Synth through Guitar Pedals?
- StevenO
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Synth through Guitar Pedals?
What's the best way to do this without creating any unwanted distortion/overloading?
- fuzzjunkie
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
When I have done it:
1) lower the output volume on synth or use hi-z output if it has them.
2) use a pedal that excepts line-level output, like an Eventide Space.
3) use a mixer and side chain the effects.
4) lived with the distortion. I once got an amazingly blown out and compressed fuzz sound from a synth tube Screamer combo.
I haven’t used one, but there are re-amping devices that step the gain down that might work.
1) lower the output volume on synth or use hi-z output if it has them.
2) use a pedal that excepts line-level output, like an Eventide Space.
3) use a mixer and side chain the effects.
4) lived with the distortion. I once got an amazingly blown out and compressed fuzz sound from a synth tube Screamer combo.
I haven’t used one, but there are re-amping devices that step the gain down that might work.
- Embenny
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
#2 works well - this is exactly what mixers are meant to do! Sending the signal to your effects and mixing them back in in parallel is great.
Re-amping boxes (reverse-DI) work for when you want to just run everything straight through. The key is that you're bringing line level, lo-Z, (+/- balanced) signal to instrument level, hi-Z, unbalanced inputs on the pedals.
Re-amping boxes (reverse-DI) work for when you want to just run everything straight through. The key is that you're bringing line level, lo-Z, (+/- balanced) signal to instrument level, hi-Z, unbalanced inputs on the pedals.
The artist formerly known as mbene085.
- StevenO
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
I have a mixer with an fx send so I'll try it and see if it works.
As for the re-amp box, any suggestions on what works?
Currently, just trying to deal with the distortion doesn't work as there's just too many weird unpleasant overtones to work with.
As for the re-amp box, any suggestions on what works?
Currently, just trying to deal with the distortion doesn't work as there's just too many weird unpleasant overtones to work with.
- StevenO
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
Tried out the mixer thing... Didn't really work out too well as there is still way more distortion than I would like. Maybe I just need to go the reamp route.
- panoramic
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
I've been running mine straight into a few effects (with the vol turned way way down) and running them out of a guitar amp with much success though running them through a mixer would probably be ideal I am just lazy about setting that stuff up even though i own all of it. It works especially well with my REVER pedal and turbo rat
I used to be cool, now I just complain about prices.
- StevenO
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
I might try the mixer thing again, even though it's been not working so far. For the most part, the reverb doesn't distort too much just a little hair around the edges on some settings, but the TC Flashback delay I have (actually, all the delays I have) just has too much distortion and harsh overtones to be usable.
If that doesn't work, I'll pony up for a Radial reamp box, which will hopefully address my needs.
If that doesn't work, I'll pony up for a Radial reamp box, which will hopefully address my needs.
- fuzzjunkie
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
It could be that your levels aren't right or creating a feedback loop?
There are some tips here: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/using-pedals-mixing/
The only pedals that I use with synths atm, all have line-level/lo-z inputs, so I haven't used a mixer in a long while, and never a re-amp device. Radial are well known.
There are some tips here: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/using-pedals-mixing/
The only pedals that I use with synths atm, all have line-level/lo-z inputs, so I haven't used a mixer in a long while, and never a re-amp device. Radial are well known.
- Embenny
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
Are you cutting the gain way down on the output/send to the effects?
My two thoughts regarding distortion you might be getting are that 1) the signal coming from the mixer is too hot and needs to be trimmed/cut significantly, or 2) the bandwidth of the signal might be too wide - specifically the bass end of the spectrum. Guitar pedals aren't designed to take the sheer quantity of bass and sub-bass that a synth is capable of. Using a high-pass filter, bandpass filter, or even just a shelf EQ on the bass might clean up that distortion you're getting.
The passive Radial reamp box is high quality and good-sounding if you go that route. I don't think you need to spring for anything more expensive than that.
My two thoughts regarding distortion you might be getting are that 1) the signal coming from the mixer is too hot and needs to be trimmed/cut significantly, or 2) the bandwidth of the signal might be too wide - specifically the bass end of the spectrum. Guitar pedals aren't designed to take the sheer quantity of bass and sub-bass that a synth is capable of. Using a high-pass filter, bandpass filter, or even just a shelf EQ on the bass might clean up that distortion you're getting.
The passive Radial reamp box is high quality and good-sounding if you go that route. I don't think you need to spring for anything more expensive than that.
The artist formerly known as mbene085.
- StevenO
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
I think I kind of have the levels at a point where nothing is being too distorted. Not ideal, but it will do for now. I'll probably end up buying a reamp box in the future, particularly the radial one, as they aren't too expensive.
- StevenO
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
Mixer is officially working well! Not sure what changed, but looks like I can hold off on a reamp for now.
- Telliot
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
The cool thing about fretless is you can hit a note...and then renegotiate.
- StevenO
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
Now I have everything going through the mixer for ease of use. Sounds great so far!
- fuzzjunkie
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
Awesome!
- higgsblossom
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Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?
Your setup is a perfect piece of art in itself!
"500€? That's the price of a J Mascis Jazzmaster!"