Q? on amplifying bass in stereo

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Hello. I am one of those folks who plugs in and plays without knowing a thing about the gear used. I feel like an idiot for saying that, but I'd rather not have anyone assume I know anything!

I have been trying to suss out exactly how to accomplish the sound I'm looking for and have an idea of how to get there, but need to hear the voice of experience before I go dropping loads of cash to get it. I notice that when I run my bass dry (no effects), the low end response is fantastic, as is the overall tone. When I add my fuzz pedal to the chain, the low end diminishes, even though the overall volume is noticably increased. So, to change that, I thought why not run one cabinet wet (fuzz added) and one dry?

So, following through with that, my plan is this: run one signal from my bass to the preamp, split the signal into two, run channel one into an effect pedal, then into channel one of my Aphex Aural Exciter, then channel one of the stereo power amp, which then feeds a 4x10 cabinet. Channel two would bypass the effect pedal and feed directly into channel two of the Aphex unit, then to channel two of the power amp, which outputs to a 1x15 cabinet.

The equipment I have to work with is the following:

Alembic F1X preamp
Aphex Aural Exciter (two channel)
QSC USA 900 power amp (450W RMS per channel @ 4 ohms)
Fuzz effect pedal

The real question here is can the full range output of the preamp be used, or will it damage the pedal effect? I have the option of selecting +4 db or -10 db on the inputs of the Aphex unit, and both are set at -10 db. Again, I know nothing about this stuff, but I assume that is some sort of signal reduction to avoid cooking the Aphex unit since the signal is coming directly out of the full range output of the preamp. But, perhaps not. Is it possible (or necessary) to create the same kind of +4/-10 option between the preamp and the effect pedal? Am I worried about a problem that doesn't exist?

Alternately, and I haven't tried this since I'm away from my equipment for the weekend, I may be able to send a signal out of the effects loop on the preamp, even using a Y to split it yet still return the effects loop if required on that preamp, and use that effects loop "send" to get a signal to the pedal, and in turn to the Aphex unit and power amp.

Is any of this possible without destroying my gear? Or am I unknowingly contemplating a violation of the laws of physics?

TIA for any help you can provide,


Ryan H

 

[skabassist13]

To me, and I am no guru, it sounds like it would work. If the two inputs on the Aphex can be used at the same time then I see no reason why it wouldn't work and have the desired outcome.

If I was you, I would try it, but start off with low levels of volume and gain and slowly increase it. Just in case.

As for damanging the pedal, I find it to be unlikely. I would probably suggest not running the pre-amp at full tilt boogie because the output could possibly be to much for the pedal, but I doubt it. Also I wouldn't worry to much about the range of the pre-amp. Your bass is full range before it goes into the pedal, so why would it going through a pre-amp make a difference?

The +4/-10 db button is called a pad, and you are correct about its function. It lowers the input to a more usable level to prevent overloading the unit. As for what to set it on, I'd probably say -10 db because you are using the line out of a pre-amp which will probably a fairly strong signal.

I would imagine you are not the only one ine the world who wants a configuration such as this. As long as you use some common sense (like don't max it out to see if it works, start off slow) and your gut (if you feel something isn't right, stop and shut it down, and evaluate) you should be ok, your rig should work perfectly, and you'll be swimming in the tone of your dreams.

Travis

 

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Right on. Thanks, Travis.

 

[Colin]

the +4 is for professional equipment (studio etc) and the -10 is for consumer (us) Normally there is no need for bass be run in stereo, but this is because mono will generally yield a louder result(and applies more to PA's). Running a dual setup like you are doing will work and look very cool. If you're prepare to lug the gear that is...

 

[boom]

What you're saying makes sense, Colin, since the focus of the manual for the Aphex unit seems to be aimed toward a studio setting. After reading the manual, I felt like I was doing something blasphemous hauling it around and running my bass through it. Of all my equipment, I'm married to it even more than the F1x. I'm just glad I've had some knowledgeable folks recommend how to use all this stuff over the years.

As far as getting loud, I'm never in a situation where I'm out of volume. In fact, I rarely get the volume into the three-quarter range. The stereo setup is intended to provide the big low end to the distorted fuzzy grind so that the bass doesn't evaporate when I kick the pedal. And there's really no more gear than I already have, but run in a mono setup. Yeah, it's not as light as it felt years ago! But it's not too bad. Casters help!

The Alembic website had a little gem reminding me to invert the phase of one of the cabinets when operating two cabinets (one from the full range output, the other from one of the crossover outputs) to avoid phasing. In fact, now that I think about it, that could be a good solution (run one from one side of the crossover, one full range). The only trouble is I've not been satisfied with the crossover in the past. But, I could set it to be very close to a full range output and then I might get what I'm looking for... hmm. I'll have to try that.

Well, alright, thanks fellas.

Ryan H