Microtubes B3k vs B7k vs Tech21 VTBass

sangsaratrip · #1 08-21-2010, 01:59 PM

I just came across couple overdrive/distortion pedals that seems to sound really good called the Microtubes B3k and B7k made by a company called Darkglass Electronics. They sound even better than the VTBass pedal from the youtube clips.

I read one other thread of a guy from Chile who has the B3k and posted some samples and maybe he can answer since I think they haven't been officially released yet. My question is, what is the main difference between the B3k and the B7k and how do they compare up to the Tech21 VTBass? It looks like they have blend knobs which is a major plus. Something the VTBass doesn't have.

Jared Lash · #2 08-21-2010, 02:44 PM

The difference between the B3K and B7K is that the 3 is a OD/distortion while the 7 is also a preamp. Same circuit but with additional EQ option and a DI out.

Both are much "flatter" than the VT Bass which (by design) colors your tone much more.

If you want Ampeg emulation no pedal does it better than the VT Bass.

The Microtubes are designed to preserve your tone more. I'll post a review when my B3K shows up.

sangsaratrip · #3 08-21-2010, 02:53 PM

So the B7K is exactly like the B3K but with a DI and EQ section.

VTBass is decent, but it sounds real dry and you can't get much gain out of it. I don't know why everyone on here worships that pedal. These Microtube pedals seems to be capable of both a dry and wetter sound and sound like they distort better.

I will be awaiting the review, hopefully a video or sound clip review,

. Unless I buy one before then.

NewLaw83 · #4 08-21-2010, 06:56 PM

I want the B3K so bad. I have G.A.S.

JimmyM · #5 08-21-2010, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sangsaratrip

So the B7K is exactly like the B3K but with a DI and EQ section.

VTBass is decent, but it sounds real dry and you can't get much gain out of it. I don't know why everyone on here worships that pedal. These Microtube pedals seems to be capable of both a dry and wetter sound and sound like they distort better.

it's worshipped because it's the first solid state device that actually mimics the sound of svt's and b-15's and gets it right. yes, the knobs don't have flat response when you set them at noon, but who cares? set them the way it sounds good to you and it's a great pedal.

having said that, i like what i hear out of this darkglass stuff, too, and i can see why some are raging about it. oh well, if one pedal did it for everyone, there would only be one pedal on the market.

Jared Lash · #6 08-21-2010, 09:03 PM

Yeah Jimmy I thought I covered that in my response. The VT Bass has been a big hit because it lets you cop good B-15 and SVT sounds (not to mention Jack Bruce-like tones and modern distortion sounds) better than anything else on the market.

If I was in a classic rock cover band I'd absolutely pick up a VT Deluxe to match tones. It isn't for everyone but it does its job tremendously well.

sangsaratrip · #7 08-21-2010, 10:41 PM

Yea, the VTBass does a good job emulating some of those vintage tones, but I'm looking more for that raw, heavy, grinding machine like tone.

JimmyM · #8 08-21-2010, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared Lash

Yeah Jimmy I thought I covered that in my response. The VT Bass has been a big hit because it lets you cop good B-15 and SVT sounds (not to mention Jack Bruce-like tones and modern distortion sounds) better than anything else on the market.

i know, i just like saying things other people say using different words

sorry!

Darkglass · #9 08-22-2010, 04:34 AM

Hey, thanks for the kind words everyone!

As for sangsaratrip's questions: The release date is estimated for September.

And yes, they both have a Blend knob. In fact an improvement to the usual Blend controls featured in both Microtubes is that the Blend is located after the Level control... so that you can adjust the distorted/overdriven signal's volume before mixing it with the clean one... this brings far greater control, and blending capabilities than we were used to.

Also in the B7K, the EQ is located after the Blend, so setting this control at minimum, the B7K can be used as a clean 4 Band EQ/DI.

Best Regards

Doug.

Jake of Bass · #10 08-22-2010, 04:52 AM

Hmm, very interesting... what are they expected to retail at?

