Using the GK Mb500 as poweramp?

[::::BASSIST::::]

I'm thinking of trying my gk mb500 as a poweramp with my VT Bass as pre.

I read the manual, and I don't believe there is specific instructions as to how to bypass the preamp.

Anyone have success doing this?

What is the proper method of bypassing the preamp and only using the poweramp of the gk mb500?

[audiomitch]

I was using my MB200 as a power amp for my Yamaha DG Stomp. I just plugged the Stomp in to the 1/8" Aux input. I was using a cheapo wedge floor monitor as the speaker, and left the "Speaker Sim" enabled on the Yamaha.

Not sure if your Sansamp has a line level output, you may need to go through the GK preamp.

[AntekStalich]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

I'm thinking of trying my gk mb500 as a poweramp with my VT Bass as pre.

I read the manual, and I don't believe there is specific instructions as to how to bypass the preamp.

Anyone have success doing this?

What is the proper method of bypassing the preamp and only using the poweramp of the gk mb500?

With most of normal amps and effects, you start with putting the Gain and Master Volume knobs to zero position, as not to blow up your speakers and ears.

Then, connect the effect's (VT) Output with the Return socket at the back of amplifier. Pluck a string on your bass and slowly increase the volume by the Master knob at the amp. In other words, you do not use the Input socket at all, but Return (from the effect loop) socket to feed your power amp section directly. In MB, the Master Volume is after the Return socket, so you can control volume by that knob.

It works for me with my Line 6 POD and variety of amps, why should not it work with VT and MB500?

[sleepytime]

Originally Posted by AntekStalich

With most of normal amps and effects, you start with putting the Gain and Master Volume knobs to zero position, as not to blow up your speakers and ears.

Then, connect the effect's (VT) Output with the Return socket at the back of amplifier. Pluck a string on your bass and slowly increase the volume by the Master knob at the amp. In other words, you do not use the Input socket at all, but Return (from the effect loop) socket to feed your power amp section directly. In MB, the Master Volume is after the Return socket, so you can control volume by that knob.

It works for me with my Line 6 POD and variety of amps, why should not it work with VT and MB500?

Right. Run the output of the VT to the Effects Return on the MB500. IIRC, the VT has a hot enough output to drive a power amp. Also, you can still use either the Normal or the Boost channel on the MB500, so select the one you want. The limiter is also still in the chain. The Gain, Contour, and EQ section will be bypassed, as will the Mute button and Direct Out.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Hmmm.... Well I tried this last night and found that the volume decreased significantly when I went through the effects loop. I just took the output of the VT and put it into the 'send'. Not sure if I was doing anything wrong, but I had the gain, master volume all the way up to 3:00 on the amp and the level was fairly cranked on the VT as well. Didn't seem that loud.

Then I plugged my bass into the front in the traditional sense and had to turn way down as all the power came back.

Seems something is a bit wonky.

Any tips?

[Wes Whitmore]

You mean return?
The level sensitivity is different when going from efx send/return or the instrument input. If the instrument input works, then use it though. You get some added EQ from the 500, but you will also get coloring from the preamp, which you might like.

[rpsands]

Just adjust the eq to be flatter. Dial out a little bass and a little treble is what I did to move in that direction.

[4Mal]

Hopefully you meant that you plugged into the effects return ... I've gone both ways with external boxes and an MB2-500. I would use the instrument in and skip the effects return method with that amp. It's a lot less colored than most folks think ...

[Crabby]

It should work fine going from the VT into the effects return jack. I may have to give this a try myself.

[PDavyduck]

yep. the way it should work is plug into the VT then the "out" of VT into the "RETURN" of the effects loop on the MB500.


(and if ya have time, just bring it by the shop.... I'm there until 6 tonight and 9 tomorrow and Thursday)

[::::BASSIST::::]

So far I've found that plugging the VT into the front of the amp results in a sound that is too scooped, but I like the idea of cutting bass and treble, thus boosting mids, to conteract that.

I will also try the return of the 'effects' loop and see what the results are.

Ultimately it would be better to plug into the front as the DI is still usable. More experiments to come!

[sleepytime]

It's fine to connect the VT to either the Instrument Input or the Effects Return. I always use the Instrument Input with my BDDI. The difference in level is caused by the gain which the preamp stage provides, which is quite significant (I want to say approx. 50 times hotter off the top of my head). Don't be afraid to dial up the levels on the VT and the GK's Master if you use the Return jack. If you find the output inadequate, you should be able to make it work with the jack on the front.

I thought I saw a post recently with some EQ settings which gave a relatively flat output on the MB500. Maybe somebody can find that. I believe it was boosting the mids rather than cutting the bass and treble.

Edit: Make sure you have the Contour all the way down if you use the Instrument Input. It scoops the mids.

[cableguy]

I use my sansamp bass DI into the effects return of my Carvin BR15 wedge style amp. Works well. It bypasses all of the preamp & comp. but it's before the graphic EQ. So i still have that to adjust the tone a little. I use the DI out of the sansamp to FOH and it works great. Should work with other amps as well.

[trjazzluva05]

I use this kind of setup at all of my gigs now, only I use an Aguilar Tone Hammer. I run it through the effects send and it works great. At some gigs It does seem sound like it has less ummph at some gigs than others. But I like my tone better with the TH than the MB alone or the TH and MB combined. When I want a bit more bottom end, I will put the TH in front.

[4Mal]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

So far I've found that plugging the VT into the front of the amp results in a sound that is too scooped, but I like the idea of cutting bass and treble, thus boosting mids, to conteract that.

I will also try the return of the 'effects' loop and see what the results are.

Ultimately it would be better to plug into the front as the DI is still usable. More experiments to come!

Imo that is the VT ... I use the ParaDriver... Forgot about that. Still, you should be able to dial out the scoop using the amp'S EQ.

[tech21nyc]

As others have pointed out to use the VT Bass pedal as your only preamp you would need to plug into the effects RETURN of your amplifier. In looking at the block diagram the efx return comes before the boost and master volume so it would be best not to use the boost if you are already using the VT Bass for a more overdriven sound. The VT Bass can put out a line level signal and should be more than powerful enough to drive your amps power section. Don't be afraid to turn up the master on your amp and the level of the VT Bass if needed.

There is really no need to bypass your amps preamp section assuming you like the sound of it as the VT Bass was meant to work well into the front end of an amp as well as functioning as a preamp or direct recording device. The best way to make the pedal work is to set your amps preamp for a fairly flat sound. The manual for your amp states that by turning the contour control clockwise you will be scooping the midrange and boosting the highs and lows which may not be the best basic tonal platform for using our pedal. The VT Bass pedal with the mids and character knobs at noon will give you a full midrange. I hope this helps.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Thanks for the information. Pretty sure I can make this work once I spend a bit more time with it.