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VHT Valvulator 1 buffer question

T

Tedintheshed

Inactive
Oct 8, 2004
1,232
1
Columbus, Ohio
#1
This from this VHT sight:

The VALVULATOR I utilizes a Unity Gain (See FAQ #4) Vacuum Tube based Buffer circuit to change your guitar signal from high impedance to low impedance. This signal is better able to survive the trip from your instrument to your amplifier because the low impedance nature of the signal is virtually unaffected by the above conditions.
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I use EMG's in all of my basses. This is from the EMG site:
EMG's family of bass pickups addresses all these issues. Each model features a low-impedance internal preamp that delivers a crisp, clean, and even tone from your low B string to the top of the neck. EMG's specially tailored preamp EQ circuits deliver accurate tone with incredibly wide dynamic range (over 90dB).
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So the question is: Since the EMG's produce a low impedence signal already it seems, is the Valvulator 1 any real benefit in the signal chain as a buffer?
 
#2
Tedintheshed said:
So the question is: Since the EMG's produce a low impedence signal already it seems, is the Valvulator 1 any real benefit in the signal chain as a buffer?
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No, it will not help as a buffer since you do not need one. It could be argued that the tube will help the tone, but not the buffer.

The buffer could help high impedance passive basses. Although for cable runs under say 40' I prefer the high end loss.
 
#4
seanm said:
No, it will not help as a buffer since you do not need one. It could be argued that the tube will help the tone, but not the buffer.

The buffer could help high impedance passive basses. Although for cable runs under say 40' I prefer the high end loss.
Click to expand...

It could also be argued that the tube will degrade your tone. Also, running low impedance stuff like the Valvulator into certain types of analogue effects such as fuzzes and overdrives will actually cause them to not respond the way they should.
 
#5
Benjamin Strange said:
It could also be argued that the tube will degrade your tone. Also, running low impedance stuff like the Valvulator into certain types of analogue effects such as fuzzes and overdrives will actually cause them to not respond the way they should.
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Agreed. However, Tedintheshed has a low impedance output so those fuzzes and ODs will already have problems. And the valvulator could be put after the fuzz to solve the problem. An active preamp cannot.
 
#7
Tedintheshed said:
I have no problems with any of the three fuzzes/OD's/Distortions that I use.
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Yes, most will work fine. Some of the older fuzz designs *required* a high impedance input to work since they worked by loading down the pickup. If you had tried one of these older designs with an active bass you would have said "Oh man, this sucks" and moved on ;)
 
#8
seanm said:
Yes, most will work fine. Some of the older fuzz designs *required* a high impedance input to work since they worked by loading down the pickup. If you had tried one of these older designs with an active bass you would have said "Oh man, this sucks" and moved on ;)
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I remember this now- they relied on the 1+ megaohm load.

Thanks,

Ted
 
#9
This the response from VHT:

Hi ********,

Since you use EMG's, the V-1 will allow you to power your pedals and warm up your signal.
I used to work at EMG, and use them as well in my guitars and basses with the V-1.
The V-1 will make your tone warmer and a bit more responsive.
Try it out at your local music shop to see if you like it, We have many bass players using it on the road, and as a tube pre in the studio.
Let me know if you have any further questions, thanks.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Marcus Schefer
Sales and Marketing Director
VHT Amplification, Inc.
Click to expand...
 
#11
Toasted said:
Ted -

How long are the cable runs between your bass and your pedalboard, the total signal "length" of your pedal board, and the length of the cable between the pedal board and the amp?

Joe
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20 foot from amp to pedal board, and 20 feet to pedal board to bass.

The pedal board will utilize a 5 looper so it shouldn't be a factor.
 

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