In an ideal world you would like to plug and play with your new MacDaddy stomp box, and basically you can, however there are a few things you can do to improve your sound and get the best from your pedal. As with any instrument with a pickup there are some basic things which will help you along the way.
- Adjust The Input Gain
The two examples to the left show an analogue and a digital desk channel strip. The arrow shows the input gain (or trim) for the channel. Adjust the gain so that the stompbox is not clipping the channel to avoid any distortion when using the instrument. Your mixer/desk manual will show you specific details of the procedure. This will give you good headroom on your faders to adjust live volume relative to other instruments in the mix
- Adjust the EQ
This is very subjective and you will find the settings you prefer as you become more comfortable with your stomp box. When using a wombat, quokka or another model to get a bottom end “kick” your EQ settings are going to favor a heavier low mid to low frequency bias with probably a reduction in high mids.
If you are using a model with jingles you may want to accent highs and high mids to make the “ching” sound more prevalent. You could also set the EQ settings to help bottom end kick and rely on the natural ambient sound of the jingles outside of the input mix.
Experimenting with your pedal and desk will help you find your sound.
- Acoustic Isolator Pad
We recommend the use of an acoustic isolator pad with all stomp boxes regardless of brand. This pad is used under the stomp box while playing and helps reduce acoustic differences introduced by various floor and stage surfaces. This means less changes to your EQ setup when playing on a concrete, tiled or carpeted surface and a more consis-tent sound. MacDaddy acoustic isolator pads are available from your retailer.
- Using a Guitar Amplifier
If you are perhaps busking and using a guitar amp, there are a couple of things to consider. You will ideally have separate channels for your guitar and stomp box pedal. If you are trying to share a channel for both (using a Ysplit cable) you will be faced with an EQ dilemma – Do you setup for the best sound for the guitar or the stomp box? The nature of the two instruments will make it difficult to achieve a suitable result. With separate channels you will be able to set EQ independently for each instrument.
If you are forced to share a channel you may want to look at including an EQ pedal into one side of the Ysplit (either between the guitar and amp or stompbox and amp) to allow some flexibility and control over the EQ in your rig.
- Playing PositionThe great thing about MacDaddy stomp boxes is that they do not have to be struck hard to get a fat sound, which over a 3 hour gig could really test the leg muscles. When choosing your stomp box consider playing position. Sitting versus standing might lead you to choose a flat surface model over a raised strike plate, or a full size model rather than a half size or quokka. Purchasing from our retailers allows you to physically test our range to see which not only sounds the best but is comfortable to use.hintIf you experience discomfort in the front (shin) of the leg when playing, try moving the stomp box away from you. If you feel tension in the calf muscle area move the stomp box closer. Once you find the correct position you will be able to maintain the beat for extended periods without issues.
Please click on the link to download this PDF file for your records…
Using Your Stomp Box