5/18/2023 0 Comments Microsynth vs synth 9![]() I’ll share a few pedal examples along the way and tips on how to get more out of your synth pedal. In this article, we’ll discuss synth pedals in much more detail, getting into bass and guitar synths, how audio synthesis and synth pedals work, and what they sound like. By tapping into the vast world of audio synthesis, we open up numerous sonic capabilities that would not be achievable with a guitar (or bass) on its own. Jokes aside, synth pedals can really add a whole new world of creativity to a guitarist or bassist's playing and writing. Some use the audio signal to trigger an oscillator others sample the input and affect it some use pitch multipliers, but all output a synth-like signal. What are synth pedals, and how do they work? A synth pedal is an audio synthesizer in a stompbox format that works with guitar or bass signals rather than MIDI or keyboard triggers. Don’t get me wrong – it’s good – but it doesn’t copy the tone footprint of other instruments exactly, especially when using a bass.Whether you're looking to expand the sonic capabilities of your guitar, want a synth but can't afford one, or trying to kick the synth player out of your band, a synth pedal could be for you! The closest I’ve seen a pedal come to doing this is the EHX MEL9 that I reviewed. If you wanna get super fancy, then you should expect to pay a LOT more money and get a unit that has a LOT more processing power…and which probably has some sort of computer interface as well.īass synth pedals? Well…those ain’t that. Sure, you can trick it out and create sounds you may never have imagined before, but there are limitations to what a pedal-based unit can accomplish. If you think that you’ll be able to make your bass sound exactly like a trumpet or a violin just by running it through a foot pedal then you may be disappointed. Most synth pedals are waveform modulators that give unique synth-type sounds, and they aren’t intended to completely mimic other instruments. Let’s level up your expectations here, though. Really, it allows you to alter the signal using specific parameters where you can mimic the output of a real honest-to-goodness synthesizer (which, for those who may not know, are those keyboard-looking thingys that got really popular starting in the 80’s, but have been on the scene since the late 60’s). While most ‘traditional’ effects modify the chemical makeup of the dry signal coming from your bass, a good bass synth pedal takes that concept and pretty much turns it on its head.Ī synth pedal takes the basic signal waveform and allows you to twist, distort, modify, and completely freak it out. Mellotron Magic: A synth pedal that emulates those classic mellotron sounds, from cello to fluteīack to the basics: A lot of synth pedals can be complicated, this one is nice and simple to operate Premium Pick: While the top interface is simple, you’re able to edit synths through your computer or mobile phoneĮlectro Harmonix MEL9 Tape Replay Machine Synth and Vocoder: Two effects in one, mixing together synth sweeps with a talk box (vocoder)Ĭlassic Synths: If you’re looking for those vintage classic synths, this one has a stack of pre-sets ready to go ![]() Simple To Use: Loaded with ready-made presets, this is a great option for a beginner bassist ![]() No worries though – I’ve taken a look at 8 of the best bass synth pedals around and have answers to your most burning questions.īest Choice: If you’re looking for those vintage MOOG synths, this pedal does it allīest Value: Boss build quality with a great selection of synth profiles to play with Moving into synth-land can be a daunting experience, for sure. And I mean – an entirely new set of notches! Once you try one, you may never think of your bass in the same light again. What can completely take your bass lines to a new level altogether is by using a bass synth pedal. Sure, getting all funky and stuff by using playing technique is one sure way to get yourself noticed, but being able to add something totally different – such as a distortion, chorus, or some other kind of modulation effect just takes things up a notch. There’s no doubt that bass effects pedals are a great way to make your bass tone unique. So you may be wondering: “how can I change things up a bit”? As much as I hate to say it, many times you know when you’re hearing a good bass player when you don’t notice them at all – they are locked in and ingrained into the framework of the song.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |