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pedal preamp for geddy tone

S

Seba_H5001

Guest
Jul 15, 2012
50
1
#1
I know there are dozen of threads for this, but most of the ones I found are a little older, so they don't bring in discussion the new Tech21 VT Bass DI.
Which preamp will be better to get that fat tone on YYZ or Spirit of Radio, a throaty tone like in Freewill or La Villa Strangiato.
Will the Sansamp BDDI get the job done?
If somo of you have one and play it with a Jazz Bass may you share your settings? (on JB and BDDI)

Thanks :)
 
#2
Something from the Darkglass line would suit the bill, be it the VMT, B3K or B7K.

I think one of the three would get you close to where you want. I haven't used a VMT but I've owned a B3K and B7K and they both got me into Geddy territory with the appropriate settings.
 
#4
Geddy started out using our RBI rackmount and switched a few years ago to our RPM. Our Para Driver DI is the pedal version of the RPM.

In recent years for live he uses the Avalon U5, RPM and Orange Tube amps and I think he runs the amps through the Palmer Speaker sim. The front of house mixes those three signals differently for various songs and rooms.

In the studio who knows. I think it's more about his approach and playing style more so than the gear. We are happy he uses our products but in the end Geddy sounds like Geddy.

As for our gear I would recommend the Para Driver or VT Bass DI if you want an economical way to get those tones.
 
#6
Respectfully, Geddy's tone in the songs mentioned is far from his present sound.

I think the VT (which Geddy doesn't use) is closer to his late 70's/early 80's sound than the other Tech 21 products. (Disclaimer, I'm a happy RPM and RBI customer - with a VT Rack on order which I am far from happy about. ... Taps foot waiting endlessly)
 
#8
Seba_H5001 said:
Many thanks to Tech21! Awesome atention :)
So, aiming for that studio Geddy tone, the VT Bass DI would do the best job?
Click to expand...

Farewell to Kings through Signals probably best with VT
Vapor Trails definitely RBI
Snakes and Arrows RPM
Clockwork Angels - good luck my friend.

That's my opinion mapping of Sansamp to album tone - noting that there are a lot of other factors in play and there is no single magic box to give anyone Geddy tone. Equally important is technique and setup. And most important is being happy just getting close and allowing that you will still sound very much like you.
 
#9
Seba_H5001 said:
Many thanks to Tech21! Awesome atention :)
So, aiming for that studio Geddy tone, the VT Bass DI would do the best job?
Click to expand...

Like I said. For the most part it is really the way Geddy plays. To me the VT Bass would be a good choice in that at times he used the RBI and RPM and I think the VT Bass could get you in that ballpark.

Chasing a recorded tone can be very tricky as there are way too many variables. My guess is that much like live, the tones are a composite of different sources and there is no one magic box. Couple that with the engineer compressing and adding additional EQ at the board and the fact that the entire recording has been mastered, the actual gear used becomes somewhat moot.

Are you trying to get his recorded sound in the studio or live?
 
#11
I didn't like any of those tones at all. The drive so high is not pleasing, too harsh. High drive plus high presence don't make it for me. But I heard way better tones from the BDDI. Is there any good review of the VT Bass DI? I haven't found any.
 
#12
I got a VT Bass DI and when I set it per the manual to sound like an SVT (more or less grind depending on mood) and then I set the blend to 50/50 I feel it gets me into Geddy territory (playing with my Amer. Stan. J-Bass). I like the VT Bass DI quite a bit, it has a lot of functionality in a small foot print. I think with the blend it gets me where I want to go.
 

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