Darkglass · #11 08-22-2010, 05:06 AM

For now, the only way to purchase them is directly with us, we are interested about getting dealers in the US though...

All the info is in the pre-order section:

http://darkglasselectronics.com/pre-order/

Regards

Doug.

tonymcbony · #12 08-22-2010, 06:30 AM

Yikes.

For the connoisseur only methinks, too much coin for this camper.

sangsaratrip · #13 08-22-2010, 08:32 AM

Yea the price seems pretty high for an overdrive/di pedal. With a little more money you could buy an amp.

NewLaw83 · #14 08-22-2010, 02:33 PM

This is a boutique pedal. It's a little much for myself but I figure that since I paved so much for my gear I might as well get the best.

Darkglass · #15 08-23-2010, 03:27 PM

Hi you all!
If you don't mind, I would like to answer sangsaratrip's question in public, to everyone who could be interested on this matter.

The only idea I had when started designing the first pedals (Microtubes B3K and Harmonic Booster) was to make what seemed to me amazing sounding gear.
I had no other motivation than creating something that I could finally be pleased with. I am a bass player, and probably like many of you, tried pretty much everything on the market... and nothing really did it for me.
That is pretty much when everything started.

And let me tell you, if any of you think the Microtubes, or any of our pedals sound good, is mainly because of 2 factors: Design and High quality components.
Unfortunately these are same factors that make them less affordable than the some of the other products on the market.

The B3K has over 70 parts, and the B7K over 150! To mount and solder all of them by hand is not easy, and requires very motivated and trained people.
But for us it was never about making tons of cash or anything else than just creating the best gear we could possibly do.
What drove me to start Darkglass Electronics, is the same idea that now drives everyone in our company... we just want to make the best effects possible, no compromises when it comes to help bass players sound better.

Best Regards

Douglas.

JimmyM · #16 08-23-2010, 04:49 PM

right on, doug. if you feel you're building the best stuff you possibly can and charging a fair price for it, i'm down with that. there's plenty of cheaper stuff out there that people can buy in the meantime.

reminds me of a story...i was in high school and there was some kid complaining to the assistant principal that football games were $2 and he thought they should be free. the assistant principal said, "our football games are for kids who have $2." that settled that!

Jared Lash · #17 08-23-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

right on, doug. if you feel you're building the best stuff you possibly can and charging a fair price for it, i'm down with that. there's plenty of cheaper stuff out there that people can buy in the meantime.

reminds me of a story...i was in high school and there was some kid complaining to the assistant principal that football games were $2 and he thought they should be free. the assistant principal said, "our football games are for kids who have $2." that settled that!

See I always had Jimmy pegged as the guy that would complain to any kids who would listen that in his day gas only cost a quarter a gallon. Right before he told them to get off his lawn . . .

No boutique bass gear builders, whether it be luthiers, cab makers or pedal builders are getting rich off their endeavors. Buy what you dig and is in your price range. Personally I think the B3K clips sound awesome which is why I'm on the list for the first batch. But I certainly understand if that's too much to shell out for an overdrive pedal. There are plenty of great alternatives that cost less.

JimmyM · #18 08-23-2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared Lash

See I always had Jimmy pegged as the guy that would complain to any kids who would listen that in his day gas only cost a quarter a gallon. Right before he told them to get off his lawn . . .

how dare you, jared! gas in my day was 50c!

Mark Olson · #19 08-24-2010, 01:26 AM

I think the B3K is reasonably priced as far as dollar per tone goes. Sure you can spend half as much and sound mediocre, but who wants to do that? It's the only pedal I've heard without a tube in it that actually sounds like tubes. Genius! I too have owned everything and have had to switch to a low wattage tube amp to get the overdrive I desire, and I haven't touched an overdrive pedal for a very long time, but the B3K appeals even to me. It's THAT good in my book.

Darkglass · #20 08-24-2010, 01:41 AM

Thanks for the kind words Mark! Actually with the Microtubes, that was the whole idea! So, I am glad you liked it!

Regards

Doug