Tech 21 at NAMM

[MIJ-VI]

Hey Jimmy. Any specs?

 

[MIJ-VI]

As someone who a) regularly uses a BDDI Deluxe, and b) just bought a VT, I'd just like to say:

That figures.

That said, +1 on this thing missing a blend knob. I wouldn't be at all surprised if T21 simply figured it will keep their manufacturing costs way down to follow the form factor and digital programming section of the Deluxe exactly, and the analog part of the VT exactly. But yeah, the blend is a critical component of the BDDI, IMO.

Also, I've found the drive goes from usable to ridiculous/worthless very quickly on the VT, around 11:00 depending on my usual EQ settings. Anyone else feel that way?

Finally, I expect (hope!) the final product will be anodized or otherwise coated rather than leave it bare aluminum. This photo screams prototype, not production.

-jb

This may help: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8495578&postcount=33

 

[John Bigboote]

This may help: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8495578&postcount=33

Actually, I've been using it to drive a power amp, so the output level is fine in that regard. Otherwise, I know it's a balancing act between drive and level; I just wish the transition to grit was more gradual/subtle. For me, it goes from "warm tone" to "blown speaker raspy unpleasantness" in a fairly small rotation.

The good news: Now that it has the boost button like the Deluxe, it should satisfy both camps of users.

-jb

 

[JimmyM]

Also, I've found the drive goes from usable to ridiculous/worthless very quickly on the VT, around 11:00 depending on my usual EQ settings. Anyone else feel that way?

not especially. dime a b-15 (sorry, i just can't be in the same room as a dimed svt) and the drive control sounds exactly like the b-15 at its highest crankage. so while it's not good for my thing, it's authentic. it takes a little effort to get the best out of its od sounds...definitely not the easiest pedal to figure out quickly.

but i'm definitely biased toward ampeg based sounds, so i find very little to dislike about it.

 

[FunkyFlashFive]

It looks like I'm making a stop at the Tech21 booth on Thursday! This needs to be looked into.

 

[bongomania]

i'm definitely biased toward ampeg based sounds

Really? I never knew!

 

[Gearhead43]

ya, i've been using my vt for a fairly aggressive sound most of the time, but since i got that british pedal for christmas, i'm really getting into that 60's british invasion hint of overdrive thing. reminds me of the dave clark five or the animals.

That's pretty close to my Rock n Roll band's sound. We also do Soul and Blues, but all in that same vein. Might have to check out that British pedal some time.

 

[TaySte_2000]

Are they going to be doing a smaller one ie like the PBDDI so only 3 settings and what not as this thing is a bit big I'd just take an M9 at that size.

Looks good though might have to be the first pedal I've bought in like 6 months

Shocking I know

 

[3toes]

What we really need is a pedal that can do all the characters (VT/Blonde/British/etc.) in one convenient box

 

[Honk'n_down-low]

just found out they'll be putting out a new bass distortion pedal as well.

I am buying one of each and sending the invoice to you! Too cool!

 

[Jjango]

This may help: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8495578&postcount=33

WOW, thanks for posting this link, MIJ-VI – I missed that thread, and it really contains THE killer tip. It effectively makes the VT pedal 10 times better than it already was, as way more settings have now become usable! Volume problem SOLVED! (of course, thanks also go out to kenstee for posting the original correspondence with Tech 21 in the first place!)

By the way, THIS is killer – I am so going to buy one, even though I barely just got the single-switch pedal version:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8495578&postcount=33

I'll either keep the small pedal version as a backup, or give it to my guitarist buddy (the VT pedal sounds GREAT on a guitar, too!).

And thanks for the Tech21 NAMM info (and the GAS), JimmyM!

 

[The Wrench]

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I dig the bare aluminum. Makes it easier to decorate to taste...

 

[René_Julien]

anything else new at Tech21?
in the rack department maybe?

 

[stephenrheard]

This looks awesome, but I probably won't be upgrading from my normal VT until it's a rackmount version with a programmable footswitch and a better programming system (I agree with ccoutch7)

 

[loendmaestro]

I AM NOT buying this.

Really.

I'm happy with my original VT Bass.

Not buying it. Nope.


(Be strong....be strong....)


Well, my birthday IS in August....

 

[MIJ-VI]

WOW, thanks for posting this link, MIJ-VI – I missed that thread, and it really contains THE killer tip. It effectively makes the VT pedal 10 times better than it already was, as way more settings have now become usable! Volume problem SOLVED! (of course, thanks also go out to kenstee for posting the original correspondence with Tech 21 in the first place!)

By the way, THIS is killer – I am so going to buy one, even though I barely just got the single-switch pedal version:

Invalid Link Removed

I'll either keep the small pedal version as a backup, or give it to my guitarist buddy (the VT pedal sounds GREAT on a guitar, too!).

And thanks for the Tech21 NAMM info (and the GAS), JimmyM!

+1

It appears that one could connect the new VT's parallel out to the old VT's input and then their outputs to a Boss LS-2 to form an all-Ampeg toned clean amp/dirty amp setup on the cheap.

 

[shmoo!]

Keep in mind if all three are at 9:00, or 12:00, or 3:00, it's the same tone... it's just louder at 3:00.* So once you've found your EQ shape, bring them all down in the same relationship to each other.* You'll keep the same tone, but cut the volume."

I run my pedal through the effects return on my amp...i don't have a volume issue so was just wondering how this would affect me...is it better to have more volume than less?I do understand the concept..

 

[DosiYanarchy]

although i admit that i have got GAS on this, I think im best off sticking with the regular VTbass - I have a hard enough time picking 'my sound' out of one VT, never mind 3

 

[MIJ-VI]

Keep in mind if all three are at 9:00, or 12:00, or 3:00, it's the same tone... it's just louder at 3:00.* So once you've found your EQ shape, bring them all down in the same relationship to each other.* You'll keep the same tone, but cut the volume."

I run my pedal through the effects return on my amp...i don't have a volume issue so was just wondering how this would affect me...is it better to have more volume than less?I do understand the concept..

Are you happy with your sound and signal-to-noise ratio? If so then that tip likely won't apply to your setup.

--------

For the benefit of those who know even less about these things than I do:

With most (if not all) bass amps, running a VT' into the amp's effects return = running it straight into the power amp.

Therefore the VT' gain structure-taming tip (in that link a few posts earlier) of reducing all of the EQ controls by an equal amount is not necessary when running into an effects return.

I expect that turning down the VT's EQ knobs as per that tip would be useful when running it into a pre-amp though.

 

[MIJ-VI]

although i admit that i have got GAS on this, I think im best off sticking with the regular VTbass - I have a hard enough time picking 'my sound' out of one VT, never mind 3

H'yeah... I 'm telling myself that too...