Quilter Bass Block

[TrevorOfDoom]

Minor annoyance. If I decide on a volume setting I like, then mute and power down, I’d like to be able to come back on at the same place. As I said, minor annoyance. Just a little learning curve. I’ll survive

How is it not coming back on at the same level, if your knobs haven’t moved?
And i thought the knobs were detented so finding your settings again was easier...

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

Hey All,

Pat wanted to pose a question to you guys. When we came out with the Bassliner cabinets some customers expressed concern about the metal grilles becoming damaged and unsightly after use. Have any users had trouble with this?

Cheers,
Peter

I don’t have any of the Quilter cabs, but I have never and will never buy a cab that does NOT have a metal grill.
I’m not too hard on my gear, but i’m not soft on it either, and a clothe grill is just asking for trouble.
Metal’s the only way to go, IMO.

 

[Mr. Business]

This was kinda my main beef with the amp. I would prefer no eq to fight or a 3 or 4 band. The eq layout always choked the highs off too much for my taste, and I’m not a bright tone person at all. I could live with basically everything but the eq, however, the suggested revision sounds about perfect.

 

[monsterthompson]

How is it not coming back on at the same level, if your knobs haven’t moved?
And i thought the knobs were detented so finding your settings again was easier...

Option 1 (my habit)
Amp level set > hit mute > power down
Power back on - mute doesn't stay engaged so amp comes back on at the last volume set, but I'd like the mute to be engaged at power up. I guess I treat mute like a standby switch, which is also how it operates on my DG 900 head. My habit can be changed, but my expectation is that the mute will still be engaged when I power on, if I engaged it when I powered down.

Option 2
Amp level set > hit mute > power down > turn all knobs to zero
Power back on - mute not being engaged when powering up is not an issue with knobs at zero, but the settings are lost. Finding the settings again, regardless of detentes, requires turning the knobs to the position they were last in (and remembering where that was).

As I said, it is a minor annoyance and just learning a new bit of gear. I wouldn't not-buy the amp over this.

 

[Mr. Business]

Option 1 (my habit)
Amp level set > hit mute > power down
Power back on - mute doesn't stay engaged so amp comes back on at the last volume set, but I'd like the mute to be engaged at power up. I guess I treat mute like a standby switch, which is also how it operates on my DG 900 head. My habit can be changed, but my expectation is that the mute will still be engaged when I power on, if I engaged it when I powered down.

Option 2
Amp level set > hit mute > power down > turn all knobs to zero
Power back on - mute not being engaged when powering up is not an issue with knobs at zero, but the settings are lost. Finding the settings again, regardless of detentes, requires turning the knobs to the position they were last in (and remembering where that was).

As I said, it is a minor annoyance and just learning a new bit of gear. I wouldn't not-buy the amp over this.

I normally use my mute the same way, so that would also be a nice touch.

 

[Stu_Bass]

Option 1 (my habit)
Amp level set > hit mute > power down
Power back on - mute doesn't stay engaged so amp comes back on at the last volume set, but I'd like the mute to be engaged at power up. I guess I treat mute like a standby switch, which is also how it operates on my DG 900 head. My habit can be changed, but my expectation is that the mute will still be engaged when I power on, if I engaged it when I powered down.

Option 2
Amp level set > hit mute > power down > turn all knobs to zero
Power back on - mute not being engaged when powering up is not an issue with knobs at zero, but the settings are lost. Finding the settings again, regardless of detentes, requires turning the knobs to the position they were last in (and remembering where that was).

As I said, it is a minor annoyance and just learning a new bit of gear. I wouldn't not-buy the amp over this.

I would prefer that all amps power up in the muted state but the mute button on the Quilter can be engaged immediately after powering on so I don't find a need to turn the master down. Actually it's power on...beat... mute

 

[monsterthompson]

This was kinda my main beef with the amp...

