you dont need this. One problem with using compression is that with Strat Pickups you also boost the friggin 60,120,180 cycle hum.
ADVANTAGES:
-- you always can use the TLSE distortion bank
-- you don't have to rely on the TLSE models for extra sustain. TLSE models are best for sound quality.
-- compressor can double as a "Clean Boost"
(3) Sonic Stomp (maximizer):
If you are playing through a transitor amp or a real boomy amp or through a PA you probably will get some positive results. The worse your equipment is, the more obvious benefit you will get. The LOW knob can either boost lows(small speaker) or attenuate and tighten up flubby lows(big speaker). And the "HIGH" knob can add a shimmering complexity to the sound. If your rig already has a lot of high twangy complexity, you dont need this. Also, you can use this gadget during recording or for post processing recordings of many instruments. So, it's a dual use item. Beware, though. This product is basically a glorified 2 band EQ with some extra "sparkle" added.
cheerz tonemeisters
Nice post, I'll have to get
Tue, 2008/08/19 - 7:15pm — mself61Nice post, I'll have to get my room first STILL, then do some experimenting, as it's set up right now I am pretty happy with it, My Behringer Tube Ultragain MIC200 Mic Preamp being after my guitar with a splitter on the output one to my SE and the other to my G9 seems to work really good, then I have stereo out from both SE/G9 to a mixer, mixer out Left to one Hartke G60c Right to my other, both set to as clean as I could get.
I'll take pictures someday soon before I start adding more to the chain.
www.selfdistruction.com
http://groups.google.com/group/tonelab-patch-exchange
Im using a boss cs3
Wed, 2008/08/20 - 7:55pm — guitarmikeIm using a boss cs3 compressor in the loop and and bbe sonic stomp at the end. I am, and have thought that an eq after the TLLE would be great. Ive thought about midi control so that it woul change with different presets, but cant find one in pedal form (so it would mount on my pedal board along with the rest). I have also read about the harmonic converger and found a post that says you can get the same effect from a behringer adi21. Its an acoustic di box with bass, treble, parametric mid, and a blend control. Only $30 bucks, so Im gonna give it a try. Any thoughts?
Interesting post, thx. I am
Fri, 2008/08/22 - 1:33am — JvKInteresting post, thx. I am thinking about puttin an EQ behind the TLSE. I run mine into a stereo tube power amp connected to a 4x12 cab. I am happy with this setup only i miss an EQ. Now i have been told one should use a parametric EQ instead of a graphic. Can anybody explain this to me? Any other suggestions then ART; i am looking for a rack version.
grtz JvK
Chris Thanks for your great
Fri, 2008/08/22 - 10:47am — cDubChris
Thanks for your great posts.
I need a little clarification. I'd presume that you run the EQ and BBE after the Tonelab in the signal chain, but use the compressor inside the TL's effects loop.
Did you run all these gizmos after the TL, including the compressor?
Also, why a tube EQ? I wouldn't think that a tube would make a difference in this context.
Chris
Currently, I do not use a
Mon, 2008/09/01 - 1:53pm — chris_fitzmartinCurrently, I do not use a compressor or the BBE. This is because the Marshall 2266 and TLSE just work together so well.
However, with my other 2 tube amps or straight PA setup, I do find post-TLSE compression or BBE to be usefull for a majority of patches.
Parametric EQ vs. Graphic EQ:
A graphic EQ has certain frequencies pre-chosen for you and then you get to boost or attenuate at those points. But let's remember that those frequencies define a frequency range within which you effect the sound. A parametric EQ let's you pick the specific frequency you want to effect and also let's you define how wide the band is around that chosen frequency is. That's called "Q". Stupid name. Q means "frequency range". For those of you into math, the Q defines the shape of the normal distribution around the chosen freq to effect.
IMHO, if you use a graphic EQ with guitar it's often better if you get one with like 10, 12, 15 bands. That way you can focus in more specifically on key frequencies. For a pedal look at the MXR 10 band graphic EQ.
An EQ can address a number of problems. Like if a strat pickup lacks some mids or your speaker is too thumpy or muddy or tinny. Also, certain players have created pro rigs that naturally EQ the sound certain ways. We want to emulate that. Speaker cabinets do NOT sound the same. Not only that, a given speaker cab doesnt sound the same in a basement vs. bar vs. outdoor stage.
Lately my thinking, broadly, has been that the TLSE "is" a dual engine distortion gizmo that just happens to have reverb, delay, univibe, etc. You have to plug "that" into an amp and a speaker. So, the EQ in between helps make the peices be more "compatible". Sometimes I use EQ as a "problem fixer" while at others it's a "modeler".
I dont want to come across like I have all the answers. I dont. But I'm happy to share the experience of sorting out various gear combinations.
* * *
"Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not ten. You see, most blokes, you know, will be playing at ten."
Tried the behringer adi21,
Mon, 2008/09/01 - 8:42pm — guitarmikeTried the behringer adi21, dont waste your $30. Im still looking for a midi controlled eq pedal though.
Best wishes in your search.
Mon, 2008/09/15 - 2:06pm — firebrandBest wishes in your search. Ibanez "kind of" made one about 15 years ago. They had a modulation and a distortion (and I think overdrive too) that were all digitally controlled. I owned one of the distortion pedals.
Anyway, you had to buy a master plug-in to control via midi, but you could alternately program 10 of your own settings in to step though or set one to be used or bypassed.
If you could live without it being in pedal format I know Rocktron and Boss have both made MIDI-able EQs in the past.