Darkglass dissapointment

[kybu]

I plugged the b3k into my gk 800rb and ampeg 8x10 using my Spector... It was cool but I feel its too fuzzy for me. I had the blend and level about 12 and drive about 11. I did experiment, still not it for me. Guess it goes on the shelf. One other thing, I was using my sansamp power supply (9v) and it the gain got really noisy past 11 I switched to a boss and it was very quiet. I'd still prefer a battery since I'm not using a pedalboard these days

I have a Spector as well. I learnt that it overloads almost every pedal (apart from compressors which have internal voltage pump). It is not so much about strong signal but rather about output impedance. When using effects, I can't live without a booster at the begging of the chain which can lower the signal. In my case it is SFX Micro Boost.

 

[nshuman]

I really can comprehend that. However, the solution is so easy, it's almost embarassing.
My favourite solution for it would be a knob to tame the highs of the clean signal. It could even be a passive rolloff. In my experience, the weird 2-signal-sound comes from the clean highs shining through the overdrive/distortion.
There is one simple way to try that, just roll back your tone control on the bass and and then go into the distortion with a blend. Voilà, the sound becomes one.
Try it out.

This is exactly what Source Audio did with their Bass OFD. The blend knob at noon means only dirt, counterclockwise it's a normal blend and clockwise it's a blend with a reduced highs on the clean signalpath. Simple yet effective.

I for my part don't want any clean highs and no distorted lows when using distortion.
My signature drive would have a one or two knob eq for the clean and the dirt and then a blend.

While it has no blend, this is the kind of EQ that makes the BlowerBox so great.

 

[Mosfed]

I got ahold of a B3k looking for an overdrive that is not raspy or brittle. I really like BDDI but they get too harsh when turning up the gain. I read a lot of great words about these darkglass pedals so I bought one used. I've played with it alot and I am not impressed. I do think it is a great pedal, it does sound good and built really tough, still its not what I hoped for. I guess they'll never find a way to get SVT overdrive in a pedal. So bought used and now it sits. Back to my bddi which is where I should've stayed. I wonder about the other sansamp pedals now.

In my opinion you bought the wrong Darkglass pedal if you were looking for that tone.

The B3k and B7k to me are more modern sounding distortions. For the tone you are looking for I turn to the Darkglass VMT (vintage microtubes).

And I should note that I have an SVT.

 

[wolfkeller]

You are very correct sir, that said i have a b3k to trade for a sansamp vt di. Crazy? Absolutely

 

[FaithNoMan]

You are very correct sir, that said i have a b3k to trade for a sansamp vt di. Crazy? Absolutely

Those two aren't THAT far apart in the used market. And if you like the SVT grind that is about the best pedal to get it with(besides your amp at ear-shattering volumes).

(This is coming from a diehard B3K fan, too)

I personally would love to hear my Ric/B3K through an Ampeg Micro VR. The mosfet power section appeals to me

 

[depalm]

Personally, I've come to accept the fact, that blends only confuse me. As long as the thing has enough bottom-end, I'm game.

I like the blend function and use it a lot. I think its good to be able to preserve the uncompressed transients while adds color to my tone, especially when I'm playing with a pick.
Also, the VMT is not a "bass only" pedal, it works nicely on guitars, electric pianos, etc… I have used it on a snare track once.
Maybe it is not for everyone's taste but for some things, I like it.

Here an example of bass track recorded with VMT using the blend knob at 50%:

 

[sunbeast]

I like the blend function and use it a lot. I think its good to be able to preserve the uncompressed transients while adds color to my tone, especially when I'm playing with a pick.
Also, the VMT is not a "bass only" pedal, it works nicely on guitars, electric pianos, etc… I have used it on a snare track once.
Maybe it is not for everyone's taste but for some things, I like it.

Here an example of bass track recorded with VMT using the blend knob at 50%:

That sounds great! I've been using my VMT Deluxe on guitar and synth to good effect too!

I tend to not really use the Clean blend personally as I use a bit lower Gain drive than you did there and it keeps the transients well (the higher the Gain the more compression and coloration). I also use mine to push a tube amp, so it works better as a boost when blended full to the dirty side.

 

[depalm]

That sounds great! I've been using my VMT Deluxe on guitar and synth to good effect too!

