Low + High Pass Filter location

[eottjake]

I've got a couple new toys coming in soon (Effectrode LA-1 and Oracle), and am mapping out my board so I can be ready to move things around when they're in.

I currently run my Broughton Low/High filter before compression, and it does a great job of dealing with the boomy gym we play in every Sunday.

Due to the sizes of the 2 new pedals, I am limited in placement options.

(The Blackbird is there as a placeholder since it has the same dimensions as the LA-1; red ovals are power locations)

What would the difference be in having the L/P Filter after compressor and preamp? It would make cable management a lot easier on here (I wouldn't have to cross cables multiple times).

Or

For those of you using the L/P filter, should I put it at the end of chain after the mixer? Does it help clean up the overall signal or does it behave weirdly here?

 

[cheapbasslovin]

I would think the end of the chain is a perfectly cromulent place to put it. It would still subdue any booms or screeches in that spot. The only downside I can see is if the extra lows significantly alter the way the compressor responds to your playing.

 

[eottjake]

I would think the end of the chain is a perfectly cromulent place to put it. It would still subdue any booms or screeches in that spot. The only downside I can see is if the extra lows significantly alter the way the compressor responds to your playing.

I won't know until it comes in from the UK. Anyone have one that can chime in? @scubaduba ?

 

[scubaduba]

A HPF in front of a compress will definitely impact how the compressor responds because it limits the frequencies hitting the compressor. Only you can decide where you prefer placement. I tend to like the HPF last in my chain just before the DI out or line out to amp.

 

[HelpImaRock]

I would think the end of the chain is a perfectly cromulent place to put it. It would still subdue any booms or screeches in that spot. The only downside I can see is if the extra lows significantly alter the way the compressor responds to your playing.

Since end of chain is my preference, I suggest it's actually "augmented cromulent".

 

[Obese Chess]

I put mine in front of the compressor, first in the chain, as it filters out the frequencies going through the rest of the pedals. No sense compressing/driving frequencies that are going to get filtered out anyway so you might as well start with that.

 

[skyline_01]

+1 for putting it at the end of the chain. I just scored a Broughton HPF/LPF a couple weeks ago and that's where it seems to make the most sense so far.

 

[eottjake]

I've had my LP/HP for a while now, always at the front of the chain like @ObeseChess was saying and have never tried at the end.

I'll try moving it to the end of the chain for practice tomorrow. The Oracle is another 4 weeks out likely, and maybe a week for the Effectrode.

 

[micguy]

Your bass generates sub-audible signals when you pluck a string. The amount of signal from that can be considerable. You need a high pass filter somewhere in your chain before that signal gets clipped (once you clip that signal, you generate audible harmonics, and that means you can't get rid of it without taking out the intended signal) - generally early in the chain is ideal for the high pass filter.

The amount of power at high frequencies in your signal (intended signal plus hiss) is pretty small, so the clipping concern isn't as relevant for the low pass filter. Placing a high pass filter later in the signal chain means you attenuate the added hiss of everything before it - put your low pass filter last if possible.

 

[eottjake]

Thanks @micguy. I could use the HPF on the Oracle at the front of the chain, but I'm worried about it taking too much away from my B string.
Probably unfounded as the Lo boost is set to 80hz

FWIW, I've had my LP/HP set at around 80hz, occasionally going down to ~40hz depending on the room​

 

[crguti]

HPF in the beginning and LPF in the end.

 

[Ralph Manak]

+1 for hpf an the beginning and lpf at the end. This is what I do when using a longer (moderately) chain of effects. The hpf + lpf I use at the end before di if the chain is just comp and preamp/eq.

 

[ahadl2500]

I run mine at the end. When I placed prior to my Cali76 Compact Bass, it added a lot of noise to the compressor output. I found an old post from another member mentioning the same issue. No idea if it is a problem with other comps, but it definitely moved the HPF/LPF to the end for me.

Noting I bought separate HPF/LPF to be able to split them in my signal chain as others have suggested doing.

 

[Skip Chucker]

I put the HPF at the front of the chain- it's the first thing my bass goes into, compressor comes later. LPF goes at the end.

I also have an always on HPF in the effects loop of my SWR SM-400s. But I don't really use that amp anymore. I don't really use any amp anymore for that matter.

 

[mike buzzetti]

Ok I have never used a LPF on bass , I have a MB F1 head and the LOW center freq. is 40 hz , you guys are talking about cutting at 50-60 etc. , why not just use the LOW on your amp ?? I know its not sweepable but.

 

[Killing Floor]

Last for me but there is no single answer so try both ways before you commit to the board.

 

[monsterthompson]

HPF in the beginning and LPF in the end.

+1 for hpf an the beginning and lpf at the end. This is what I do when using a longer (moderately) chain of effects. The hpf + lpf I use at the end before di if the chain is just comp and preamp/eq.

This would be my general expectation and what I'd probably try. Unfortunately, you can't do this with the specific unit asked about in the OP, since it only has one in and one out.

I'd say try both.
End of chain if you feel you'd want to control highs, almost like a cab sim, and eliminate rumble and hiss/sizzle going to the amp.
Beginning of chain if you want to control how the lows/highs make other effects in the chain behave (like lows triggering a compressor, or influencing the character of a drive pedal).

 

[GreyBeard]

I have mine as the 1st thing in my chain.

 

[Ralph Manak]

This would be my general expectation and what I'd probably try. Unfortunately, you can't do this with the specific unit asked about in the OP, since it only has one in and one out.

That's true. For just that unit, it's worth trying it in different places to see what works best for you. Last tends to be more valuable/effective for me.

 

[Fernando Costa]

I put mine in front of the compressor, first in the chain, as it filters out the frequencies going through the rest of the pedals. No sense compressing/driving frequencies that are going to get filtered out anyway so you might as well start with that.

This! Unwanted and useless frequencies do not need to be processed by the other pedals. These frequencies will influence the behavior of the compressor in a way that you cannot control. HPF always at the beginning, first we define the desired frequency range, then we process this range.