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nathanscribe
Silver Member
United Kingdom
376 Posts |
 Posted - 10/21/2008 : 00:42:56
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I'm slowly building a set of pedals for use on synths and keyboards, and wondered if anybody here had some recommendations on what to get, or what to avoid.
I'm mostly going for a 70s/80s feel; Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Jarre, that kind of vibe. At the moment, I'm using:
BOSS CE-3 (nice for stereo analogue)
BOSS RCE-10 (digital but not too harsh)
BOSS RPH-10 (I like the switchable stages)
BOSS RDD-20 (useful mod on the delay time)
BOSS RE-20 (nice)
EHX Small Clone
EHX Small Stone
EHX Deluxe Electric Mistress (re-issues these 3 - I've heard the old ones are better)
Biyang AD-7 (delay - a PT2399 type with frequency roll-off)
Biyang OTD-100 Pro (Tube overdrive - better than I expected)
I've used, and parted with, an MXR block script re-issue Phase 90 - a nice pedal, but a bit weak for my style. I also sold the Biyang CH-7 analogue chorus - not bad, but a bit unsubtle at the top.
I'm on the quest for a lush, stereo chorus, preferably analogue for that flavour - the CE-3 is new to me, and it sounds nice so far; for the perfect phaser - rich and thick; for some kind of overdrive/distortion/fuzz that works for synth sounds; and for the perfect delay. The RE-20 comes close, and the AD-7 is OK for fun. I want warm, creamy sounds, not harsh mangled ones.
I'm also interested to know of any 'non-standard' pedals that might work on keys. Anyone tried an Octaver?
Any suggestions? I know "perfect" is relative, but...  |
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Big Boss Man
Gold Member
USA
564 Posts |
Posted - 10/21/2008 : 03:11:16
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quote:
Originally posted by nathanscribe
I'm on the quest for a lush, stereo chorus
Definitely get the DC-2. I can't find it right now, but somewhere there were some keyboard demo clips with the DC-2. They were very simple demos where they just held out a note or chord with the effect off and then on. It really gave a good idea of how lush the DC-2 could get. |
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DeFrag
Moderator
USA
3409 Posts |
Posted - 10/21/2008 : 05:44:12
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I like an analogue delay on my keys. Who says reverb all the time!?  |
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nathanscribe
Silver Member
United Kingdom
376 Posts |
Posted - 10/21/2008 : 22:20:47
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BBM: yes, I'd like a DC-2. I've got the cheap B*hring*r clone, and it's OK for cheap, but not the same. The DC fetches a fair bit of money these days, doesn't it?
DeFrag: Analogue delay is great... I use racks for reverb but I do like a good analogue delay. Looking at the specs for the DM-2 and DM-3 there doesn't seem to be much difference, but do know how the sound compares? Or the price, come to think of it.
Anybody tried the MXR Carbon Copy?
As for grit, I know Goldfrapp use the Univox Super Fuzz (I think it is) and that works well. |
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Progger
Copper Member
USA
36 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2008 : 01:16:50
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Boss CE-300's can still be found fairly cheap, not much more expensive than your CE-3. If you are okay with racks, which generally serve better than pedals w/keys anyhow. They offer great sound for a stereo chorus, a step up I suspect in your case.
My favorite Boss pedal w/keys is the CS-2, which I use with sequenced mono synths. It offers an additional VCA and punch when needed. The MXR Dyna Comp is awesome w/my Stratocaster but does not do well w/my MiniMoog which is really aided by the CS-2. If you are into TD and all, using a compressor in general could be useful w/analog synths. I am sure there are tons more out there which could help you as well. My sequences are "missing something" when I do not use compression.
Any MoogerFoogers are great, just expensive.
The Mu-Tron Phasor II gives a complex phase, works better with keys in comparison to my Ph-1r.
Tube Reverb from a Fender Amp is a favorite effect of mine for analog mono synths. Something like a Twin Reverb, Bandmaster Reverb, PA 135 (one of my amps) offer the classic reverb. Fender sells an outboard unit as well if you do not need an amp.
Never under-estimate the power of an actual Leslie. They can be found in the paper, in churches, second hand shops for reasonable deals. I drive mine w/ a Fender Vibro Champ, its interesting using tube modulation w/pad and organ sounds through a rotating 15" speaker. I would avoid pedal imitations in the case of the Leslie sound.
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nathanscribe
Silver Member
United Kingdom
376 Posts |
Posted - 10/25/2008 : 10:49:30
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Thanks Progger. I know someone with a CE-300, so perhaps it's time to pay a visit and check it out. As for compression, I never really thought about it on synths... Would you say the CS-2 is better particularly than the 1 or 3? I've read that guitarists prefer the 2, but synths are a different matter.
