Demeter VTBP M 800D @ NAMM

[Big String]

Hi RDUB
I wouldn't think there would be any difference in performance, but definetly more convenient. When I purchased my JDI years back I had a concern with 148v phantom power. The board we use and still use (Mackie 1604vlz) cannot isolated separate channels in the buss from phantom when engaged, which was used for our Horn Players clip mics. Also, by having my bass plugged into the JDI before the amp sends my bass-only signal directly to the FOH. This method always worked well but I understand why many players would like the bass+Demeter to be in the FOH either with pre or post. I'm pretty sure James addressed the phantom power issue a long time ago and it's probably because the Jensen transformer…

Of course then there is the re-sale point if you needed or decided to flip the VTBP-M-800D, seems most folks would like the built in upgrade.

 

[RDUB]

So far I've only had the one gig where I used the DI for FOH, and I wasn't anywhere near the board, so I don't know what the soundman had going. (I think it was a DigiCo board, which should have separate phantom per channel, I'd think.) I generally offer the built in DI, and go with the soundman's preference.

 

[Big String]

Just put some NOS mil-spec Mullards in mine. Very nice

Hi Wal
Can you describe in a bit more detail what you like or are now possibly missing by the tube roll? I now have my amp on order so I'm doing a little tube research. I have several NOS Telefunken Smooth Black Plates, a couple NOS GE 5-Star 5751 grey plate 3 mica, NOS RCA 12AU7A clear top . Non-Nos .. Some JJ's, Russian E-H mostly from Mesa.

 

[mothra2]

Hi Wal
Can you describe in a bit more detail what you like or are now possibly missing by the tube roll? I now have my amp on order so I'm doing a little tube research. I have several NOS Telefunken Smooth Black Plates, a couple NOS GE 5-Star 5751 grey plate 3 mica, NOS RCA 12AU7A clear top . Non-Nos .. Some JJ's, Russian E-H mostly from Mesa.

Wow... pick up a couple of NOS Mullards and you'll cover some serious ground there.

 

[Mike Arnopol]

With Jensen, I hope...

Yeah--with the Jensen. Sorry if I haven't read the entire thread, (I know the answer's in there) but is this based on the 201, right--not the "s" ?

 

[MarkA]

Pretty sure this new amp is based on the non-"S" 201.

 

[JEDBass]

Correct. This is basically the original 201 non "s" with a couple extra features. Two days until I get mine!

 

[walbassist]

Hi Wal
Can you describe in a bit more detail what you like or are now possibly missing by the tube roll? I now have my amp on order so I'm doing a little tube research. I have several NOS Telefunken Smooth Black Plates, a couple NOS GE 5-Star 5751 grey plate 3 mica, NOS RCA 12AU7A clear top . Non-Nos .. Some JJ's, Russian E-H mostly from Mesa.

Well, I found the core tone of the amp to be a touch bright for me with the stock high-grade Rubys fitted, plus one of them was pretty noisy with a strange whoosing sound, so I figured I'd roll

I've always loved the big, warm tone from Mullards, and their old mil-spec valves have a fantastic repuation for reliability (much like the JAN valves made for the US military), so I figured I'd give them a go. The AT7 was easy to source NOS for a very reasonable price from a reputable dealer based near me, but the AX7 took a little longer as I didn't want to pay through the nose for one.

I was hoping to do a little comparison recording of vintage JAN GE and Mullards against a set of modern JJs, but I didn't get the chance in the end.

I think you'll have fun comparing those valves you list... the Telefunken in particular

 

[Classic69]

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I think the tube cage version is off the chain! Mr. Demeter told me almost all orders are for the headcase version; lead time for the tube cage about (1) month.
So tempting.

 

[JEDBass]

Man...this afternoon is going to drag as I can only sit at my desk and stare at it. 5:00 can't get here soon enough

 

[silky smoove]

If you're looking for folks that will feel sorry for you, you've come to the wrong place. All you'll find here is folks like me, who are drenched in envy.

In all seriousness, congrats on the new amp. Keep us posted with your impressions.

 

[RDUB]

Man...this afternoon is going to drag as I can only sit at my desk and stare at it. 5:00 can't get here soon enoughView attachment 418805

So, was it worth the wait?

