Behringer Bass V-AMP Pro - Part II: Get On Back, Jack, Do It Again...

[butcher]

Looks like you need a bigger rack now, Squad Member #45!

Thanks! Nah, the BBE, and effects processor are coming out

 

[butcher]

Just ran through the quick setup guide last night to fix the gain and eq setttings.

Was messing around with it just in the phones - sounds great! Can't wait to run it through my amp.

 

[butcher]

Question... what does this part mean in Tip#1
"Low= -6 dB, Mid = 0 dB, High = +12 dB"

Should you set the levels to this by default?

EDIT: I may have been over thinking. Are you saying that if you want low gain turn it back to -6, average gain set it to 0 and high gain turn it up to 12?

 

[subdude67]

......Are you saying that if you want low gain turn it back to -6, average gain set it to 0 and high gain turn it up to 12?

yes, that's it.

 

[CharlieC]

Question... what does this part mean in Tip#1
"Low= -6 dB, Mid = 0 dB, High = +12 dB"

Should you set the levels to this by default?

EDIT: I may have been over thinking. Are you saying that if you want low gain turn it back to -6, average gain set it to 0 and high gain turn it up to 12?

With MASTER INPUT GAIN set in the middle at 12 o'clock position, the V-AMP is neither boosting or cutting the signal level of your instrument, i.e. 0 dB change

With MASTER INPUT GAIN at its lowest setting, the V-AMP is cutting the signal level of your instrument by 6 dB, i.e. -6 dB change

With MASTER INPUT GAIN at its highest setting, the V-AMP is boosting the signal level of your instrument by 12 dB, i.e. +12 dB change

In my experience, with most passive instruments, the V-AMP will not operate at its best unless MASTER INPUT GAIN is at its highest setting, but your instrument(s) may require or benefit from lower settings.

 

[butcher]

Gotcha.

So that is the master gain setting.

Then once you set it how does the day-to-day gain control interact with it? Is that on top of the master setting? So, if you have the master all the way to +12dB, then the gain adjustments you make while you are playing are +12dB + whatever you do with the nob (noon= neither boost nor cut, to the right would be +12dB plus more boost?)

 

[CharlieC]

Gotcha.

So that is the master gain setting.

Then once you set it how does the day-to-day gain control interact with it? Is that on top of the master setting? So, if you have the master all the way to +12dB, then the gain adjustments you make while you are playing are +12dB + whatever you do with the nob (noon= neither boost nor cut, to the right would be +12dB plus more boost?)

Much like a trim pot on a mixing board's channel strip, the MASTER INPUT GAIN is used to level the playing field between your instrument's level and what the V-AMP best works with.

Just set it and forget it, unless you switch to another instrument that requires a MIG adjustment.

Cheers!

 

[butcher]

Trim pot on a mixer - great analogy. That makes sense - never experienced something like that on a component built for bass.

Makes sense though instead of the pad switch for active or hot signals.

Grazi!

Although I know we are supposed to use the analog unbalanced outs for feeding a power amp, do the XLR outs have a hot enough signal to drive the amp or are they meant to be "mic" level for input to a DI box / Mixer?

 

[CharlieC]

Trim pot on a mixer - great analogy. That makes sense - never experienced something like that on a component built for bass.

Makes sense though instead of the pad switch for active or hot signals.

Grazi!

Although I know we are supposed to use the analog unbalanced outs for feeding a power amp, do the XLR outs have a hot enough signal to drive the amp or are they meant to be "mic" level for input to a DI box / Mixer?

The V-AMP's XLR balanced outs are of fixed-level that output a very hot signal and are intended to feed a pro mixing desk.

The existence of these XLR outs mostly eliminates the need for external DI boxes and although strong enough to feed a power amp, I would not use them for that. See previous posts for details.

 

[redironman]

Thanks to you guys esp. CharlieC and caeman I have picked up a BVAP. It was £37 off eBay, fully functional.

I've read both threads and am putting it to use at church as a preamp into the only bass monitoring we have a powered full range PA cab. This is tilted back and was just plugged straight in.

I was using a zoom b2 which was ok amp sims but no tone colours.

The BVAP is awesome, already had compliments from congregation, worship leader and FOH guys. I've only set up an A-E of one bank so far. Some nice clean gold face to stat and a lovely soft warm tube pre.

We have a few guys who play and we'll see how we get on but at last we can put some sweet tone out there!

 

[CharlieC]

Thanks to you guys esp. CharlieC and caeman I have picked up a BVAP. It was £37 off eBay, fully functional.

