Q20 reverb distortion problem

[Mark Burton]

Hi Charlie / all,

was messing around with my set up this weekend (why do we do that ) and tried feeding the output of my ESE tape echo into my Q20 using the Nivram or Abbey Road reverb programs (1-65 / 1-66) to try and re-create the recorded shads sound. The resultant sound was very distorted - tried the same set up with my magic stomp on Abbey Road setting and results were quite pleasing.

So to be clear, the signal path is: Guitar - ESE - Q20 - AC30

Even with the input levels turned down on the Q20, it seemed to be overloaded !

Anyone else experienced anything like this ?

regards

Mark.

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Mark,
I don't have details of the ESE so I can only suggest a few ideas.
Did you try using the R in and R out of the Q20, and then try using the L in and L out, or vice versa? If so, was there a difference?
Did you try using a blank or bypass program in the Q20 to see if that still distorted?
Did you try using the Q20 alone at that time to see if it still distorted?
Try using the Magicstomp connected to the Q20 input and see what happens.
The ESE might have a tape bias frequency at its output. This is entirely possible, or even likely. I am also wondering if the 48KHz clock of the Q20 is conflicting with the bias frequency of the ESE. They are most likely quite close to each other in frequency, almost certainly the difference will be in the audio range. You could try moving them further apart from each other to see if there is an improvement.
You could also try connecting the ESE and Q20 in the opposite order.
Regards,
Charlie

[Mark Burton]

Hi Charlie,

The Q20 was fine on its own and fine on bypass. I'll try the other things you suggest later and report back

regards

Mark.

[Mark Burton]

Finally got round to re-testing again today - without any problems !

The only difference being that the ESE was physically on top of the Q20 before - clearly there was some kind of interference. Sited apart everything is perfect !

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Mark,
Thanks for reporting back. It certainly does seem like one was interfering with the other.
Regards,
Charlie

[alanmckillop]

Would be interested to have your opinion of the sound that was generated Mark. I recently got an ESE and have to admit to being a little disappointed with the sound. The controls are sensitive and respond to each other, but my Atlantis and Magicstomp are better to my ears and when I get Charlie's Q2 patches, I would reckon the ESE will be bottom of the pile.

[Tone]

That's one heck of an expensive disappointment, Alan!

I have the ESE plus a Q2, MagicStomp and Zoom G7 with EFTP. I use them all (but not at the same time) and like them all but the ESE is my first choice.

One man's meat.............

Tony

[Mark Burton]

It think its definately horses for courses.

The ESE controls are very sensitive and do interact, but the guitar just seems so much warmer and have far more of a vintage vibe. I got some good results at the weekend feeding the ESE into the Q20 with Charlies Abbey Road Reverb setting (set at around 25%) then into an AC30 Heritage EF86 channel. Although it appears really sensitive to any changes - moving from a cable to a radio system meant several hours re-eq ing.

Without doubt the Q20 is easiest to use live and the echo patterns are (obviously) more accurate - I've programmed our set list in order and use a footswitch to tab through them.

I always liked the Quad GT sounds as these were warmer to my ears - although the units are noisier.

Was it the sound in general or the echo patterns which you were disappoined with ?

I'll try and record some comparisons when I get the chance - don't hold your breath though - I'm trying to fly to Stockholm out of the UK snow right now !

I have a work in progess to chart my settings for the ESE email me off line if you need anything - not necessarliy accurate, but works for me !