What gear imparts a good sound in 'bypass' or with no signal change selected?

Jules · 13th January 2005

Seems that a UA1176 adds some tone even when the meter is showing no limiting.

Running signal through Focusrite 215 can make it smother.

A trip throught Neve 1073's in bypass can be cool...

Put your gear in bypass observations here!

If you subscribe to 0800 CALLING-SH!T go ahead and tell me I am talking total BS!

Let's buy millions of dollars worth of equipment then use it all in bypass... because it's 'cool'

..... or not.

Jam · 13th January 2005

The Gates boxes definitely have a sound even when no gain reduction is showing.

Jam

lucey · 13th January 2005

STC-8 is very nice with no GR

TT CL-1B has a nice top with the right tubes

dbx 160VU has it's moments (in darkness)

as with many comps the SSL/Smart boxes do something before the meters show it

Jules · 13th January 2005

I am using all 4 of the devices Lucy mentions on some mixes right now, except the Tube Tec, (and I want one)

Viva la bypass wonders!

preben · 13th January 2005

For guitars: Roland Space Echo

Jules · 13th January 2005

What does it add to the sound Preben?

thethrillfactor · 13th January 2005

For keyboards: ADR Panscan

preben · 13th January 2005

Roland Space Echo:

Just seems to fatten everything up a little bit and take the spike of the attack of the guitar without making it sound dull IMO.

In reality it probably just rolls off some high end and interfaces the guitar slightly differently with the (valve) amp due to some sort of impedance shift but for some parts it's a nice change of colour.

darling · 14th January 2005

1176....
and maley el-op...

both add a nice top thing.

see ya - dave darling

TriTone Digital · 14th January 2005

My Grommes tube mixer. Adds a nice top sheen and some slight compression from the tube rectifier sagging.

Damon

paterno · 14th January 2005

Pultecs. You're going through tubes and transformers even when it is in bypass. Just use your imagination for the tone shift...

john

stealthbalance · 14th January 2005

funny thread !

i used to run stuff thru the old motown 7 band or whatever they are graphic eq's with everything set to zero.

s

Tim L · 14th January 2005

Not exactly "gear in bypass" but a Distressor with a smidgen of THD happening and no gain reduction can be pretty cool...

BrianBrian · 14th January 2005

I can second the Space Echo recommendation. It definately warms up guitar tones, especially useful if you run it into a digital amp/modeller/plugin.

1176 if you set the attack to off and drive it hard.

EQP-1A Pultec adds something nice.

Fairchilds supposedly do this (they have a shitload of tubes) but I can't say I've ever had the pleasure of using a real one.

Manley Vari-Mu also supposedly adds something nice to the tops and bass, probably just from the tubes.

Jim Williams · 14th January 2005

I really like the bypass on my dbx and Aphex compressors. Real clean. Turns out it's a "hard wire" bypass!

BTW, the connectors and switch on these will measure about .001% THD on the Audio Precision analyzer even in bypass so the parts do add some subtle "zing".

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

Kestral · 14th January 2005

My Korg SDD-3000 digital delay on bypass with the +4 db boost turn on is great for hitting guitar amps with a guitar signal.

PaRaNoId · 14th January 2005

today i found out that my JIM DUNLOP crybaby wah imparts a slight, low-mid boost when "bypassed"...I will be forever using it (bypassed or in use) on my distortion tracks!

picksail · 14th January 2005

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Fairchild 660...it just has to be turned on to feel the wrath.

Hell, even the BF plug-in works in a similar mannar.

BrianBrian · 14th January 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by picksail
I can't believe no one has mentioned the Fairchild 660...it just has to be turned on to feel the wrath.

Hell, even the BF plug-in works in a similar mannar.

I mentioned it.

picksail · 14th January 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by BrianBrian
I mentioned it.

Oops, sorry. I must have scolled past it too quickly.

sinsay · 14th January 2005

Tube Tech cl2a. Not in bypass, but without any compression it still gives a certain sex appeal.
ooh lala!

14th January 2005

"I really like the bypass on my dbx and Aphex compressors. Real clean. Turns out it's a "hard wire" bypass!"

I am glad someone who knows what they are doing mentioned this.
I have found the Transient Designer in bypass does something I like as well. I am not sure if it is a "hard" bypass but, it seems to be like a real gentle Enhancer is on the circuit when bypassed.

I also second:
Elop
1176
and Pultec ( I only had a LP/HP one but, it would put the "thick" on something good.)

