Double Bass Breaking News NEW EDB-2 VAP From Headway

[Kristian]

Dear A Blumley, Richard Vice, Rick Wolff and all at TalkBass. I am expecting the release of EDB-VAP in June ’23, but I cannot guarantee it will not be delayed. We can give a refund at any time, but I would prefer you not to purchase if a short delay of release might be a problem.



Until it has been added to the website, you can pre-pay via Paypal:


[email protected]



In the paypal notes add:



Priority Pre-Purchase of EDB-2 VAP ~ Valve Alchemy Pro



Your name and full delivery address:

Billing address if different:

A phone no. for delivery:

Email address:


A Tax Number or Business Number Reference if relevant?:


Special Intro Price as to be received in UK Pounds please : GB £499.95


I expect initial despatch to be from Poland (EU), with later despatch also from the UK.

——————

N.B. Exchange rate yesterday was about GB£ = US $1.23


We decided not to include batteries with EDB-2 VAP as they necessarily do not power the valve function and initially that might cause confusion among people who have not read the manual. I am sure you understand.


Thank you


John Littler
Headway Music Audio Ltd

Is it possible to make a preorder AND trade in?

 

[ablumley]

@John Littler Thanks for the info regarding preordering. I'll be sending you an email shortly.

It will be very interesting to experiment with swapping the ECC83 valve out for variants by other manufacturers. What specific valve are the units shipping with?

 

[bdowd]

Just curious, is this new vap model going to come in around $600 street price US? Just trying to figure out whether to wait or grab the he version, which I really enjoyed during the trial.

 

[John Littler]

Hi BDowd, I don't set US street price.
I have just heard from assemblers that they now expect to start shipping the new valve pre-amp, EDB-2 VAP, in around the 3rd week in June '23.
The price from me will be GB £499.95 including International shipping. Exchange rate yesterday was about GB£1 = US$1.23. The first ones at least will be sent via courier.
John from Headway

 

[Ric Vice]

Hi Ric, we are not out of stock of EDB-2 HE. We are sending them out. The UK despatch people were on holiday for a week but are back now, but they were still being sent out from Poland or by distributors around the world.

EDB-2 VAP, the expanded valve version will be out in June, I am pleased to announce.

I hope this helps

John of Headway

Great News, John
So you intend to have both the EDB-2 H.E. And the EDB-2 VAP as part of your offerings together. That’s great news.
I’m very happy with the sound and form factor of the EDB-2 H.E. and the price is very attractive as well.

 

[John Littler]

Yes Ric, the present EDB-2 HE and EDB-2 VAP are at very different price points, also considerably different sizes. So there's no point discontinuing the earlier model.

I am expecting the first EDB-2 VAP customer releases to be despatched from Poland in the 3rd to 4th week in this month: June '23.

John of Headway

 

[hensonbass]

I bought a EDB 2 H.E. from Gollihur a few months ago and I have been really pleased with combining various pickups I have on my Czech bass (Realist copperhead, Yamahiko dual sensor, Ehrlund).

My current fave is the Realist / Yamahiko combination - warm and articulate. Pizz and arco are balanced in volume. The Headway allows you to really dial in very subtle characteristics.

My only wish is that the effect loop worked on both channels instead of just channel one.

 

[John Littler]

Hi Henson, great dealers Gollihur.

EDB-2 HE did not have room for Send & Return on Ch.2 without getting considerably larger. You have to stop somewhere and most users did not need or ask for Send/Return on Ch.2 which is more often used for Mic, adding in air purity to Ch.1's pickup. This advantage could easily be lost with FX and with feedback to be more prone.

NOTICE: We have the new EDB-2 VAP ~ Valve Alchemy Pro out now in Mid July '23. That has Send & Return jacks on Ch.1, but keeping the signal paths separate for different switched routing options, it has an Insert Point for Ch.2, which is send & return when using a Stereo to 2 x Mono "Y" lead.

I hope this helps

John of Headway

 

[John Littler]

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

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

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

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

NOTICE: We have the new EDB-2 VAP ~ Valve Alchemy Pro out now in Mid July '23. It is available to back order on the website

I hope this helps

John of Headway

 

[John Littler]

@John Littler Thanks for the info regarding preordering. I'll be sending you an email shortly.

