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Tech 21 VT Bass (Part 2)

RCCollins

RCCollins

Mar 23, 2008
7,846
117
San Diego, California
#1
continued from this thread

i'll start things off with a question for you VT owners:

do you think the VT Bass makes a good OD for a tube amp?

I've used it for such and it didn't really work for me. Too clangy at most settings. Harsh high end. That kind of thing is a matter of taste, but I wonder if anyone else has tried it out that way, or if its strength is really "tube sim" with a solid-state amp
 
#5
BrickIsRed said:
Does anyone know if there's a new version of the VT Bass in development?
Click to expand...
There have been rumors that a three-channel version (Like the PBDDI) is in the works, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it. Even if they are working on it, I doubt that they will release it for a couple of years at least. They'll probably wait for the buzz about the VT to run down a bit, and release the programable version to create more buzz. Heck, the VT's been out for almost a year, and people are still buying them like hotcakes.
 
#6
I didn't think it was so hot as an OD for a tube amp at first either, and then I turned up my B-15 really loud and tried to match the VT to it, and found that it's pretty much a dead-on match with a little tweaking.
 
#8
bassman1185 said:
I haven't used it with a tube amp, but I don't think that the VT excells as an overdrive stompbox. It works as that, yes, but I think that it's much more usable as a preamp. Granted, I do run mine with a mildly overdriven sound, but when I need anything more than just a little bit of "Pushed Ampeg" grit, I use my Hematoma.
Click to expand...

thanks, that is useful to me. I also use a hema with my Mesa Buster, and I've been thinking of adding a second OD for quicker access to mild grit - tried a couple barbers recently and the LTD SR was appealing, but it would be great if I could get something in the same price range that I could use as a DI

so I might have to give it another try, is what i'm saying
 
#10
bassman1185 said:
There have been rumors that a three-channel version (Like the PBDDI) is in the works, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it. Even if they are working on it, I doubt that they will release it for a couple of years at least. They'll probably wait for the buzz about the VT to run down a bit, and release the programable version to create more buzz. Heck, the VT's been out for almost a year, and people are still buying them like hotcakes.
Click to expand...

The PBDDI is a 2-channel, i thought? The Para-Driver is a 3-channel, but I believe the BDDI is newer? I always see the BDDI in bass categories on websites, but never the PDDI though it seems more versatile?

and as far as VT-Bass vs BDDI as merely a stompbox (though the DI could be useful in the future, not necessary now), which is better? it seems the BDDI is a little edgier, but the VT-Bass is more versatile in tone?
 
#11
It's the best "overdrive" for me because I prefer the slightly driven power tube sound. I find it most usable. I have barely used my English Muff'n or Boss ODB since getting this pedal. If I want "fuzz" or lots of distortion all I would have to do is crank up the drive or char on the VT....If I sold those other pedals I possibly would never miss them!!
 
#12
Getaway Driver said:
The PBDDI is a 2-channel, i thought? The Para-Driver is a 3-channel, but I believe the BDDI is newer? I always see the BDDI in bass categories on websites, but never the PDDI though it seems more versatile?

and as far as VT-Bass vs BDDI as merely a stompbox (though the DI could be useful in the future, not necessary now), which is better? it seems the BDDI is a little edgier, but the VT-Bass is more versatile in tone?
Click to expand...

The PBDDI is a 3 channel version of the BDDI, and there is also a PBDDI Deluxe which has 4 channels. The Paradriver is a (single channel)BDDI with semi-parametric mids. The paradrivers don't pop up in the classifieds nearly as much as the BDDI, I think because it was more expensive and came out a while after the BDDI, but it's definitely worth the wait in my opinion, as it has mids, all the BDDI's tones and then some.

As far as which is better (VT vs the bass drivers) comes down to personal preference and DI use, but the VT has been getting a lot of love and many would probably say that the VT has a better tone-- better ampeg-tube emulation at least.
 
#13
fightthepower said:
The PBDDI is a 3 channel version of the BDDI, and there is also a PBDDI Deluxe which has 4 channels. The Paradriver is a (single channel)BDDI with semi-parametric mids. The paradrivers don't pop up in the classifieds nearly as much as the BDDI, I think because it was more expensive and came out a while after the BDDI, but it's definitely worth the wait in my opinion, as it has mids, all the BDDI's tones and then some.