D

Snatchman · 14th January 2005

Hey.....hmmmm......This is cool, this might just make me a better engineer. Put gear in by-pass.. less learning curve.. less chance of screwing up signal by tweaking to get it to sound better! Hmmmmm... I can do this! This make sense!

thenewyear · 14th January 2005

Moogerfoogers. Had one for ages & I just recently started taking it out of bypass!!!

Its quite good at doing what its supposed to do as well.

**Tim Farrant** · 15th January 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim Williams
BTW, the connectors and switch on these will measure about .001% THD on the Audio Precision analyzer even in bypass so the parts do add some subtle "zing".

Uuuuuummmmm - are you saying you can measure 0.001% THD through a couple of XLR connectors and a switch?

You've got to be kidding - right?

Tim.

scott petito · 15th January 2005

pultecs....and strangely enough the uad plugin version does it too...a little smoother and what seems like a slight really hi freq lift...

cheers
sp

jbuntz · 15th January 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by The Buzz
Uuuuuummmmm - are you saying you can measure 0.001% THD through a couple of XLR connectors and a switch?

You've got to be kidding - right?

Tim.

Jim's not a big fan of color

Calrec PQ10s242, Urei 530/535 eqs (not for everything), Ditto on the 1176

**toolskid** · 15th January 2005

33609

max cooper · 15th January 2005

API 525 Compressors have a hard-wire bypass, then if you switch to "off" you get no compression but you do go through circuits which adds some nice "girth" to things. This is by design and is mentioned in the literature. I use it on all kinds of stuff, especially DI's (geetar, bass, synths...) I've actually added a 525 in "off" after a 525 doing compression which really hashes things up.

A slightly different sound is available with the controls set for no compression...seems like depending on the input level you're actually getting some compression anyway.

I can imagine a non-recording type stumbling onto this thread...real "emperor's new clothes" stuff

warhead · 16th January 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by scott petito
pultecs....and strangely enough the uad plugin version does it too...a little smoother and what seems like a slight really hi freq lift...

cheers
sp

Yeah the UAD-1 gives it a fizz that's actually kind of cool in bypass.

War

13th January 2005	#1
Jules Gearslutz.com admin Joined: Apr 2002 Location: A Yank in London, UK Posts: 17,808 Thread Starter 1 Review written	What gear imparts a good sound in 'bypass' or with no signal change selected? Seems that a UA1176 adds some tone even when the meter is showing no limiting. Running signal through Focusrite 215 can make it smother. A trip throught Neve 1073's in bypass can be cool... Put your gear in bypass observations here! If you subscribe to 0800 CALLING-SH!T go ahead and tell me I am talking total BS! Let's buy millions of dollars worth of equipment then use it all in bypass... because it's 'cool' ..... or not. __________________ Jules Add your reviews to the new reviews area! Gearslutz on Facebook Follow my GS picks on Twitter

13th January 2005	#3
lucey Gear Guru Joined: Dec 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 12,407	STC-8 is very nice with no GR TT CL-1B has a nice top with the right tubes dbx 160VU has it's moments (in darkness) as with many comps the SSL/Smart boxes do something before the meters show it __________________ Brian Lucey Magic Garden Mastering Dr. John, The Shins, The Black Keys, OAR, David Lynch, Sami Yusuf, moe., Sigur Ros Spiral Groove Studio One - mixing monitors

14th January 2005	#10
TriTone Digital Gear nut Joined: Aug 2004 Location: NYC and Paris Posts: 119	My Grommes tube mixer. Adds a nice top sheen and some slight compression from the tube rectifier sagging. Damon __________________ TriTone Digital www.tritonedigital.com

14th January 2005	#11
paterno Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2003 Location: LA Posts: 1,456	Pultecs. You're going through tubes and transformers even when it is in bypass. Just use your imagination for the tone shift... john __________________ discography and other stuff:www.jpreceng.com

14th January 2005	#13
Tim L Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Lawn Guy Land Posts: 1,368	Not exactly "gear in bypass" but a Distressor with a smidgen of THD happening and no gain reduction can be pretty cool... __________________ "Play ƒuckin' Loud!!!..." - Bob Dylan, May 17 1966

13th January 2005	#2
Jam Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2003 Location: South East England Posts: 1,463	The Gates boxes definitely have a sound even when no gain reduction is showing. Jam

13th January 2005	#5
preben Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2003 Location: London Posts: 901	For guitars: Roland Space Echo

13th January 2005	#7
thethrillfactor Gear Guru Joined: Jun 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 14,177	For keyboards: ADR Panscan

14th January 2005	#9
darling Gear interested Joined: Nov 2002 Location: lala Posts: 29	1176.... and maley el-op... both add a nice top thing. see ya - dave darling

