VH4 - effects

[spirit7]

Hi all,

Just got my VH4 and absolutely loving it! I went for one over a Mark V in the end and couldn't be happier with my choice. Phenomenal amp. Peter Diezel - you are a hero.

I have a few queries on the subject of effects:

(1) I currently use a Boss GT-6 multi-fx. Through the series loop, it really affects the tone on Channels 3 and 4 in a negative manner. I presume this is because of Boss's poor ADA conversion? I tried it through the parallel loop (adjusting the mix) and still couldn't get a simple mixture of the amazing dry tone plus delay/reverb etc - the tone still seemed to be affected. Is this to do with the paucity of the unit and my inability to dial it in properly?! Not sure if the GT-6 has a "wet" setting; will look later and try to set it to 100% (as I was also getting phasing issues).

(2) I am going to steadily buy some stompboxes to replace the Boss in the next few months. I've already decided on an Eventide Timefactor and an EHX Cathedral reverb - what other recommendations do you all have? To completely avoid the aforementioned tone problems do I need to get effects with true bypass and no digital conversion (i.e. ONLY analogue effects) or just good-quality digital effects with decent ADA conversion? Will there inevitably be an effect on tone regardless of the quality of the ADA?

Recommendations gratefully received - I play predominantly progressive metal in the Opeth mould.

Thanks all in advance for the help.

Cheers,

C

 

[C-4]

I use a TC Electronic Nova System through the series effects loop with terrific results.
I have used it with all the various Deizel models and it is consistantly great sounding with every Diezel amp.

 

[Ventura]

I'm in a similar boat. I have some exceptional stomps - super awesome stomps. But the problem is, some need to be in front, some need to be serial, some need to be parallel. It's a switching lopping nightmare - not to mention, I don't only use the VH4S (stereo), so having to consider stereo in's and stereo out's, getting these stomp in a drawer or on a board in next to impossible.

Considering how much I've spent on the stomps I have, I'm sure I could have found some rack unit to do it all at about 85%...but it's that 15% of missing perfection that still has me tap dancing like a riverdancer.

V.

 

[spirit7]

Thanks all.

I'm intending to run the following through the amp - can you let me know if I'm going to get bad tone suck?

Eventide Timefactor
EHX Cathedral reverb
Maxon Od808
MXR chorus
TC electronics tuner
Modified Dunlop Crybaby wah
Foxrox Octron Octave pedal

Thanks!

 

[sombersoul]

I'm a pedal user! I tried many multi-F/X units over the years and always returned to pedals in the end. I thought about MIDI too but I have the strong feeling that this is really not my thing.

I have a Maxon OD808, which I'm using with my Diezel Schmidt and used with my Einstein. No tone sucking witnessed.

I also have the new MXR Micro Chorus. When disengaged, it is transparent but when engaged it introduces audible noise (both in front and in the loop) and also boosts the signal somewhat. This is on the Schmidt.

I like EHX pedals very much, and I own a couple. Unfortunately, some of these pedals suck tone in my setup. The Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai that I have drops the signal volume audibly and/or cuts some highs. I can live with it, since it's a great and inspiring toy but I don't use it in my "proper" rig. To be fair, I have no experience with the EXH Cathedral.

I think whether tone suckage occurs does not solely depend on the pedals themselves but also on the way they interact with their surroundings, i.e. pedals before and after, the kind of amp and the nature of the amp's F/X loops. Trying to find culprits in a pedalboard rig can sometimes take a long time.

Having said all that, the Einstein had the best loop to date! Never a problem, dead silent, great with all kinds of pedals!

 

[slyvren]

I use a GCX switcher. When I don't want the sound of the pedal or rack unit in question I want it OUT of the signal path. I've yet to run across any A/D/A that doesn't tone suck a little and most good analog pedals do the same. True bypass is the way to go my friend. chan 3 loses some of it's punch with some setups and I'm done worrying about it. I use very little effects with my vh4. Reverb sometimes, delay sometimes, rare occasion a chorus or flange. 95% of the time its dry.

 

[spirit7]

Thanks for the replies all.

The Eventide Timefactor arrived today...I have achieved some truly godlike lead tones with it and Channel 3 / 4 of the VH4! I'm currently running it in the parallel loop and switching in and out via MIDI (ie enabling and disabling send 2 that seems to sort out any tone suck - the circuit is completely cut out and I only bring the effect in when I want. Does that sound logical?

Great, great tone!

 

[spirit7]

I should also point out that the Timefactor is set to true bypass and killdry. I'm running it on 30% wet with the parallel loop volume on around noon.

Trying to get "that" lead tone (think deep, spacey Petrucci type lead) - high feedback on the delay, 300-450ms delay time, 3-4 repetitions. At the moment I've had no phasing problems despite the Timefactor not being on 100% wet. Awesome.

 

[slyvren]

I should also point out that the Timefactor is set to true bypass and killdry. I'm running it on 30% wet with the parallel loop volume on around noon.

Trying to get "that" lead tone (think deep, spacey Petrucci type lead) - high feedback on the delay, 300-450ms delay time, 3-4 repetitions. At the moment I've had no phasing problems despite the Timefactor not being on 100% wet. Awesome.

When they say 100% wet they mean on the effect not the amp. You said you are using killdry. That means 100% wet on the effect.

 

[Ventura]

I use a GCX switcher. When I don't want the sound of the pedal or rack unit in question I want it OUT of the signal path. I've yet to run across any A/D/A that doesn't tone suck a little and most good analog pedals do the same. True bypass is the way to go my friend. chan 3 loses some of it's punch with some setups and I'm done worrying about it. I use very little effects with my vh4. Reverb sometimes, delay sometimes, rare occasion a chorus or flange. 95% of the time its dry.

How you digging the GCX...?? I'm looking at one to play with my stomps - getting 'em all looped and organized into the 8 sections. Seems smart. Let me know... I'm not buying it today or anything, I have yet to hear what effects the Ultra can bring to the table, but in the meantime, I've got Eventides, BB's, Fulltones, EHX's, etc. just sitting there ripe for the picking!!!

But chaining all of these up - no dice.

V.

 

[slyvren]

I use a GCX switcher. When I don't want the sound of the pedal or rack unit in question I want it OUT of the signal path. I've yet to run across any A/D/A that doesn't tone suck a little and most good analog pedals do the same. True bypass is the way to go my friend. chan 3 loses some of it's punch with some setups and I'm done worrying about it. I use very little effects with my vh4. Reverb sometimes, delay sometimes, rare occasion a chorus or flange. 95% of the time its dry.

How you digging the GCX...?? I'm looking at one to play with my stomps - getting 'em all looped and organized into the 8 sections. Seems smart. Let me know... I'm not buying it today or anything, I have yet to hear what effects the Ultra can bring to the table, but in the meantime, I've got Eventides, BB's, Fulltones, EHX's, etc. just sitting there ripe for the picking!!!

But chaining all of these up - no dice.

V.

It works wonders for me. I really don't see why it'd need to be modded. It sounds transparent to me if not better than without it because the buffer. I looked purely at pricetag and I couldn't justify the rjm. I'm sure it's a beast but i don't need the channel switching feature on vh4. V I can honestly say I don't know how I managed without it. I have a g-major and 6 stomps and it's dreamy. I'm not a heavy fx guy, but ts nice to be able to dial some in when I want to.

-John