I've read both threads and am putting it to use at church as a preamp into the only bass monitoring we have a powered full range PA cab. This is tilted back and was just plugged straight in.

I was using a zoom b2 which was ok amp sims but no tone colours.

The BVAP is awesome, already had compliments from congregation, worship leader and FOH guys. I've only set up an A-E of one bank so far. Some nice clean gold face to stat and a lovely soft warm tube pre.

We have a few guys who play and we'll see how we get on but at last we can put some sweet tone out there!

Congrats!

 

[redironman]

Hi this is great kit. Can I have a number?

Proud to be part of the crew!

 

[CharlieC]

Hi this is great kit. Can I have a number?

Proud to be part of the crew!

Welcome, Squad Member #46!

 

[redironman]

Thanks!

 

[ChicoMarx]

Need some group diagnostic services...

Inputs:

1. Wireless receiver is connected to BVAP at "Pre DSP Insert Line IN". Works when the Line In button on front is depressed. My wireless transmitter is used for my two active bases (fretted and unlined fretless 4-strings)

2. My passive 5-string and the Ergo EUB-4 (nicknamed "The Stick") are connected via floor switch between them to front input on the BVAP. These go through a small preamp beforehand to get them to the same volume level as the active bases. Don't have to mess with volume control when I switch basses.

Output:

BVAP is connected to my amp (Hartke HA7000 head) via a balanced cable from the left UltraG socket to the Effects Return jack on the amp. BVAP is set to Live 3.

Problems:

1. Master knob on the BVAP doesn't light up or have any effect on volume.
2. When I switch to the 5-string, the volume cuts in and out, even though I only moved the wireless body pack from the 4- to 5-string.
3. Crackling in the lines even with no bass connected.
4. Unacceptable distortion on some of the presets. (Yeah...I know...the presets suck...)

Steps taken:

1. All new cables. Brand new. Every one.
2. When I plug every bass into the front of my amp (full bypass) everything works fine.
3. When the wireless receiver is used by itself and not connected to the BVAP, no crackling or other noise.
4. Tested the small preamp and AB footswitch directly into my amp...no problem.

So...

Lots of issues when the BVAP is in the loop. Any ideas???

JC

Note: Gig on Saturday. Is this an easy fix or do I rewire everything to bypass the BVAP?

 

[CharlieC]

Need some group diagnostic services...

Inputs:

1. Wireless receiver is connected to BVAP at "Pre DSP Insert Line IN". Works when the Line In button on front is depressed. My wireless transmitter is used for my two active bases (fretted and unlined fretless 4-strings)

2. My passive 5-string and the Ergo EUB-4 (nicknamed "The Stick") are connected via floor switch between them to front input on the BVAP. These go through a small preamp beforehand to get them to the same volume level as the active bases. Don't have to mess with volume control when I switch basses.

Output:

BVAP is connected to my amp (Hartke HA7000 head) via a balanced cable from the left UltraG socket to the Effects Return jack on the amp. BVAP is set to Live 3.

Problems:

1. Master knob on the BVAP doesn't light up or have any effect on volume.
2. When I switch to the 5-string, the volume cuts in and out, even though I only moved the wireless body pack from the 4- to 5-string.
3. Crackling in the lines even with no bass connected.
4. Unacceptable distortion on some of the presets. (Yeah...I know...the presets suck...)

Steps taken:

1. All new cables. Brand new. Every one.
2. When I plug every bass into the front of my amp (full bypass) everything works fine.
3. When the wireless receiver is used by itself and not connected to the BVAP, no crackling or other noise.
4. Tested the small preamp and AB footswitch directly into my amp...no problem.

So...

Lots of issues when the BVAP is in the loop. Any ideas???

JC

Note: Gig on Saturday. Is this an easy fix or do I rewire everything to bypass the BVAP?

The main problem is that connection from the V-AMP to amp should be made with 1/4" LEFT unbalanced out to that amp's EFFECT RETURN jack. That will ensure that the V-AMP's MASTER VOLUME knob works as expected and that should also resolve the crackling/distortion issues. For various reasons mentioned numerous times in these posts, the V-AMP's XLR out should not be used as you currently are.

Also keep in mind that particular Hartke amp's EFFECT RETURN is unfortunately governed by tone shaping and other knobs on the front of the amp, so be sure those are set flat.

Good luck!

 

[ChicoMarx]

Gonna try it later tonight.

