VT Bass + DI OR VT Deluxe?

Also don't forget about putnamguitars.com

He mods the Tech 21 character series pedals to include things like DI and parallel outs. I'm actually going to get the same thing done to my VT Bass when it gets here.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Soudguys should do their damn job! No way I muddy up my sweet sounding Orange AD200B (which I do use) with a clanky VT pedal.

 

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....

 

*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.

 

I love that mine doesn't have a DI out. It gives me more leverage for getting my rig mic'ed. Effects sound better mic'ed...just sayin yo.

 

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:

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.

 

^^^ Words of wisdom right there