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The point is the Paradriver costs the same as the Bass Driver, and it's older, so there's no excuse for the Bass Driver to have fewer features. (I'm not talking about any of the programmable models.)
When they made the Bass Driver all they had to do was keep the features of the Paradriver and change the EQ points to optimize it for bass. Instead they chose to remove two KEY features, the rumble filter and the sweepable midrange. They never explained why.
Paradriver was just updated as well, albeit with a different feature set. yeah, they're the same price, but have different intended markets. At least they did until one Geddy Lee decided to fess up and tell the world he was using the RPM, and now the ParaDriver is being used by more bassists, but I digress....
As for an explanation, there is someone from Tech21 that is usually lurking around the threads. Maybe they'll bounce in and offer an explanation.
As a matter of fact, I've probably read their explanation, years ago when the Bass Driver came out. And I probably came to the conclusion that A) they didn't actually ask many bass players, because very few bass players will argue for 2 EQ knobs instead of 3, and B) the Bass Driver was something of a cash grab when they saw how many bassists were using the Paradriver. (The reason the Bassdriver exists is because of the popularity of the Paradriver among bassists.)
I have all three, the Paradriver, Bass Driver, and VT Bass. I find the VT to be the most natural sounding (unless the blend on the BDDI is way down). I do like the Para but it's my least favorite of the 3, and the rumble filter is not useful on bass IMO.
The rumble filter in the paradriver is set too high for bass. They could have given the Bass Driver a bass specific filter that would be very useful.
Ive had the programmable and the VT bass (currently). Theyre both really good but the VT is a little better in my opinion. This new one looks like a cool option if you don't want to sound closer to the Ampeg sound specifically.
MDBass
Supporting Member
- Nov 7, 2012
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- Endorsing Artist: Dingwall-Fender-Bergantino-Dunlop-Tech 21-Darkglass-Nordstrand
it's been an indispensable part of my pedal board for years, I've used it to perform and record everything from metal to country
But does this updated model have too much drive on tap like the old BDDI has? I like that about it. The addition of the mid control is super appealing.
Sure...and those old remote control cars that only turn in reverse were designed that way too...you can turn the car around..but not in the manner many operators would prefer...
Despite my occasion Ray/mid concern comment...mine.has gone with me everywhere..when I was at my gigging busiest, I often played a couple places in a night four or so a week...always various provided back line...often on multi band sets...made set up a no brainer..sans amp to effects return of provided rig and direct to the PA..good consistent sound
Always have run a channel when recording from it as well....loved a blend it set hairy and a clean signal through a Manley DI...my favourite tone I have ever had
Always have run a channel when recording from it as well....loved a blend it set hairy and a clean signal through a Manley DI...my favourite tone I have ever had
This thing will find its intended market.
I'm one of the folks that never got along with the character control and highly sensitive/interactive controls on the VT Bass, and if I didn't already have a Fly Rig and a great DI, this would be right up my alley.
After all, the BDDI has found its way onto countless concert stages and recordings. The extra controls on v2 will likely just be icing on the cake for most users...
I'm one of the folks that never got along with the character control and highly sensitive/interactive controls on the VT Bass, and if I didn't already have a Fly Rig and a great DI, this would be right up my alley.
After all, the BDDI has found its way onto countless concert stages and recordings. The extra controls on v2 will likely just be icing on the cake for most users...
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wintremute
mediocrity at its finest
- Oct 16, 2014
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I was thinking of getting their Fly Rig, but I play a 5-string. Will the Fly Rig not work as well for a 5-string?
Depends on what cabs you're playing through, and what you're after.
With good gear in the rest of your signal chain, the last thing you need with a 5-string is to set the BDDI v2's bass control to 40Hz and start cranking it. You'll just tick off the sound guy, and swamp the kick in a bad way.
On the other hand, if you're trying to compensate for a small cab with poor low end response, or create a huge, synthy bottom end for dubstep, you'll likely find that the bass control on a regular Sansamp (including the Fly Rig) is voiced too high.
That's the kind of situation where the 40Hz setting on the BDDI V2's bass control could maybe come in handy.
With good gear in the rest of your signal chain, the last thing you need with a 5-string is to set the BDDI v2's bass control to 40Hz and start cranking it. You'll just tick off the sound guy, and swamp the kick in a bad way.
On the other hand, if you're trying to compensate for a small cab with poor low end response, or create a huge, synthy bottom end for dubstep, you'll likely find that the bass control on a regular Sansamp (including the Fly Rig) is voiced too high.
That's the kind of situation where the 40Hz setting on the BDDI V2's bass control could maybe come in handy.
I'm currently waiting for a Tech21 VT Bass deluxe pedal. It's been four days and I'm already going insane by waiting. They said it would take a month.
I'm not exactly sure when I posted this, but just for a little update, I have not yet received my pedal, and it's kinda taking a toll on me...
I'm starting to look like this...
scotch
It's not rocket science!
- Nov 12, 2006
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Zombie resurrection...
Literally just discovered that the BDDI was updated with a mid eq control!
Loved and then grew to hate the BDDI. Used it professionally for years but always missed those scooped mids. Might test drive one again... Definitely an iconic device!
Literally just discovered that the BDDI was updated with a mid eq control!
Loved and then grew to hate the BDDI. Used it professionally for years but always missed those scooped mids. Might test drive one again... Definitely an iconic device!
I'm thinking about one too. I had a v1 for a little bit. According to the manual there are settings for either Bassman or SVT or fat tube. Hmmmm ...
