Sansamp VT Bass Deluxe vs. Bass Driver Deluxe

subopposite · #1 10-14-2010, 07:56 PM

So, it seems I would like one of these two. Which one? Both are DI. Is the VT Deluxe just a year newer version basically. Is there different tonal schemes for each one. I have been reviewing and they both seem cool to me. From what I have gathered the VT maybe has some more modern tones that are useful.

I believe both can have 3 settings for 2 basses or 6 settings for 1 bass. Just trying to figure out the differences. I mean they are made by the same company, so they have to be different I would think.

Any help??? Thanks.

Chowowbus · #2 10-14-2010, 08:54 PM

VT emulates an SVT. If you want that sound that is the go to pedal.
I use the bass driver because I like that particular sound combined with my GK head.
Get both...

behndy · #3 10-14-2010, 09:00 PM

they are pretty different actually. they took the VT Bass pedal and jammed it's characteristics into the same box with the same options as the Bass Driver Deluxe.

sounds a lot different.

subopposite · #4 10-15-2010, 09:27 AM

Isn't the VT lacking an XLR or something that the bass driver has. Now that I know VT is Ampeggy in degrees and the other one is "who knows what....just an adjustable noise maker that people dig" the after question would be what plugs or features are missing on the VT that the Bass driver has.

12bass · #5 10-15-2010, 09:32 AM

Except for the blend control which is absent in the VT, both deluxe versions have the same basic features, including XLR. As mentioned above, the VT was designed to emulate Ampeg sounds, so it has a somewhat different tone. The relevant info on the differences in features is on the Tech 21 website.

jpTron · #6 10-15-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subopposite

Isn't the VT lacking an XLR or something that the bass driver has. Now that I know VT is Ampeggy in degrees and the other one is "who knows what....just an adjustable noise maker that people dig" the after question would be what plugs or features are missing on the VT that the Bass driver has.

VT has mid control

subopposite · #7 10-15-2010, 09:43 AM

that's right JPtron,

i do remember reading reviews about the original bass driver and the only bad comments were the mids.

thanks all.

Lemoore-on · #8 10-15-2010, 01:19 PM

I have been using both (not at the same time) as a pre amp into a Crown XLS 1500 power amp thru one or two goliath 4x10 cabs.

The VT is an Ampeg simulator. It seams to always have a warm "wooly" roundish kinda sound to it. (Like a tennis ball) I have been using it at rehearsals playing with settings trying to find the right sound for the right song(Cover Band). I think I'm ready to gig with it and tonight will be the night!

The BDDI Deluxe is a different animal. to me its an edgy tight modern sound, (like a block of machined steel) a little too mid scooped for most of the songs we play.

I wish I could get a little of both in programable pedal!

G.Bisson · #9 10-15-2010, 01:29 PM

thats a good way to generalize the two.

VT = old school, with more mids

BDDI = modern, with more lows

tech21nyc · #10 10-19-2010, 11:19 AM

Our VT Bass Deluxe has a fuller midrange sound and is capable of producing a more aggressive overdriven sound. The Bass Driver Deluxe has a more scooped midrange and has more of a vintage type of tone.

mwhan · #11 10-19-2010, 11:25 AM

So the Bass Driver is better for vintage tones? I was under the impression that it was the other way around for whatever reason. If thats true I guess I won't be selling my BDDI for the VT.

tech21nyc · #12 10-19-2010, 11:47 AM

No sorry I meant the opposite. The VT Bass has the more vintage type of tone. Of course sound is very subjective and to some a vintage bass tone would be the old 60's Motown sound while others might consider early Rush or Van Halen vintage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr8kdWpB3U4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tnd1vjtkIk

subopposite · #13 10-19-2010, 01:28 PM

From all the you tubes that i have heard, i like the VT a lot better or seems it has more usable sounds that I am interested in.

lowdownstu · #14 10-19-2010, 05:23 PM

I was in the unenviable position of blowing one of my christmas bonuses on the bddi deluxe, only to have the VT deluxe show it's face a few months later!!!!
I honestly would have prefered the VT but am stuck with the driver. Having said that, the BDDI is still a cool peice of kit. And it is a touchy and not so intuitive little bugger. About once a year I've dialed in something that looks like it should be wrong, but sounds so right!
I honestly (enventually) found the factory presets a great starting point to tweak from.

G.Bisson · #15 10-20-2010, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowdownstu

And it is a touchy and not so intuitive little bugger. About once a year I've dialed in something that looks like it should be wrong, but sounds so right!

I'm still finding new sounds hidden in this black box too. There are some unique tones lurking in the shadows of the bass knob. Turn 'bass' back around 10o'clock with 'drive' past noon and 'volume' cranked. The 'Bassman Style' shown in the manual is a close starting point, then turn 'bass' down, 'treb' down even more, and 'gain' up.

tech21nyc · #16 10-20-2010, 08:44 AM

Because the tone controls on our SansAmp products are active small tweaks in tone go a long way. Plus the controls are interactive. For instance with the Bass Driver DI which has a midrange scoop you can also boost the midrange by lowering the bass and treble controls. The main thing to remember with active controls is that they will boost or lower the overall volume as well so you need to keep that in mind when trying to alter your tone.

jpTron · #17 10-20-2010, 08:56 AM

Has anyone done a frequency response on the BDDI like has been done for the VT as seen in this thread?

VT Bass frequency response plots

BluesMan845 · #18 11-22-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech21nyc

Because the tone controls on our SansAmp products are active small tweaks in tone go a long way. Plus the controls are interactive. For instance with the Bass Driver DI which has a midrange scoop you can also boost the midrange by lowering the bass and treble controls. The main thing to remember with active controls is that they will boost or lower the overall volume as well so you need to keep that in mind when trying to alter your tone.

I am curious what type of bass you developed your presets ( in the manual ) for.. Would you consider an active, modern bass closest to what you used or would a passive fender style bass be closer to what you used?

I am asking because I have a Carvin LB70 which is active and a crappy danelectro longhorn reissue which is definitely passive. The presets sound better on the Danelectro and I find most of the presets on the Carvin are too overdriven leading me to think you developed your presets on a passive style bass.

Swift713 · #19 11-22-2010, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpTron

Has anyone done a frequency response on the BDDI like has been done for the VT as seen in this thread?

VT Bass frequency response plots

There was a thread like that on the BDDI frequency response a couple years ago. Maybe try searching. IIRC, the upshot seemed to be that there was a pretty big notch at about 850hz with the bass, treble, and presence at 12:00.

tech21nyc · #20 11-23-2010, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluesMan845

I am curious what type of bass you developed your presets ( in the manual ) for.. Would you consider an active, modern bass closest to what you used or would a passive fender style bass be closer to what you used?

I am asking because I have a Carvin LB70 which is active and a crappy danelectro longhorn reissue which is definitely passive. The presets sound better on the Danelectro and I find most of the presets on the Carvin are too overdriven leading me to think you developed your presets on a passive style bass.

I went through the same thing last night with my bass and our Leeds pedal. The suggested settings are really just that, suggested. The basses we have here are a 70's P Bass and J Bass. Of course your playing style, (hard or soft, with or without pick) and your bass will ultimately dictate the final outcome. It's best to think of the suggested settings as starting points and take it from there. Too much gain, turn it down, not enough low end, turn up the bass etc. Our pedals are designed to sound and "react" like a tube amp.