VLE and VPF controls on Markbass amps

chuck3 · #1 05-25-2010, 08:06 PM

I've been trying out a MB LM II lately (got it used off craigslist), through Genz Benz cabs, and it sounds pretty nice. I went to the MB website to download the manual, and the manual is very non-specific about the intent behind the VLE and VPF controls. The VLE is "vintage loudspeaker emulator" and you can get some cool sounds from it, although I only use it in retro situations, not as the main choice. The VPF is "variable pre-shape filter," and to be honest I haven't really figured it out yet.

What say you, Talkbass, about these two controls?

pasta4lnch · #2 05-25-2010, 08:08 PM

I have 2 MB amps - quite frankly I have no use for either knob. every so often I try them again to see if I'm missing something. I'm not.

I really dig MB amps . . . just not a fan of those 2 controls

BluesWalker · #3 05-25-2010, 08:10 PM

The manual should have a graph of how the eq is changed when you adjust either of the knobs. Like pasta, I do not have any use for them, but I really did my LMII.

chuck3 · #4 05-25-2010, 08:12 PM

by not using them, does that mean leaving them all the way counter-clockwise (7 o clock), or "neutral" (12 o clock). Sorry for the detailed question, I am just trying to figure out what is the "flat" starting point with them.

chuck3 · #5 05-25-2010, 08:14 PM

found the EQ graph, thanks. Not all the manuals have it, some of them seem to be more generic.

Jimmy Stump · #6 05-25-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck3

by not using them, does that mean leaving them all the way counter-clockwise (7 o clock), or "neutral" (12 o clock). Sorry for the detailed question, I am just trying to figure out what is the "flat" starting point with them.

The 7 o'clock position is completely off. 5 o'clock is full blast.

chuck3 · #7 05-25-2010, 08:32 PM

Thanks all for the info. I get the picture now. I have been using these controls somewhat haphazardly; armed with the info from this thread (and the EQ graphs) I will have at it again in a more scientific manner!

BurningSkies · #8 05-25-2010, 08:56 PM

Very literally, the VLE is a passive tone roll off, that as you turn it up it progressively attenuates the treble in your signal, similar (yet different) to what a passive bass tone knob does.

The VPF scoops mids and supposedly boosts the extreme lows and highs.

If I use them, I'll bring up the VPF a bit then use the VLE to tame the highs while keeping the extended lows.