Should I replace my Sonic Titan clone with a BAT Revelation?

[tashiattack]

Hello friends,

Currently I have a Sonic Titan clone (which is always boosted with a timmy...it acts more as an EQ/compressor though) that I use in a stereo setup (non-linear Fender Twin combo w/Swamp Thangs & a Mesa F-100 w/a Mesa cab & V30s). I tend to crank the volume knob on the ST (and amps) and keep the gain fairly low (in fact, anything past 9am on the gain knob is too much!).

This is what I like about the sonic titan:
+Lots of Volume
+Sounds similar to my amp with minimal reduction of my guitar/amps characteristics
+Retains most of the Low End

This is what I don't like:
-REALLY fizzy/harsh decay...it sounds buzzy almost feels like theres reverb added in the tail (if that makes sense?). Thus, it sounds unnatural when I play it.
-It's inconsistent. In some venues I seem to run out of headroom really fast.

I'm not knocking the ST at all. Maybe its not working the way I want it with my setup, or maybe I don't like power amp distortion?

From everything that i'm reading, it seems I might like the BAT revelation, particularly the super bass version since its supposed to just push my amp harder. I'm looking for a pedal with tons of volume/headroom, good dynamics & low end, and something that just extends my amp. What do y'all think? Is it too similar to the DLS III (I also own this...but maybe the two stacked together will sound super heavy)? Should I look at other options? I've already owned quite a few fuzz boxes, but for the type of music I'm playing, I seem to prefer a fuzzy distortion, rather than fuzz. The new reissue DOD 250's, or a good Rat are also contenders.

Your dirt knowledge and expertise would be great appreciated

[benjuro]

I'm looking for a pedal with tons of volume/headroom, good dynamics & low end, and something that just extends my amp.

YES, yes, and yes. I've never used an ST, but these three things the Rev SB will do beautifully. MASSIVE amount of volume on tap, not overly fuzzy, and quite transparent sounding.
You might also consider a Pharaoh, set the bottom switch to diodes out, and stand back...

[Holy Schnikes]

I'm looking for a pedal with tons of volume/headroom, good dynamics & low end, and something that just extends my amp.

YES, yes, and yes. I've never used an ST, but these three things the Rev SB will do beautifully. MASSIVE amount of volume on tap, not overly fuzzy, and quite transparent sounding.
You might also consider a Pharaoh, set the bottom switch to diodes out, and stand back...

Agreed on all points! The Rev SB is insanely awesome. I have a v3 DLS as well and while it's very cool it's not really similar to the Revelation in terms of transparency, output volume, or available low end.

[tashiattack]

I'm looking for a pedal with tons of volume/headroom, good dynamics & low end, and something that just extends my amp.

YES, yes, and yes. I've never used an ST, but these three things the Rev SB will do beautifully. MASSIVE amount of volume on tap, not overly fuzzy, and quite transparent sounding.
You might also consider a Pharaoh, set the bottom switch to diodes out, and stand back...

Sweet!!

I used to have a Pharaoh for a long time, and I loved it, but it was still too muff like for what I'm playing. Maybe I should try it again though.

Agreed on all points! The Rev SB is insanely awesome. I have a v3 DLS as well and while it's very cool it's not really similar to the Revelation in terms of transparency, output volume, or available low end.

Awesome. I just use the DLS (in SB mode) as a base tone with the gain no more than noon at most. Maybe the revelation can replace it? And maybe I can add a pharaoh or even a ritual then


Assuming you both have a revelation, what do you guys stack it with?

[braaandooon]

May also want to try out some other lm386 based distortions. Never tried the sonic titan, but my favorite dirt pedal at this time runs on that chip, and doesn't have those odd decay issues.

[Iommic Pope]

Rev SuperBass over Pharoah for me any day of the week. Sounds especially awesome when paired with a black forest.
One day, I'm gonna get another one....

[AxAxSxS]

I have discovered the following formula works ridiculously well.

Pharaoh< (Literally anything. doesn't matter, put dirt here)<Revelation supebass

[tashiattack]

I'm basically sold on the revelation, as it sounds like everything i've been looking for the past year. Based on everything I'm reading, I should be able to replace both my DLS MK III & Sonic Titan...at least for what I do. W00t. Now to find one!

I'm guessing the revelation sounds good through a clean platform as well? It's going to go through a ridiculously clean fender and the clean channel (with a touch of grit) of the mesa (which is similar to a fender).

