Peavey vb2(vb-2) settings?

[Southpaw5]

I'm in need of some help from other VB-2 owners/users.

I've had this puppy about 6 months now and It seems like every time i use it I'm spending half the time monkeying around with the settings. Things never seem properly balanced. I tried the suggested settings but none of them see right, so I've gone rogue(albeit with poor results)

So my question to other users what has worked for you on this amp? you gear setup would be a nice bonus to [bass and cab(s)]

I'm currently running this using a Fender 62ri jazz and a G&L Sb-2, cabs are a Peavey TKO 4x10, sometimes run solo, and a SWR Goliath II.


Thanks,

SP

[Achtane]

You might wanna check this thread out.
Peavey VB-2 vs. The World

I use the VB-2 into a Hartke 410XL. My current "main" setting is something like:

Clean gain - to taste...wherever it doesn't clip.
Low - 7
Mid - 8 or 9
Mid shift - 400Hz
High - 5
Resonance - 3 or 4
Presence - 0

If I use the drive channel, I cut highs a bit and set the mid shift to 200Hz. I usually have that gain set between 6-8.

That's basically how I use it with my SBV-500 or Jaguar Bass. If I use my dual mudbucker P, I might set the highs a little higher and the lows a bit lower. Don't forget that it always sounds better as you get louder too

I'd like to try a different cab though...maybe a 215.

[Southpaw5]

Originally Posted by Achtane

You might wanna check this thread out.
Peavey VB-2 vs. The World

I use the VB-2 into a Hartke 410XL. My current "main" setting is something like:

Clean gain - to taste...wherever it doesn't clip.
Low - 7
Mid - 8 or 9
Mid shift - 400Hz
High - 5
Resonance - 3 or 4
Presence - 0

If I use the drive channel, I cut highs a bit and set the mid shift to 200Hz. I usually have that gain set between 6-8.

That's basically how I use it with my SBV-500 or Jaguar Bass. If I use my dual mudbucker P, I might set the highs a little higher and the lows a bit lower. Don't forget that it always sounds better as you get louder too

I'd like to try a different cab though...maybe a 215.

Thanks achtane, perfect on the details!

And I started this thread because I found the one you posted to be geared mostly towards cabs, good info but not focused the setting of the amp itself. And this thing definitely sounds awesome as loud as it gets! but then it drowns out the entire rest of the band it is just sooooo much more powerful than i expected

[Rick Auricchio]

That said, you may not like Achtane's tone, or it may not fit your music.

It's like asking how much Tabasco, salt, or pepper to put on your food. Depends.

[Achtane]

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

That said, you may not like Achtane's tone, or it may not fit your music.

It's like asking how much Tabasco, salt, or pepper to put on your food. Depends.

Yep, very true.

It's probably best to start with everything set flat at noon and start from there. Or you could do stuff like turn down low/mid/high and introduce them one at a time to hear exactly what each control affects. Stuff like that. I find that typically the recommended settings aren't for me.

[Southpaw5]

Originally Posted by Achtane

Yep, very true.

It's probably best to start with everything set flat at noon and start from there. Or you could do stuff like turn down low/mid/high and introduce them one at a time to hear exactly what each control affects. Stuff like that. I find that typically the recommended settings aren't for me.

This is exactly what I did, perhaps too much. I just needed to step back and try for some outside input at this point.

[hdracer]

I have one and the cab is a big part of the tone.

[Achtane]

Originally Posted by hdracer

I have one and the cab is a big part of the tone.

This is how I feel after recently using my HA3500 again. Stupid cab GAS now.

[BbbyBld]

Low - 7
Mid - 8 or 9
Mid shift - 400Hz
High - 5
Resonance - 3 or 4
Presence - 0

That's pretty much the setting I use.

I find that typically the recommended settings aren't for me.

I have to make some of them, and they're kind of a joke because the cab, bass, and playing style vary so much. Because of that, I sometimes make slightly ridiculous settings for the manual.

I've been looking for a good posting outlet for this, so I'll go ahead and drop it in this thread...

If you have a VB-2, especially a new one and you are not getting as much awesome as you expected, check to make sure that your phase splitter tube (the one close to the power tubes) is a 12AT7. I've seen a couple amps that have made it out with a 12AX7 power amp driver instead. If that's the case for yours, get a replacement and you will be amazed at the difference.

[Achtane]

Cool, I always appreciate your posts on this amp!

[Dethrats]

Originally Posted by BbbyBld

If you have a VB-2, especially a new one and you are not getting as much awesome as you expected, check to make sure that your phase splitter tube (the one close to the power tubes) is a 12AT7. I've seen a couple amps that have made it out with a 12AX7 power amp driver instead. If that's the case for yours, get a replacement and you will be amazed at the difference.

whats the best way to change them? i dont think i would be able to slip my hand past the power section to get to it.

[Achtane]

I just pulled the two tubes in front of it
Mine is indeed a 12AT7.

[Dethrats]

Originally Posted by Achtane

I just pulled the two tubes in front of it
Mine is indeed a 12AT7.

you dont need to bias them after you put the two power tubes back in?

[Achtane]

Originally Posted by Dethrats

you dont need to bias them after you put the two power tubes back in?

Don't you only need to bias them if you're changing them out for new/different ones?

If not...whoops.

[Southpaw5]

Originally Posted by BbbyBld

I've been looking for a good posting outlet for this, so I'll go ahead and drop it in this thread...

If you have a VB-2, especially a new one and you are not getting as much awesome as you expected, check to make sure that your phase splitter tube (the one close to the power tubes) is a 12AT7. I've seen a couple amps that have made it out with a 12AX7 power amp driver instead. If that's the case for yours, get a replacement and you will be amazed at the difference.

Bobby, 2 questions here, is this a new issue? My amp was made in 07 or 08, I can't remember which off the top[ of my head. (Ha! pun not, or wait fully intended!) so I'm wondering If i even need to check. and second, can the type of tube be identified with removing it from the amp?

Thanks

[JumboFriendly]

I mostly use the following:

Low: 10
Mid: 7ish
Mid Shift: 800
High: 1-3, depending on room

Pres and Res are usually at 5, and I'll adjust them as I dial in the room settings. I play through a Yorkville 4x10 (8 ohm) cab. Basses are most frequently Peavey T-40s or my MIA Jazz with flats. Hope this helps!

[BbbyBld]

Bobby, 2 questions here, is this a new issue? My amp was made in 07 or 08, I can't remember which off the top[ of my head. (Ha! pun not, or wait fully intended!) so I'm wondering If i even need to check. and second, can the type of tube be identified with removing it from the amp?

This is more for users who may have just bought the amp and aren't getting the expected performance.

It can most likely be checked without removing it, but you may have to remove a power tube or two to reach in and pop the shield off. No, you don't have to re-bias if you use the same power tubes you pulled out.