Ampeg Portaflex 500 + VT Bass

Audiodraggin · #1 06-01-2012, 04:45 AM

Recently I purchased an Ampeg PF500 as my Class A was getting repaired. I bought the portaflex with intentions of resale as I got it cheap enough to get money back when the repairs were done. At first I will say I was disappointed but what can you expect for the price. But then I plugged a Tech21 VT Bass pedal into and it totally blew me away!!! Ive decided to keep it now. Hopefully someone may find my advice useful. I spend a lot of time reading TalkBass and thought I would share this experience.

TNCreature · #2 06-01-2012, 05:25 AM

Thanks for sharing!

dalkowski · #3 06-01-2012, 05:34 AM

Sounds like micro-rig perfection to me! I'd rock that set-up.

Audiodraggin · #4 06-01-2012, 11:31 PM

I matched it with a Genz Neox 212 to handle down tuning and a EHX MicroPog. This keeps it nice and light but still producing an absolute wall by just running slight blends on the pog. Very happy

Thanks for the replies. This was my first thread despite reading TalkBass for years in the small hours when I could not sleep.

Neiler · #5 03-02-2013, 07:47 PM

i have the same set up...PF500 with a 115 cab and JUST bought a vt bass v.2...im wondering what kinda of music you play?

im in a metal band and wondering if anyone has suggestions for settings...im looking for a tone along the lines of Pantera (i really like Rex's sound on I Cant Hide off of 101 proof..and i know he loves ampeg)

if anyone has any suggestions id like to hear them

cheers

pfschim · #6 03-02-2013, 08:08 PM

I also have a PF500/115HE rig, and just picked up a VT Bass Deluxe from a fellow TBer. I am primarily interested in using the VTD as a DI, and as a front end for backlines so I can hope to get somewhat consistent tone from the mix of rigs that are supplied for backlines.

I am already pretty happy with the tone of the PF500/115HE, but have seen some posts lately from TBers who use the VT to front end the PF500.

The OP said he was not particularly happy with the PF500 (which I am) so, Audiodraggin, I am interested to know what you feel like the VT gives you in front of the PF500. Also, can you tell us how you used it .. straight into the PF500 pre section ? in the FX return (bypassing the PF500 preamp).

Let us know. Glad to hear you like the VT box, I am anxious to work with mine to get some settings dialed in and use it in a backline situation.

Audiodraggin · #7 03-03-2013, 03:25 PM

The Ampeg PF-500 is my travel rig. I use it for any style of music. I plug into the main input due to the fact that the PF pre fet is clean enough not to colour tone a great deal. Any tone adjusting is tone with the character knob on the VT. I did notice changes in the headroom when going through the loop. I may adjust the mids a little on the PF depending on where the guitars are in the mix. The only downside with the PF is that I find it can sound a little hifi ish. But bang for buck its a hard head to beat!!! Ill pull out some Pantera and have a listen. I play a little bit of the heavy stuff too.

Audiodraggin · #8 03-03-2013, 03:33 PM

The VT is such a good pedal and easy to work with. I set everything flat and adjust character. It is consistent and sounds good with a a guitar too. Especially telecasters. This pedal is always being used by someone in the studio. Itvjust hangs around and does what it does everytime. May end up getting a Sansamp BDDI for the blend. But when I tried it the VT edged it out for simplicity.

Audiodraggin · #9 03-03-2013, 03:41 PM

I guess my first impressions of the PF were a little critical at first. Its the only Class D bass head I have. Too used to tubes. Also with the VT, I have done many a gig with just guitar and pedal. The DI has always passed my expectations.

JimmyM · #10 03-03-2013, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiodraggin

I guess my first impressions of the PF were a little critical at first. Its the only Class D bass head I have. Too used to tubes.

That would explain it. Ampeg doesn't market it as a replacement for a SVT but as a low cost alternative that has many characteristics of the SVT sound. So you do have to dial down your expectations.

Regarding the VT...I think it's a great pedal that isn't really needed with an Ampeg amp unless you're going for dirt. The PF500 does a nice mild grind when you crank gain but won't do full-on tubal rage like the VT.

Audiodraggin · #11 03-03-2013, 09:36 PM

The VT can give a nice cream fuzz at ease. I tend to play a bit of grunge with an epi thunderbird. Only used it sparingly for drop tunings but it holds tone even with stock tb humbuckers. And... They too are cheap! I picked up a deluxe for $180. My active can achieve a nice modern tone too. TB's tend to be one trick ponies.