Tip: Convert Existing Presets to Dual-Band

[craiganderton]

In the comments section to my demo video of the Craig Anderton's Amazing Multiband Helix Presets pack, R. L. Lynch asked about the possibility of converting existing presets to multiband operation. The issue will always be CPU, because multiple amps and cabs - the heart of the multiband process - consume more CPU than effects. The presets in my pack are carefully "tuned" to try and preserve as much CPU as possible to allow for effects, but that tuning process may not be possible for presets created by someone else.

 

However...!

 

I wanted to see what was possible, and was able to figure out how to convert several of the factory presets to dual-band operation. The top image shows the SC Small Lead preset, which unfortunately uses one of the most CPU-hungry amps (Solo Lead OD), so it wasn't possible to convert it to even dual-band operation. However, substituting a different amp opened up several possibilities.

 

 

The top image shows the original preset.

 

The middle image shows it converted to dual-band operation, with Simple EQ preceding a split to each amp. The EQs separate the guitar into high and low bands. You could also use the Split's Crossover function, but there may be times when you want the Low and High Cut frequencies to overlap so that they emphasize a specific set of midrange frequencies. To save CPU, the two amps feed a common cab. Note that you'll probably need to raise the level on the EQs to +6 dB. This is because the filtering takes out quite a bit of the signal, so you need to boost it going into the amps.

 

If you have the available CPU, a somewhat better approach is to use two amps and two cabs (lower image), or two Amp+Cab blocks. This improves the sound quality compared to using a single cab, and allows tweaking the individual cabs. Remember, miking makes a big difference with frequency splits like this.

 

While dual-band operation won't give the same kind of definition (or options) as 3- or 4-band operation, the result is still more defined and articulated than single-band distortion.

 

By the way...the response to the preset pack has been so positive, I'm going ahead with plans to do a follow-up that concentrates on multiband lead presets. They're a whole other animal!