TC Electronic BG250 Club (Part 2)

[Clark Westfield]

LeCover for sale to fit this great amp.

Great deal.

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/lecover-1-2-padded-cover-tc-bg250.1095626/#post-16254924

 

[soulman969]

Hey soulman969, my comment was tongue in cheek (about having made and not posted comments). IMO, ticol07 is the man as far as both the B3 and BG250 goes. He's someone who observes/listens with a critical ear, comes up with tweaks, tests and compiles, documents and shares things that he finds work (and that don't work).

I've used the BG250 and B3 and come across some things I've really liked, not so much from really digging in and spending a lot of time trying things, but more from doing a little reading and stopping at the first thing that worked for me.

As far as the most efficient way to deal with B3 patches goes, I don't know if I can correct you if wrong. I've never tried multiple amp sims in one patch, so (while I hadn't considered it) I didn't know that it would produce a processing overload...although that does seem to make sense.

Are you using the Edit&Share software? That's the only way I really do things with patches. I rarely touch a knob on the B3 itself. With the software, you can save entire groups and load them, keeping "safety copies" of everything you want to save.

If you're not using the software, that would be my advice; at least as the thing that make the B3 work for me. Some people seem to prefer dealing hands-on, directly with the pedal controls. Another thing I'd suggest, if you haven't already, is to check out CharlieC's "Zoom B3 As Preamp" threads in the Effects subforum. Lots of good info there, and ticol07 has been a big conributor to those as well.

I haven't used the Edit & Share yet. It's been a crazy week so for now I'm just looking at setting a couple of amp patches up to explore along with some cab sims I may or may not add depending on my results. I know from reading that you and ticol have found some of them useful in moderation.

What I was talking about with the multiple amps sims is the unit doesn't seem to like one in each slot. For instance when I put the SVT in slot #1, and a Flip Top B15 in slot #2, it rejects putting another in slot #3 with an indicator that says the DSP if "full". So I'm guessing we can only set up two amp sims and the third slot will have to be an effect of some kind.

If that's the case what's the best way to set up multiple amp sims within one slot or is that even possible. I'm guessing we just use the arrow up or down to select what we want in that slot then activate it with the footswitch. There really isn't an ability to scroll through presets except via the up/down button.

I'm just gonna run a clean boost with the two Ampeg models to begin with and then explore a but more from there. Once I get something I like it should be fairly easy to repeat and duplicate the process. I call it my "hunt and blunder system".

 

[morten0310]

It's a tone that kind of is in my head, but it's like uh.. Daft-Punk Get lucky boomy bass sound you know, or even A Perfect Circle Bass tone from the song "The Outsider"
And i usually put both pickups and tone all the way up, and sometimes i solo the neck pickup.
And i tried cranking the bass knob but it's way too muddy and my tone is unclear :/

Hi
I owned a BG250-112 Two weeks ago but i can't manage to have a good bass tone with my new squier vm jazz bass ! Anyone can help about the settings or eq ? i can't get a good deep low sound

Thanks !

Hi NightLease,
Try to load the spectracomp and set it to 3-4.
Then boost bass +1 middle -1 to -2 treble +2
Remember to always gain just until the red LED lights up and then a hair down.
That is my best suggestion.

But that said you are playing a completely different bass than Nathan East and sometime you just need the right bass.

Cheers
Morten

 

[drpepper]

I haven't used the Edit & Share yet. It's been a crazy week so for now I'm just looking at setting a couple of amp patches up to explore along with some cab sims I may or may not add depending on my results. I know from reading that you and ticol have found some of them useful in moderation.

What I was talking about with the multiple amps sims is the unit doesn't seem to like one in each slot. For instance when I put the SVT in slot #1, and a Flip Top B15 in slot #2, it rejects putting another in slot #3 with an indicator that says the DSP if "full". So I'm guessing we can only set up two amp sims and the third slot will have to be an effect of some kind.

If that's the case what's the best way to set up multiple amp sims within one slot or is that even possible. I'm guessing we just use the arrow up or down to select what we want in that slot then activate it with the footswitch. There really isn't an ability to scroll through presets except via the up/down button.

I'm just gonna run a clean boost with the two Ampeg models to begin with and then explore a but more from there. Once I get something I like it should be fairly easy to repeat and duplicate the process. I call it my "hunt and blunder system".