As for the tube reverb, that thing looks big... I don't really have room for that or a real leslie, sadly. Maybe later 
I have a few U of rack-mount processing gear, nothing really high end. It's fine, but I'm finding pedals really useful for spontaneous use. I can hook up one synth to, say, a delay, and tweak it while playing much more easily than the rack settings, and it leaves the racks free for other duties. |
Edited by - nathanscribe on 10/25/2008 10:59:33 |
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 10/25/2008 : 16:50:44
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Hi nathanscribe
For a very rich & Lush chorus,
try the Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus.
It has a really smooth & usable Tone control as well.
NOT the reissue SCH-Z.
Regards Dr. Bob |
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nathanscribe
Silver Member
United Kingdom
376 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2008 : 10:33:46
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Thanks Dr Bob... though one just went for �90 plus p&p on eBay, so I might give it a miss. I reckon I'll go for a CE-2 first, use the CE-3 for stereo, and the RCE-10 for an 80s digital feel. I'll probably try for a CE-300 when one comes up.
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2008 : 10:49:31
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Hi nathanscribefl01
Another one I almost forgot about, it's not too easy to find one, & they are highly prized by Keyboard/synth players in the know.
The Yamaha FL-01 Flanger, with a manual control.
from the Effector Range of pedals.
It's the pedals manual control, that make is so versatile & sought after.
Killer-Kaz has a few now & then, mine were recovered from a rubbish tip.
Just remember these are very old Pre-Boss pedals.
And have to be heard to be believed.
Regards Dr. Bob
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Progger
Copper Member
USA
36 Posts |
Posted - 10/29/2008 : 01:28:55
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Though I prefer the CS-2 with guitar, I suspect that one would be just as well off with a synth and a CS-3. Boss made a smaller rack compressor which looks interesting, the RCL-10. The CS-2's have become so expensive, I would look into options, though I think the CS-1 and similiar compressors are better for sustain w/guitars etc., not really what you want when dealing with synth sounds.
Tube reverbs w/keyboards are too muddy for many peoples' tastes, so I could have been less enthusiastic about such a recomendation. I dont find an issue when just using a monosynth. Folks do fine without.
Living in the bible belt helps when it comes to Leslies. They are all around, but not necessarily in the best shape. If you are handy with electronics, it is worth looking for an old organ w/ a built in Leslie rotary speaker and running your own equipment through it. There were so many manufacturers, but people like getting rid of them due to size, age etc. Price range is around 50-150 US dollars, but they take up all kinds of space.
If you ever get the chance, try an old block MXR Phase 100. My Phase 90 distorted too much. The 100 is lush w/strings and pad sounds. |
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nathanscribe
Silver Member
United Kingdom
376 Posts |
Posted - 10/29/2008 : 11:03:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Progger
Though I prefer the CS-2 with guitar, I suspect that one would be just as well off with a synth and a CS-3. Boss made a smaller rack compressor which looks interesting, the RCL-10. The CS-2's have become so expensive.
I have a cheap digital compressor (Alesis CLX-440) but it's not great. I can't get much useful out of it. Something simpler and analogue would be more my kind of thing. I'll look into those - perhaps the CS-3's worth trying for cheap.
quote:
...it is worth looking for an old organ w/ a built in Leslie rotary speaker and running your own equipment through it.
Not too many in my part of the world, sadly. There was a Hammond with Leslie advertised as "free for collection", some old lady who wanted rid, but it had gone by the time I phoned...
quote:
If you ever get the chance, try an old block MXR Phase 100. My Phase 90 distorted too much. The 100 is lush w/strings and pad sounds.
I sold my (modern block logo) Phase 90 for lack of flexibility, and the fact I prefer a stronger effect. I'm using a Boss RPH-10 and Small Stone at the moment, but I've heard people say the Phase 100 has a different sound to the 90, so I'll pick one up some time. I particularly like the RPH set to 12-stage with some feedback - nice and thick.
My gripe with the Small Stone/Clone really is the depth switch - a pot would be so much more useful. More an issue with the chorus than the phaser though, for me.
Thanks again,
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stahlhart
Platinum Member
1318 Posts |
Posted - 10/31/2008 : 20:43:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Big Boss Man
quote:
Originally posted by nathanscribe
I'm on the quest for a lush, stereo chorus
Definitely get the DC-2. I can't find it right now, but somewhere there were some keyboard demo clips with the DC-2. They were very simple demos where they just held out a note or chord with the effect off and then on. It really gave a good idea of how lush the DC-2 could get.
This?
http://www.modezero.com/boss_dimension_c.htm
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gurran1928
Gold Member
Sweden
650 Posts |
Posted - 11/13/2008 : 17:20:27
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I've heard that the SP-1 is a very good pedal for synth. I have'nt tried it myself but go for the rumour..  |
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Boss on keys?
