Difference between sound of VT Bass 1/4" output and Deluxe's XLR output

[Matthew_84]

Hey guys,

Title pretty much says it all. I'm looking to get a VT Bass pedal for home recording and gigging. I've heard from someone that using the 1/4" output as a DI, sounds kind of "tinny" due to it's impedance, and that if you want to use it to plug directly into a PA then you should get the Deluxe or plug into a separate DI box.

How true is this? Is it a noticeable difference?

For my home recording I plan to plug the output into a Tascam US-122 external soundcard which does have 1/4" and XLR inputs. However, I don't have a rig for gigging yet and I don't want to spend a ton of money. I can go the Deluxe, power amp, cab route, but it seems to be costly and more than I probably need. I may get a GK MB212 combo, but I'd have to go from my bass to the VT Bass then to the input of the amp.

How does a VT Bass basic pedal sound plugged like this into an amp, and how does it sound plugged directly into a PA (or my computer) as compared with the Deluxe's XLR output.

Thanks,

Matt

P.S. does the VT Bass Deluxe have a 1/4" output. I can't find that info anywhere, but I'm figuring it must because a lot of amps don't have XLR inputs. If the sound difference isn't as noticeable when plugged into an amp, then I'd get a Deluxe and only use XLR into the computer or PA.

[JimmyM]

i've used the 1/4" input into my compter many times as well as the xlr on the vtd, and it never sounds tinny with either. sounds the same to me, as a matter of fact. the 1/4" output is a low impedance so it works better than most 1/4" equipped devices into a board.

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

I have used the VT into the PA and into the input of an amplifier and it sounds about the same. The character and tonal aspects tend to take over what ever you plug it into. The only difference is that you can alter the sound a small amount when played through an amplifier due to its own EQ. I am actually using mine into the input of a GK Backline 600 right now. I just keep the EQ on the head set flat with a very very slight cut in treble and bass. I just use the knobs on the head to subtly adjust the tone when needed. It saves from having to deal with the very sensitive controls of the VT when needing a minor room adjustment.

[Matthew_84]

Wow, thanks a lot for the answers guys. This question alone was causing me to veer in all sorts of different directions. Thanks

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

Anytime. Opinions on the VT Bass are one thing you can definitely find a ton of on Talkbass.

[JimmyM]

pedal of the future.

[tech21nyc]

As Jimmy said, the 1/4" output on our VT Bass Deluxe (as well as all our pedals) is low Z.

Some believe that an XLR connection "sounds" better. This is not really true. Sometimes in certain applications an XLR connection can have less noise but there should be no tonal change if you have followed basic audio connection principles.

An impedance mismatch can cause a degradation in tone. For instance a high impedance bass or guitar plugged directly into a mixing console's low Z input will darken the sound of the instrument.Also a long cable run of a high Z signal into a low Z input will further degrade your tone as well as output.

If you look at the input impedance on a typical Mackie mixer the XLR mic inputs are 2.5K and all the other 1/4" inputs are 10K. Those are low Z. The impedance of an average J Bass passive pickup is 7K and most guitar and bass amps have a 1MOhm input impedance which will not load down the pickups. Our VTBD has a 1 megOhm input and a 600 Ohm balanced XLR output and a 1KOhm 1/4" output.

Simply put a low Z signal can be used into a high Z input but a high Z signal into a low Z input will usually degrade your tone somewhat.

[Matthew_84]

That's really good to know, thanks a lot for the comprehensive answer! Makes my shopping a lot easier, I may still be picking up a Deluxe version for the multiple pedals, but I'm glad I know that the sound will be great which ever way I choose.