Balancing String Levels with a Smartphone

Started by concordal, January 08, 2014, 03:14:50 PM

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concordal

Despite your best efforts at balancing string sensitivity globally with the built-in tool on the GR-55, (see Image 1 below) some patches will still require further balancing.   For me, the acoustic tones seem to need the most adjustment, particularly 12 string.

Here is one way to do that with a smartphone.  In my case I'm using an iPhone with an app called SPLnFFT (https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/splnfft-noise-meter/id355396114?mt=8).  No doubt you could find similar apps on the Android platform.1 

Essentially you just follow the same procedure that Roland suggests above, except you use the readout on your smartphone to guide the sensitivity setting for each string in the patch.  (See Image 2 below)

After balancing, I found that the 12 string patches came alive.  Hope this is helpful to other users.


  Image 1


  Image 2



1As long as the app reliably measures Sound Pressure Levels (SPL).  There is some controversy about this because of the limitations of smartphone mics, but the SPLnFFT app has had great reviews, some of which compared readings to industry standard SPL meters.  See the article "A Review Of 30 Sound (Noise) Measurement Apps" at http://www.safetyawakenings.com/safety-app-of-the-week-42/

sloopdawg


gumtown

FYI:
You could make use of the 10 GK Set's the GR-55 has, and make a GK Set for the acoustic.
Then instead of system/global setting the GK Set,
use the Patch option,
so the required GK Set with correct string sensitivities is selected per patch.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

BackDAWman

Excellent ideas!

I bought the meter while reading this thread. Having separate GK sets for acoustic guitars, brilliant!!

supernicd

Great topic, and thanks for the tip!

Just curious...  I agree that for whatever reason, the acoustic models in the 55 seem to need a bit of rebalancing.  I have always done this by adjusting the string level (volume) of each string within the patch itself, rather than adjusting GK sensitivity.

I guess part of the reason for that is that I've dialed in sensitivity settings that work well for most patches and didn't want to monkey them up.  But hadn't thought of Gumtown's idea of creating a few GK configs and specifying on a per patch basis which to use.

Any thoughts on pros/cons of each method?

On a somewhat related topic, I've recently discovered that it's useful with the acoustic models to map a controller (I use the the exp pedal) to the AC gtr tone parameter for live performances.  You don't want the full range, maybe just from -10 to +10 or so from your starting point.  I'm finding that doing that allows you to make quick and easy adjustments for different rooms, and also allows you to control your presence in the mix with the rest of the band.
Strat w/ GK-3, Godin LGXT
VG-99, GR-55, GP-10
---------------------------------------------------------------

Machh_2

nice software!

have some version to WP Nokia Lumia 800 ?

Machh_2

Elantric

QuoteBut hadn't thought of Gumtown's idea of creating a few GK configs and specifying on a per patch basis which to use.

I have several Gk profiles  - using all the tools provided- if I have a guitar with GK-3, I will still explore using the Piezo modes - I view these as more tools to work with for whatever sound you  are shooting for.

Nothing will duplicate personal hands on experimentation with all your gear, which IMHO seems to have become a lost skill, in this era when people do as they are told, Its a better use of your time to spend a day of trial and error, as this reveals sounds and techniques with both GR-55 and VG-99 you would never stumble upon. 


curteye

Great info but bummer for me.

I only have a land line. Heck I'm still on dial-up.  Nothing 'mobile'. (NSA issues)
But this thread leads me one step closer.

Thanks again.
{'-'}
If yer gear ain't breakin' down, you ain't workin' much.

Elantric

#9
QuoteGreat info but bummer for me.

I only have a land line. Heck I'm still on dial-up.  Nothing 'mobile'. (NSA issues)
But this thread leads me one step closer.

Thanks again.
{'-'}

Id recommend a used 2nd gen iPod Touch, about $80 - and runs most IOS Sound meter, Strobe tuners, Guitar Tab apps - many are free

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/310824981300?lpid=82

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod_Touch

gregjon

I wonder if I could do something like this to make the different patches about the same level too ?
Sure hate playing a gig and then hit  that one patch that blasts the crowd away.

Greg
Fender 50th Anniversary Strat with GK3 pickup.
Godin Freeway SA
Godin Multiac Nylon SA
Fishman Triple Play
GR-55
GR-20
SUGS Selector
RFX Midi Foot Control Pedal
Ipad Air, Apps: Bias, Jam Up Pro, Flying Haggis, Tone Stack, Audiobus, Garage Band,