Bass level going into pedals

[Rocky55]

Hey guys,

I'm playing a Sadowsky MV5 through the following:
- FEA Lab dual-band comp/lim (on it's way )
- MojoHand Cream Pie
- MB Super Synth
- Line6 M9
- VT Bass Deluxe
- Loop-Master 5 loops+master+tuner (on it's way)

I've always ran my bass volume full up, probably from playing passive basses for so long. I like to keep the volume on full as it's easy to remember where to set it and I can't inadvertently boost it and upset the soundman. I also run preamp with bass and treble in the 25-40% range.

I found that the VTBD doesn't really like the hot signal as it's almost impossible to get a clean sound and the lower notes (low D to B) just fart. I've remedied this by turning down the volume on the bass but would really like to get it back to the max level. Other option is bass on full and wireless signal cut.

I also read that the M9 likes lower levels. The SuperSynth is sensitive to levels changes and so is the Cream Pie. So if I control the volume with the volume pot, it's hard to get the same level all the time and then the effects don't react the same way.

I'm most concerned about the VTB. It's sounds killer with a lower input. Could it be defective or is this the norm? Suggestions?

Thanks,
R

[Swimming Bird]

You could install a passive volume knob in your true bypass looper or get a volume pedal. Heck, you could get an EHX Signal Pad. Also, where is the dual-band comp going in the signal chain -- that could solve the issue as well.

Were I in your shoes, I'd probably just turn down the volume on the bass. With the EQ settings I use on my active ibanez 885, I tend to weird up tracking on synth pedals and whatnot, so I put it at full volume then roll back a set distance with my thumb (I put the second joint on the knob and roll til I get to the tip). Never had an issue bumping it, and it's nice to be able to get a little louder just in case.

[cheapbasslovin]

I strongly endorse learning to use your volume knob with your effects. The M13 and my English Muff'n taught me to use mine, and now I can get many more sounds quickly and without tap dancing.

[tech21nyc]

Originally Posted by Rocky55

Hey guys,

I'm playing a Sadowsky MV5 through the following:
- FEA Lab dual-band comp/lim (on it's way )
- MojoHand Cream Pie
- MB Super Synth
- Line6 M9
- VT Bass Deluxe
- Loop-Master 5 loops+master+tuner (on it's way)

I've always ran my bass volume full up, probably from playing passive basses for so long. I like to keep the volume on full as it's easy to remember where to set it and I can't inadvertently boost it and upset the soundman. I also run preamp with bass and treble in the 25-40% range.

I found that the VTBD doesn't really like the hot signal as it's almost impossible to get a clean sound and the lower notes (low D to B) just fart. I've remedied this by turning down the volume on the bass but would really like to get it back to the max level. Other option is bass on full and wireless signal cut.

I also read that the M9 likes lower levels. The SuperSynth is sensitive to levels changes and so is the Cream Pie. So if I control the volume with the volume pot, it's hard to get the same level all the time and then the effects don't react the same way.

I'm most concerned about the VTB. It's sounds killer with a lower input. Could it be defective or is this the norm? Suggestions?

Thanks,
R

Our VT Bass was designed for instrument level input like most bass amps. On an active bass you have an on board preamp which probably has just as much output as the VT Bass. You are running a preamp into a preamp. These type of basses work well for going directly into the board as they have a high level low Z output as opposed to a passive instrument.

You have to be aware of gain structures or you will always end up getting more distortion than you probably need. Since your bass is active there should be no difference in tone if you run your volume at a more reasonable level.

[spufman]

I'm for using the bass' volume to optimize signal, but I understand your want to keep it cranked for repeatability. A clean boost pedal set for less than unity gain might give what you need - I've used this feature of my Hematoma as a lazyman's volume control to decent outcome.

[Rocky55]

Thanks guys!

I've been using the level on my wireless system (set to about 50%) to achieve this. However, when I'm tweaking patches, I usually don't bring the rack in the house, so I have to guess how loud to set the bass level. I guess I'll have to not be so lazy and bring the wireless in next time.

Also, I was more curious about the levels driving the VT Bass. I'm glad to hear that I'm not crazy nor do I have a defective unit. I'll continue to keep the level down and all should be good.

Can't wait to get all the pieces in... and yes, I'll post pics!

[tech21nyc]

The wireless is a good example of how different components of your system will change your tone. I was at a show in NYC recently and Will Lee came backstage. As I recall he said he was using the Boss GT10 to get a number of different bass tones with the "Fab Faux." He said he had it all dialed in and then had to edit everything because live he uses a wireless.

[JazznFunk]

I'm glad I stumbled onto this thread, for my own peace of mind... my Lakland 44-02 Deluxe is a very hot and very dynamic output bass, and it's been giving my original VT Bass a fit with getting low notes to be clean, particularly when using a Hipshot detuner. I ended up having to set the drive almost all the way off, and backing the level off a good bit to enable the pedal to produce clean tone all the way across the board. the tone is still there that I want, but the gain with the VT engaged is much less than the bass by itself. It was frustrating to find the solution to this, but I'm glad I did.

[VanillaThundah]

The Tech21 rep pretty much hit the nail on the head. Due to my effects loop settings and having a passive/active roster of basses, I'm experiencing the same problem. The EHX pedal sounds like a solid solution to me.