What does a mixer do that a volume knob at the input source’s side couldn’t do? For example, if you plugged a synth directly with a mono plug into the pedal and reduced its volume, would this be the same as going into a mixer, reducing the signal and sending that signal into a pedal?
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With a console, you can keep the synths gain steady, use the aux send to control the gain into the pedal, and then gain stage the return. This way, you can keep the synths volume steady, and gain stage within the console. Keeping the synth volume low could end up boosting the noise floor if you’re using it insert.
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Thank you! I think now I’m beginning to understand why my Radial Stage Bug 6, which is actually an isolator but also comes with an a -15db attenuator button, appears to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal going into a guitar pedal, compared to going in directly with the synth. SB6 “automatically configures for hi-Z (unbalanced) and lo-Z (balanced) signal chains.”
It does however not always seem to improve the distortion in some cases, or maybe I have to experiment a little bit more. Right now, I’m not using the attenuation switch, but perhaps by increasing the synth’s volume and then using the attenuator, this could improve.
Yeah, I’m thinking of getting one of Radial’s dedicated ReAmp boxes.
Yeah, that’s probably a more convenient and universal solution, though, because it is active, it requires yet another power plug.
Ah, linked the wrong one. Here is the passive one (no power needed). ProRMP - Radial Engineering
More cables, power plugs, processes etc
Didn’t feel one way or another but after watching JHSPedals demo of it I decided that I have to have one.
LOL this is why I stopped watching pedal demos!
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Come on, just one more. It won’t be bad.
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it’s too big
After some further testing(*), I can conclude that the Stage Bug 6 has solved all my issues - no need for mixer, cable adapters or power. All you need is to add some gain at the destination.
(*) Testing was done with a Chase Bliss Thermae, a Prophet 10 and a 1010 Blackbox.
What do you mean by add gain? Wouldn’t you want to reduce the gain as well as the whole “hi-z” thing?
The destination I’ve referred to here above is whatever comes after the pedal, e.g. a recording device, a speaker, etc.
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So, your stage bug converts the line level to instrument and then you just increase the volume after the pedal, right?
Yes, for the second half of your question. Regarding the first half: the SB gets you rid of noises and clicks and can help you with reducing level outside of your synth. Without SB, the Thermae is unusable with my synth. With it, things become much easier to handle.
Yes I’ve read that the Thermae does not handle line level at all, hence why I did not buy it. But just to be clear (and thanks for your patience) - the SB actually attenuates the signal in your use case? Or just removes the noise? Thanks!
It attenuates by 2db because it is passive and by another 15db upon button press, if needed. That’s more than enough AFAICS.
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And another video with synths:
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Regarding the line level problem, would this scenario work?
Synth -> Analog Heat (mono out) -> DM-101 -> Audio Interface (Push 3)
I’ve never owned a lot of pedals and don’t really understand the details of this line level issue.