Sansamp VT vs Sansamp Prog. Bass Driver

jessicabass · #1 01-02-2010, 07:15 AM

I finally have my rig set up and running thanks to all you tber's help and suggestions. I am using a Randall500 Head going into a Hartke 8x10. Wow! what a sound. But I wanted to get a sansamp to use at certain times considering we are an original band but dont stick to just one genre of sound. The sound I want is a fat warm clean tube sound with good bottom end even on the higher strings. Which in your opinion would give that sound better, the VT pedal or Bass Driver? I read reviews all the time about the VT but all they ever say is how gritty the sound is.

FreaqyFrequency · #2 01-02-2010, 08:22 AM

First of all, welcome to Talkbass!

Both the VT Bass and the Programmable Bass Driver have tons of low end and warmth to spare. The tradeoff with the two has been, in my experience, that the Bass Driver doesn't really have much in terms of midrange content, so you may experience problems cutting through the mix if you don't set it up to retain some midrange.

The VT Bass, obviously, doesn't have presets, but it has quite a bit of midrange presence. If your objective is to nail the legendary fat, warm sound of the SVT, it will do it.

Charles Fields · #3 01-02-2010, 08:31 AM

I just got the vt already have the driver and the bass compactor the vt is more to my liking freaky nailed it,the vt is the missing part of the bass driver but does not have a lowz to the board,i'm sure if you wait a bit tech 21 will have both in one package or you could get the mod. availible for the vt. for the lowz plug.

FreaqyFrequency · #4 01-02-2010, 08:35 AM

Ah yes, I did miss that the BDDI does have a DI out, whereas the VT does not. If necessary, you can have the VT modified to include one. There was a thread about someone who did recently, in fact.

Rickett Customs · #5 01-02-2010, 08:51 AM

The 2 are definitely different. The VT has much more grind to it, or at least you'll be able to more out of it. The BDDI gives you a 'cleaner' drive than the VT, just can't get as "dirty' as the VT. Other than the fact that the BDDI has a DI out.

JimmyM · #6 01-03-2010, 12:50 AM

vt absolutely does clean tubey sounds. it will grind but it doesn't have to.

however, i would wait a couple weeks. tech 21 has been dropping hints that they have new products they'll be showing at the winter namm show in two weeks. i'm thinking possibly a bddi or pbddi version of the vt.

dkhp124 · #7 01-03-2010, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

tech 21 has been dropping hints that they have new products they'll be showing at the winter namm show in two weeks. i'm thinking possibly a bddi or pbddi version of the vt.

MIJ-VI · #8 01-03-2010, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

vt absolutely does clean tubey sounds. it will grind but it doesn't have to.

however, i would wait a couple weeks. tech 21 has been dropping hints that they have new products they'll be showing at the winter namm show in two weeks. i'm thinking possibly a bddi or pbddi version of the vt.

And hopefully the other bass-friendly Character Series pedals too!

--------

@jessicabass.

If Tech 21 doesn't offer up VT Bass 2.0 this month there's always Plan B:

VT Bass Mod (w/pics)

jessicabass · #9 01-03-2010, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

vt absolutely does clean tubey sounds. it will grind but it doesn't have to.

however, i would wait a couple weeks. tech 21 has been dropping hints that they have new products they'll be showing at the winter namm show in two weeks. i'm thinking possibly a bddi or pbddi version of the vt.

Thank you sir, Ill just have to keep that gas in check till then

walker rosewood · #10 01-06-2010, 04:45 PM

Just got a programmable BDDI today from another TB'er. I had to find a related thread to express my amazement. It's nice to have 3 different sounds. The mid scoop isn't an issue for me. The two band EQ is very powerful. Used correctly you'll have more mids then you'll know what to do with. If a sweepable was really necessary, I'd run it into the preamp on my Ampeq, with it's 9 band graphic. With my passive jazz bass, the overdrive is just sweet and mild. But I discovered that I can use an LS-2 as a boost, and get some serious distortion from the PBDDI.

I tried it through my input, effects return, power amp in, and my living room PA. A little bit of level tweaking and it sounded great through everything.

I'll quit ranting know.

oh and +1 on waiting for new products, if you plan on buying new.

Sahm · #11 01-06-2010, 04:55 PM

If you're looking for versatility, it's hard to beat the BDDI. I have the Deluxe, and always just go direct from it. Soundguys love it! If you're doing a lot of multi-band gigs, it's great to have your exact sound right at your feet, so if you have to share a backline, you can bring your sound with you.

Rickett Customs · #12 01-06-2010, 04:57 PM

Yeah If I do get the VT, I'll wait for a DI version, sorry Jimmy

JimmyM · #13 01-06-2010, 06:06 PM

no problem, jason. wasn't a deal breaker for me, but i guess i can dig that it would be for others.