The way my brain works, the software makes the B3 for me. Like I said, I rarely even touch any of the controls on the pedal itself.

With the software running and the pedal connected, the B3 is controlled through the software interface. Just huge for me. In terms of "hunting," I can barely imagine trying to do the same things directly on the pedal. Management, renaming, grouping, deleting, saving...I don't even know how you'd do these things with anywhere close to the same ease.

Although I'm not 100% sure why you're wanting to run multiple sims, I understood what you meant about the unit choking on it. It makes sense processor-wise. If you're doing it for the purpose of quickly switching while you're doing your hunting and tweaking, again the software controls the pedal, so you simply click the patch you want and it switches instantly.

 

[tjontheroad]

Ok let me offer my 2 cents on the BG250-115. 1st, a bit of background about me as a point of reference. I've played bass for about 20+ years mostly in studio settings along with a few live gigs along the way. I also play guitar and saxophone. I'm not a full time pro nor anything close to God's gift to the low end. That said, I can very easy handle a full nights worth of tunes in most popular styles.

Alright let's talk amp

Pros... Good power and crisp tone. Should be enough power for just about any situation. Really if you need more, you're gonna want to run through a PA anyway and the TC will make for a perfect stage monitor and tone sculptor. The amp sound opens up nicely as the master gain climbs greater than about a 4 setting. The 15 inch speaker puts out a sweet rumble. There's an overall balanced crispness in the mids and highs along with low end punch at a flat EQ setting. The EQ offers the ability to dial up plenty of different tones. It's pretty surprising what you get with just 3 bands. Very happy with that. The effects and Toneprint slots are impressive. The spectracomp, flanger, and doubler are worthy of the price admission. Lastly, the amp is very quiet without any discernible noise.

Cons... I'm having a hard time believing this amp weighs just 35lbs. Maybe I'm getting old, but it feels about 5-10lbs heavier. My 3 year old son is about 35lbs and I carry him around everyday. This amp defiantly weighs more. Anybody got a scale I can borrow? Also, I can't understand the lack of an effects loop placed between the Toneprint effects slots and the master output section. Seems to me, the spectracomp would be nicely sitting in front of a pedal board with chorus, flange, autowah, or whatever. Lastly, the amp tends to get boomy when sitting directly on the floor. So, isolating the amp with a stand or isolation riser is a must IMO.

BONUS. The amp came with a rebate deal where you mail in for free ditto looper.

I'm real happy with the BG250 so far. I'm plenty confident it'll meet my needs for the new band I just joined. The band has live drums and two guitars playing through smallish combo amps. One guitarist doubles on keys and sings. The practice volume is moderately loud, but not obnoxious. The set list includes classic rock, funk, soul, Motown, and modern rock from the '60's through current stuff. 1st gig is next month. As long as I can cut it, I'm sure the amp will too

TJ

 

[drpepper]

I'm having a hard time believing this amp weighs just 35lbs. Maybe I'm getting old, but it feels about 5-10lbs heavier.

Nice review, TJ.

Yeah. I don't know if the version 2 weight changed or not, but you're right, it's closer to 40 lbs than 35. Still light in relative terms. I think the perception of the weight is affected by the dimensions an handle placement. It's an awkward carry. I'm 6'1", and always found that I had to tilt my body away to do a straight arm carry. I bet recessed side handles or a handle on one side would change the way it feels.

My 212 has recessed side handles and the weight feels totally different depending on whether I lift with the speakers facing me (lighter) or facing away (heavier).

Effects loop would have been good, but I guess every decision like that move the price point.

 

[tjontheroad]

Nice review, TJ.

Yeah. I don't know if the version 2 weight changed or not, but you're right, it's closer to 40 lbs than 35. Still light in relative terms. I think the perception of the weight is affected by the dimensions an handle placement. It's an awkward carry. I'm 6'1", and always found that I had to tilt my body away to do a straight arm carry. I bet recessed side handles or a handle on one side would change the way it feels.

My 212 has recessed side handles and the weight feels totally different depending on whether I lift with the speakers facing me (lighter) or facing away (heavier).

Effects loop would have been good, but I guess every decision like that move the price point.

The current specs state 35lbs and that's gotta be generous I can still can pick it up with one hand though. So, big deal I guess. I can't imagine adding an effects loop would more than a few bucks. I'd rather have that than a free ditto looper. I'm gonna sell that as soon I get it to help pay for the amp.

