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Demeter VTBP M 800D @ NAMM

#382
For the most part, all amps have a "baked in" eq curve. This is what the manufacture feels is musical in a bass way.

I know with my GK heads, flat is with the treble and bass at 10:00 and hi-mid and low-mid at 2:00. Nothing wrong with either way. It's just the way it is.
 
#384
So... the upcoming The HBP-1-800D review in BassGearMagazine should be quite telling, as it is my understanding that it is basically a VTBP-M-800D (form factor aside) with an additional Para EQ circuit (defeatable) and some other added features...

EDIT:The HBP-1 only has 1 front-end tube, while the VTBP has 2.
 
#385
I'm a much bigger fan of the tone profile of the hbp1 than the Vtbp. Less glassy, more natural and clean IMO and the added parametric eq section really makes a powerfully usable addition to the subtle passive eq of the preamp. If they could squeeze it into the form factor of the new Demeter head (which I gather they can not) and add a Jensen DI, that would be about the only thing out there which would make me want to swap out my puma 900.
 
#386
J.Wolf said:
I'm a much bigger fan of the tone profile of the hbp1 than the Vtbp. Less glassy, more natural and clean IMO and the added parametric eq section really makes a powerfully usable addition to the subtle passive eq of the preamp. If they could squeeze it into the form factor of the new Demeter head (which I gather they can not) and add a Jensen DI, that would be about the only thing out there which would make me want to swap out my puma 900.
Click to expand...

U have some first hand info there it seems.... interesting.
(Love the Puma btw, that said, interesting what Mike A. had to say about it after trying the Demeter...)
 
#389
J.Wolf said:
I'm a much bigger fan of the tone profile of the hbp1 than the Vtbp. Less glassy, more natural and clean IMO and the added parametric eq section really makes a powerfully usable addition to the subtle passive eq of the preamp. If they could squeeze it into the form factor of the new Demeter head (which I gather they can not) and add a Jensen DI, that would be about the only thing out there which would make me want to swap out my puma 900.
Click to expand...

I had asked James about cramming the HBP1-800D into a similar form factor as the VTBP-M-800D, and he said that there just wasn't enough room. That's a shame, as I do love that form factor, but throw the HBP1-800D into a 2-space rack, and it's pretty convenient, too. It really does sound fantastic.

I've owned the VTBP-201, VTBP-201s and HBP-1 preamps for some time, and they are each somewhat unique from each other. Played solo, the 201s is probably the "prettiest" of the bunch, with those shimmery, silky highs and deep, flowing lows. It has a noticeable mid-scoop, though. The 201 is similar, but with less mid scoop, and a tad bit darker, overall, than the 201s. The HBP-1 has more midrange meat to begin with, and awesome tone-shaping abilities, but I can't dial in those glorious highs (which you probably can't hear in a mix, anyway).
 
#390
Yeah, the Vtbp201s's high end is in the same category as the f1x's mids to me: sounds amazing in the bedroom and doesn't cut properly in a mix. The HBP is more usable on a gig, although slightly less beautiful sounding overall.

I would like to try the HBP1-800 but am trying to stay clear of rack gear since there are so many good options in small packages for travel/space considerations these days. That said, can't think of a more awesome 1u rack solution!!!!
 
#391
That makes me want one even more, actually. With the Jensen DI it will be perfect for recording at home, and given that I am unlikely to perform with a 'rock' band again, I think it will be perfect for any band application as well.
 
#393
I should have been more careful with my wording. I was speaking about the delicate and glassy high end of the Vtbp which IMO can get somewhat obscured in a busy mix, as opposed to the more upper mid forward HBP.

Post edited
 
#394
My experience is that I wouldn't describe the VTBP-M-800D as pretty. But boy is it functional. I was playing it through one of my 46's which are voiced ever-so-hot in the treble range, (above 10k). The treble was a bit hot at home and perfect on the gig.(with the Demeter) I've been voicing cabs with a bit of a rising response up there for gigging reasons.

The Monique is weird---it sounds so beautiful at home that you're almost sure that it won't cut on a gig. It does. With my 210Flex (which is a bit more aggressive than the 46) the Monique was sonic heaven. I've played with it on the 46 and the beauty of it still translates but it perfectly takes care of business.

But the Demeter has the unique ability to take-no-prisoners but never sound harsh. It is just FUN on a gig.I hate to say but the Puma does sound reticent by comparison. On the Demeter the notes are just incredibly thick. But not boomy. At least with the cabs I was playing.

I'll have to try the Demeter with upright. My gut tells me it wouldn't be a good combination but my gut's been wrong in the past. The Puma is probably the best upright amp on the planet and I was surprised that the Monique sounded great with upright.

We tried the GK Fusion 800 against these amps yesterday at home. It was as aggressive as the Demeter but I just couldn't get it to sound "pretty". The Demeter has the unique ability to be incredibly impactful across the entire sonic spectrum without ever sounding wanky.

I'm going to have to save up my bread. I HAVE to have the Monique and the VTBP-M-800D.
 
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