Anthem SL sound lacking warmth

[brunomfs]

Hello! It's been a couple of months since I installed SL Anthem in my guitar (Taylor 214 DLX) cause I didn't like the ES2 sound at all. After some reading I decided for the Anthem SL, cause so many positive reviews couldn't go wrong, right? Not exactly! The guitar lacks bass and middle response. The sond is too smooth and thin compared to other systems I see out there. I tried adjusting the blend more towards the piezzo, but when you get into a position when you choose max piezzo sound, all you ear is a muddy, undefined and low (volume) sound. Is that the way it's supposed to sound, cause I really doubt it is.
Please give me some help on this one, cause I'm really feeling i've wasted my money in vain!

Thanks in advance.

[Caleb_Elling]

Hey brunomfs,
I think the issue is actually coming from a misunderstanding of how the Anthem SL actually works.

Unlike the regular Anthem, the Anthem SL does not have an adjustable blend control. The little adjustable screw is actually a mic gain control.

The undersaddle pickup in the SL only carries 250Hz and below, while the mic carries everything above 250Hz. Because of this design, turning the mic off by adjusting the screw down will result in a very muddy and dark tone. Turning the mic gain up will give you a very bright and harsh tone. The ideal setting for the mic level is where the tonal balance between the lows, mids, and highs sounds like the guitar does unplugged. If you set the level with that in mind and then make minor adjustments, you should be able to get a great, natural tone from your Taylor.

[brunomfs]

Hi Caleb,

I understand that. "The guitar lacks bass and middle response. The sound is too smooth and thin compared to other systems I see out there." this is what I want to solve here. That's how it sounds in, let´s call it, an intermediate position. I described the sound with the blend towards the piezzo to give additional info, cause the volume also lowers considerably, not only the tone.

[Caleb_Elling]

It's understandable that the volume would go down when you reduce the mic level. You're removing a large portion of the frequency range that mic is carrying.

If you're getting low frequencies with the mic turned all the way down, then that would indicate that the Piezo is working correctly. That is exactly what you should hear with the mic turned down. From that point, turn the mic level up until the sound is balanced. The adjustment is VERY sensitive, so adding to much will make the system sound thin.

I'm sorry if I'm not understanding what you're asking. You keep referring to the mic level as the Piezo blend. So I am not sure that we are on the same page.

[BillytheB]

It's understandable that the volume would go down when you reduce the mic level. You're removing a large portion of the frequency range that mic is carrying.

If you're getting low frequencies with the mic turned all the way down, then that would indicate that the Piezo is working correctly. That is exactly what you should hear with the mic turned down. From that point, turn the mic level up until the sound is balanced. The adjustment is VERY sensitive, so adding to much will make the system sound thin.

I'm sorry if I'm not understanding what you're asking. You keep referring to the mic level as the Piezo blend. So I am not sure that we are on the same page.

I stumbled onto this thread searching for a reason why I'm not happy with my Anthem SL system. I bought it thinking it was simply an Element plus a microphone for added detail if desired. I had the system install into my Collings D2H and it's completely underwhelming. Comparing it to my friend's Gibson Sheryl Crow model with the Element system it's much lower output and very boxy. I have tried blending the mic into the output of the Anthem and it's too prone to feedback and I'd rather not use it.

Here's my question: Is the transducer in an Element and Anthem the same? If I buy an Element system can I just swap the electronics or will it all have to go and I'm faced with a full removal and installation?

Thanks, Billy

[Caleb_Elling]

Hey Billy,
I just got off the phone with you. If you or your installer have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me directly. 805-929-3545 Ext. 121, or [email protected].