Understand amps.. Help?

Radical Edward · #1 03-28-2010, 07:00 PM

Hi. I have an Acoustic B20. I know. nothing to shake a stick at. I'd like to buy a much better amp along the line somewhere. In the meantime, can someone explain to me the phrases and what they mean? I've seen amps that have a lot of possible setting and too many knobs to remember right now. Mine just has the basics, but here's the ones that.. I just don't have a good grasp on what they mean. I want to get the most out of any amp, so what do the following mean?
Low
Lo-Mid
Hi-Mid
High

Also, one's that have "Gain" or "VPF" or "VLE".. ? What does all of it mean? i have a general idea of the sound that "gain" means... or 'mids", but really... I'm overwhelmed. I'm sorry if this is a loaded question and a kind of noobish question. I've been putting off looking into it and asking about it because I like how my amp sounds, right now, but I'm still curious. Any help?

BurningSkies · #2 03-28-2010, 07:07 PM

Immediate answers to your questions here:
EQ bassics thread

Check the main Amps FAQ for much more.

VLE and VPF are both proprietary features of Markbass amps. Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator and Variable Pre Filter. The VLE is a passive high to mid tone roll off and the VPF scoops mids while boosting the lows and highs.

Radical Edward · #3 03-28-2010, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

Immediate answers to your questions here:
EQ bassics thread

Check the main Amps FAQ for much more.

Thank you, again. You're always so helpful. ^_^

BurningSkies · #4 03-28-2010, 07:11 PM

I do my best.

Radical Edward · #5 03-28-2010, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

I do my best.

Every time I play with the Markbasses at GC, they sound hissy and obnoxious. Perhaps people just have them EQ'd wrong. With this newfound knowledge I will do my best!!!!!

BurningSkies · #6 03-28-2010, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikaela Ellinge

Every time I play with the Markbasses at GC, they sound hissy and obnoxious. Perhaps people just have them EQ'd wrong. With this newfound knowledge I will do my best!!!!!

If a markbass is sounding hissy, its probably because you're not used to hearing a cab/amp that reproduces highs well. Markbass amps are fairly 'flat' when it comes to their EQ, meaning it doesn't emphasize or roll off any specific frequency bands. If you're finding too much 'hiss' or noise like string or fret noise, roll back the highs, or mid-highs or try turning up the VLE. Also, on their amps the VLE and VPF should all the way counter clockwise to be off.

Radical Edward · #7 03-28-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

If a markbass is sounding hissy, its probably because you're not used to hearing a cab/amp that reproduces highs well. Markbass amps are fairly 'flat' when it comes to their EQ, meaning it doesn't emphasize or roll off any specific frequency bands. If you're finding too much 'hiss' or noise like string or fret noise, roll back the highs, or mid-highs or try turning up the VLE. Also, on their amps the VLE and VPF should all the way counter clockwise to be off.

Thanks for the advice. I think the first one I messed with their had something wrong with it. It was just all hiss and buzz, and not from the bass. I tried a few on it. I'll check out some of their others.