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Tube Challenge III - Ampeg B-15N vs. Sansamp VT

Which is the real B-15N?

  • File 1

    Votes: 10 40.0%

  • File 2

    Votes: 15 60.0%
  • Total voters
    25
  • Poll closed .
Status
Not open for further replies.
JimmyM

JimmyM

Apr 11, 2005
127,255
125,172
Plymouth NC
Disclosures
Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
#1
Which one is the real B-15N?

File 1:

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File 2:

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Both these recordings were DI'd directly into my computer. One was done with a Hughes and Kettner Red Box Classic run as a speaker DI from a 1977 Ampeg B-15N, the other from a Sansamp VT Bass Character pedal that I just scored today and set to emulate my B-15N. I must apologize for the noise, but the B-15N/Red Box setup didn't have too high a signal, so I decided to boost it on the computer rather than use a preamp that might have colored the results. I also recorded the VT at a similar low level to keep from giving one the advantage over the other. So they're noisy, but you can still tell the tones, I think.


EDIT: Forgot a couple things. I used an SX PJ bass with both pickups on full, and I didn't use the setting that Tech 21 recommends for the B-15. It was similar, but I used way less drive and gave the low and mid knob a slight boost past flat.

So let fly with your comments and rotten tomatoes, but don't beat me up like you did Tom Bowlus ;)

Poll will stay open for 5 days...I'll give the results when I'm sure everyone's voted that wants to.
 
#12
Mods, please close this thread, OK? After listening again, I can't accept the noise of those files, so I think what I'm going to do is re-record them and use my Microbass II as a volume boost. It's a very transparent preamp, so I think that would be fair if I boosted them both with it. Lot less noisy, too. Then I'll do the poll again. Thanks for bearing with me.

EDIT: I've got a ground loop somewhere and don't feel like looking for it tonight. Sorry. I'll give it another shot tomorrow or Thursday if I can.
 
#14
Funny, I hear it the other way around, the first file sounds more articulate and cleaner to me. I like the first file better FWIW. I can't decide whether the B15 is the one that "sounds better" or the one that sounds dirtier and mushier and thus more authentically an old tube amp. :p Looking forward to the second round of clips!
 
#16
Hey folks, I think I'm going to wait until I get my SVT back from the shop. I'm not having any luck eliminating this ground loop. So if I use the SVT, I can get enough volume out of it to where I can plug the Red Box directly into the computer, and I think it will be less noisy. It's done and I'm supposed to pick it up today, but apparently we're about to get hit with a hurricane. But I don't think anyone's going anywhere, and if you are, you probably won't care about pedals where you're going ;) So please be patient with me and I'll get a proper AB test going.
 
#19
Thread closed as per Jimmy's request. Let's have another go when he does some clips he's happier with. :)

Jimmy, just to put people out of their misery, if you'd like to PM me the answer for the two original clips, I'll post it here. I can't see any reason not to - in fact, it will give folks more idea about the differences if they can get it right twice (or get it right next time if they're wrong this time).
 
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