This is from the Behrintger website:

---------------------------------

Stellar on Stage

The BASS V-AMP PRO has three live configurations. When performing live with this device, you can either run it to an amp on stage, run directly to the mixing board, or both. Live Mode 1 is the best choice for running the outputs directly to the mixer, because it applies amp and speaker simulation, effects and an additional 3-band EQ.

Use Live Mode 2 to run the BASS V-AMP PRO into the effects return inputs of 2 different guitar amps. This configuration does not feature speaker simulation, allowing the amplifier's natural speaker sound to go unaltered. In this scenario, the amps would be mic'd on stage to get the sound to the house speakers, and having a dedicated monitor would be less important. In Live Mode 3, you can send the left output to an amp's eff ects return for onstage volume, while the right output sends signal to the main mixer for inclusion in the main house mix. Also note that you can press the TAP key while turning the GAIN knob to adjust the input sensitivity to match the output of your guitar's pickups. If the CLIP LED lights, the input's sensitivity should be reduced.

------------------------------------

So, in Live 3 mode, I can use the right unbalanced analog output to the mixer? Thought that would need a balanced xlr...

So... what are the xlr ports for???

JC

 

[ChicoMarx]

Well... That fixed a TON of issues!!!!!!!!!! The only problem left is why the 5-string is distorting. Gotta play with volume, gain and master plus the settings on the amp.

Here's the setup:

Got wireless hooked into line-in on the back of the BVAP. When I press the LINE IN button on the front, my wireless transmitter hooks to my two active basses (tricked-out Fernandez Gravity 4-string and my Dean Edge 4 unlined fretless...black body, black neck, black strings...the Stealth bass...). I just unplug one from the body pack and switch basses. Easy.

My two passive basses are an OLP (Musicman clone) Stingray 5-string and an Ergo EUB-4...upright bass...just one huge double bass stick on a tripod. These two are input into a small preamp to get (tweak) them up to the volume of the actives. The preamp outputs to a DOD footswitch which has the single input into the front of the BVAP.

All I have to do is press or release LINE IN and/or hit the footswitch to change the signal path to the bass I want. This is a hell of a lot of fun!!!!

Now I have to find a constant signal level for all four instruments and work up all the particular sounds I want for blues and funk. I figure another year before I get it right!!!!

You've been a great help Charlie. I'll let you know how it all turns out. The patching part still stumps me. I just want to get this working with some available presets (ugh...but necessary) and then move to creating the exact sound I want for each instrument/song. A real challenge but fun to do.

JC

 

[CharlieC]

Gonna try it later tonight.

This is from the Behrintger website:

---------------------------------

Stellar on Stage

The BASS V-AMP PRO has three live configurations. When performing live with this device, you can either run it to an amp on stage, run directly to the mixing board, or both. Live Mode 1 is the best choice for running the outputs directly to the mixer, because it applies amp and speaker simulation, effects and an additional 3-band EQ.

Use Live Mode 2 to run the BASS V-AMP PRO into the effects return inputs of 2 different guitar amps. This configuration does not feature speaker simulation, allowing the amplifier's natural speaker sound to go unaltered. In this scenario, the amps would be mic'd on stage to get the sound to the house speakers, and having a dedicated monitor would be less important. In Live Mode 3, you can send the left output to an amp's eff ects return for onstage volume, while the right output sends signal to the main mixer for inclusion in the main house mix. Also note that you can press the TAP key while turning the GAIN knob to adjust the input sensitivity to match the output of your guitar's pickups. If the CLIP LED lights, the input's sensitivity should be reduced.

------------------------------------

So, in Live 3 mode, I can use the right unbalanced analog output to the mixer? Thought that would need a balanced xlr...

So... what are the xlr ports for???

JC

I would avoid those suggestions, much like I would the confusing V-AMP owner's manual.

The XLR outs indeed exist to feed a balanced signal over longer cable runs to a mixing board and do a better job at that than any 1/4" unbalanced alternatives.

Depending on the chosen OPERATING MODE, Ultra-G cabinet simulation may or may not be present on the XLR outs, providing some additional functionality.

Cheers!

 

[MAGUS®]

I cant seem to get the ' grittyness or 'dirt' tone out of a lot of my presets, so i'm wondering if the ' drive ' button is enabled.

I cannot figure out how to activate that drive button to turn drive off, as i dislike overdrive with a passion.

Just turning the gain or mids down doesnt help, so i'm figuring something else is causing the gritty / overdriven tones

any help appreciated

I run L3 - no cab sims, as i run into a PV IPR 1600 P.Amp and then to a BFM 2x10