how to configure a VT bass pedal with F1 amp and Roscoe bass

[the_hook]

I just picked up a used Tech 21 VT pedal. I'm good with the tone of my Markbass F1 amp, Roscoe bass and 2 EA Wizzy cabs. But sometimes I'd like to toss in some overdriven, warm tone.

I plugged it all in, but when I click in the pedal the volume goes way up. How would I configure my F1 amp, Roscoe onboard pre-amp, and the VT to allow me to play the Roscoe and amp as is, then bring in the pedal for a change in tone and keep the volume consistent?

I don't want to use the pedal for a complete song, just bring it in when needed.

[RickenBoogie]

Does the VT not have a volume knob? It should be set for "unity" gain.

[alec]

It's a loud pedal so you need to turn the Level down if you're cranking the Drive.

[the_hook]

Should I be plugging it into either the Send or Return Effect in the back of the amp?

Currently I have the Roscoe cable going into the pedal, and another cable going out of the pedal into the front of the amp where I normally plug in the bass directly.

[CHILDISHGAMBINO]

Your effects loop isn't for pedals. It is for rack units. Just go bass>pedal>instrument input.

[alec]

You can plug the VT into the FX return and bypass your amp's preamp.
There are several threads on this - do a custom google search for vt bass loop

[tech21nyc]

The VT Bass (version 1) had a quicker taper in the first part of the level controls rotation. You should still be able to adjust it for unity gain if so desired. The level control will not make a difference in the tonality of the Character Pedal.

It's not a good idea to use the VT Bass as an insert effect in an amp's efx loop. There is a way to use the pedal independently from your amp's preamp section depending upon the amp. Let us know if you need that information.

[the_hook]

Originally Posted by tech21nyc

The VT Bass (version 1) had a quicker taper in the first part of the level controls rotation. You should still be able to adjust it for unity gain if so desired. The level control will not make a difference in the tonality of the Character Pedal.

It's not a good idea to use the VT Bass as an insert effect in an amp's efx loop. There is a way to use the pedal independently from your amp's preamp section depending upon the amp. Let us know if you need that information.

Thanks for the info. Yes, if you have a way to do the pre-amp bypass I would like to have that info.

[BassBrass]

You were given that information already:
"You can plug the VT into the FX return and bypass your amp's preamp."
that is, instead of into the front of the amp.

I plug the VT into the "active" input of my amps and set the volume about 10 o'clock. I use the VT last, always on, with drive bout 10 o'clock, no higher. There are warm overdrives I like a lot better. VT is about tone, beefy lows & present midrange that doesn't get lost in the mix.

[VanillaThundah]

You might start using the VT exclusively for a preamp section. I know with my Carvin BX500, I totally bypass the preamp and just leave the tone up to that sweet, aggressive goodness from the VT. I swear, it does magic to any bass you plug into it lol

[tech21nyc]

Originally Posted by the_hook

Thanks for the info. Yes, if you have a way to do the pre-amp bypass I would like to have that info.

The Markbass F1 has an unusual parallel EFX loop which makes it more difficult.to do the method I was describing. In their manual it says the amp can be modified for a series loop by a qualified tech. It still looks like you would possibly be going through the EQ, VLE/VPF and compressor circuit of the amp. I'm not totally sure. You can shut off the VLE/VPF and set the EQ flat but this would defeat the purpose.

My suggestion would be to try the VT Bass into the EFX return with the amp set as you normally do and see if it sounds good to you. If it does, you can use an A/B box to switch from the input of the amp to the input of the VT Bass and just plug the output of the VT Bass into the efx return.

In many amps with traditional EFX loops, the EFX return allows you to bypass the amp's preamp section and go straight to the power section. Not with the Markbass.