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Question about Ampeg Micro VR.... Preamp?

O

omoxrawr

Mar 23, 2008
177
1
#1
I was wondering if you were able to run through the amp to use it as a preamp. Like bass > ampeg vr > amp head/cab. Would that be possible? I am playing a festival this weekend and am using the backline, but thought it would be cool to use this thing as a preamp. Any ideas?

I run bass > pedal board / sansamp > ashdown abm 900 head/cab
 
#4
Effects Send on the Micro VR > Effects Return on the backline amp would work wonderfully. The only things that aren't in the circuit at the effects loop patch points are the Volume and Limiter controls (ie: the attenuation stage right before the power amp, and the power amp itself.)

You've already got a Sansamp, though, which does the slightly-dirty SVT vibe better than the Micro VR, IMO.
 
#5
If the Micro VR's effects loop is after its pre-amp (it likely is) then you should be able to use the 'VR's effects send to feed the power amp section of another bass head by plugging into that amp's effects return.

Do you have a copy of your Ampeg Micro VR's owners manual? If so, please consult it before experimenting with your gear--especially before a gig.

A Tech 21 Sans Amp VT Bass (an Ampeg B15-N and SVT amp simulator in a stomp box form which can drive power amps) is the transistor bass amp 'hamburger helper' of choice for a growing # of players here on TalkBass.

I just got one yesterday and am still fiddling with it, but so far I've gotten it to sound like my old SVT + 2x8x10 cabs rip-snortin' CRANKED! :)

Many, many other TB'ers report that it does excellent clean tones too, and that it's quiet enough for studio work.

Oh yeah. And it sells for ~ $150 USD.
 
#6
I wouldn't bother with it. You have a Sansamp, and that should be as good or better than the Micro VR to get that Ampeg sound. Just plug your pedals and Sansamp into what's there and enjoy having one less thing to worry about getting stolen.
 
#7
Yeah true. I love my sansamp, I just bought this as a temporary head until I get my Ashdown fixed. I wanted to try it out though, see what it sounds like.
One more question, if I am going XLR out from the ampeg head, and I hit my sansamp (for overdrive or boost or something) will it also effect the house mix?
 
#8
omoxrawr said:
Yeah true. I love my sansamp, I just bought this as a temporary head until I get my Ashdown fixed. I wanted to try it out though, see what it sounds like.
One more question, if I am going XLR out from the ampeg head, and I hit my sansamp (for overdrive or boost or something) will it also effect the house mix?
Click to expand...

Is there a pre-post switch on your Micro VR? Is this mentioned in your amp's manual?
 
#10
You have to look at the system diagram and follow the flow. The effects loop is after the XLR, so no, if you plug the Sansamp into the loop, it won't go out the XLR. Fortunately, they always sound way better going straight into the input and forgetting about the loop (at least that's my opinion), and that will of course go to the XLR.
 

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