Demeter VTBP-201S or...?

xring · #1 12-29-2010, 07:19 PM

I have searched, and read quite a bit, but still have a question. I am pondering buying one of these used, pretty much on name alone. I need this for a live rig, minimal studio use. I have a Crown xls1500 Drivercore. This amp seems to prefer a hot signal to get good volume. Is this pre going to do that for me as well as others? I see that there is an internal signal adjustment, but I presume that is only to be done by the factory. I'm looking to have my bass tone sound uncolored, and powerful. Should I settle on the Presonus Studio Channel, or BBE Pro Channel for my needs, or is this pre that much better? As long as I'm asking questions... If this pre needs a signal boost, what is the best way to go about that? I have a pedals - Sans Amp BDDI and MXR M80 that would boost the signal, but I don't want added color. Is there a gain boost device that doesn't add noise or color?
Thanks.

mjpjazz · #2 12-29-2010, 07:59 PM

I can't answer all or most of your questions but i can say, owning & using one for the past 4+ years that there is no problem with a strong signal pushing the power amp. i used it with a crown macro-tech2500, a stewart world 1.6 & currently with a crown xls1000 & it has performed great with all of them. If you really think you need more signal i'd recommend a decent compressor. Run it thru the effects loop & adjust the volume as needed, this will not add color to your sound (just make sure you set the compressor up properly as to not squish your sound).

xring · #3 12-29-2010, 09:54 PM

Duh. I hadn't considered the BBE Maxcom I have in one of my racks. That certainly has some gain boost.
I'm leaning towards a new Presonus tomorrow. Still time to stop me...

4Mal · #4 12-29-2010, 10:16 PM

The demeter is very, very good but... The EQ is not very effective. A tone sculpter it is not. More or less consider that it sounds like a really good DI with some rather subtle tonal adjuatments.

I tried putting a couple of other devices after the pre, before the amp. EQ and Comp, not at the same time. Decent although not hi end stuff. rane, Symetrix, dbx 160, etc... To my ear I always lost some of the magic of the Demeter alone. I tried both versions, 1 and 1.5 ru units. They both had the Jensen DI installed.

Sounded great by themselves but weren't flexible enough for my live rig. If I could afford it, I would love to have one in my recording rack. As it is, I use the ART Tube Channel which is way, way better than you would expect.

xring · #5 12-30-2010, 06:41 AM

Funny you would mention the Tube Channel. I was initially going toward the Pro Channel, or the Studio Channel. I read that the Art is a little noisey. True? I'm wanting to buy today, and I can't test drive the units. Thanks.

Edit: I just ordered the Art Pro Channel, and I'm going to swing a deal on the Presonus today. It's time to downsize the rig anyway.
My Ampeg B4r is now on Craigslist.