 

[Big String]

Man...this afternoon is going to drag as I can only sit at my desk and stare at it. 5:00 can't get here soon enoughView attachment 418805

Congrats JEDBass!! Now hurry up tell us what you think man…

 

[mothra2]

If its got the Jensen, I'm not far away...i'll take it if u don't dig it

 

[JEDBass]

Sorry it took me a bit to respond. Ok, so here is my first take....

In short, a very clear, clean amp (no surprise there) that definitely exposes your technique. As a couple others have said though, don't mistake that for meaning that it sounds clinical.

Hooked into my CN212 to me there is quite a bit of low mid/upper bass push to each note, especially bumping up the bass set to 120 Hz. Compared to the DeMonique I found I needed to turn down the tweeter level a little more than usual....about 9:00 worked well to avoid excessive string noise from my poor technique!

Probably due to the somewhat limited Amount of EQ boost/cut, to me it is very hard to set the controls on this amp to something that isn't useable. Every setting I tried was very musical and kept its definition. I know a lot of people had concern over mid scoop, but at least for me there was more than enough. I'm sure this has something to do with the mid forward CN of course, but in no way did the amp turn my tone into my old Epi UL212. I also like how the Mid control feels subtle as you turn it yet. Seems like a fairly wide Q centered on a very useable frequency. No nasty honk or hank if you turn the mids too high. Same comment applies to the treble. For the most part I've left the presence at 9:00 or lower. I'm sure that control helps a lot more with tweeter less or darker cabs.

Other comments: I love the volume taper! It just keeps getting louder as you turn it up. No issue going from silent to stadium level found here. Why can't all builders follow this approach? Also, out of the basses I tried (Lull PJ4 and V4 - both passive, Valenti 54P, Ric 4003, Spector Rebop 5), while they all sounded very good the Jazz was really something. Digging in hard, the grind of the Jazz sounded perfect. Best I've ever heard that bass sound.

I only got a little time to try out the DI but listening to it through my headphones it was more than capable. Both pre and post sounded great, just different from each other. The only thing I didn't like in post mode is that the volume control affects the DI level, so if you're keeping a low stage volume it'll be sending a relatively low signal. Wish the DI in post mode was before the master volume for this reason.

I have a gig tomorrow so I'll let everyone know how it turns out!

 

[mothra2]

Really cool (that does seem a bit unfortunate on the DI/Post issue though).
Sounds right up my alley tonally... good luck tomorrow.

 

[RDUB]

Sorry it took me a bit to respond. Ok, so here is my first take....


Probably due to the somewhat limited Amount of EQ boost/cut, to me it is very hard to set the controls on this amp to something that isn't useable. Every setting I tried was very musical and kept its definition.

I made a very similar comment to Dave Freeman at Club Bass, where I bought mine. Not matter how extreme the tone controls are set, the amp maintains that very poised and musical sound. The tone changes, but it all hangs together. I've been experimenting with turning down the tweeters on my XST cabs, too.

 

[Big String]

Carry Bag Alert !!!
Ok Folks, after several hours of searching I found a decent looking carry bag for the VTBP-M-800D.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] No spec on this page so I looked up the two items and the mixer dimensions make it a fit.

Demeter Amp dimensions which are 13”wide x 5.5”high x 9”deep. (330.2 mm x 139.7 mm x 228.6 mm)

Carvin XP800L mixer Dimensions: 13.5" wide X 9" deep x 7.5" high. (342.9 mm x 228.6 mm x 190.5 mm)

Edit: Looking at the VTBP closer I believe the height at 5.5" looks about right but I think with the feet and handle the height would be closer to 7" or 7.5" which would still work fine with the Carvin Bag.

 

[mothra2]

Man... NICE CATCH!
Looks made for it.

 

[JEDBass]

I made a very similar comment to Dave Freeman at Club Bass, where I bought mine. Not matter how extreme the tone controls are set, the amp maintains that very poised and musical sound. The tone changes, but it all hangs together. I've been experimenting with turning down the tweeters on my XST cabs, too.

Glad to hear it's not just me wanting to hear things. Did you notice though that the bass control was quite powerful as well? You can really dial it up (or back) on the low end. Especially when also adjusting the mids at the same time, it's deceivingly versatile.

And I'll say it again. A Jazz through this is magical. You owe it to yourself to try that combo if you haven't already. The Ric didn't sound too shabby either!