Just got a sansamp VT. Need help!

Evolmonster · #1 10-06-2009, 01:27 PM

Hiya guys

I am relatively new to bass gear. Been playing for a couple of years, but i've just splashed out on my first rig.
A GK 800RB and an Ampeg SVT 1x15 cab.

I play in a soul/blues band, with a few rock classics thrown in.
So I was looking for a pedal that I can flick on for the rock songs to get a bit more grunt and dirty-ness.
The VT seemed to fit the bill, so I went for it!

Now I have been playing for about an hour, and im struggling to get the settings that I want.
I can get the sound, kinda indie modern rock tone, but when I flick the pedal off, my normal bass sound is mega quiet!
So I turn the level down, and the pedal sound doesnt sound the same.

Maybe I am just rubbish at setting up pedals.
Anyone help me with settings on the pedal and my amp?

I want it a bit louder than my normal sound, but not massively.

Cheers guys!
DB

3toes · #2 10-06-2009, 01:41 PM

You may just be psyching yourself out in terms of the VT not sounding the same at lower volumes.

Set your amp's volume up first, get it to a normal gig-level. Then turn on the VT and set the level knob to where there isn't a difference between the volume with it on or off. Then boost it a tad if you still want.

The Ethanator · #3 10-06-2009, 02:37 PM

^ +1

you just need to spend a few minutes tweaking the volume on your amp to where you like it normally, then adjust the volume of the pedal to where you want it

RickenBoogie · #4 10-06-2009, 05:14 PM

+2^^ to both

Evolmonster · #5 10-06-2009, 05:21 PM

So you guys think it's because I was playing at bedroom volume, not live volume?

JimmyM · #6 10-07-2009, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evolmonster

So you guys think it's because I was playing at bedroom volume, not live volume?

You're just not used to hearing it yet. The VT sounds the same at any volume level, but the increased volume you were getting with it gave you the illusion that it didn't sound the same as when it's quieter.

It's not good to crank it that loud. You want it closer to your regular volume on your amp. You could end up blowing a speaker if you play at higher volumes. Some people do use it as a boost pedal, but it's got a whole lot of gain, so don't get carried away with it.