[braaandooon]

You could always keep the sonic titan, and crank the gain, and use it as a heavier gain stage, im pretty sure the ST is alot like its realitives, in which that if you set the gain high they sound alot like cranked jcm 800's, atleast to me anyways. Never tried the revelation superbass, but was rocking a sunn model t preamp (model t is based off of the superbass) for sometime and made everything super thick, and headroom for days, thinking that revelation may be up your alley, but definatly won't be able to replace the gain on tap of your ST, which judging by your original post, heavy gain is not your priority. I'd keep the ST, and snatch up that BAT, then its a win, win situation.

[Iommic Pope]

As mentioned by Brandon, the key to all BAT dirt is stacking.
I was using mine with a mig 50 on the bassman channel. It stays clean for days. Basically the BF did all the Grundy lifting and the rev just made it 100x louder, 1000x bigger and punched everything in sight in the dick.
It won't sound very impressive on its own with a clean amp, but even flying solo you get the impression that it wants to cook and then blow up your power tubes.

[tashiattack]

You could always keep the sonic titan, and crank the gain, and use it as a heavier gain stage, im pretty sure the ST is alot like its realitives, in which that if you set the gain high they sound alot like cranked jcm 800's, atleast to me anyways. Never tried the revelation superbass, but was rocking a sunn model t preamp (model t is based off of the superbass) for sometime and made everything super thick, and headroom for days, thinking that revelation may be up your alley, but definatly won't be able to replace the gain on tap of your ST, which judging by your original post, heavy gain is not your priority. I'd keep the ST, and snatch up that BAT, then its a win, win situation.

I like your thinking.

But you're right, a cranked ST sounds a lot like a JCM 800

[Sparrow]

i've had a sonic titan for a while.

i agree that the note decay is a little strange. it's like your sustain just fizzles out - in an abrupt way. i have the Blue st-07 version.
does your titan have a trim pot inside? it effects the gain in some way .. i forget. but i think mine sounded a bit better after i messed with it.
it changes a lot from Rig to Rig. imo.
i can't really recommend anything just like it.

But if you say you want Fuzzy Distortion. Dr. Scientist Frazz Dazzler is worth checking out.
it's a Fuzz. But you can totally Palm Mute like a Distortion. and has a trim pot inside to adjust for more Bass/Bottom.

Also the Elements .. which i still haven't played yet But .. it's on my list.

i think the ST is supposed to sound like a cranked Supro amp.

[tashiattack]

i've had a sonic titan for a while.

i agree that the note decay is a little strange. it's like your sustain just fizzles out - in an abrupt way. i have the Blue st-07 version.
does your titan have a trim pot inside? it effects the gain in some way .. i forget. but i think mine sounded a bit better after i messed with it.
it changes a lot from Rig to Rig. imo.
i can't really recommend anything just like it.

But if you say you want Fuzzy Distortion. Dr. Scientist Frazz Dazzler is worth checking out.
it's a Fuzz. But you can totally Palm Mute like a Distortion. and has a trim pot inside to adjust for more Bass/Bottom.

Also the Elements .. which i still haven't played yet But .. it's on my list.

i think the ST is supposed to sound like a cranked Supro amp.

Yes! It's so weird to explain...I'm glad you understand! On a good day, it sounds really good, but the decay and inconsistency has been a real annoyance, especially when touring. As for trim pots, I'm not sure to be honest. I had someone build it for me (and I have a poor understanding of the mechanics of pedals ).

And thanks for the suggestion! I'll check it out.

[braaandooon]

Most likely problem with your sonic titan is the version of the lm386 your pedal is utilizing. This thread got me a little curious so at practice last night I cracked open my LAL lluna and my bass players fuzzrocious ram the manparts(both these pedals use the lm386) and noticed that they were marked "lm386(4)". Neither of these pedals display the weird decay issues you guys mention. Brought up a quick search at a certain diy pedal forum, and alot of the members there suggested that chips marked lm386(1) are the ones that display the funny decay issues. I by no means am any kind expert at these matters but just some food for thought. Maybe a chip swap is a cure all for the problem.

[tashiattack]

Most likely problem with your sonic titan is the version of the lm386 your pedal is utilizing. This thread got me a little curious so at practice last night I cracked open my LAL lluna and my bass players fuzzrocious ram the manparts(both these pedals use the lm386) and noticed that they were marked "lm386(4)". Neither of these pedals display the weird decay issues you guys mention. Brought up a quick search at a certain diy pedal forum, and alot of the members there suggested that chips marked lm386(1) are the ones that display the funny decay issues. I buy no means am any kind expert at these matters but just some food for thought. Maybe a chip swap is a cure all for the problem.

You sir, are AWESOME. I'm going to crack open the pedal tomorrow to double check, but it's prob just the (1).

Do you know where can I order the chip?

edit: I'll take a photo of the guts so maybe you folks can help