The Great Bass Preamp/DI Comparison

[Rocksolid]

My VT Bass Deluxe is starting to become unreliable sadly. One button is becoming glitchy (either doesn't work or does a little double tap and bypasses the unit) and the output from bank B sometimes is lower output. This pedal has been an integral part of my rig when either not using an amp, or using it to drive a power amp or Quilter BB.
It might be serviceable, or it might be time to replace it with something else.
Current pedals in my stable I could use to replace it are my YYZ, MXR M81, and TC spark booster. Clean tone, OD, boost or low gain OD. These 3 preamp pedals take up about the same real-estate, which matters as it's a snug fit. Using the MXR M81 would also allow me to remove my GEB7 which I run after the VTBD 1/4 out to adjust gain to IEM or power amp so DI tone stays unchanged, and all patches relative you each other volume wise. Not sure if that all makes sense.

Those of you who use multiple Preamps on a board, do you use one at a time, or do you use one as your main tone, and stack others into it?

Does anyone know of a good replacement for a VTBD? I love the clean tone of it and also the OD and 6 saved memory positions.
TIA.

 

[Mr. voodoobass]

Hx stomp is my answer. Try to put all the other effects in it aside, focus on just the amp, preamp, eq and compressor models and you will get all that the vt had. Plus the effect loops for outboard pedals or different instruments.
That’s at least the way i went.

 

[Hypercaffium]

I'd try to replace the VT with the YYZ.

 

[keatz]

My VT Bass Deluxe is starting to become unreliable sadly. One button is becoming glitchy (either doesn't work or does a little double tap and bypasses the unit) and the output from bank B sometimes is lower output. This pedal has been an integral part of my rig when either not using an amp, or using it to drive a power amp or Quilter BB.
It might be serviceable, or it might be time to replace it with something else.
Current pedals in my stable I could use to replace it are my YYZ, MXR M81, and TC spark booster. Clean tone, OD, boost or low gain OD. These 3 preamp pedals take up about the same real-estate, which matters as it's a snug fit. Using the MXR M81 would also allow me to remove my GEB7 which I run after the VTBD 1/4 out to adjust gain to IEM or power amp so DI tone stays unchanged, and all patches relative you each other volume wise. Not sure if that all makes sense.

Those of you who use multiple Preamps on a board, do you use one at a time, or do you use one as your main tone, and stack others into it?

Does anyone know of a good replacement for a VTBD? I love the clean tone of it and also the OD and 6 saved memory positions.
TIA.

I like to have a clean(ish) preamp always on and then use others to add when I want those flavours. Currently I have Colourbox v2 as my always on, and a Rusty Box that I switch on for the grindies.

As for a replacement, I think you should try an Aguilar Tonehammer.

 

[Rocksolid]

Hx stomp is my answer. Try to put all the other effects in it aside, focus on just the amp, preamp, eq and compressor models and you will get all that the vt had. Plus the effect loops for outboard pedals or different instruments.
That’s at least the way i went.

How is it for annoying menu surfing? I have a Zoom B3 and also a MS-60B which I do like. My LA-1A is on this board so Comp is sorted. I did have a bit of a look at one previously - so expensive here! I'll investigate further.

 

[Rocksolid]

I like to have a clean(ish) preamp always on and then use others to add when I want those flavours. Currently I have Colourbox v2 as my always on, and a Rusty Box that I switch on for the grindies.

As for a replacement, I think you should try an Aguilar Tonehammer.

Yeah I think this is what I am leaning towards. I actually love how the Particle accelerator sounds in IEM and FOH so that might be the always on. I haven't trying running the YYZ into that yet for grind. I can only Imagine it will sound great. Might be time to experiment for a bit.

I have a TH DI which I really like. I actually have it on another board with Aguilar effects. Not sure I can squeeze it onto this board, but we'll see.

 

[Eadger]

Does anyone know of a good replacement for a VTBD? I love the clean tone of it and also the OD and 6 saved memory positions.
TIA.

There's a Master Effects Super Three Hundred in classifieds that has caught my eye. It looks to be a really solid VT type preamp/DI....just wouldn't have the memory positions.

 

[Real Soon]

I had the joy of playing at a studio last night for a stream series they're launching, and ended up going ampless for the first time ever. Strictly pedalboard: HPF to Linden to Particle Accelerator, then to the RNDI.

Using the Linden to aggressively voice my tone, then having the PA sauce up the result, gave me something reminiscent of a mix of clean DI and dirty cab signal (the good kind).

I only wish I'd turned on the Hyper Luminal with slow attack/fast release, just lapping at the edge of my sound to give a hint of solid-state limiter effect...but learning to blend your spices takes practice.

Still, it's good to know I've got the tools for any situation now!

