• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

VT Bass + DI OR VT Deluxe?

tonymcbony

tonymcbony

Mar 21, 2006
676
526
#1
Yes, another round of this but here's a quick run down on my situation:

I have an Orange AD200b Mk3 that I use on stage and LOVE the tone of it. The problem is that not every soundguy wants to mic it up, and I love a touch of grind in my tone so I thought the best solution is to have a VT Bass of some description going to the desk through the DI if the soundguy doesn't want to mic it.

I know that you can put a JDI or countryman 85 (I have access to both) between the amp and cab but that can sound like total shite in regards to treble content, so I'd like to go the VT Bass into the DI out.

I could use a splitter so the VT only goes on the DI and doesn't go to the Orange, leaving SVT tone going to the desk with orange tone on stage. I know that the VT Deluxe has a parallel out that could actually do this.

Another easier option is to set the Orange EQ Flat (treble 0 mid 10 bass 0) and have a normal VT as the last effect in the chain, then going into the DI and to the desk AND amp.

I would use one bank of 3 of presets on a VT Deluxe, SVT with a little grind, SVT with a LOT of Grind, and a Mute patch. I'd only use a clean SVT setting on the VT Bass, using my tuner to mute, and overdrive to push the VT gain.

DI + VT Bass leaves me with more money in the tin , VT Deluxe has more options than I need, costs more, but fits the bill.

Opinions?
 
#3
The VT Bass Deluxe would work in this way. Also our Bass Driver or Para Driver DI. You could use some sort of splitter or A/B box and use the VT Bass with one of the DI's you already have.

If you are running effects be sure to run them before the A/B box.
 
#4
I started with a BDDI with a VT in front of it. Went to a VTD, the back to the BDDI. I'm one of the few that the VT never worked for. Now I have a BDDI modded by Mike Putnum to have an added mid control. Then I have a Tech 21 Oxford in front for the "orange type" sound. Seems to me that if you love your tone I would get the BDDI set fairly flat so you have some control over the signal sent to FOH. Use the parallel out to your amp so you get that orange tone onstage. Then use a good mic when the soundguy isn't against it.
 
#6
I don't know if I would suggest a BDDI if you love your tone. I use an Orange Terror Bass 500 head and just switched from a BDDI to an Aguliar Tone Hammer preamp/DI because I felt the BDDI sounds more like....well....a BDDI. A/Bing the BDDI and Tone Hammer, I felt the Tone Hammer is much more organic and allows me much more control over my tone. My Orange grind is back using the Tone Hammer. YMMV though....
 
#7
*head scratch* Blows my mind that a modern four-digit bass head could not have a DI out. I'd think that would be an essential feature. Heck, even my little Ampeg Micro VR has one. Since you like Orange, I'd say trade that expensive (but apparently DI-less) AD200 in for a Terror Bass 500 (which has a DI) to get the features you need while keeping that Orange-y flavor, and without having to muck with a DI pedal.
 
#9
NortyFiner said:
*head scratch* Blows my mind that a modern four-digit bass head could not have a DI out. I'd think that would be an essential feature. Heck, even my little Ampeg Micro VR has one. Since you like Orange, I'd say trade that expensive (but apparently DI-less) AD200 in for a Terror Bass 500 (which has a DI) to get the features you need while keeping that Orange-y flavor, and without having to muck with a DI pedal.
Click to expand...

It's easier to do a DI out in a solid state head as the output stage of the amp is not part of the tonal equation as it is in a tube amp. A tube head like the Orange, SVT, Marshall, etc is more of a system. Tube pre-amp, output stage and speakers are all part of the overall sound. Even a transformer line out will be a tonal compromise as the OP stated:
I know that you can put a JDI or countryman 85 (I have access to both) between the amp and cab but that can sound like total shite in regards to treble content...
Click to expand...
You need a compensated line out in that case. Geddy uses the Palmer with his Orange amps to do this. I was going to suggest the Palmer PDI-09 to the OP but I have no idea how well it works for bass applications.

One thing to consider is that unless you are playing arenas, your "tone" is probably a combination of your stage amp and the PA system. The tone you hear will most likely never be exactly the same for the audience.

If you really want to know what you sound like out in the house you need to be out in the house. A wireless is great for this. You can also use a looper pedal to test your rig at sound check. Just get a loop going with the the band and walk around the room. The best thing is to have a sound man who you trust.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back