Digitech DF-7 Distortion Factory, Tube Screamer, Bad Monkey Sound
geogoetz
setting on the DF-7 (Distortion Factory) ?
I especially like that setting on my DF-7 and would like to purchase
either another DF-7 or the Bad Monkey.
Thanks
Jim
> Is the Bad Monkey sound equivalent to the Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer
> setting on the DF-7 (Distortion Factory) ?
Kinda... Maybe...
TS9 and 808 cut bottom, and add a touch of "overdrive" (when drive is
down, and more than a touch when drive is up). Then it lets you adjust
the high cut. Great setup for a mids boost into a tube amp (drive low,
output highish, tone backed off to taste).
The Bad Monkey can be thought of as a TS9 clone with a bit more drive
available (although a touch harsh, so that has little value). The BM
also gives more control over the EQ. Biggest difference is the
availability of more bottom.
One of the seven available models in the DF-7 is the TS. I suppose you
could make the DF-7 TS model sound dang close to a Bad Monkey
(especially on a driven tube amp) by boosting the bottom and adjusting
the mids. But you can't make a Bad Monkey be as versatile as the DF-7!
Opinions based on: I owned the TS-9 (original) for a while until I
modified it to 808. I owned the Bad Monkey for a few weeks until I gave
it to a nephew. I own a DF-7.
> I especially like that setting on my DF-7 and would like to purchase
> either another DF-7 or the Bad Monkey.
>
> Thanks
How do you set your tones on the TS model?
If you are boosting bottom, the Bad Monkey might be a good choice. Used
ones can be picked up pretty cheap.
If you are using it to provide all the tone (like going into a clean SS
practice amp), and you don't boost bottom... Consider a Tube Screamer.
They do sound a bit smoother to me, even if they cost a bit more.
Another option is a Boss SD-1, which can easily be modified to give TS
tones, and are priced between the BM and TS.
As an aside...
After I got the DF-7, I liked the DOD 250 tone. I bought a DOD 250
Reissue, and was a bit disappointed. So I gutted it, and rebuilt it to
the original Gray model circuit, with the 741 OpAmp. Now, I love it.
So I understand how have models of a pedal can lead to buying the real
thing!
geogoetz
Thanks for all the info.
I originally purchased the DF-7 because I read some good reviews and
got a good deal on ebay.
I use the DF-7 tube screamer setting at the midpoint settings with the
gain usually turned all the way up but occasionally between the 1/4
and 3/4 setting. I play a hardtail strat that I put together with MIM
parts and a Schecter C-1 exotic into a Cube 30 clean setting which is
supposed to emulate a Roland Chorus. I really love the tone I'm
getting with the TS setting through the Cube 30, whether I'm using the
single
coils, humbuckers, or coil tapped pickups. I live in a Coop apartment
the DF-7 allows me to reduce the amp volume substantially below what
I can do with the amp alone and still get a great tone. I also have a
Microcube in the bedroom that I can play real low when necessary but
I can't quite emulate the DF/ Cube 30 tone.
Funny how I've never tried a TS but love the emulated sound of one
through a SS amp. I need to try an actual TS. I'll also try and do a
side
by side comparison of the BM and DF. I've seen used BMs going for
$25.
Thanks Again.
Jim
Yes, you do. It'll be smoother than the DF-7. At least my TS808
circuit sounds much better into a clean amp. ...or any amp, for that
matter.
> I'll also try and do a
> side
> by side comparison of the BM and DF. I've seen used BMs going for
> $25.
The price of a used BM is the biggest attraction. That's what I paid
for the one that I gave to a nephew. In the box, as new. When you do
your comparison, ask to play the TS808 reissue, even if it is cheaper to
buy a used TS9 and have it modified. See if it doesn't sound a little
smoother, then let your wallet and ears decide BM, TS9 or TS808. There
are other "boutique style" (but big production) tube screamer copies,
but the dollar factor keeps going up.
I'd also ask the sales person what else they have to offer. If they
have some higher dollar boutique style, try them. Nobody can force you
to buy one.
If you end up with a used TS9, you can always pay for the 808 mod at a
future date, if you think it's worth it.
>
> Thanks Again.