Assymetric Waveform

[Jimmyb]

The point is not that the waveform isn't sinusoidal, that's logical otherwise it wouldn't sound like a StingRay. The interesting thing is that it isn't symetric. I wonder whether that may be a charactersitic of parallel wired pickups (keko, and hints on that?). I have to compare recordings of my 25th in parallel and serial modes...


BTW, I find these more scientifically approached topics very interesting and don't understand why so many have to chime in and tell the OP to not care about some interesting sonical or electronical fact, or even make absurd fun of the topic. If you're not interested or don't want to learn, keep it to yourselves.

The reason I said to ignore the waveform, is that the OP is querying whether there is a problem with the bass.

The reason that it's not symetrical, is that it is a complex combination of frequencies. As you combine more and more sine waves, the less regular the waveform becomes.

 

[syciprider]

So how does it sound?

 

[Ken Baker]

Consider this:

If you take that entire waveform (without changing the wave FORM) and move it such that it is visually centered on 0db, you'll end up with the same thing. Possibly a slightly different output level, but the same waveform. That will sound the same.

I've seen this with any number of waveforms, from any number of source devices, viewed on the computer or an O-Scope.

There is nothing wrong with your bass.

The ultimate question is, does the bass sound good?

Ken...

 

[Aussie Mark]

The ultimate question is, does the bass sound good?

And, does the colour suit you?

 

[bovinehost]

So how does it sound?

I've talked with a number of people about this thread and although I've stayed out of it so far, I did tell them that my question would be: "How does it sound?"

Other than that, I got nothing.

 

[MK Bass Weed]

No instrument is sinusoidal

I rub my bass with Benadryl for that....

Sorry couldn't resist, or...resistor..

 

[nowhereman579]

Hi !
Thank you for all your answers
... And I had a lot of fun reading some comments

Well, as I said, I tried to pluck the G-String and the E-String once at a time and there was still the offset on the same side, then I tried to pluck upside down as if I was left handed and it gave the same result.

About the sound: Here's a sample, But there's a v-amp guitar thing (berhinger) between the sound card and the bass with a little gain and some drive ... so this is not really conclusive (and forgive my playing I 've been playing bass for one year, I used to play guitar before ...)

phase_xii 2.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

If you guys someday could give a try and post the wave forms of your rays, just to confirm that it is a normal behaviour ... that would be great

Thanks a lot anyway

 

[Rick Auricchio]

Here's a sample, But there's a v-amp guitar thing (berhinger) between the sound card and the bass with a little gain and some drive ...

The v-amp could be distorting the waveform. (The term distortion applies to any situation where output differs from input, even if it doesn't sound like a fuzztone).

As for your fears of clipping, just turn down the level a bit. Remember, with a digital recording system, there's no background noise/tape hiss to worry about. In the days of magnetic tape, it was important to record a very hot signal. With digital, you can record at a lower level and boost it later.

 

[Guitarburetor]

Looking at the waveform plot, the signal seems to be very symmetrical by the 3rd cycle. This makes me suspect that it has to do with the attack on the strings, which would typically favor the direction the string is pulled/picked. Once the string reaches the sustained vibration of the note (impressively, BTW) it seems to be pretty normal.

 

[Big Poppa]

My money is on Dudley!

 

[bovinehost]

My money is on Dudley!

I think I'm going with that, too.

 

[cyoungnashville]

dear genius wizard dudley,

maker of things i love, able to receive divine gamechanger revelations even while driving automobile in california. all of our money is on you. you are the only one that can answer this question that the waveform question kinda reminded me of.

i pooped the letter J once ..... am i still saved???


anxiously awaiting good news, but dont rush it,
cy

 

[Jimmyb]

Hi !
Thank you for all your answers
... And I had a lot of fun reading some comments

Well, as I said, I tried to pluck the G-String and the E-String once at a time and there was still the offset on the same side, then I tried to pluck upside down as if I was left handed and it gave the same result.

About the sound: Here's a sample, But there's a v-amp guitar thing (berhinger) between the sound card and the bass with a little gain and some drive ... so this is not really conclusive (and forgive my playing I 've been playing bass for one year, I used to play guitar before ...)

phase_xii 2.mp3 - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

If you guys someday could give a try and post the wave forms of your rays, just to confirm that it is a normal behaviour ... that would be great

Thanks a lot anyway

I can't give you the waveform of a Stingray (because I haven't got one),

But this waveform:

is a recording of my voice, humming a (relatively) constant tone.

You can see that it exhibts the same asymetric shape as that shown on your waveform. It's a common phenomenon with acoustic instruments and if you search the internet, you can see waveforms for all different types.

The further away from a sine wave it goes, the greater the amount of harmonics that appear in your sound.

Hope this helps

 

[cyoungnashville]

that's it!!, thanks for posting this photo. except for the florescent green glow, this is pretty much what im used to, but this one time... definitely a J.

 

[lowliferumble]

that's it!!, thanks for posting this photo. except for the florescent green glow, this is pretty much what im used to, but this one time... definitely a J.

I am thinking that due to the nature and shape of things... you are most likely forgiven CY...LOL! you are a very funny man!!!!

 

[dedmouse]

I think you'll find (but not 100% sure) that this is a product of the active electronics...All my active basses have this, none of my passives do. I believe it might have something to do with single rail preamps used in the active electronics. In other words, the voltages on the opamp IC rails are not minus nine and plus nine volts but rather ground and plus nine...then again, I may be all wet...