 

[soulman969]

The way my brain works, the software makes the B3 for me. Like I said, I rarely even touch any of the controls on the pedal itself.

With the software running and the pedal connected, the B3 is controlled through the software interface. Just huge for me. In terms of "hunting," I can barely imagine trying to do the same things directly on the pedal. Management, renaming, grouping, deleting, saving...I don't even know how you'd do these things with anywhere close to the same ease.

Although I'm not 100% sure why you're wanting to run multiple sims, I understood what you meant about the unit choking on it. It makes sense processor-wise. If you're doing it for the purpose of quickly switching while you're doing your hunting and tweaking, again the software controls the pedal, so you simply click the patch you want and it switches instantly.

Yep, I was just setting the amp sims up to sample those first in order to get familiar with them. Today I had a chance to sit down with it for a couple of hours and play around so now I've got a pretty good handle on it. Through the amp it wasn't all that tough to figure out. It's pretty intuitive after all.

Now that I have the basics down I can explore a little easier. Once I've opened all it's doors and windows and searched the closets and drawers I'll start working with the software interface. I have time to set up the patches I want it's just finding out which ones they are for each bass and the tone I want from it.

As always, I appreciate the help.

 

[drpepper]

The current specs state 35lbs and that's gotta be generous I can still can pick it up with one hand though. So, big deal I guess. I can't imagine adding an effects loop would more than a few bucks. I'd rather have that than a free ditto looper. I'm gonna sell that as soon I get it to help pay for the amp.

The website specs say 39 now, but yes it's light enough. I know a couple of people weighed theirs at around 37 lbs.

 

[soulman969]

Nice review, TJ.

Yeah. I don't know if the version 2 weight changed or not, but you're right, it's closer to 40 lbs than 35. Still light in relative terms. I think the perception of the weight is affected by the dimensions an handle placement. It's an awkward carry. I'm 6'1", and always found that I had to tilt my body away to do a straight arm carry. I bet recessed side handles or a handle on one side would change the way it feels.

My 212 has recessed side handles and the weight feels totally different depending on whether I lift with the speakers facing me (lighter) or facing away (heavier).

Effects loop would have been good, but I guess every decision like that move the price point.

My version one is 36lbs 9ozs on my digital scale but the current specs now say 39lbs so it would seem the newer ones are a bit heavier. I don't think it's more than that. I know mine is quite a bit lighter than my Roland Blues Cube and that goes 46lbs.

I'd agree with your review as well TJ. I've been using a stand with mine ever since I got it and I think I'll pickup a Gramma Pad to put under that. Some amps seem to do better sitting on the floor but not this one. I think the cabinet may be too lightweight for that.

I've always been pleased with the amp but now having these amp sims and a few well chosen effects at my disposal I'm sure I'll like it even more. Just the amp alone with the Bass Driver patch is a nice combination and I'm just scratching the surface.

 

[tjontheroad]

Well I stand corrected on the correct specs. Although the online manual still says "15.8 kg / 34.8 pounds" and that's what I was referencing. Anyway, no need to get all weighted down over this

The good side about not having the effects loop is it'll keep me from farting around too much with useless digital pedal settings and focus on playing I did download the Toneprint editor for iPad. Pretty cool. I bet I'll be farting around with that instead lol. I should also mention I'm impressed with how well the Toneprints load in from my phone. I was kinda skeptical about this bit of gadgetry especially in a louder live setting. But, it works reliably fast and even when drummer next you decides he needs to practice his snare drum paradiddles.

The amp was boomy on the floor while I was at practice. I couldn't dial it out at all. When I got home and put it on the bench (like in the photo I posted before). It sound fine with same settings I had at practice. Funny thing is, if I didn't put it on the bench at home I might of thought of sending it back. Instead I went searching through my garage for an old auralex gramma isolation riser I have and threw it in trunk of my car for the next practice tonight. I think that'll do the trick.
TJ

 

[soulman969]

Sorry fellow tc lovers but I have upgraded slightly... Definitely won't set the 115 aside though! View attachment 461614
Quick family portrait as I don't think I ever posted a picture of my 115

Dad with his son and his baby brother. Nice family brother. I'd love to have an SVT again but with my back all it would be is a coat rack. I nearly got a hernia just from looking at the pic. LOL

