Double Bass Breaking News NEW EDB-2 VAP From Headway

[rickwolff]

I just received this exciting news from John Littler at Headway

Re: New Pre-amps coming out.

EDB-2 VAP ( Special UK Intro Retail = £499.95) - Expected release from Feb ’23 onwards
EDB-2 VAP STUDIO ( GB Retail = £629.95 - later release in 2023 ) - Pre-Release Notes

Building on the success of the EDB line,
we have an upgraded, expanded version out soon by Headway Music Audio Ltd

EDB-2 VAP ~ Valve Alchemy Pro is powered by a PSU or Battery backup, but rotary tuneable high pass filter controls ( as on EDM-1 H.E ) are on both Channels ( great for D'Bass & Cello players to fine tune out the boom), two XLR In's (stereo) with 48v phantom on each channel, XLR Outs on each Ch ( one with switchable routing - Ch.1, Ch.2 ( channel splitting ) or blended options, plus Pre/Post EQ switching), a valve blendable for both channels or to be doubled on Ch.1 as "Rich Harmonics", plus the High Harmonics pot from H.E.A.T., ( Harmonically Enhanced Analogue Tech ) as on EDB-2 H.E

Channel 2 has an Insert Point added for Send & Return . It even features a USB Charger

With 700 components, there's also a USB output (STUDIO Version), bringing us into digital interface for the first time. The circuits are upgraded re. low current draw. It's a considerably larger Aluminium housing but with all the other features on EDB-2 H.E.

The sound is exquisite ( in our opinion). It kills piezo quack, adds warmth, adds top end to magnetic pickups or dynamic mic's they cannot themselves produce and can separate strings audibly.

Supplied with: Low Noise PSU

( Lithium PP3 batteries needed for Battery Backup are not included - will not power valve )

Chest Bag in Leather (PU) with extra compartment and Headway logo

STUDIO Version - extra features:
USB digital summed output, tonally upgraded Mic Inputs ( 2 x XLR IN ), Lower noise circuits. Lithium Backup batteries will not last long!

EDB-2 VAP should also be sought after by Orchestral players and even gets into Semi Acoustic/Electric Guitar /Electric Bass territory. Made in Poland.

EDB-2 VAP approx. dimensions : 220 x 120 x 40mm. Updates features & layout - Legends Print

 

[bassically_eli]

This sounds awesome! I'm definitely going to be emailing John about the trade-in program. My only critique is that I really wish they would make the FX-loop switchable between one/both channels. That way I could put a tuner in the FX loop and mute both channels. It would also be nice to have an EQ pedal on both channels for switching to arco.

P.S.--I don't think the images you attached are working. There is a generic image icon, but the actual images won't load for me.

 

[bdowd]

Rick, I can't see the pics of the vap, either on my phone or laptop. Could you repost those in some way?
Thanks!

 

[rickwolff]

How's this:

 

[bdowd]

Yesss! Thanks.

 

[John Littler]

This sounds awesome! I'm definitely going to be emailing John about the trade-in program. My only critique is that I really wish they would make the FX-loop switchable between one/both channels. That way I could put a tuner in the FX loop and mute both channels. It would also be nice to have an EQ pedal on both channels for switching to arco.

P.S.--I don't think the images you attached are working. There is a generic image icon, but the actual images won't load for me.

Hi Eli. that is an interesting angle. You do realise that as well as send and return sockets on Ch.1, there is an Insert Point on Ch.2, which is Send and Return when used with a "Y" lead ( Stereo Jack Plug to 2 x Mono jacks ), which are commonly available now at modest cost. You could have a tuner with In and Out sockets placed in line on the Insert Point and to switch that into operation when you need it.

On the different EQ for Arco, you could put tiny fluorescent stickers next to the Arco position on EQ controls, or something like tippex, which can be scratched off probably without marking it. Maybe I spoke too soon on that last point?

Thank you

John of Headway

 

[bassically_eli]

Hi Eli. that is an interesting angle. You do realise that as well as send and return sockets on Ch.1, there is an Insert Point on Ch.2, which is Send and Return when used with a "Y" lead ( Stereo Jack Plug to 2 x Mono jacks ), which are commonly available now at modest cost. You could have a tuner with In and Out sockets placed in line on the Insert Point and to switch that into operation when you need it.

