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Demeter VTBP M 800D @ NAMM

#401
I know it's a different amp, so we aren't comparing like for like, but looking at the frequency curves on the HBP1 would back up the observation that the mid control on the VTBP-M-800D is essentially flat or cut only.

Tom, will you be doing a similar review of the new amp at some point?
 
#406
this head is still on my radar. i've got a BareFaced SC en route which seems like it might handle the power well and be a little easier on the ears without the tweeter. of course a Mesa Prodigy is also tempting, but a very different animal.
 
#407
Mike Arnopol said:
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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As always, incredibly useful descriptions. Thanks Mike! :thumbup:
 
#408
I'm curious, though. Mike, you say you wouldn't describe the VTBP-M-800D as pretty, but later you say you tried the GK Fusion 800 and say it was as aggressive as the Demeter but couldn't get it to sound pretty. But.... "The Demeter has the unique ability to be incredibly impactful across the entire sonic spectrum without ever sounding wanky." So... it's not pretty, but otherwise sounds fantastic?
 
#409
Whats with the toggle(love that word :>)?...
 

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#411
I'm pissed. Before I reluctantly sent the 800 back to Mark--who was kind enough to loan it to me to try---I tried it on upright.
It killed. I went back and forth with my Puma---which sounds AWESOME---but the Demmie sounded more awesome.The eq was my trepidation but I found it very upright-friendly. Shite!
 
#413
Mike could you clarify a touch. From past postings I am guessing your signal chain would be:- Golia-Full Circle-Fdeck HPF-Demeter-MAS cab.
I am considering something like this for a doubling rig with a jazz bass or precision pulled out for the last set for a traditional roots rock sound. (Tc15 ain't going nowhere, but with this everything else could be for sale). Separate question in big e thread.
 
#414
Marial said:
I'm curious, though. Mike, you say you wouldn't describe the VTBP-M-800D as pretty, but later you say you tried the GK Fusion 800 and say it was as aggressive as the Demeter but couldn't get it to sound pretty. But.... "The Demeter has the unique ability to be incredibly impactful across the entire sonic spectrum without ever sounding wanky." So... it's not pretty, but otherwise sounds fantastic?
Click to expand...

Yeah--I pretty stupidly described it. Maybe I should have used the word abrasive. The Demeter has the ability to really cut through--even with a flatter tonal setting. But the cool thing for me was getting a more midrange-forward sound and never feeling that it was abrasive. It still sounded very musical, where most other amps get grainy and abrasive if you are going for a more aggressive sound.

As I had stated, the Monique always has a pristine, beautiful studio-like sound that has the unique ability to still cut through and be present in the mix. Thick, meaty sound with lovely harmonic structure. A difficult thing to do.

The Demeter, at least for me--isn't as much of a pristine studio sound. It has weight and really kicks like a mule--but never in an unmusical way. Detailed highs, focused lows, and the mids can cut without being a distraction---also a very difficult balancing act.The ability to kick like a mule but always sounding musical. Impact with a degree of refinement.

I was being honest when I said I had to have both. I just wish I could afford both!
 
#415
JAKBOUND said:
Mike could you clarify a touch. From past postings I am guessing your signal chain would be:- Golia-Full Circle-Fdeck HPF-Demeter-MAS cab.
I am considering something like this for a doubling rig with a jazz bass or precision pulled out for the last set for a traditional roots rock sound. (Tc15 ain't going nowhere, but with this everything else could be for sale). Separate question in big e thread.
Click to expand...

Yeah--that's the chain but I haven't been using the HPF lately. I try to have as little in the signal chain as possible and it seems less important with the gear I'm using.I was just trying the Demeter--I use the Puma 900---but after the Demeter I'm rethinking that.
 
#416
Mike Arnopol said:
Yeah--I pretty stupidly described it. Maybe I should have used the word abrasive. The Demeter has the ability to really cut through--even with a flatter tonal setting. But the cool thing for me was getting a more midrange-forward sound and never feeling that it was abrasive. It still sounded very musical, where most other amps get grainy and abrasive if you are going for a more aggressive sound.

As I had stated, the Monique always has a pristine, beautiful studio-like sound that has the unique ability to still cut through and be present in the mix. Thick, meaty sound with lovely harmonic structure. A difficult thing to do.

The Demeter, at least for me--isn't as much of a pristine studio sound. It has weight and really kicks like a mule--but never in an unmusical way. Detailed highs, focused lows, and the mids can cut without being a distraction---also a very difficult balancing act.The ability to kick like a mule but always sounding musical. Impact with a degree of refinement.

I was being honest when I said I had to have both. I just wish I could afford both!
Click to expand...

Right on, thanks for clarifying!
 
#417
Mike Arnopol said:
...The Demeter has the ability to really cut through--even with a flatter tonal setting. But the cool thing for me was getting a more midrange-forward sound and never feeling that it was abrasive. ...

...The Demeter, at least for me--isn't as much of a pristine studio sound. It has weight and really kicks like a mule--but never in an unmusical way. Detailed highs, focused lows, and the mids can cut without being a distraction---also a very difficult balancing act.The ability to kick like a mule but always sounding musical. Impact with a degree of refinement...
Click to expand...

Sounds really promising
:bassist:

Mike: Did you happen to notice if it has that nice bit of mid-range distortion/breakup character at the tail of notes like the Puma can?
 

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