 

[lomo]

I just bought a new BG208 combo off eBay. It was 399 OBO and the seller countered by BO with 385, shipped. I chose it mainly for the light weight and small footprint/form factor. It will be used for home practice and jamming with guitars but no drummer. The tone out of the box is clean and pleasing and I will use the chorus a bit. I believe it is aimed mainly at those playing upright, so it sounds to my ear to be strong in the high bass/low mids (60-150 Hz) but does have a little bit of what I'd call true bass (anything below 60Hz). Overall the value seems pretty good for what I paid, but for those paying the 499 I have seen on ebay, perhaps not so much. It would not be loud enough for me to gig with my 5 string, and if I push it past noon it does not like my B string much at all. I would say that for those playing electric 5 string who want a giggable combo the 210 or 115 with tweet would be the way to go. As for the tone print, I downloaded the ap to my iPhone 'cause I find the concept cool, but it did not work. I'll try again later but for me that doesn't matter at all. I have no real use for the FX. However, for someone who wants FX, that feature could certainly save a lot of $$.

 

[tjontheroad]

I just bought a new BG208 combo off eBay. It was 399 OBO and the seller countered by BO with 385, shipped. I chose it mainly for the light weight and small footprint/form factor. It will be used for home practice and jamming with guitars but no drummer. The tone out of the box is clean and pleasing and I will use the chorus a bit. I believe it is aimed mainly at those playing upright, so it sounds to my ear to be strong in the high bass/low mids (60-150 Hz) but does have a little bit of what I'd call true bass (anything below 60Hz). Overall the value seems pretty good for what I paid, but for those paying the 499 I have seen on ebay, perhaps not so much. It would not be loud enough for me to gig with my 5 string, and if I push it past noon it does not like my B string much at all. I would say that for those playing electric 5 string who want a giggable combo the 210 or 115 with tweet would be the way to go. As for the tone print, I downloaded the ap to my iPhone 'cause I find the concept cool, but it did not work. I'll try again later but for me that doesn't matter at all. I have no real use for the FX. However, for someone who wants FX, that feature could certainly save a lot of $$.

I also play 5 string and that is partly why I wanted the 15 inch speaker. Just can't get a rumble out of an 8 inch. I bet the 8's would be great with baritone guitar. You definitely want to get the Toneprint app working. Adding the spectracomp and doubling would be a good idea.

 

[lomo]

I also play 5 string and that is partly why I wanted the 15 inch speaker. Just can't get a rumble out of an 8 inch. I bet the 8's would be great with baritone guitar. You definitely want to get the Toneprint app working. Adding the spectracomp and doubling would be a good idea.

Yeah-I will try the app again and go to the USB if needed. As far my low B goes, for playing with a drummer/ gigging I have a fEarful 12/6 and a Shuttle 9.2, so volume, clarity and lows are covered in spades with 3 cherries on top The 208 fills a different need for a grab'n'go light combo.
The 12/6 will bury any conventional 15 I have played in terms of depth, clarity and volume, and it only weighs 33 lbs; the downside is cost.

 

[ticol07]

I gigged again with my bg250 115, outdoor this time, and with no PA support for the bass, so, not the ideal combination.
And I had an awesome tone with my jazz bass (I used different settings of the pickups depending on the songs, played with pick and fingers, and all were great).
We play rock, so we need to have some volume and energy, and everybody (including high level musicians) complimented us on our respective tones.
During the soudcheck I plugged my bass in a 10 m cable to hear the global tone from our band, and I loved it.

I think I found the best way to use this amp regarding my tonal goals : I put it on a home made stand. Like that it is at around 25 cm from the floor, very slightly tilted back.
The tone is really full but not boomy at all. Powerful but not muddy. I even increased a bit the highs, while cutting a bit the lows and the mids, on the amp, to gain some clarity.

This combo is really amazing but seems to need being raised from the floor to get the best of its tone. On the floor I always find it too boomy and I struggle to hear me on stage. Raised, it becomes clear and very articulate while keeping a very good low end.

Hope this will help those who struggle to find a good tone.