On the different EQ for Arco, you could put tiny fluorescent stickers next to the Arco position on EQ controls, or something like tippex, which can be scratched off probably without marking it. Maybe I spoke too soon on that last point?

Thank you

John of Headway

I did not realize it had the FX loop AND the insert Jack, not until I saw that picture anyway. Very cool. That could be useful, and there are probably tuners with stereo I/Os that would work.

As for the knob makers, fiddling with knobs is what I need to avoid. I've been playing a lot of gypsy jazz recently, and I take a lot of arco solos, so there is no time to adjust volume and/or EQ (the bow is louder than pizz). I only have about 2 beats to put the bow back in the quiver and get back to keeping time. Fortunately, my current setup doesn't really need adjustment when switching to arco (I adjust my technique and bow hold), and if I do use a pedal, it's mostly the pickup that needs it. The mic is more forgiving.

 

[John Littler]

I did not realize it had the FX loop AND the insert Jack, not until I saw that picture anyway. Very cool. That could be useful, and there are probably tuners with stereo I/Os that would work.

As for the knob makers, fiddling with knobs is what I need to avoid. I've been playing a lot of gypsy jazz recently, and I take a lot of arco solos, so there is no time to adjust volume and/or EQ (the bow is louder than pizz). I only have about 2 beats to put the bow back in the quiver and get back to keeping time. Fortunately, my current setup doesn't really need adjustment when switching to arco (I adjust my technique and bow hold), and if I do use a pedal, it's mostly the pickup that needs it. The mic is more forgiving.

Eli, you could try a Morley Volume pedal or a gain booster A-B pedal? John of Headway

 

[AGCurry]

... adds top end to magnetic pickups or dynamic mic's they cannot themselves produce ...

Aside from the unwanted apostrophe, why would I want a preamp that does this?

 

[John Littler]

Sorry about the auto punctuation AGCurry. My assistant is pedantic about English and has gone through the extensive manual with a fine tooth comb, but not here.

Bass players often like small amounts of the H.E.A.T High harmonics while cutting down treble, as it audibly separates the strings. I would interpret this as a 3D effect, but does not have to sound remotely trebly. The Valve or rich harmonics is more about warmth and a slower response, cutting piezo quack, but also adds a few high harmonics. People like the sound, virtually universally. John of Headway

 

[flatback]

John Littler has been making tailored products for 10 years now that consistently, reach for maximum benefit for us specifically (upright bassists) This new hybrid SS/Valve preamp with the best of both worlds + 2 channels+ a tiny footprint looks and I am sure sounds stellar. I am just so impressed with how he dials in new features based on what players really need.
Having the tube do just what we need and the SS EQ/routing do what we need all in one small package...at a price point that really seems to be as low as possible without compromising the functions is pure genius.
Plug in an original EDB1, still sounds great and works well.
Back when I first realized that John's ideas and products were so crazy good, he had a pickup (not the Band) that you drilled into the bridge. Invasive, but I thought if anyone could make a better pickup that really got it right it would be Headway. I hope after these excellent upgrades in the preamp line, he may rethink piezo pickup design . I would love to see what came of that.

 

[rickwolff]

John Littler has been making tailored products for 10 years now that consistently, reach for maximum benefit for us specifically (upright bassists) This new hybrid SS/Valve preamp with the best of both worlds + 2 channels+ a tiny footprint looks and I am sure sounds stellar. I am just so impressed with how he dials in new features based on what players really need.
Having the tube do just what we need and the SS EQ/routing do what we need all in one small package...at a price point that really seems to be as low as possible without compromising the functions is pure genius.
Plug in an original EDB1, still sounds great and works well.
Back when I first realized that John's ideas and products were so crazy good, he had a pickup (not the Band) that you drilled into the bridge. Invasive, but I thought if anyone could make a better pickup that really got it right it would be Headway. I hope after these excellent upgrades in the preamp line, he may rethink piezo pickup design . I would love to see what came of that.

Stay tuned. It may be a bit further down the line but I know the mad scientist (or engineer) has more things up his sleeve. (emoji of 'Gear Junkie' salivating).

