Hartke VXL vs. EHX Bass Big Muff

heath_r_91 · #1 06-17-2009, 12:10 AM

So I have the EHX Bass Big Muff and I absolutely love it. I always have it on, with the dry mode selected so I just have a touch of the distortion/fuzz/whatever you want to call it.

The problem is that whenever we are playing live, the sound guys always want to go d.i. from my head (svt-4 pro). Whenever they do this they tell me they get an awful hum from my direct out, no matter where I am at. They always have another box available, but it requires them to dig through their closet, and most times there is a shortage of cables.

THEREFORE, I was considering the Hartke VXL because it has a di. I know the Hartke has a Mix control, would this be comparable to the dry switch on the BBM in the way that it would allow me to mainly keep my clean signal with just a touch of effect on top?

Also, how do the two overdrives/distortions compare? I don't have the BBM too overdriven at all, just a hint.

Thanks so much for all of your help and time in advance, this place is awesome!
-Heath http://www.myspace.com/lowlifeamerica

totallybacan · #2 06-17-2009, 12:52 AM

Do you know for a fact that it is the Muff? Does your SVT have a groundlift? Try every possible option before deciding to go and by something

heath_r_91 · #3 06-17-2009, 01:20 AM

The problem isn't with the muff at all, my 4PRO has always done this. The problem lies in the DI in my 4PRO. I was thinking of the Hartke because it has a d.i. and the whole cost thing isn't really an issue as I'm an endorsing artist.

I was just wanting to know how the two compared as far as the effect goes. I'm sure the d.i. will work fine on the Hartke.

And unfortunately the 4PRO doesn't have a ground lift.

Crystalman85 · #4 06-17-2009, 01:35 AM

The hartke vxl is an affordable pre-amp pedal that has tube emulations. the pedal alone has a sound similar to a tech 21 sansamp bass driver. you can go from a clean tube sound to a tube-overdriven sound with the harmonics control. it has a shape control, which acts like a mid-range so you can eq the pre-amp pedal. it also has a bright control, which adds clarity to your sound. If you plan to buy this pedal, try using that pedal with your EHX bass big muff. I think you might get some interesting sounds with this combination.

Try this set-up.

bass guitar>bass big muff>hartke vxl>bass amp

heath_r_91 · #5 06-17-2009, 01:41 AM

I don't really want to have both pedals though.

I have the BBM fixed into my rack case so when I show up places I just have one cable to pull out of the rack and connect and not have any worries. The whole multi-effects thing kind of spooks me.

I'm sure that would possibly come up with some cool sounds and it would work, but I like to be difficult.

heath_r_91 · #6 06-17-2009, 01:49 PM

walpow · #7 06-17-2009, 02:07 PM

I've got both the VXL and the BBM. I realize you're talking just a bit of distortion/whatever, but even so I've found the character of the distortion on the VXL very different from that of the BBM. In fact, I wouldn't even call it distortion - more of a fullness, for lack of a better word. It still might work for you, but even at a low gain level you may find the character different enough that it wouldn't. I also found the VXL did funny things to pedals before it in the chain (fuzzes, filters), though I can't really be more specific - it was just, well, that sounds good, let's put it through the VXL; what the hell, not this again.

Two things to keep in mind: first, I'm not reall crazy about the BBM. I like, in theory, the dry and bass boost modes, but the quality of the fuzz/distortion is kind of boring (as mentioned in at least one other thread.

Second, I'm kind of a noob on bass, having played guitar for 50 years and bass for maybe two. So I may not have any idea what I'm talking about.

Nathan

heath_r_91 · #8 06-17-2009, 02:10 PM

I only like to have one pedal so the multi pedals issue shouldn't be an issue for me.

Does the VXL kill any of your tone? I'm not to worried about the lower end spectrum, I have everything below 150hz cut anyways, but I do like to have the tinny high end.

Thanks so much to everyone who has helped!
-Heath http://www.myspace.com/lowlifeamerica

walpow · #9 06-17-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heath_r_91

Does the VXL kill any of your tone?

No, it doesn't. In fact, overall it makes the tone better, and as the only pedal it's fine (assuming the quality of the distortion/whatever is pleasing to you). But as I started fooling around with it more, I just became unhappy with the prospect of using it live. Too many controls and too big a footprint for not enough impact. I'm going to search for something else (VT Bass, perhaps) as my always-on pedal. I'll probably keep it for recording, though. (Not that I do much recording.)

wetzelman1 · #10 06-17-2009, 03:17 PM

I've got the hartke vxl after I spotted it in someones setup that I'd very much like to have. I can't say enough good things about it. The mix knob is great, the harmonics are more of fullness effect although turning it all the way does give a tubish overdrive. The xlr out works perfectly with a ground lift as well. The only thing to consider is that the eq knobs are always on regardless of the switches, so u won't be able to just bypass the whole unit altogether.