Hartke VXL Bass Attack

Try searching for Hartke Bass Attack, there are quite a few threads about it.

 

one of the online stores I think Sam ash is got them on clearance for like 69 bucks, they are ok they are huge!!! compared to the picture I was shocked, like I said they are ok I prefer teh MXR M-80 myself it is about 140 bucks but if Hartke is yor thign then cool

 

I was looking at them but couldn't find one locally so I ended up buying a Sansamp BDDI. After buying the Sansamp a local store got a Bass Attack and let me goof around with it.

I thought it worked ok. It's worth the money. It's substantially cheaper than a Sansamp. The Sansamp is a better unit but it cost me $135.00, about $45.00 more than what they would have sold Bass Attack for. If you are on a budget it will work fine.

 

It does drive it quite well, will do that rough rock sound ala Weezer. that dirty agressive sound. It aint a replacement for the ODB-3 tho, nowhere near as beefy for overdrive. The shape feature would work really well in a reggae situation giving you that real low end and top end clarity. Its a preamp at the end of the day, its not a limiter, compresser ot overdrive really. Although it will improve your sound if perfected. I use mine along side a compresser and the ODB-3, what i would suggest is finding one and having a good play with it, see if it does what you want it to do.

 

I tried one a little while ago, and I remember thinking how cheap it felt compared to MXR, Boss, and Tech 21 pedals, among others, too.....

 

i use one at theheart of my rig. I mostly play straight DI, so it's a Godsend for that.

the valve harmonics switch can do anything from a nice grunt for sounds approaching some Blur stuff and some metal, through to a quite well saturated sound for more extreme stuff.

I wouldn't do without it now. it is so versatile, and will fit in so many situations.

 

I agree on the positive comments - I have one I use as a part of my rig. I agree with the last poster's comments on the Harmonics feature. It certainly can drive, but I tell people if you are looking for flat out distortion, then there are better pedals. The harmonics feature though does a great job emulating overdriven old school tube tone in a nice range.

 

I'm thinking about getting one, or an MXR M80, not decided yet. Anyway, I've read somewhere that activating the SHAPE switch ads a small volume boost, is this true? If so it may actually work in my favor as I'm looking for a quick fix to change the tone and adjust the volume between my fretted and fretless basses.

 

I think of the shape function as a frequency enhancer. Yes, it gives the perception of a volume boost - you can definitely feel and hear your tone much better. I think it provides more clarity to your tone, too. As you turn the shape knob, different frequencies are emphasized (causing that "volume" boost) and it adjusts your overall tone.

 

I think its a good tool for cutting through, especially in a metal situation. It isnt quite as smooth sounding as the Sansamp, but is great value for the $.

The distortion/OD on it sounds like ass. But that is how all OD sounds to me.

 

Does anyone have any sound clips they can post? I'd like to hear the extremes of the harmonics and shape controls.

 

+1 on this one
I have been using this machine for a few months now. It clarifies my sound and is a great unit,.

My only complaint is that you cannot bypass it in any way, the basic EQ is allways on, which is a bit of a shortcoming. So put it in a loop and then you get three sounds on tap for bugger all money.

I have also recently bought an Aphex Bass Exciter pedal. It also clarifies my tone.

Neeither aree as good as the SanSamp, but both are considerably cheaper.

Good Luck
Biggus