Now you tell me
(Disclosure - I bought mine from Mr. B, and I'd do it again)

 

[kasbrey]

Man, I've got two drive pedals which just don't get along with the Quilter. The Darkglass AOmega and the Reiner Gasoline (just snagged one of these small-run units). I don't know if it is the EQ voicing or the compression/limiting character of the amp, but something about it takes the edge off each of these pedals. With the same bass, pedals, and cab, but with a Demeter VTBP M 800D head, the pedals each have much more grind and vibrant tone. Anyone else have a similar experience with this amp altering the character of an effect/drive pedal? I really like the clean sound, but this "damping" effect has me scratching my head, particularly since my Dunwich Volt Thrower seems to operate as I'd expect with the Quilter.

Have you tried DI'ing from the AO to the XLR in? Is there enough gain from the AO to do this?

 

[CharlieC]

I am quite puzzled by the reports of attenuated highs through the Quilter.

I routinely use a BB800 along with an iPod and full-range cabinets for music playback at parties and public events, and from my experience the Quilter is nothing but ruler-flat with Contour and Depth knobs at noon.

Any coloration further to that is purely to dynamics via the limiter circuitry and is fully avoidable under modest Gain knob settings.

IMHO the BB800 puts out what is put in, and it does so with heft!

 

[monsterthompson]

Have you tried DI'ing from the AO to the XLR in? Is there enough gain from the AO to do this?

I have. That was my first method of plugging in.
Sad trombone.
Fortunately, it is only one pedal, and only an issue when trying to get a certain style/sound. Not a fatal flaw, but I wouldn't pick this as the best amp for djent metal, though, I have yet to try getting really doom-y sludge out of it. Sounds like a weekend project

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

Option 1 (my habit)
Amp level set > hit mute > power down
Power back on - mute doesn't stay engaged so amp comes back on at the last volume set, but I'd like the mute to be engaged at power up. I guess I treat mute like a standby switch, which is also how it operates on my DG 900 head. My habit can be changed, but my expectation is that the mute will still be engaged when I power on, if I engaged it when I powered down.

Option 2
Amp level set > hit mute > power down > turn all knobs to zero
Power back on - mute not being engaged when powering up is not an issue with knobs at zero, but the settings are lost. Finding the settings again, regardless of detentes, requires turning the knobs to the position they were last in (and remembering where that was).

As I said, it is a minor annoyance and just learning a new bit of gear. I wouldn't not-buy the amp over this.

Oh, gotcha.
I’ve never been a standby switch guy, so i was very confused by your comments.
But i get the point now.
I use my tuner pedal to mute when i power on the amp.
Serves the same purpose.

 

[monsterthompson]

I am quite puzzled by the reports of attenuated highs through the Quilter.

I routinely use a BB800 along with an iPod and full-range cabinets for music playback at parties and public events, and from my experience the Quilter is nothing but ruler-flat with Contour and Depth knobs at noon.

Any coloration further to that is purely to dynamics via the limiter circuitry and is fully avoidable under modest Gain knob settings.

IMHO the BB800 puts out what is put in, and it does so with heft!

So, I think I’m getting my head around my new Gasoline pedal, which starts flat-ish with the time control, then boosts mids and lower high end content as it is turned. What I’m finding works best is to scoop the Quilter EQ more to offset this. Relatively, the highs present as more vibrant. I need to see what the EQ tweaks do on the AO. I think I have been pushing more growly mids, making the compression of the Quilter seem like it’s cutting the highs.

 

[Jefenator]

It’s Acme compatible!

 

[bdplaid]

Finding new stuff:
I usually run the gain up for the compression effect, but was looking for a more David Hungate/Lowdown tone and needed midrange. I turned down the gain to around 3 and there it was: midrange.

What an awesomely tunable little amp this is.

 

[BigEarl]

Finding new stuff:
I usually run the gain up for the compression effect, but was looking for a more David Hungate/Lowdown tone and needed midrange. I turned down the gain to around 3 and there it was: midrange.

What an awesomely tunable little amp this is.

Yeah, I've found the BB800 offers a lot of "extra" tone variation simply by adjusting the volume and gain controls too! But now I use a Q/Strip (with the amp set flat) to keep it all simpler ...and to have a DI before the amp.

