WAH
Lately I wasn't completely satisfied with my Wah tone (slightly modified Cry Babe model). Especially when used with higher gain amp tones, where there was too much "quack" to my liking.
Here's what I did:
COMPRESSOR
- I created a number of tracks in Logic, and recorded the same solo piece on each track, using a different Wah type on each track.
FWIW: I played the first solo from Pearl Jam's Even Flow, using the Euro Red model.
- I could have used the Looper for this, but I didn't because I adapt my playing to the wah.
- I then auditioned each track. It was easy to reduce the number of qualifying Wah types to these four: FAS, Clyde, Mortal and VX845. The FAS type surprised me.
- For further selection, I repeated the exercise but now with a completely clean tone, playing some porn funk ("wacka wacka").
- To my surprise, the standard "FAS" type turned out to be the best choice for me, after doing both tests. It's now my mainstay Wah. The VX845 came second.
- The entire thing took me about 30 minutes.
- Considerations: the Clyde still has a little too much "quack" for my taste when playing low notes. The Mortal is too plain. The Vx845 frequency spectrum is a little high for that "wacky wacka" thing but otherwise an excellent choice for clean-to-medium gain. On paper the 846 model should be the better way, but I prefer the 845.
Dialing in compression is an art, and one which I don't really master or want to invest too much time in. The Tube Compressor type has made this a lot easier for me. I'm loving what it does to the sound, with simple settings.
Threshold -30
Compression 2.70
Attack 2
Release 20
Output Level 2.50
Be careful with the Compression parameter, because the Tube Compressor can clip easily.
Combined with a tiny bit of Output Compression in the Amp block, my clean sounds are very balanced, bold and strong.
That riff is like playing Twister with your fingers!Before Amp.
In a few songs I also add a Comp after the Amp block to limit the dynamic range.
That helps me with, for example, playing that $%%ˆˆ arpeggiated lick in Mr Brightside by The Killers.
On the other hand you propose a release time 20 ms which is remarkably short.
A very short release release time may lead to audible compression pumping, making your guitar sound as if it has a cold.
Additionally, it can lead to clipping, too.
For curiosity I tried some of my clean sounds with your settings and P90 and gold foil equipped guitars and found them too much pumping for my taste.
IMHO the settings work more clean and smooth in my case with the slight modifications below:
Threshold -32
Compression 2.80
Attack 1.9
Release 45 ..... 60
Output Level 2.50
I squat down on the floor for that lick. Looks like I’m having a poo.Haha, the lick itself isn't that bad after a bit of practice. It's just that it must be played so high on the neck. I either have to hang my guitar close to my neck, or lift my leg up to be able to put my fingers in the right position for it ...
Yes. The Tube and Analog models are both quite nice, and the Optical has 3 Light options (don't remember if the II did or not?)There is a tube compressor on the III? Man I need to get an FC so I can start using it.
Arg I hate playing that lick. I cheated and made an easier version that sounds about 85% there... drunk pub dancers don't notice (I hope...)