I tend to not really use the Clean blend personally as I use a bit lower Gain drive than you did there and it keeps the transients well (the higher the Gain the more compression and coloration). I also use mine to push a tube amp, so it works better as a boost when blended full to the dirty side.

Thank you. Yeah, I think the drive knob was somewhere between nine and ten o'clock on this track. But I used a small tube combo amp (clean) and a rick bass.

 

[sunbeast]

Thank you. Yeah, I think the drive knob was somewhere between nine and ten o'clock on this track. But I used a small tube combo amp (clean) and a rick bass.

I also use a Ric, but the pickups are fairly low output. I can only really hear grit from my VMT when I really dig in (which is fairly often to be honest!), and let my amp do the heavy-lifting there. I love the voicing of the VMT a lot with the Ric, which is why I haven't turned it off since they were first released! I thought that your bass tone sounded familiar!

 

[Space Pickle]

SFT, love mine.

For a minute there I thought you were Justnick.

 

[KingKrabb]

Yeah that Mew album was on a constant rotation for me for a good year about 6 years back! The bass has that perfect fuzzy/almost-nasally grit going on that makes it ever-present in the mix but without getting in the way. I've seen em play twice (once with the original bassist from that album and once with the newer guy) and they nailed it live pretty well both times. I didn't pick it up one the albums, but some of my favorite bass parts actually had a baritone guitar in unison that added some of that percussive stuff on top. The live rig both times was just a P-bass through an SVT into a smaller cab (maybe 1x15)...

I'm gonna de-rail this thread just slightly to say that, as of 2014, Johan is officially back in the band. He's writing and recording the new album. So, we'll get that sweet ATGHK/Frengers tone again : D. He's one of my influences. Such well-structured basslines.

Now back on topic. I'd consider the b3k to Sansamp VT to be a fair trade. Especially if it helps you get that sounds you're after. I can vouch for the VT as a solid workhorse. Damn good sounds out of it.

 

[wolfkeller]

Yeah after a ton of videos, its where I'm gna go. Now who wants to trade lol?

 

[toblerone24]

Ever since the Vintage Microtubes came out, I swear by this pedal. It's the most important part of my pedalboard. Usually I keep the blend no more than 50% and I get very pleasing light to mild overdrive. I thought about upgrading to a Vintage Deluxe but am able to get a great EQ on my Ampeg Micro VR so don't require extra options. Plus I like pedals with 4 knobs or less!

I used to own a B3K and stacked together with VMT sometimes, but ultimately it was too modern for my taste. It nails the Paramore bass tone tho!

VMT is on nearly all the time, then I hit the Wren and Cuff Tall Font Russian when I want to take my dirt to the next level! Using my '57 P bass RI with round wounds

 

[FretNoMore]

I'm wondering if there is any pattern to which basses people who like the VMT uses, maybe the prominent mid character works best with certain basses?

Personally I wouldn't be surprised if there are more P/flats/darker sounding basses in there than brighter jazzes for instance. Maybe I should start a poll.

 

[sunbeast]

Mid heavy basses for sure- P-basses and Ricks (both for me). I don't particularly like how it pairs with my Jazz bass either, but I'm not a big fan of Jazzes ever (with or without the VMT)!

 

[johnk_10]

I didn't care for the VMT with any of my basses (i.e. p's, j's, rays, rics, etc).

 

[SunnBass]

I'm wondering if there is any pattern to which basses people who like the VMT uses, maybe the prominent mid character works best with certain basses?

Personally I wouldn't be surprised if there are more P/flats/darker sounding basses in there than brighter jazzes for instance. Maybe I should start a poll.

It's perfect with my P/J's.

 

[throughmylens87]

I guess they'll never find a way to get SVT overdrive in a pedal.

 

[FaithNoMan]

I also use a Ric, but the pickups are fairly low output. I can only really hear grit from my VMT when I really dig in (which is fairly often to be honest!), and let my amp do the heavy-lifting there. I love the voicing of the VMT a lot with the Ric, which is why I haven't turned it off since they were first released! I thought that your bass tone sounded familiar!

Another Ric+Darkglass guy here, but with a B3K

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[mmbongo]

Another Ric+Darkglass guy here, but with a B3K

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Nice! The B3K is just in a class of its own. Such a fantastic pedal!