Modulation effects and distortion

TeleBrew · April 12th, 2008, 03:10 PM

Even though I keep reading (including the pedal board article in the new Guitar Player) that modulation effects should go after distortion, I think my Voodoo Lab Microvibe sound WAY better in front of my Voodoo Lab Superfuzz, rather than after it. The difference in sound quality (to my ears) is huge.

I used to have a Phase 90, and I liked it better before distortion/OD, too.

What do you all think?

giginthesky · April 12th, 2008, 03:13 PM

it's all a matter of opinion.

biker joe · April 12th, 2008, 03:20 PM

I think even Mike Fuller of Fulltone suggests that you put univibe effects (like his deja vibe) before distortion. That is where Trower puts his. I used to have mine after distortion until I read about this and now agree that it sounds better upfront. I think there are always going to be a few exceptions to the standard rule of effects order (as summed up in this month's guitar player). Don't a lot of people put their phase 90s before distortion too?

Axis29 · April 12th, 2008, 05:01 PM

To me it's more logical to put everything before distortion/overdrive. I mean, even the effects loop is before your power tubes... and this is where we all wish we had the most distortion, right? It's what I use an overdrive for, to push my amp into a little bit more breakup.

Although, maybe a Fuzz is different? Lance brought over a couple for me to try the other day and told me to put them up front... Now, I'm thinking about that too. Though I do remember reading something somewhere about fuzzes wanting a strong signal?

Distortion/Overdrive is usually next to last in my chain (not that it's a huge chain), I currently have my delay afterwards, though I may play with that some (now that I think about it). I may stick my distortion in at the very last and see what it sounds like for a while.

Of course, the bottom line is, we all want to be rebels and do our own thing! So, do what sounds best to you, of course!

graham232 · April 12th, 2008, 08:43 PM

I prefer a lot of modulation effetcs before distortion. I also use a Micro Vibe and a Phase 100 before - you need to a noise gate though!

I have used chorus before and after and like both. Remember, a lot of classic rock sounds with pedals were created before we had effects loops so the pedal was just stuck in front of an already dirty amp.

franchelB · April 13th, 2008, 08:06 AM

There's really no "right or wrong" way...I just prefer to be more "logical" with my set-up.

April 12th, 2008, 03:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
TeleBrew Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kittredge, Colorado Age: 36 Posts: 823	Modulation effects and distortion Even though I keep reading (including the pedal board article in the new Guitar Player) that modulation effects should go after distortion, I think my Voodoo Lab Microvibe sound WAY better in front of my Voodoo Lab Superfuzz, rather than after it. The difference in sound quality (to my ears) is huge. I used to have a Phase 90, and I liked it better before distortion/OD, too. What do you all think? __________________ "Where do you fit in pthtttpt magazine?" - Pete Townshend

April 12th, 2008, 05:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
Axis29 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Age: 40 Posts: 1,046 1 Photos	To me it's more logical to put everything before distortion/overdrive. I mean, even the effects loop is before your power tubes... and this is where we all wish we had the most distortion, right? It's what I use an overdrive for, to push my amp into a little bit more breakup. Although, maybe a Fuzz is different? Lance brought over a couple for me to try the other day and told me to put them up front... Now, I'm thinking about that too. Though I do remember reading something somewhere about fuzzes wanting a strong signal? Distortion/Overdrive is usually next to last in my chain (not that it's a huge chain), I currently have my delay afterwards, though I may play with that some (now that I think about it). I may stick my distortion in at the very last and see what it sounds like for a while. Of course, the bottom line is, we all want to be rebels and do our own thing! So, do what sounds best to you, of course! __________________ John F. TDPRI # 1764

April 13th, 2008, 08:06 AM	#6 (permalink)
franchelB Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Irving, United States of Texas! Age: 43 Posts: 1,836	There's really no "right or wrong" way...I just prefer to be more "logical" with my set-up. __________________ Feel free to visit my homepage! http://www.myspace.com/francisbalagtas

April 12th, 2008, 03:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
giginthesky Tele-Holic Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: south jersey Age: 36 Posts: 984 6 Photos	it's all a matter of opinion.

April 12th, 2008, 03:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
biker joe Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 296	I think even Mike Fuller of Fulltone suggests that you put univibe effects (like his deja vibe) before distortion. That is where Trower puts his. I used to have mine after distortion until I read about this and now agree that it sounds better upfront. I think there are always going to be a few exceptions to the standard rule of effects order (as summed up in this month's guitar player). Don't a lot of people put their phase 90s before distortion too?

April 12th, 2008, 08:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
graham232 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Burgess Hill, Sussex, United Kingdom Age: 42 Posts: 259 9 Photos	I prefer a lot of modulation effetcs before distortion. I also use a Micro Vibe and a Phase 100 before - you need to a noise gate though! I have used chorus before and after and like both. Remember, a lot of classic rock sounds with pedals were created before we had effects loops so the pedal was just stuck in front of an already dirty amp.