Para Driver versus VT Bass

[Nyarlathotep]

I tried a few searches and nothing came up.

Im looking for a clean, yet tubish tone shaper and preamp. I like my Muff'n for distortion and fuzz and I like the way my Peaveys tube emulation smooths it out, yet lets it rip when I kick in the boost before the Muff'n. My major conundrum is whether I can use the VT that way, or if I would be better off with the PDDI's mid shift.

I've got my peaveys mid set to around 1.5KHz. Can the VT phatten up the Muff'n, yet let it sparkle/grind/rip?

Im also looking for something that can push a poweramp. Im sure I've read that the VT can, and I know that the PDDI can. I am looking for the last piece of my headphone setup.

I looked into the EBS microbass at one point, but its too expensive IMHO, and my DD-20 (which has a headphone out) has me hooked with its looping and reverse awesome

[JimmyM]

The Microbass is a very clean, very transparent preamp. I honestly don't hear it impacting the sound of my bass whatsoever. It has a drive function and a sweepable mid control, but it's not what you're looking for.

I'd take the VT pedal over anything Sansamp ever made in the past, but it doesn't give you that exacting control over the 1.5K you can get with the Para Driver. However, the Character knob on the VT is a very versatile upper mid booster, so it may work for you. I don't know which one you'll prefer, but there's no way in hell I'd take the Para Driver over the VT.

[Nikoubis]

Mid shift pwns anything offered by the Character knob. IMHO.

[stflbn]

VT can get as warm as you want it to. Can push a power amp. And has mid control.

Para driver has a controllable mid control and not the vast changes in character that the VT has.

I'd suggest VT based on your comments above.

[gillento]

I prefer my paradriver to the VT. But apparently I am the only one who doesn't like the VT....

[NoHomework81]

Yeah... I'm not sure if I'm on the VT wagon quite yet. I have been wondering the same question for weeks now, and certainly appreciate all thoughts from those who've used both. Perhaps I just need to take my stuff down to the music shop and try the Paradriver and GT2 next to the VT.
I will say that the sounds I'm getting in a mix/with the band are pretty excellent. By itself, though, it's not as much fun for me.

[bassman1185]

VT, no question. I hate the sound of the PDDI (too honkey and nasal sounding to my ears; not musical sounding at all) but I absolutely love my VT Bass. It will also push a power amp without a problem.

[Nyarlathotep]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

The Microbass is a very clean, very transparent preamp. I honestly don't hear it impacting the sound of my bass whatsoever. It has a drive function and a sweepable mid control, but it's not what you're looking for.

I'd take the VT pedal over anything Sansamp ever made in the past, but it doesn't give you that exacting control over the 1.5K you can get with the Para Driver. However, the Character knob on the VT is a very versatile upper mid booster, so it may work for you. I don't know which one you'll prefer, but there's no way in hell I'd take the Para Driver over the VT.

Thanks for the great reply Interesting to hear that the MBII is really transparent

I found a really good "video" (just a bunch of pics strung together) on the 'Tube: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr8kdWpB3U4 There were a couple where the sound seemed pretty close to what I'd want (0:23 is one ). Honestly I could care less if it gives me exact mid freqs and such, just something that can get a little bright, as whichever one I get would just become my preamp.

Cost and timewise Im leaning towards the VT. I'd have to order the PDDI in, but I can literally walk in and get the VT. I also remember the PDDI being a LOT darker than any samples I've heard with the VT.

[Badong]

Anyone else have experience with both?