This is kind of ridiculous.

[Schpector]

But I want to try it because I think there is a small chance that it would sound good.

As of late, I have been interested in bass distortion. I am using the Behringer V-Tone (which mimics a SanSamp DI). I have been doing research and, based on the videos I have seen and soundclips I have heard, I believe that bass distortion sounds best when there are separate "clean" and "wet" channels simultaneously. I found that this allows more control for the amount of distortion in the mix and preserves precious low-end that can be lost when a distortion pedal is used in a single chain to the amp.

Therefore, what I would like to try (and where I need advice):

I want to run two amps at once and use one for distortion and one as a clean channel. I, unfortunately, do not have any identical cabs. I only own a Peavey TVX-412, a Fender Bassman 410, and a Hartke Transporter 1x15. I have two heads: an Ampeg PF-500 and a Hartke HA5500. This is how I planned on doing the pairing and EQ:

Distortion rig: Ampeg PF-500, Fender Bassman 410, and Behringer V-Tone pedal (for distortion). EQ set with lows and highs cut and mids boosted.

Clean rig: Hartke HA5500 with Peavey TVX-412. EQ mostly flat with a slight mid scoop to allow the distortion to cut.

I realize that the combination of a 412 and 410 is not sonically ideal, but it is what I must work with at the moment. I also realize that this setup could get pretty ridiculously loud, so I would certainly be conscious of my stage volume.

I will be using passive Spector and Peavey 4 string basses with this setup.

What I would like your opinions on:

1. What would be the most effective way to split the channel from the single bass to the separate amps? Using a DI box? Suggestions are welcome.

2. We all know mixing cabs isn't ideal, but based on the gear I have, is there any science to support a different mix being "better"? Such as using perhaps the 4x12 and the 1x15?

3. Have any of you done something like this and, if so, what gear did you use and were you pleased with the result?

I know some people will cringe at a suggestion like this, but let's keep it friendly. I'm just interested in your opinions and having a productive discussion.

Thanks in advance!

[sobie18]

Try what you are suggesting as I bet it will sound pretty good. However, only you can be the judge on that, as YOU have the equipment available.

[HolmeBass]

Split signal into two paths: A/B box, or any effect with stereo out, like a Boss BF-3. Just leave the effect off. The Boss LS-2 would also work.

Mixing different cabinets both running the same full-range signal *can* be detrimental. I would seriously compare both of them with a clean tone to make sure you're not losing too much. But, using different EQs on the two different cabinets, and definitely using distortion on only one of them, will alter the frequency response and can be used to also partially fix this problem, if there is one.

I have not, but lots of big name players run clean and dirty rigs, Timmy Commerford, the guy from Muse, the guy from Mastodon. Sometimes they use a guitar amp for the dirty signal, which again uses natural differences in the frequency response to ameliorate any comb filtering or phasing issues between the two different acoustic sources.

[B-string]

Speaker size mixing does not apply in your case as you are not running two full range cabs with the same signal. You will need to be sure the two amps and cabs are in phase with each other. Does the V have an "Un-affected" output?

[Schpector]

Unfortunately not. The V-Tone only has two outputs: the out for the amp and the DI. Both signals are affected by the distortion.

[B-string]

Then you will need an A/B/Y box to split the signal. The Hartke has no tuner out that you could use to the V. The effects send is post EQ so I would not use that to the V.

[JHAz]

AFAIK, since distortion products begin with the second harmonic, an octave above the fundamental, the 70s way (Chris Squire and others) of using a guitar amp for the distorted signal ought to work just fine and potentially be easire to fit in you rvehicle and tote around . . .

Also, although I haven't played around with the Behringer, in my limited experience, I've learned that, at least for me, I do not want a signal with significant mm-mm-good distortion going through anything with a tweeter (at least unless i can turn it off). Things get ugly up there . . .

[Downunderwonder]

If it mimics a sansamp then it will have a blend control.

[stepswork4me]

I use a buffer and an ABY. Lehle is supposed to be top notch I just didn't have the funds at the time.

[45acp]

I have done this before goofing around, and it sounded glorious. I ran through aby box and direct into my normal bass rig... signal 2 I ran to a carvin guitar head on an old ampeg 412 guitar cab. I used the amps tone controls as a ghetto way of having a crossover... treble off and mids ways down on the bass rig and bass down on guitar rig.

[AdamR]

Im putting together a clean/dirty rig myself. My plan is to use my GK800RB through my neo 212 as the clean rig and a second Neo 212 with a 700rb and a sans amp for the dirty side. Ill feed them both with a Wirlwind A/B box

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Selector/

[Calaverasgrande]

when I used to run two amps for clean and dirty I often used an old DOD phaser to split the signal. I would leave the pedal on with a very very subtle setting.
The problem with that approach is that a lot of "stereo" pedals have one output out of phase.
It is probably best to just get a real splitter.