Fractal - Missing Bass Freq?

[banned]

When I plug an amp into a good 4x12 or OS 2x12 - there is a good deal of bass and some of that thump - even when played clean - when played at a decent volume.

I feel I'm missing some of that with the Fractal models when played through those same physical cabs. It is there on some of the models (eg: JTM45), but on many others, I feel its bass-lite. This dramatically affects feel. I can dial some of what I like with the EQ, but I'm wondering why many of the models seem a little light on bass. Anyone else feel this way?

Another thing that I noticed is that on the jumped Marshalls, the 'tube breakup' (don't know how better to put it) seems too early and overly distorted at higher gain levels. I don't notice this on non jumped models.

 

[Orvillain]

Turn up the low frequency resonance in the speaker page on the amp block. It helps.

 

[deathbyguitar]

You'll probably have more success by choosing a speaker impedance curve that matches your current cab, or at least something close to it. SIC's have a dramatic effect on both tone and feel.

 

[JiveTurkey]

So the Stadium is missing highs and Fractal is missing lows. There's got to be something that hits that sweet spot in between

 

[Mongillo19]

So the Stadium is missing highs and Fractal is missing lows. There's got to be something that hits that sweet spot in between

 

[FractalAudio]

The default SIC doesn't match your cab. Experiment with different SICs until you find one that's a good match.

 

[mbenigni]

So the Stadium is missing highs and Fractal is missing lows. There's got to be something that hits that sweet spot in between

 

[TheTrueZoltan!]

So the Stadium is missing highs and Fractal is missing lows. There's got to be something that hits that sweet spot in between

You mean something that is missing both - low and highs?

 

[OrganicZed]

My guess is that you're getting a poor match between the default speaker impedance curve and that of your real cabinets. That would explain why the issue is only present with some amp models. Find a speaker impedance curve that corresponds to an amp model that sounds good to you and then use that as your default curve for all amp models when running your cabs.

 

[JiveTurkey]

You mean something that is missing both - low and highs?

Just The Mids™

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

You mean something that is missing both - low and highs?

That's called a TubeScreamer

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

When I plug an amp into a good 4x12 or OS 2x12 - there is a good deal of bass and some of that thump - even when played clean - when played at a decent volume.

I feel I'm missing some of that with the Fractal models when played through those same physical cabs. It is there on some of the models (eg: JTM45), but on many others, I feel its bass-lite. This dramatically affects feel. I can dial some of what I like with the EQ, but I'm wondering why many of the models seem a little light on bass. Anyone else feel this way?

Another thing that I noticed is that on the jumped Marshalls, the 'tube breakup' (don't know how better to put it) seems too early and overly distorted at higher gain levels. I don't notice this on non jumped models.

speaker impedance curve is definitely the first place to look, but also worth asking what power amp you're using since you're talking about tonal difference at "decent volume".

 

[jay mitchell]

You mean something that is missing both - low and highs?

"No highs, no lows - must be Bose."

 

[OrganicZed]

"No highs, no lows - must be Bose."

That's a classic.

 

[banned]

"No highs, no lows - must be Bose."

Actually Bose is all highs and all lows - no mids. Although, I think their headphones are excellent - I love the way they sound.

 

[jay mitchell]

Actually Bose is all highs and all lows - no mids.

You're apparently too young to be aware. The saying is an old chestnut that was quite correct at the time. Look up "Bose 901."

Another saying - a bit more recent - was "Bose: better sound through marketing."

FYI, Amar Bose donated a majority interest in the company bearing his name to MIT, although in the form of non-voting shares.

 

[yek]

Turn up the low frequency resonance in the speaker page on the amp block. It helps.

Yes, but first (1) find a suitable SIC, AND (2) the resonant frequency.
FWIW, I personally dislike a cab that resonates at a certain frequency so I skip step 2.

 

[ian_dissonance]

Actually Bose is all highs and all lows - no mids. Although, I think their headphones are excellent - I love the way they sound.

That’s the new Bose, where they DSP everything so hard that even a wet fart through a harmonica and a metal zone is comfortable to hear.

 

[Orvillain]

Yes, but first (1) find a suitable SIC, AND (2) the resonant frequency.
FWIW, I personally dislike a cab that resonates at a certain frequency so I skip step 2.

 

[EOengineer]

You're apparently too young to be aware. The saying is an old chestnut that was quite correct at the time. Look up "Bose 901."

To flesh this out for those not familiar with bizarre ass speaker design, the 901 used 9 1-inch drivers and required a proprietary EQ in line to offset the boxiness. I had one in my cubicle, used it as a footstool.

The no highs, no lows thing originated from people trying to use the 901 without the EQ, usually after overpaying for a used old pair on Craigslist.

I was in the org for a couple years, first job after college. Honestly an amazing company to work for. Don’t own any of their stuff now that I don’t get it for free.

Another saying - a bit more recent - was "Bose: better sound through marketing."

FYI, Amar Bose donated a majority interest in the company bearing his name to MIT, although in the form of non-voting shares.

We lovingly used all these phrases internally.