VT Bass + Power Amp problem

[insomniac2295]

I recently picked up a brand new Tech 21 Sansamp VT Bass pedal and a brand new Crown XLS 402D Power amp.

Today, I tried out the combo for the first time with my Spector ReBop 5 string and my Avatar B410 Neo. I ran the signal; Spector>VT Bass>Crown>Avatar. To convert the signal from my VT Bass to a XLR, I am using a Hosa MIT-129 adaptor. When plugged in, instead of the pristine sound that I expected, I got a farty, buzzy, and almost fuzzy sort of sound that I found very undesirable.

I ended up using an ART Tube Preamp, ditching the Hosa adaptor for a real XLR cable, and ditching VT bass. When I did, I not only got a better sound, but also a much louder sound. When running the ART preamp, I found that even turning the power amp up only half way surpassed the total volume when using the VT Bass.

Was I doing something wrong with the VT Bass, or is that just the way it sounds? I'm thinking that there's something going on with the transformer in the Hosa adaptor that's causing my signal to go all funky. Thoughts?

[3506string]

I don't thing the VT bass pedal is supposed to be used as a stand alone preamp.

edit

My mistake. I see it does say it can be used as a preamp, but a lot of small devices marketed as preamps don't have enough gain to drive all power amps cleanly. I see it has a 10db boost for the 1/4"

I would try to run the pedal into the art then into the power amp to be sure the VT is functioning correctly.

[insomniac2295]

Originally Posted by 3506string

I don't thing the VT bass pedal is supposed to be used as a stand alone preamp.

edit

I see it does say it can be used as a preamp, but a lot of small devices marketed as preamps don't have enough gain to drive all power amp cleanly. Did you try to use the 10db boost.

I would try to run the pedal into the art then into the power amp.

The Pedal doesn't have a 10db boost (to my knowledge). Also, I did actually run the VT Bass into the ART, and then into the power amp. This is how I actually ran my rig for most of practice today and it sounded great. However, for some reason, it still lacked very severely in the volume department.

[3506string]

Ok I was looking at the deluxe version for the 10db boost.

SO your saying bass into art = full vol but bass into VT pedal or VT pedal + Art = partial vol?

I would check that the pedal is getting the correct voltage.

[insomniac2295]

Originally Posted by 3506string

Ok I was looking at the deluxe version for the 10db boost.

SO your saying bass into art = full vol but bass into VT pedal or VT pedal + Art = partial vol?

I would check that the pedal is getting the correct voltage.

Yes, that is correct. I was thinking of trying that idea out. Right now, I am using a 1spot adaptor for my sansamp and for all I know, it could be going bad.

[anderbass]

Originally Posted by insomniac2295

I'm thinking that there's something going on with the transformer in the Hosa adaptor that's causing my signal to go all funky. Thoughts?

Correct, you should be using a regular 1/4" T/S to XLR adaptor without a transformer.

[Verminaard]

The VT works better with a battery in certain locations if there is a questionable power issue. I usually run it with a battery when I jam at my spot but at home it works fine with my 1 spot. All in my personal experience, of course.

[insomniac2295]

Originally Posted by anderbass

Correct, you should be using a regular 1/4" T/S to XLR adaptor without a transformer.

Really? That's just kind of weird to me. Why is that?

[3506string]

Originally Posted by insomniac2295

Really? That's just kind of weird to me. Why is that?

I think because both the PA input and the VT pedal output should be relatively low impedance so impedance matching isn't necessary.

[bassyRyan]

Becausse it's a Low Z out.

[OldHack]

Are you using a Y adaptor with those XLR ins? Sounds like you're only using one side.

[insomniac2295]

Originally Posted by OldHack

Are you using a Y adaptor with those XLR ins? Sounds like you're only using one side.

I am only using one side, but according to the instruction manual, this should be okay? Pardon my uncertainty..

[OldHack]

Originally Posted by insomniac2295

I am only using one side, but according to the instruction manual, this should be okay? Pardon my uncertainty..

That's fine, and it shouldn't have anything to do with your problem. Was just wondering if you were aware that you were only using one side. (to match your expectations of full power)

[insomniac2295]

Originally Posted by OldHack

That's fine, and it shouldn't have anything to do with your problem. Was just wondering if you were aware that you were only using one side. (to match your expectations of full power)

According to the operations manual, for bridged-mono you only need to use the channel 1 input and the channel 1 output (speakon)

[JimmyM]

ya, it sounds like you're using the wrong cable. how does it sound in a regular amp using only a 1/4" cable?

[insomniac2295]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

ya, it sounds like you're using the wrong cable. how does it sound in a regular amp using only a 1/4" cable?

Unfortunatly, I haven't had the chance to test it through another decent bass rig, but when put threw various practice combos and guitar amps, it sounded fine. However, the main region that sounds distorted to me is the bass

[insomniac2295]

Would an adaptor like this be an acceptable replacement? http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GXJ235/

[JimmyM]

that a trs to xlr. you want a ts to xlr. i think.

[OldHack]

Originally Posted by insomniac2295

According to the operations manual, for bridged-mono you only need to use the channel 1 input and the channel 1 output (speakon)

OK, I see on the D series they added a switch to go to bridged mono. So you've probably got that set.

[Son of Bovril]

does it not have a straight 1/4" input? my XLS 1500 does... I run my VT into a poweramp all the time and it has more than enough clean volume for all my needs and I play quite loud.