 

[Jefenator]

Finally got some time to do some A/Bing this afternoon.
My trusty old Markbass Little Mark II seems physically big and clunky by comparison. (But, really, either one schlepps like a dream.)
Sonically the Markbass seems duller. I used to wonder if the tweeter in this speaker cab is even working. With the Quilter I can tell for sure that it is and I like that! I think the Markbass just has some baked-in "old school" vibe while the Quilter puts out the full range.
I'm kind of an EQ hater. By my way of thinking, with two tone knobs compared to 6, that's 4 less knobs I have to check and turn back to neutral, each time I set up. (The "Depth" knob will probably get used a handful of times in extra boomy venues.)
I have more A/Bing to do (can't wait to pit this against the pre/power rack amp) but at this stage, I'm pretty sure the Quilter is going to take over micro-head duty and retire the Markbass - the more natural response just suits me better.

 

[Skerrvydog]

Finally got some time to do some A/Bing this afternoon.
My trusty old Markbass Little Mark II seems physically big and clunky by comparison. (But, really, either one schlepps like a dream.)
Sonically the Markbass seems duller. I used to wonder if the tweeter in this speaker cab is even working. With the Quilter I can tell for sure that it is and I like that! I think the Markbass just has some baked-in "old school" vibe while the Quilter puts out the full range.
I'm kind of an EQ hater. By my way of thinking, with two tone knobs compared to 6, that's 4 less knobs I have to check and turn back to neutral, each time I set up. (The "Depth" knob will probably get used a handful of times in extra boomy venues.)
I have more A/Bing to do (can't wait to pit this against the pre/power rack amp) but at this stage, I'm pretty sure the Quilter is going to take over micro-head duty and retire the Markbass - the more natural response just suits me better.
View attachment 2853204

I had a gig with upright the other night, and there was a markbass head like that and 210 cab as backline. Plugged in and got nothin but feedback and couldn’t dial it out no matter what. Decided I couldn’t use it and pulled out my board with the Quilter and my Eden 112, and got instantly better results, only took a tiny dialing in of the fishman pre to get it to perfect.

 

[Jefenator]

I had a gig with upright the other night, and there was a markbass head like that and 210 cab as backline. Plugged in and got nothin but feedback and couldn’t dial it out no matter what. Decided I couldn’t use it and pulled out my board with the Quilter and my Eden 112, and got instantly better results, only took a tiny dialing in of the fishman pre to get it to perfect.

First note I played through the Quilter last week was with my Ovation acoustic bass guitar on a Jazz gig. Felt very natural and musical.
I'm excited to see how this pans out for the upright. (Been favoring a tube amp over the last year but I might be ready to go back to a micro-head. Certain days this month were so hectic, I held my nose and used the LMII. In my experience it has always been usable if not inspirational.)

 

[Frank77]

Man, I've got two drive pedals which just don't get along with the Quilter. The Darkglass AOmega and the Reiner Gasoline (just snagged one of these small-run units). I don't know if it is the EQ voicing or the compression/limiting character of the amp, but something about it takes the edge off each of these pedals. With the same bass, pedals, and cab, but with a Demeter VTBP M 800D head, the pedals each have much more grind and vibrant tone. Anyone else have a similar experience with this amp altering the character of an effect/drive pedal? I really like the clean sound, but this "damping" effect has me scratching my head, particularly since my Dunwich Volt Thrower seems to operate as I'd expect with the Quilter.

I'm experiencing a similar "damping" effect using a Pork Loin, even at fairly low levels of dirt...something just sounds "different", more restrained. Could the OD somehow trigger the limiter ? (Even when the output volume on the pedal is set to be the same as the clean signal level?). My other effects (envelope filter, octaver, chorus) get along just fine with the amp.

I'll have to fiddle around with the EQ and amp gain settings, and/or the PL's internal trimpots and see if I can get more satisfying results.

 

[Frank77]

Ok, well...overdrive crisis averted. Further investigation simply revealed that I am an idiot : The low pass filter of the Pork Loin was engaged and muffling everything, at low (read "apartment") volume it just gave me the impression that little to no dirt was poking through.

I should totally glue that sucker to the "off" position.

On the brighter side, it gave me an excuse to break out the VT Bass DI and try the XLR in on the Quilter while "investigating".

Also just thought of a way I could double using this amp (although I avoid doubling like the plague now) : Bass guitar into pedalboard into amp's 1/4'' input jack; upright bass into mute switch into preamp into XLR in.