 

[BrentSimons]

My VT Bass Deluxe is starting to become unreliable sadly. One button is becoming glitchy (either doesn't work or does a little double tap and bypasses the unit) and the output from bank B sometimes is lower output. This pedal has been an integral part of my rig when either not using an amp, or using it to drive a power amp or Quilter BB.
It might be serviceable, or it might be time to replace it with something else.
Current pedals in my stable I could use to replace it are my YYZ, MXR M81, and TC spark booster. Clean tone, OD, boost or low gain OD. These 3 preamp pedals take up about the same real-estate, which matters as it's a snug fit. Using the MXR M81 would also allow me to remove my GEB7 which I run after the VTBD 1/4 out to adjust gain to IEM or power amp so DI tone stays unchanged, and all patches relative you each other volume wise. Not sure if that all makes sense.

Those of you who use multiple Preamps on a board, do you use one at a time, or do you use one as your main tone, and stack others into it?

Does anyone know of a good replacement for a VTBD? I love the clean tone of it and also the OD and 6 saved memory positions.
TIA.

Hi there,
I think @JimmyM had a similar issue with his VT Deluxe a while back? He might be able to poin you in the right direction as far as repair. Don't give up hope!
Best wishes,
Brent

 

[JimmyM]

Hi there,
I think @JimmyM had a similar issue with his VT Deluxe a while back? He might be able to poin you in the right direction as far as repair. Don't give up hope!
Best wishes,
Brent

It was pretty easy, too. You have to open it up (HINT: Don't open it up from the DI side, else you'll break the ribbon cable for the DI), slide the bottom off it, then find the offending spring, stretch it out a little (don't be afraid to give it a decent little stretch), and put it back on top of the actuator. This should fix it. Sometimes those springs get compressed and won't hit the actuator properly.

 

[Rocksolid]

It was pretty easy, too. You have to open it up (HINT: Don't open it up from the DI side, else you'll break the ribbon cable for the DI), slide the bottom off it, then find the offending spring, stretch it out a little (don't be afraid to give it a decent little stretch), and put it back on top of the actuator. This should fix it. Sometimes those springs get compressed and won't hit the actuator properly.

Awesome! Thanks heaps. I'll crack it open and have a look!

 

[Btbp]

My VT Bass Deluxe is starting to become unreliable sadly. One button is becoming glitchy (either doesn't work or does a little double tap and bypasses the unit) and the output from bank B sometimes is lower output. This pedal has been an integral part of my rig when either not using an amp, or using it to drive a power amp or Quilter BB.
It might be serviceable, or it might be time to replace it with something else.
Current pedals in my stable I could use to replace it are my YYZ, MXR M81, and TC spark booster. Clean tone, OD, boost or low gain OD. These 3 preamp pedals take up about the same real-estate, which matters as it's a snug fit. Using the MXR M81 would also allow me to remove my GEB7 which I run after the VTBD 1/4 out to adjust gain to IEM or power amp so DI tone stays unchanged, and all patches relative you each other volume wise. Not sure if that all makes sense.

Those of you who use multiple Preamps on a board, do you use one at a time, or do you use one as your main tone, and stack others into it?

Does anyone know of a good replacement for a VTBD? I love the clean tone of it and also the OD and 6 saved memory positions.
TIA.

I have 3 currently and possibly a fourth later, one is not for color but more for tone control, and I don't stack them except that one is always on because it has a HPF & LPF.

As fare as potential replacements, in case you can't fix yours, I only had a VT for a short time but as the name implies the Broughton SV-Pre is great. But presets.....

 

[fivestringgecko]

How is it for annoying menu surfing? I have a Zoom B3 and also a MS-60B which I do like.

The Stomp is pretty easily navigatable from the on-board controls, but HX Edit is where it's at for in-depth editing. I upgraded from the B3 to the Stomp, and it was a world of difference in both effects models and editing.

5sg.

 

[fivestringgecko]

I think it could probably classify as a preamp... I got in on the November build for @Sushi Box FX's new Slampegg Bee Pre. (Ampeg B15 in a pedal). Looking forward to it! Will report back when it comes in. Also super tempted to get in line for a Particle Accelerator just to compare. Will think about it!

5sg.

 

[benjobass]

This pairing is working for me today...

 

[Regis Rocha]

Almost 1 year of use and remains "firm and strong". I changed some powers, but zephyr continues and will continue!
Always using 2 channels, where:
- Channel 1 - Zephyr D.I. line
- Channel 2 - RE20

 

[uwrossl]

The Oracle/RNDI combo delivered in spades at my most recent session. It sounded so good we didn't use the B15 or any of the amps at the studio for a secondary signal. Oracle + RNDI is a winning combo. Didn't hurt that it was run to 2" tape and through a vintage Neve 8068 console. Session was produced by Tim Lefev. Wish this was my everyday workstation.