As far as which is better (VT vs the bass drivers) comes down to personal preference and DI use, but the VT has been getting a lot of love and many would probably say that the VT has a better tone-- better ampeg-tube emulation at least.
Click to expand...
OK, clarification time on the different "Driver" DIs:

BDDI - BassDriver DI - Single Channel with bass, treble and presence controls (no mids)
PBDDI - Programable BassDriver DI - Three channels, otherwise the same as the BDDI
PDDI - ParaDriver DI - Single Channel with bass, midrange, midrange frequency and treble controls.
PBDDID - Programable BassDriver DI Deluxe - two input, programable version of the BDDI with an effects loop and two banks of three presets. The effects loop can be assigned to specific presets.

I hope that clarifies things for some of you.
 
#14
bassman1185 said:
OK, clarification time on the different "Driver" DIs:

BDDI - BassDriver DI - Single Channel with bass, treble and presence controls (no mids)
PBDDI - Programable BassDriver DI - Three channels, otherwise the same as the BDDI
PDDI - ParaDriver DI - Single Channel with bass, midrange, midrange frequency and treble controls.
PBDDID - Programable BassDriver DI Deluxe - two input, programable version of the BDDI with an effects loop and two banks of three presets. The effects loop can be assigned to specific presets.

I hope that clarifies things for some of you.
Click to expand...

I think some folks are just confused by the fact that the Paradriver doesn't have the word "bass" in its name.
 
#15
Jesus, two threads and a zillion posts later here I am chiming in way past the point of anybody caring anymore.....

My wife just got me one of these for an early Father's Day present. It was a Musician's Friend Scratch n' Dent special...mini nick on the pedal & the metal box it came it was dented.
A smidge over $100.

I used it for the first time at rehearsal last night....

This pedal takes me the closest I've ever been to that elusive tone in my head. It is truly an always on pedal. My original goal for this pedal was the continuation of my quest for the perfect bass distortion (which I'm still convinced doesn't exist!) and I haven't played around with this thing enough to see if it can do it or not because I can't get past the incredible tone it provides in the SVT-ish-but-almost-to-the-Fliptop-setting! It's the perfect "on the edge" tone with enough authoritative clank & buttery ass end (apologies to Marlon Brando). I've sacked all of my other pedals in favor of this one.

Yowza.....daddy like!

Thanks to everybody for their setting suggestions & advice (especially JimmyM). I've been following the original thread since it's inception. I can't believe I waited so long to get one of these.

Enjoy your weekend.
 
#16
Glad it worked out so well for you, Maestro. Always get a little nervous when people say they're going to buy stuff on my advice because it's still 50/50 whether they'll like it or not. But I have gotten a lot of happy ending stories from people with the VT, and I'm always happy to hear another one!
 
#17
Yikes! The other thread was a massive overflow. I'll also chime in on my experiences with the VT Bass. I also purchased one after JimmyM did those VT Bass vs Ampeg SVT and VT Bass vs Ampeg B-15N clips. I haven't been disappointed in the least by this pedal. I run it through my SVT-4Pro and it is good old Ampeg tube warmth in a box. Gets me those good old growly tones on all the old Motown albums my parents/grandparents listened to when I was little. Totally nailed the tones I had wished that were in my amp to begin with. :D It's a nearly 100% on effect for me unless I want to change drive pedals or need a more modern tone (I've got it set for a darker tone. Gain 8:30, Character 7:00, Bass 11:30, Mids 12:15, Treble 11:00). Loving this pedal! :bassist:
 
#19
&*$^%# TB GAS-inspiring threads!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: ;)

GAS wins again. I just ordered a VT from The Perfect Bass. The 15% discount (total price: $127.46) made it irresistible. I've been bordering on buying one for months, and I finally caved.

I can hardly wait for it to arrive. I've never even seen one in person before, so it's a bit of a leap of faith. I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it, though, I'm a sucker for the Ampeg sound.
 
#20
Jjango said:
&*$^%# TB GAS-inspiring threads!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: ;)

GAS wins again. I just ordered a VT from The Perfect Bass. The 15% discount (total price: $127.46) made it irresistible. I've been bordering on buying one for months, and I finally caved.

I can hardly wait for it to arrive. I've never even seen one in person before, so it's a bit of a leap of faith. I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it, though, I'm a sucker for the Ampeg sound.
Click to expand...

Just keep in mind that the knobs are sensitive (it will drive a power amp with the volume) and the suggested settings are not great (throw that piece of paper away).
 

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