VB2 Bliss

bassvi · #1 08-20-2010, 11:47 AM

I've been gigging lately with my GK MB500 and 2 /212Neo cabs, with good results- easy to move, ample power, good tone....

Last night just for a change I decided to use my VB2 and NV610 for an outdoor show.

I can't remember the last time I was so happy with my sound (except maybe the last time I used this rig) I've used the NV610 with the MB500 and been pleased, but the VB2 with that cabinet just sounds incredible to me.... very articulate, warm, speaks well and warm in all registers. Deep without being overly boomy. Great growl..

I'm wondering if I just need to learn how to use the eq on my GK better- I can't explain why the VB2 sounded so much better to me- I set every thing flat to start on all my amps and only add subtle eq. There is no doubt in my mind the MB500 is a great little amp-clearly the amps are voiced differently, but the difference in tone with the VB2 was just shocking to me. Maybe it's tubes?

Right now I'm feeling like I want to stick with the VB2, even though I know the great sound is equal part the NV610 cab. I would love a smaller sealed cab to use with it that would sound the same without being so much of a cannon. Does such a cab exist? The 610 is a bit much for some indoor shows I do.... would an Ampeg 410HE do it? Anyone try a VB2 on one of those cabs?

Plstrns · #2 08-20-2010, 11:56 AM

The berg is about 4 times more sensitive than the 410HE, just what a low powered head like the VB2 needs. Why mess with it?

DanRJBrasil · #3 08-20-2010, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassvi

I can't explain why the VB2 sounded so much better to me- I set every thing flat to start on all my amps and only add subtle eq.
Maybe it's tubes?
cabs?

there you got, you can go wrong with a berg and a tube head

Bigjohn · #4 08-20-2010, 08:28 PM

Don't feel bad, my VB2 smokes my GK 1001RBII.
My VB2 smokes everything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassvi

I've been gigging lately with my GK MB500 and 2 /212Neo cabs, with good results- easy to move, ample power, good tone....

Last night just for a change I decided to use my VB2 and NV610 for an outdoor show.

I can't remember the last time I was so happy with my sound (except maybe the last time I used this rig) I've used the NV610 with the MB500 and been pleased, but the VB2 with that cabinet just sounds incredible to me.... very articulate, warm, speaks well and warm in all registers. Deep without being overly boomy. Great growl..

I'm wondering if I just need to learn how to use the eq on my GK better- I can't explain why the VB2 sounded so much better to me- I set every thing flat to start on all my amps and only add subtle eq. There is no doubt in my mind the MB500 is a great little amp-clearly the amps are voiced differently, but the difference in tone with the VB2 was just shocking to me. Maybe it's tubes?

Right now I'm feeling like I want to stick with the VB2, even though I know the great sound is equal part the NV610 cab. I would love a smaller sealed cab to use with it that would sound the same without being so much of a cannon. Does such a cab exist? The 610 is a bit much for some indoor shows I do.... would an Ampeg 410HE do it? Anyone try a VB2 on one of those cabs?

bassvi · #5 08-20-2010, 08:30 PM

I'm going to roll with the heavy rig from now on- it's worth it..... the MB500 will also always be along as my back-up. Still wiish I could get that beautiful tone in a smaller package though.

MN_Bass · #6 08-20-2010, 08:34 PM

Have you tried the Mesa Walkabout head or Orange Bass Terror? Both great at getting the tube tone going. I owned a vb2 also, great head. The orange 15 cab sounds great with tube heads, about 70 pounds FYI

bassvi · #7 08-20-2010, 08:38 PM

I'm sure I would love a Walkabout but I'm quite happy with the VB2- I'd like to find a smaller cab to pair the VB2 with that would sound like my NV610 but weigh maybe half as much. Wondering about the SWR Marcus Miller 410, I think it's a sealed cab?

rodl2005 · #8 08-20-2010, 08:49 PM

Oh TELL ME ABOUT IT!!!! Darn it!! I'm just thinkin of selling my NV610 as I've got a NV215 & the 610 aint getting used. But when ever I DO use it... MAN OH MAN!!!
Must try it with my Mesa WA head soon!!!

I usually use it with either the YBA200 or SVTII & with either of these it absolutely KILLS!!!
It's just that I USUALLy use the Mesa WA scout 12" & the Berg AE112 for smaller shows, & then the NV215 comes into play for larger ones.
Where DOES the NV610 fit???

But- I'll agree with you 100% CLARITY & articulation are the 2 things I & everyone else in the bands I play in noticed as soon as I used it. Band members asking if I'd learned new bass lines etc... The cab -NV610 just SO clearly 'speaking', & yet NOT Sounding 'modern', & handling overdrive SO nicely....
oh MAN!!!

Plstrns · #9 08-20-2010, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassvi

I'm sure I would love a Walkabout but I'm quite happy with the VB2- I'd like to find a smaller cab to pair the VB2 with that would sound like my NV610 but weigh maybe half as much. Wondering about the SWR Marcus Miller 410, I think it's a sealed cab?

Build you a sealed vertical 3 x 10 exactly half the size. Buy 3 speakers from berg.

JimmyM · #10 08-20-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plstrns

Build you a sealed vertical 3 x 10 exactly half the size. Buy 3 speakers from berg.

lol! not a bad idea but it wouldn't get nearly as loud. now maybe make it a 410 and you'd get a little closer.

yeah, sometimes we just have to suck it up and use the big stuff. of course, we keep the small stuff for the really bad loads and gigs where it's inappropriate to bring a 610, but big stuff always sounds better. even the small stuff sounds way better if you double it up.