Calling Hartke VXL Bass Pedal owners

XtheDeadPawn · #1 10-05-2011, 10:30 AM

The pedal is a cross between a stompbox, preamp, and DI box right?

So can I control the midrange?

And what does the brightness knob do?
Doesn't it already have a treble knob?

Crystalman85 · #2 10-06-2011, 02:54 AM

The hartke vxl bass attack preamp pedal is an affordable tube-emulation pedal that has tone-shaping capabilities. it is a stomp box, it does double as a direct box, and like the name of the pedal says, it's a preamp pedal. the shape control on the pedal acts like an eq boost. you can go from a bright throaty sound(meaning higher mid-range sound) to a smooth scooped sound. the brightness control gives you more presence in the preamp pedal. and yes it does have a treble control. it controls the high-end of the preamp pedal. if you want a bright, mid-rangy type sound, dial the shape control at 9'o clock and set the bass and treble control to your liking. hope this helps you out.

XtheDeadPawn · #3 10-06-2011, 04:29 PM

Sorry for my stupidness but, there's really no way to control the midrange there is only a way to get a midrange-y sound?

I must sound like an idiot so I better tell you my plans. I'm planning to get this pedal in place of installing a 3 band EQ (Bass, treble, midrange) preamp on a passive 5 string bass I'm looking to get.

I<34080 · #4 10-06-2011, 04:35 PM

When I bought my LH500 and HX115 in 08(?), I got a free pedal with each item. So far the only real use I've gotten out of them is the DI so I can easily record my bass, since I lack mics. I didn't really dig the tone I got when I used it. When I saw how much they sell for I laughed. They just sit in the corner now.

Crystalman85 · #5 10-06-2011, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XtheDeadPawn

Sorry for my stupidness but, there's really no way to control the midrange there is only a way to get a midrange-y sound?

I must sound like an idiot so I better tell you my plans. I'm planning to get this pedal in place of installing a 3 band EQ (Bass, treble, midrange) preamp on a passive 5 string bass I'm looking to get.

The shape control on the hartke bass attack pedal only thing that's close to a mid-range control. it's really more of an eq boost than a mid-range control. you can get a bright and a slight mid-rangy sound by dialing the shape control to 9'o clock. but if mid-rangy type sounds is what you're really looking for, save some cash for a tech 21 para driver. you would probably be more satisfied with that pedal.

Hector_G · #6 10-06-2011, 05:00 PM

Yes the pedal acts as a stompbox, preamp, and DI all in one.
Pretty handy little pedal.

When no switches are activated, the only controls in use are the bass, treble, and volume knob. Easy right?

When you activate the Shape switch, then the Shape knob is used to get a fairly good array of sounds. In my opinion, this really isn't that great of a mid booster. When turned all the way left, it does sorta boost the mids, but at a loss of some bass. You won't get a good deep punch. As you turn in clockwise, it starts to quickly scoop the mids and really turns up the bass. Pretty good rumble past 12 o'clock.

When you activate the On/Off switch, then the Harmonics, Mix, and Brite knobs are used.

Harmonics has a great variety of sounds. From a tad barely noticeable bit of dirt to a fantastic overdrive. When turned all the way to the right, it boosts your signal TOO much I think. The tone is great, but when you stomp the On/Off switch, prepare for a huge volume jump. You can sorta control it with the Mix knob.

Mix, of course, mixes this overdrive with the signal from the bass and treble controls.
As I just stated, if you have the Harmonics knob set all the way up for overdrive, you're gonna have to mix alot of original signal in and back off the overdrive mix in order to avoid that huge volume spike I just spoke about.

The Brite knob affects the Harmonics tone. Use sparingly. Actually I think it does a really good job. Find a good spot for it to add the perfect amount of sizzle to your tone. I certainly wouldn't turn it all the way up though.

I used it for recording the bass lines for my punk bands demo and I thought it did an absolutely amazing job. The guy recording us said it sounded way better than the Sansamp he had always used. I think so too. I'll try to post the songs if I can find the links to them so you can hear for yourself.

Hector_G · #7 10-06-2011, 05:29 PM

Ah, here you go.
You can hear this pedal in action on these tracks.

Get It Together by Hector G! on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Of The Sun by Hector G! on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

XtheDeadPawn · #8 10-07-2011, 12:48 PM

Damn you guys are good! Any plans to get back together again?

I'm curious do you play with a pick? I do and was wondering.

Hey I was searching the net for "Bass mid treble pedal" and came across this
http://www.themadape.com/WMD_Utility...wmd-paraeq.htm
I never heard of the brand before but if this pedal is at or around $100 I think I'll purchase one.

It is streamlined just 3 knobs Low Mid High
(Okay 6 but whatever)

And I sorta like that better than essentialy a overdrive pedal w/ 3 bands of EQ.

So can anybody tell me if this brand is any good their website says this is their weekend warrior line of handmade pedals.

Hector_G · #9 10-07-2011, 07:43 PM

Why, thank you very much. No plans on getting back together at all at this time.
With this band, yes I play with a pick. Especially for the recordings, playing with a pick just adds way more definition and punch for this type of music. The only song I really played with my fingers was that song "Of The Sun".

As for that pedal, I've heard of the brand name, but never really looked into the pedals. Looks good so far. I'll look into that one some more.