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From: Mike Curtis
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 1995 19:16:37 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: Digital delay & preamps

> Be careful that the unit you purchase sounds good with the mic and amp that
> had extra gain that made for a nasty digital distortion sound even when the
> effect was off.

Turning it off _should_ totally bypass the effect.

Regarding digital effects, you must be careful to NEVER overdrive them.
Digital distortion doesn't sound good - and that's an absolute! Some people
like transistor distortion, even though most of us prefer the sweeter
sounding tube distortion. But no one likes digital distortion. It's even
too nasty for grunge and punk.

The unit I use (Digitech 2 second sampler) has input and output gain
controls. By setting input so it never distorts, then making up gain in the
output, you can actually end up with a hotter signal yet no distortion from
the delay. I highly recommend a unit with input and output gain controls.

Another advantage of separate i/o gain is you can optimize the noise level.
Set your signal too low and you pick up internal noise.

While not an "effect", the Sabine FBX-901 feedback exterminator uses a
ganged i/o level control. When you turn it, the units volume remains the
same - but it changes the internal signal level. When it's adjusted
correctly, it doesn't distort, and internal noise is minimized.

And yes I use one and it works great, not only for harp but for the whole
PA system. It sharp-notches feedback frequencies, and actually makes the
overall sound smoother.

If you run separate monitors, get the FBX-1801, the stereo version.

> These pedals were all designed for guitars, not microphones.

Most microphones have less output than guitars, especially those with "super
distortion" type humbuckers. These type pickups are designed for maximum
output, some being as large as ten henries (yes, Henries!) If you're into
electronics, you're impressed! Typical inductors are measured in
millihenries and microhenries.) However, the most popular harp mics are
quite hot. Added to this is our ever popular "cupping" technique, which
boosts the output even more.

The bottom line is, always drag along your harp, mic, and amp, and test
whatever you want to buy using your gear and your style of playing. The
same effect that makes one sound like Elvis Presley may make another sound
like Elvis Grbak C:#|

-- mike