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Nice to see this coming to fruition! John and I had conversations about this product (I was sworn to secrecy) back in the early summer time. Really looking forward to seeing how well it works with URB. I've generally not liked the tone that tubes (valves) usually impart on an upright bass signal, but I'm keeping an open mind and waiting to hear the results on this new preamp with my own ears.

 

[John Littler]

That's very kind Flatback. This is a welcome distraction from overdue accounts which I loath. The D-Bass bridge pickup using piezo cable in routed slots under feet had a few very strong reactions but didn't sell for obvious reasons really.

We are also working on a 2-3 way modular system with new technology mini microphones ( everyone else in this field seems to have missed so far) and hopefully making semi enclosed versions work sufficiently to beat feedback, plus high sensitivity piezos and tailored pre-amps with 3 daisy wheels and several switching, EQ and /or level and routing options.

The new Mic capsules are exciting as performance is comparable with True mini condensers but the prices are comparable with Electret Condensers, the ones supplied by other makers in all dual /blender pickup systems now.

I saw what you said about the EDB prices. They are priced to sell. One competitor in metallic blue is about double.

On the EDB-1, we have repeatedly found ways to improve the tone and functionality on subsequent models, partly as new IC Chips operating on low power at lower noise and better tones, have appeared. There's one IC Chip that I am very excited about which produces lovely overtones and we've used more in the forthcoming EDB-2 VAPs, which are also a bit lower noise despite having more features. John of Headway

 

[John Littler]

Nice to see this coming to fruition! John and I had conversations about this product (I was sworn to secrecy) back in the early summer time. Really looking forward to seeing how well it works with URB. I've generally not liked the tone that tubes (valves) usually impart on an upright bass signal, but I'm keeping an open mind and waiting to hear the results on this new preamp with my own ears.

Hi Mark, great to see you contribute. As a guess, are the tube devices you tried for Double Bass designed for Electric bass and /or Electric Guitar perhaps with overdrive in mind? They don't seem to like Piezos and are probably designed to compress and sustain.

Alternatively, have you tried D'Bass with Pro Audio devices using Tubes/Valves? There again, there are lots of cheaper pro audio devices aimed at home studios, with Tubes/Valves that do not run them properly on the two voltages required, including the high voltage elements. Consequently, the effect from the valve is barely audibly there.

We have engineered the pre-amp to make full use of the Valve/Tube with stepped up voltages. You can switch or blend it down or out if you wish, or drive it differently across channels. The battery option won't run that feature. I'll be honest and say I think Double Bass players will like it, but we'll listen if there are any issues with it, of course. John of Headway

 

[rickwolff]

Here is a higher-res picture of the Legend: (I incorrectly called it a schematic which would actually be a representation of the circuitry.)

 

[bdowd]

I'm curious, and am terrible at reading schematics, but can you run a pickup to channel 1, a mic into channel 2, and output just pickup to your amp, and just mic to foh possibly?

 

[bassically_eli]

I'm curious, and am terrible at reading schematics, but can you run a pickup to channel 1, a mic into channel 2, and output just pickup to your amp, and just mic to foh possibly?

You can do this with the EDB-2 HE, and it looks like this works the same way. For the mic, just set the DI to ch.2. For the pickup, you have to use the FX out to the amp (the line out is the mixed signal). The downside is that the mute switch is post FX loop, so, if you're like me, your stage amp won't be muted when tuning unless you turn down/mute elsewhere. Might be easier to just use the master volume if that's a problem.

 

[bassically_eli]

Does the XLR phantom power switch control both inputs? And is 1/4" phantom power switch only for channel one just like the EDB-2 HE?

 

[John Littler]

I'm curious, and am terrible at reading schematics, but can you run a pickup to channel 1, a mic into channel 2, and output just pickup to your amp, and just mic to foh possibly?

BDoud & Eli, yes you can do that. D.I Out (B) has a 3 way switch for Ch1., Ch.2 or Mix. D.I Out (A) is Ch.1

Line Out Jack is Mix* to Tip / Ch.1 to Ring, for Mono* or Stereo Out.

John of Headway