It will be very interesting to experiment with swapping the ECC83 valve out for variants by other manufacturers. What specific valve are the units shipping with?

We have the new EDB-2 VAP ~ Valve Alchemy Pro out now in Mid July '23. We tested a range of available valves ( there has been a shortage for some time) and chose the best from Chinese manufacturers, rather than a western branded name, some of which are also purchased from China. It is low noise/microphonics, great sound and so far, completely reliable. By all means try others. I don't think the valve choice is as critical as on electric instrument gear, as the way they distort seems more different than the cleaner sounds.

I hope this helps

John of Headway

 

[John Littler]

Is it possible to make a preorder AND trade in?

Hi Kristian,
We have the new EDB-2 VAP ~ Valve Alchemy Pro out now in Mid July '23. We can handle a trade in and pre-order, if you purchase from website in advance, then send your return unit. We will partial refund at a pre-agreed price when it is received. Mail me to discuss this please.

I hope this helps

John of Headway Music Audio Ltd

 

[redtomfunk]

I have an EDB2-HE and can consider the new VAP version but an important feature is the possibility to send only the piezo channel to the amp. Is it possible?

 

[John Littler]

On EDB-2 VAP, the short answer is yes.
Both Ch.1 & Ch.2 have Jack In's and XLR In's

There are two XLR D.I Outs and one Line Out ( TRS)
XLR Out (A) is wired to Ch.1
XLR Out (B) has a 3 way switch that offers: Ch.1/ Ch.2/ Mix

Line out offers Mix to Tip/Mono Jack and Ch.1 to Ring if Stereo jack.

There is also a 3 way switch offering pre or post EQ options to XLR Outs

Jack Inputs offer 3 way input impedance settings, including Ch.1 with different impedance settings to Tip and Ring.

I would call that uniquely versatile.

John of Headway

 

[redtomfunk]

Thanks John!
Reading this thread I realized that on my EDB2-HE the effects loop affected only channel 1 leaving the mic channel unaltered so I moved everything inside the loop and started using the Headway as a DI finally. Although my previous DI was a Noble I see an improvement
Here is the result:


Now the question for those who have tried both:
Other than the premium features, is the sound improvement of the EDB2-VAP over the EDB2-HE noticeable so that one would switch based only on sound quality?

 

[John Littler]

Hi Tom, thank you for your positive take on the EDB-2 HE. However, the EDB-2 VAP is on a totally different level of sound quality when you mix in that 12 AX7. The tone on Double Bass using a piezo is deeper, rounder, warmer and is transformed. It can be pushed to the edge of dirty, especially with the doubler switch on Ch.1 ( either Mic probably on XLR, or pickup probably via jack) but it is not primarily set up for dirty.

If you disagree and want a full refund, that would be fine within 2 months of sale from us, if returned in reasonable condition. You would just pay the carriage and do the customs return as we request for sending to Poland or UK. So you can try it out for real in gigs with your own gear, or whatever.

You can prepay online for priority despatch with the release in August

I hope this helps.

John of Headway

 

[John Littler]

Just curious, is this new vap model going to come in around $600 street price US? Just trying to figure out whether to wait or grab the he version, which I really enjoyed during the trial.

Just curious, is this new vap model going to come in around $600 street price US? Just trying to figure out whether to wait or grab the he version, which I really enjoyed during the trial.

Just curious, is this new vap model going to come in around $600 street price US? Just trying to figure out whether to wait or grab the he version, which I really enjoyed during the trial.

Hi BDowd, you wanted to be informed about when the expanded valve pre-amp EDB-2 VAP was due out. That should be next week ( mid Aug '23). Best wishes, John of Headway

 

[John Littler]

I think you have to buy those from David Letterman's production company:

View attachment 4993636

Hi Rick,

The release of the new Headway EDB-2 VAP ~ Valve Alchemy Pro starts in Gdansk, Poland on Wens 16th Aug '23.

Best wishes

John of Headway

 

[rickwolff]

Congratulations John, on the launch of another great Headway product!

 

[John Littler]

Thanks Rick. I am very enthusiastic about this one. I anticipate many more. John

 

[redtomfunk]

What is the size of the new VAP?
Is it actually shipping tomorrow?