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Tubey + DI

scottfeldstein

scottfeldstein

Roots and fifths and a little extra.
Jun 20, 2011
6,544
4,412
57
San Marcos, California
endlessblue.bandcamp.com
#1
Tried the SansAmp Bass Driver. Good DI, but the distortion was only usable at low levels. Plus the EQ was inflexible. Got rid of it.

I do have a Source Audio Multiwave Bass Distortion, which I love. But when it comes down to it, the MWBD is scraching my synth itch rather than my tube one, if you know what I mean.

So what's the best way to get tube sound bliss AND a good DI? Get a Bass Big Muff Pi and a cheap DI box? Get a Darkglass B7K? Get an MXR M80? I want something that goes from "That sort of sounds like an Ampeg" to face-melting fuzz.
 
#5
I think I'm going to avoid the "Driver" series effects entirely--before I've bought and sold each and every one of them. I'm just going to take the hint and realize that none of them have the level of fuzz and distortion that I am after some of the time.

I think their VT Bass would make me lots happier. Or, a cheaper alternative would be the Muff Pi.
 
#6
My favorite in your face knock your socks off fuzz was actually a cheap Danelectro Metal FAB pedal that I got for 24.99. (The plastic ones)
It is not a bass pedal, but it sounded absolutely freaking awesome in my rig. I used it for crazy nasty bass tone in a few tracks of my original project. I also had a bass bass driver that many people hate, but I found a way to dial it in to my taste, although there are better suited products for the way I used it.

I am currently using a ParaDriver, but not for in your face fuzz. Gets a nice mild tubey grit to it that I think sounds great. I can go all out, but I don't particularly car for it when you drive it hard.
 
#7
I've been listening and listening and thinking and thinking...and what I really want is the VT Bass with a built-in DI. The end.

Of course there is no such thing, so I think I'll get the VT Bass and then reevaluate my need for a DI on my board.

Dude's a little chatty, but dig the sounds he's getting on here.



THAT is what I want some of.
 
#9
Wow. Half the price and it includes a DI.

I don't think it has quite the pre-built retro sound to it. It seems more neutral. But I do like the distortion/fuzz--what they're calling "harmonics." I'm a little confused by the EQ: bass, treble, "brite" (moar treble) and... where's the mids? Seems like they're more or less covered by the "shape" knob. it's basically a frequency-selectable -20db drop out from 90Hz to 1kHz. If I'm understanding the manual correctly. I guess you could set the shape frequency for high mids and stomp the button when you're gonna slap and you need to erase all the fret noise and clank. As an example.

What I'd really like to hear is a good demo of that harmonics distortion. Can it, in conjunction with a scooped EQ come pretty close to a VT-type sound?

If it can, I'd be sold.
 
#10
Scott - the VTs ARE available with a DI mod through Putnam (in case you weren't aware):
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I personally have no experience with this, but I've read quite a few responses on here from guys who have had the mod done and they seemed happy. Also (if you are not aware, or are aware but perhaps it's more than you're looking for) the VT Deluxe is equipped with an XLR out:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SACSVTDlx

I own both the VT and the Hartke Bass Attack. Both are really capable tools that have some tone overlap, and also some different features.

I use them for two different setups. In my main band, I play a Jazz bass through the VT into a Tone Hammer. The Tone Hammer rounds out some of the bright clack and boominess that the VT can produce. The dials are pretty sensitive, and it can be tough finding just the right EQ settings. To be honest, even though I really love the VT now, I didn't love it until I paired it with the Tone Hammer (just my experience, YMMV). In addition, you will see a lot of love for the VT on here using as an SVT type tone, but you will also see a lot of negative comments about its high drive settings and sweeping the Character knob too high. To me, its sweet spot is somewhere in between - punchy with just a hair of attack and grind on the top.

The Hartke is my at-home and side project (punk rock) setup. I play a Jag into the Hartke and nothing else. The Hartke can cop an aggressive Ampeg-esque grind, but on its most extreme settings (to me) it starts to sound fake. I use this mainly for a modern sounding pick tone. The benefit of the Hartke over the VT is its blend mode. The Hartke at its lower price, already equipped with the DI and a blend mode to boot is a very good choice as well (I've been extremely happy with mine).

Both pedals are a set and forget situation. If you were looking for a stomp effect, you should look elsewhere, as both impart too much of their own flavor to kick on spontaneously without having the tone change drastically.
 
#18
I know what you mean, Scott. Landing the good gigs isn't easy. I can't do it but fortunately our drummer can, and even he loses some big fish.

Well then, to address your topic as stated, the VT would likely make you happier than the BDDI, but it won't do full-on fuzz. It'll do pretty heavy distortion, but not fuzz.
 
#20
Get a SMALL cheap tube bass amp, like the Ashdown Little Bastard http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?section=valve&ID=229
Connect it to a small cab, take the DI out to a big amp to crank up the volume.

From the Manual:
OUTPUT - This XLR socket is used to connect the amplifier to a low
impedance, balanced input on a PA system or recording mixer. The DI output
is taken from a separate winding on the output transformer, allowing the full
character of the valve tone to be sent to the PA or recording console.

Meaning you can connect it to a good bass amp too. Getting tube tone without tube amps is only a disappointment...
 

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