 

[Rocky55]

The Oracle/RNDI combo delivered in spades at my most recent session. It sounded so good we didn't use the B15 or any of the amps at the studio for a secondary signal. Oracle + RNDI is a winning combo. Didn't hurt that it was run to 2" tape and through a vintage Neve 8068 console. Session was produced by Tim Lefev. Wish this was my everyday workstation.

Nice set up! I have been using the Noble for recording and live. My Dingwalls have lots of mids so I would set the bass around 9-10:00 and treble around 8-9:00 on the Noble for recording and 2:00, 11:00 & HPF On for live. I recently replaced the Noble with the Oracle/RNDI but have not recorded since. Would you mind sharing your settings on the Oracle? I realize every bass is different, but I like playing around and comparing/trying new things. I find my settings (Oracle) are fairly flat and barely change with my old P-bass and Dingwalls (Z3, SJ and NG3). Thanks!
Rocky

 

[tedsalt]

Nice set up! I have been using the Noble for recording and live. My Dingwalls have lots of mids so I would set the bass around 9-10:00 and treble around 8-9:00 on the Noble for recording and 2:00, 11:00 & HPF On for live. I recently replaced the Noble with the Oracle/RNDI but have not recorded since. Would you mind sharing your settings on the Oracle? I realize every bass is different, but I like playing around and comparing/trying new things. I find my settings (Oracle) are fairly flat and barely change with my old P-bass and Dingwalls (Z3, SJ and NG3). Thanks!
Rocky

Thought I would take a stab at this. I'm running my Oracle with settings similar to what it looks like Paul Nowinski is running his Arkham Zephyr (same except w/o DI) in the youtube video.

Gain 11 o'clock
Hi off
Treble 10 o'clock
Mid on
Range 12 o'clock
Lo on
Bass 2 o'clock
HPF off
Pre out (Master) as needed

 

[uwrossl]

Nice set up! I have been using the Noble for recording and live. My Dingwalls have lots of mids so I would set the bass around 9-10:00 and treble around 8-9:00 on the Noble for recording and 2:00, 11:00 & HPF On for live. I recently replaced the Noble with the Oracle/RNDI but have not recorded since. Would you mind sharing your settings on the Oracle? I realize every bass is different, but I like playing around and comparing/trying new things. I find my settings (Oracle) are fairly flat and barely change with my old P-bass and Dingwalls (Z3, SJ and NG3). Thanks!
Rocky

I found the same in that my settings didn't change a lot from bass to bass nor did they when some effects were added in. Pretty similar to Ted's accept I never engaged the mid or the lo switches for anything. Seems when you get that sweet spot it just works well with everything.

Everything was cut live to 2" tape. 3 tracks were cut with the Moollon and were in the blues/soul vein. 1 track with the 63' and Tight Fuzz engaged. Bluesy rock n roll. It had a very Stonesy vibe to it...Exile on Main Street era. 2 tracks with the Serek Midwestern shorty. One was a 12/8 slow blues with the Tight Fuzz engaged and the other was a bit of a wild card tune that started out as a soul tune but quickly brought in some psychedelic vibes and "noise" parts and that one had the new 3 Leaf Octabvre pedal added in on the middle section/psychedelic jam.

I've got to say the Tight Fuzz is as much of a superstar pedal in the studio as it is live and Tim's Octabvre pedal is hands down the best octave pedal I've used/heard. I'll be adding one to my stable when/if Spencer gets caught up a bit on orders. Both pedals are extremely natural sounding and blended in perfectly with the analog vibe.

I also am using the Electrolux 7025 Tube in mine which I'm really liking with it's low gain. If we go back to re-track I may experiment with the Gold Lion and the stock tube to see how much if any difference there is.

I took photos of my settings also incase we do re-track or overdub anything.

Settings for Moollon P w/ TI Flats - No additional effects

• Master - 12 o'clock
• Gain - 11 o'clock
• Bass - 1 o'clock
• Treble - 11 o'clock
• Range - 1 o'clock
• All switches off

Settings for 63' P w/ Dunlop Nickel Rounds(Not the Super Brights) - Additional effects - Amptweaker Tight Fuzz

• Master - 12 o'clock
• Gain - 11 o'clock
• Bass - 2 o'clock
• Treble - 11 o'clock
• Range - 1 o'clock
• All switches off

Settings with Serek Midwestern w/ Dunlop Flats - Additional effects - Amptweaker Tight Fuzz/Octabvre Octave

• Master - 12 o'clock
• Gain - 12 o'clock
• Bass - 2 o'clock
• Treble - 11 o'clock
• Range - 2 o'clock
• HPF Engaged...all other switches off (*HPF was only engaged on the track where the Octabvre was used)