MXR M-80 vs. Tech 21 VT Bass

[bassman1185]

I currently own both the VT and the M-80. They're both excellent little boxes, but they are significantly different from each other.

The M-80 does higher-fi clean sounds and some mild dirt really well. It is very clear sounding and user-friendly, although the distortion takes some tweaking.

The VT doesn't do clean very well, nor does it excell at high gain sounds. For an overdriven Ampeg-ish sound, though, it totally kills. The EQ section of the VT is MUCH more sensitive and tricky to dial in.

Both will drive power amps just fine.

 

[bassman1185]

I enjoy the M80 but without a significant mod it cannot drive a power amp.

Not true. I've run my Peavey IPR1600 off of my M-80 with no problems at all. It actually sounds fantastic for that application.

 

[JimmyM]

Totally different beasts..

The M80 is a great all around DI box for the budget..

The VT is a different purpose, different price point etc.

I own them both (along with others)

Sincerely I'm not convinced your band mates, sound guy or paying audience can hear the difference.

Yes the M-80 distortion is silly -- but then distorted basses are silly.

grrrr....

 

[silky smoove]

Not true. I've run my Peavey IPR1600 off of my M-80 with no problems at all. It actually sounds fantastic for that application.

As I recall, the IPR's have a very low input sensitivity. Something like 0.7V (i.e. less than line level). This might be why the M-80 can drive it successfully. Have you tried the M-80 with other power amps? Specifically any that want greater than 1.0V (line level)?

 

[Mr. Foxen]

I just tried my VT bass into my Matamp Slave, which needs a fair bit of signal apparently, and it isn't enough.

 

[JayAmel]

I only use bass for rock music, so I'm going for a fat tone. I also use a 5 string. If anyone has any experience with these two pedals let me know, which would suit me best.

IMHO, the VT Bass is no-brainer. Works really nice with my Fender 5er, for SVT emulation, as well as Portaflex emulation, as well as, well... many things !

Spent very little time with the M80 so what I say is no to be considered as a fact, but IMO the M80 has been built for nu-metal or so.

 

[JoshuaTSP]

I just tried my VT bass into my Matamp Slave, which needs a fair bit of signal apparently, and it isn't enough.

Interested......pics! :love:

I've got a Matamp GT1.......I don't use it for bass though.

 

[bassman1185]

As I recall, the IPR's have a very low input sensitivity. Something like 0.7V (i.e. less than line level). This might be why the M-80 can drive it successfully. Have you tried the M-80 with other power amps? Specifically any that want greater than 1.0V (line level)?

Fair enough. I have only used the M-80 with my IPR, since that's the only one I own.

That actually makes sense about the input sensitivity, since my Ashly preamp drives it REALLY hard at about 9:00 on the master output level.

 

[rpsands]

Silky got it right on the money. The IPRs have a sensitivity such that a high output active bass could drive them

 

[silky smoove]

Silky got it right on the money. The IPRs have a sensitivity such that a high output active bass could drive them

For those guys running something like a G&L L-2000, or other really high output bass, this could be an interesting route to take. Anybody want to run out and buy both of those and let me know how it goes?

 

[rpsands]

I wouldn't bother doing it without the DSP model. In my experience basses tend to have no low shelving and so are ridiculously speaker-pistony without something in there cutting the ultra lows.

 

[MNAirHead]

grrrr....

I SLAP YOUR MOUTH!

Bring it on.. ..

 

[MNAirHead]

Between the 2 options.. have you considered a quality mutlipurpose pedal.

Iv'e played with Zooms and XTs.. both can emulate just about anything

 

[chodycody]

Between the 2 options.. have you considered a quality mutlipurpose pedal.

Iv'e played with Zooms and XTs.. both can emulate just about anything

1's and 0's just cant match analog in my opinion.

 

[JoshuaTSP]

I've had some more time with my VT Bass......now that my Mesa M2000 is back up and running, I was hoping the VT would be a good match for the M2000. Nope.

Through my tube amps, the VT sounds spectacular. Through the M2000 it gets real muddy on the low B when using the FET side. I tried to dial it out on the amp and the pedal......got cleans to sound great, but the dirt is annoying.....or good dirt tones but the clean is :yuck:.

The tube side of the M2000 sounded much better with the VT.

While the VT Bass is super flexible and sounds really good.......there seemed to be a fine line of good tones with the M2000.

Again, with the tube amps I thought it sounded glorious.

 

[rpsands]

1's and 0's just cant match analog in my opinion.

Five bucks says you couldn't tell the difference between a recorded SVT and an SVT using the computer plugin.

 

[Fuzzbass]

Bring it on.. ..

I'll kneel behind him, and you guys push him backwards.

Squeaky clean == boring.

 

[MNAirHead]

I'll kneel behind him, and you guys push him backwards.

Squeaky clean == boring.

Boring or Called back to get paid.

 

[MNAirHead]

Five bucks says you couldn't tell the difference between a recorded SVT and an SVT using the computer plugin.

At one time I didn't believe it.. .. I've set an SVT up at a gig and played an emulator.. it's chuckle worthy having the crowd bassists ramble on about the beauty of specific gear.

 

[rpsands]

At one time I didn't believe it.. .. I've set an SVT up at a gig and played an emulator.. it's chuckle worthy having the crowd bassists ramble on about the beauty of specific gear.

I know a few dudes with golden ears who can pick out the SVT over half the time, but only when the bass is soloed. In a mix, almost no one can tell emulated (with quality emulation) from the real deal. Analog or digital makes no diff if it's done well.