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VT Bass Deluxe questions

#21
If it EVER comes out...

Last month I pre-ordered one, not realizing it had been promised since Winter NAMM.

I only have the PDDI unit, no VT. I, too, wonder if I really need the presets, when all I really want is just a good stage sound to feed to the FOH. That's why I pre-ordered the VTBass DI.

So far, it's been pushed back since I pre-ordered. That was at the end of June.

Currently looking at alternatives if the shipping keeps getting pushed back. Certainly not the fault of the retailer.
 
#22
Just wanted to return and post about a situation with my VT Deluxe.

On the gig Sat, I set up and sound checked entire rig (Lull M4V ==> Comp ==> VTD (with chorus in the FX loop) ==> Mesa Walkabout + Berg CN212). All was well. This rig has really been delivering the goods for the past month or so and I am very happy with it, including the VTD.

I get to the gig, start first tune and my rig sounds like the pre is being super pushed. Not distorting when I go lightly, but any time I dig in at all, it is just crazy distorted. Very puzzling. I check the rig visually very quickly and see nothing wrong. On the first break I really look close and finally discover that the 1/4 out boost on the VTD has been engaged. Kick it back out - problem solved.

So, now I will be checking that small switch before I play in the future, but its not completely obvious when this mini button is engaged. Anyone from Tech21 want to weigh on on the possibility of some kind of small indicator lite on these small buttons ? Might help a lot.
 
#23
I've done that...I discovered it way sooner than you, though ;)

Tech 21 designs their gear to use existing chassis. Doubt you'll get them to do it. But I'll put in a plug for Mike Putnam's mods...crazy quick turnaround, does great work. He could probably install an LED there for you if you want. www.putnamguitars.com
 
#25
I have accidentally had engaged the "boost switch" when live, and it woke the band up quick:eek: The sound guy woke up just as fast though...

My only issue with the pedal has been that I have tweaked my presets to sound perfect with my rig "alone", but I almost always use it as my D.I. live, and some (many) soundguys will not attenuate the lows (to the point of being way too Boomy thru the subs) and be quite happy with the tone. As you all know, Bass soundcheck can be ridiculously speedy.

The tweaking of these knobs is a sensitive procedure, especially when live during a song. But I really like the flexibility when I have ample time to explore the tones.

I've found that it is easier just to roll off the lows on my presets prior to a gig, but sometimes mr. soundguy just HAS to put me in the sub-sonic range...sometimes Bass belongs in the mix properly even when above 100hz
 
#26
JimmyM said:
I've done that...I discovered it way sooner than you, though ;)

Tech 21 designs their gear to use existing chassis. Doubt you'll get them to do it. But I'll put in a plug for Mike Putnam's mods...crazy quick turnaround, does great work. He could probably install an LED there for you if you want. www.putnamguitars.com
Click to expand...

thanks Jimmy, I'll check out Mike Putnam. Of course, I will be checking that particular button before every set now.

I am usually a pretty clean tone guy, and my bandmates thought that I was unexpectedly delving into "dirt city".
 
#27
Catanova said:
My only issue with the pedal has been that I have tweaked my presets to sound perfect with my rig "alone", but I almost always use it as my D.I. live, and some (many) soundguys will not attenuate the lows (to the point of being way too Boomy thru the subs) and be quite happy with the tone. As you all know, Bass soundcheck can be ridiculously speedy.

The tweaking of these knobs is a sensitive procedure, especially when live during a song. But I really like the flexibility when I have ample time to explore the tones.

I've found that it is easier just to roll off the lows on my presets prior to a gig, but sometimes mr. soundguy just HAS to put me in the sub-sonic range...sometimes Bass belongs in the mix properly even when above 100hz
Click to expand...

I determined that I don't really need 6 presets for one bass, so I have basically set up my VTD with 3 that have limited bass boost and a bit more mids, and 3 that have are a bit "warmer". So I get into the venue and listen for whether its a flat room or a boomy room, then I just use the appropriate 3 presets for the venue. Works pretty well for me.
 
#28
pfschim said:
I determined that I don't really need 6 presets for one bass, so I have basically set up my VTD with 3 that have limited bass boost and a bit more mids, and 3 that have are a bit "warmer". So I get into the venue and listen for whether its a flat room or a boomy room, then I just use the appropriate 3 presets for the venue. Works pretty well for me.
Click to expand...

That's a great way to plan ahead...I hadn't really thought of that. I do like having my 6 presets, though. I might pare it down to 3/3 for our next gig, and see how that goes.
 
#29
pfschim said:
Just wanted to return and post about a situation with my VT Deluxe.

On the gig Sat, I set up and sound checked entire rig (Lull M4V ==> Comp ==> VTD (with chorus in the FX loop) ==> Mesa Walkabout + Berg CN212). All was well. This rig has really been delivering the goods for the past month or so and I am very happy with it, including the VTD.

I get to the gig, start first tune and my rig sounds like the pre is being super pushed. Not distorting when I go lightly, but any time I dig in at all, it is just crazy distorted. Very puzzling. I check the rig visually very quickly and see nothing wrong. On the first break I really look close and finally discover that the 1/4 out boost on the VTD has been engaged. Kick it back out - problem solved.

So, now I will be checking that small switch before I play in the future, but its not completely obvious when this mini button is engaged. Anyone from Tech21 want to weigh on on the possibility of some kind of small indicator lite on these small buttons ? Might help a lot.
Click to expand...

I suppose an LED could be added but don't be so sure you wouldn't repeat the problem. We've all be there when we set up in a hurry. Basically the first set becomes your sound check.

A couple months back I was doing a gig and tried using my in-ears with my new Soundcraft mixer's headphone out. For the life of me I could not get the headphone out to work and thought I had a malfunctioning mixer. The next day I went through it. A channel solo button was accidentally engaged. There is a light for that function. It didn't help. You just look down and see a bunch of lights.
 
#31
Downunderwonder said:
Make the buttons out of lexan and put blue leds under.
Click to expand...

Like I said, we "could" do that but it would increase the cost of the pedal and it is also one more potential component to fail. We try to pick and choose which options are really necessary while also keeping an eye on long term durability, serviceability and cost.

Not to criticize, but there really was no "problem", simply operator error. If the poster had accidentally nudged the level control full up he would have experienced the same problem. Should there be an LED for that situation as well?
 

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