 

[lomo]

Update-I tried again to get the tone print on my 208 combo working and it only took a moment to figure out my user error (volume off on my iPhone, LOL). Although I am among those who find the power/wattage claims made by TC to be egregious lies (YMMV), I am very impressed with the tone print concept. The quality of the few FX I tried was surprisingly satisfying. In the end, I may use the tube drive and Roscoe Beck chorus quite a bit. However, I find it annoying that they do not offer either a single pedal with multiple slots to add to any head, or a head with multiple slots. Even if such a pedal or head was pricey, IMHO it'd be a good idea. It seems they are juggling their product offerings so as not to cannibalize their pedal sales. I am not much into their larger amps, but I would definitely fork over big bucks for a multi-use pedal with, say, 5 slots that could be used in tandem in any order, or possibly even a head with the same feature.

Also, after spending some quality time with the 208, I love the form factor, tone and the fact that I can add another cab. On the negative side, the fact that the head cannot be readily popped out for use with other cabs seems plain dumb to me, since it's simply a 250 head attached to the 208 cab. It will get a lot of low volume use from me. The tone is very good, and it makes a great grab'n go combo for my needs.

 

[tjontheroad]

I gigged again with my bg250 115, outdoor this time, and with no PA support for the bass, so, not the ideal combination.
And I had an awesome tone with my jazz bass (I used different settings of the pickups depending on the songs, played with pick and fingers, and all were great).
We play rock, so we need to have some volume and energy, and everybody (including high level musicians) complimented us on our respective tones.
During the soudcheck I plugged my bass in a 10 m cable to hear the global tone from our band, and I loved it.

I think I found the best way to use this amp regarding my tonal goals : I put it on a home made stand. Like that it is at around 25 cm from the floor, very slightly tilted back.
The tone is really full but not boomy at all. Powerful but not muddy. I even increased a bit the highs, while cutting a bit the lows and the mids, on the amp, to gain some clarity.

This combo is really amazing but seems to need being raised from the floor to get the best of its tone. On the floor I always find it too boomy and I struggle to hear me on stage. Raised, it becomes clear and very articulate while keeping a very good low end.

Hope this will help those who struggle to find a good tone.

Yeah... I'm using a auralex gramma isolation riser and the boominess is gone away. That 15 incher wants to rumble hard. You have to get off the floor.

Update-I tried again to get the tone print on my 208 combo working and it only took a moment to figure out my user error (volume off on my iPhone, LOL). Although I am among those who find the power/wattage claims made by TC to be egregious lies (YMMV), I am very impressed with the tone print concept. The quality of the few FX I tried was surprisingly satisfying. In the end, I may use the tube drive and Roscoe Beck chorus quite a bit. However, I find it annoying that they do not offer either a single pedal with multiple slots to add to any head, or a head with multiple slots. Even if such a pedal or head was pricey, IMHO it'd be a good idea. It seems they are juggling their product offerings so as not to cannibalize their pedal sales. I am not much into their larger amps, but I would definitely fork over big bucks for a multi-use pedal with, say, 5 slots that could be used in tandem in any order, or possibly even a head with the same feature.

Also, after spending some quality time with the 208, I love the form factor, tone and the fact that I can add another cab. On the negative side, the fact that the head cannot be readily popped out for use with other cabs seems plain dumb to me, since it's simply a 250 head attached to the 208 cab. It will get a lot of low volume use from me. The tone is very good, and it makes a great grab'n go combo for my needs.

Glad you got the toneprint working. I'm still disappointed with the lack of an effects loop. Your basically stuck with using the spectracomp (ideally you want that in the front of the chain) by itself or using another effects set in front of the amp with a different compressor. I almost wanted to send back the amp and upgrade it to a RH450 head and 210 speaker combo just for the right setup. I ended up getting a Bassbone OD preamp instead to use as a work around (has it's own effects loop) and because it has the dual channel input. I use that for my new NXT OmniBass with the piezo pups and my electric bass. I do really like the spectracomp. Too bad they don't have that in pedal form where I can have it in the same effects loop at the front of the chain..

 

[shawshank72]

Looks like i will be getting one of these off a fellow tber. Hoping it lives up to what i need it to be.
One question....
I hate the emblem on the bottom right hand corner. Is this easy to remove?

 

[mikew31]

I hate the emblem on the bottom right hand corner. Is this easy to remove?

Very. Just peel the sticker off. Mine came off no sweat, but some have had the paint peel off the grill. A little touch up paint will fix that.