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Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 11:56 am
by StevenO
What's the best way to do this without creating any unwanted distortion/overloading?

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 3:04 pm
by fuzzjunkie
When I have done it:

1) lower the output volume on synth or use hi-z output if it has them.
2) use a pedal that excepts line-level output, like an Eventide Space.
3) use a mixer and side chain the effects.
4) lived with the distortion. I once got an amazingly blown out and compressed fuzz sound from a synth tube Screamer combo.

I haven’t used one, but there are re-amping devices that step the gain down that might work.

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 4:58 pm
by Embenny
#2 works well - this is exactly what mixers are meant to do! Sending the signal to your effects and mixing them back in in parallel is great.

Re-amping boxes (reverse-DI) work for when you want to just run everything straight through. The key is that you're bringing line level, lo-Z, (+/- balanced) signal to instrument level, hi-Z, unbalanced inputs on the pedals.

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2019 6:49 pm
by StevenO
I have a mixer with an fx send so I'll try it and see if it works.

As for the re-amp box, any suggestions on what works?

Currently, just trying to deal with the distortion doesn't work as there's just too many weird unpleasant overtones to work with.

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2019 3:15 am
by StevenO
Tried out the mixer thing... Didn't really work out too well as there is still way more distortion than I would like. Maybe I just need to go the reamp route.

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2019 6:11 am
by panoramic
I've been running mine straight into a few effects (with the vol turned way way down) and running them out of a guitar amp with much success though running them through a mixer would probably be ideal I am just lazy about setting that stuff up even though i own all of it. It works especially well with my REVER pedal and turbo rat

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2019 7:23 am
by StevenO
I might try the mixer thing again, even though it's been not working so far. For the most part, the reverb doesn't distort too much just a little hair around the edges on some settings, but the TC Flashback delay I have (actually, all the delays I have) just has too much distortion and harsh overtones to be usable.

If that doesn't work, I'll pony up for a Radial reamp box, which will hopefully address my needs.

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2019 8:25 am
by fuzzjunkie
It could be that your levels aren't right or creating a feedback loop?

There are some tips here: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/using-pedals-mixing/

The only pedals that I use with synths atm, all have line-level/lo-z inputs, so I haven't used a mixer in a long while, and never a re-amp device. Radial are well known.

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2019 11:36 am
by Embenny
Are you cutting the gain way down on the output/send to the effects?

My two thoughts regarding distortion you might be getting are that 1) the signal coming from the mixer is too hot and needs to be trimmed/cut significantly, or 2) the bandwidth of the signal might be too wide - specifically the bass end of the spectrum. Guitar pedals aren't designed to take the sheer quantity of bass and sub-bass that a synth is capable of. Using a high-pass filter, bandpass filter, or even just a shelf EQ on the bass might clean up that distortion you're getting.

The passive Radial reamp box is high quality and good-sounding if you go that route. I don't think you need to spring for anything more expensive than that.

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2019 3:17 am
by StevenO
I think I kind of have the levels at a point where nothing is being too distorted. Not ideal, but it will do for now. I'll probably end up buying a reamp box in the future, particularly the radial one, as they aren't too expensive.

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2019 5:07 am
by StevenO
Mixer is officially working well! Not sure what changed, but looks like I can hold off on a reamp for now.

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2019 5:25 am
by Telliot
8)

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2019 9:34 am
by StevenO
Now I have everything going through the mixer for ease of use. Sounds great so far!

Image

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 9:02 am
by fuzzjunkie
Awesome!

Re: Synth through Guitar Pedals?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 9:57 am
by higgsblossom
Your setup is a perfect piece of art in itself! :-*