14th January 2005	#12
stealthbalance Lives for gear Joined: May 2003 Location: united states Posts: 627	funny thread ! i used to run stuff thru the old motown 7 band or whatever they are graphic eq's with everything set to zero. s

14th January 2005	#14
BrianBrian Gear maniac Joined: Dec 2004 Location: CA Bay Area Posts: 200	I can second the Space Echo recommendation. It definately warms up guitar tones, especially useful if you run it into a digital amp/modeller/plugin. 1176 if you set the attack to off and drive it hard. EQP-1A Pultec adds something nice. Fairchilds supposedly do this (they have a shitload of tubes) but I can't say I've ever had the pleasure of using a real one. Manley Vari-Mu also supposedly adds something nice to the tops and bass, probably just from the tubes. __________________ -Brian

14th January 2005	#15
Jim Williams Voiding warranties Joined: Feb 2004 Location: beautiful Carlsbad, CA Posts: 10,081	I really like the bypass on my dbx and Aphex compressors. Real clean. Turns out it's a "hard wire" bypass! BTW, the connectors and switch on these will measure about .001% THD on the Audio Precision analyzer even in bypass so the parts do add some subtle "zing". Jim Williams Audio Upgrades

14th January 2005	#16
Kestral Lives for gear Joined: May 2004 Location: The Lost Moon of Poosh Posts: 1,759	My Korg SDD-3000 digital delay on bypass with the +4 db boost turn on is great for hitting guitar amps with a guitar signal.

14th January 2005	#17
PaRaNoId Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 550	today i found out that my JIM DUNLOP crybaby wah imparts a slight, low-mid boost when "bypassed"...I will be forever using it (bypassed or in use) on my distortion tracks! __________________ It's not the tools, it's the talent... Clients include- GIN BLOSSOMS, SOCIAL DISTORTION, HOT HOT HEAT, CIRCA SURVIVE, SILVER SUN PICKUPS, PHOENIX, DIRTY HEADS, ROGER CLYNE AND THE PACEMAKERS, BUSTICLES, ABOVE THE LOVE...

14th January 2005	#18
picksail Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2002 Location: Hollywood Posts: 3,632	I can't believe no one has mentioned the Fairchild 660...it just has to be turned on to feel the wrath. Hell, even the BF plug-in works in a similar mannar. __________________ Stewart Cararas IMDB Discogs Myspace Facebook Studio Twitter _________________________________ The new is necessarily abstract - Rudolf Borchadt

14th January 2005	#21
sinsay Gear maniac Joined: Jan 2003 Location: Space City Posts: 190	Tube Tech cl2a. Not in bypass, but without any compression it still gives a certain sex appeal. ooh lala! __________________ SIN Do as SINSAY not as SIN do!

14th January 2005	#22
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	"I really like the bypass on my dbx and Aphex compressors. Real clean. Turns out it's a "hard wire" bypass!" I am glad someone who knows what they are doing mentioned this. I have found the Transient Designer in bypass does something I like as well. I am not sure if it is a "hard" bypass but, it seems to be like a real gentle Enhancer is on the circuit when bypassed. I also second: Elop 1176 and Pultec ( I only had a LP/HP one but, it would put the "thick" on something good.) D

14th January 2005	#23
Snatchman Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 3,327	Hey.....hmmmm......This is cool, this might just make me a better engineer. Put gear in by-pass.. less learning curve.. less chance of screwing up signal by tweaking to get it to sound better! Hmmmmm... I can do this! This make sense! __________________ Thanks for your time and ears!

14th January 2005	#24
thenewyear Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 676 1 Review written	Moogerfoogers. Had one for ages & I just recently started taking it out of bypass!!! Its quite good at doing what its supposed to do as well. __________________ neil.

15th January 2005	#26
scott petito Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2004 Location: woodstock NY Posts: 638	pultecs....and strangely enough the uad plugin version does it too...a little smoother and what seems like a slight really hi freq lift... cheers sp __________________ www.scottpetitoproductions.com http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/petito

15th January 2005	#28
toolskid Moderator Joined: Jan 2004 Location: london Posts: 2,787	33609

15th January 2005	#29
max cooper Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2004 Location: tx Posts: 8,802	API 525 Compressors have a hard-wire bypass, then if you switch to "off" you get no compression but you do go through circuits which adds some nice "girth" to things. This is by design and is mentioned in the literature. I use it on all kinds of stuff, especially DI's (geetar, bass, synths...) I've actually added a 525 in "off" after a 525 doing compression which really hashes things up. A slightly different sound is available with the controls set for no compression...seems like depending on the input level you're actually getting some compression anyway. I can imagine a non-recording type stumbling onto this thread...real "emperor's new clothes" stuff

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