VT Bass Rackmount...

[DigitalMan]

I understand that you have 3 lines?
I'm also using multiple lines in parallel including Avalon U5, RBI, RPM and PGA-05. I also, on your recommandation (previous posts), bought a Rane SM26S mix them up.
What about your mix? (To give me an idea)
Do you use the PDI-05 only with the Monique or alone to plug your bass directly like Geddy does?
Also, I understand that you prefer the VT Bass over the RPM? It is more flexible?
Thanks.

I start with each line on the Rane at 7 which is unity gain. I set levels and gain for each device solo to get the best and most consistent output I can and then I re-level with everything starting at 7 and back off the signal I want less of. My goal with the Rane is to not use it to boost anything.

To me the VT bass has more bark or honk than the RPM. Both sound great, but I like the more classic vibe I feel I get out of the VT when the gain and character are set accordingly. The RPM has different sound that to my ear is a little less distinctive but at the same time very versatile and useful for many different situations.

Ive gone back and forth with the Palmer downstream from another preamp as well as solo. Since it has two channels it's fairly easy to do both.

 

[dupseb]

I start with each line on the Rane at 7 which is unity gain. I set levels and gain for each device solo to get the best and most consistent output I can and then I re-level with everything starting at 7 and back off the signal I want less of. My goal with the Rane is to not use it to boost anything.

To me the VT bass has more bark or honk than the RPM. Both sound great, but I like the more classic vibe I feel I get out of the VT when the gain and character are set accordingly. The RPM has different sound that to my ear is a little less distinctive but at the same time very versatile and useful for many different situations.

Ive gone back and forth with the Palmer downstream from another preamp as well as solo. Since it has two channels it's fairly easy to do both.

 

[dupseb]

Thank you very much! Really appreciated. I think, again, I will take your advice and get VTRM.
One more question: What should be the mix level that is sent to your power amp?
I'm asking that question because the output level of the Avalon is low if I compare to the one I get with my RPM.
If I send it alone to my dbx 160A compressor, it indicates that the mix level (input in my compressor) is about -20 to -15 db depending the string I play.
Is this the normal output I should have for a bass signal or it could be more than -15 db considering that I mix more than one signal?
When I mix at least two signal, should I always readjust the master output level of my Rane to get the same level I have with the Avalon?
Thanks again.

 

[DigitalMan]

Thank you very much! Really appreciated. I think, again, I will take your advice and get VTRM.
One more question: What should be the mix level that is sent to your power amp?
I'm asking that question because the output level of the Avalon is low if I compare to the one I get with my RPM.
If I send it alone to my dbx 160A compressor, it indicates that the mix level (input in my compressor) is about -20 to -15 db depending the string I play.
Is this the normal output I should have for a bass signal or it could be more than -15 db considering that I mix more than one signal?
When I mix at least two signal, should I always readjust the master output level of my Rane to get the same level I have with the Avalon?
Thanks again.

If I understand correctly I think you're putting the compressor after the Rane?

In any case, yes when mixing additional signals I adjust the master of the Rane as the overall volume control. In my case it can be anywhere from about 2-6 depending on the volume required. I also adjust the boost of the Avalon depending on the output level of the bass, anywhere from minimum boost for an active bass up to about 10 o'clock for a passive/quiet bass. I make a similar adjustment to the drive of the VT bass if needed from about 9 to 10 o'clock.

I'd definitely audition the VT bass rm first to see if the sound is right for you. To put it in Rush terms, the VT is more Moving Pictures and the RPM is more Snakes and Arrows.

 

[dupseb]

If I understand correctly I think you're putting the compressor after the Rane?

In any case, yes when mixing additional signals I adjust the master of the Rane as the overall volume control. In my case it can be anywhere from about 2-6 depending on the volume required. I also adjust the boost of the Avalon depending on the output level of the bass, anywhere from minimum boost for an active bass up to about 10 o'clock for a passive/quiet bass. I make a similar adjustment to the drive of the VT bass if needed from about 9 to 10 o'clock.

I'd definitely audition the VT bass rm first to see if the sound is right for you. To put it in Rush terms, the VT is more Moving Pictures and the RPM is more Snakes and Arrows.

Yes, you're right, I put the compressor after the Rane. Maybe I should compress each line before the Rane?

 

[dupseb]

If I understand correctly I think you're putting the compressor after the Rane?

In any case, yes when mixing additional signals I adjust the master of the Rane as the overall volume control. In my case it can be anywhere from about 2-6 depending on the volume required. I also adjust the boost of the Avalon depending on the output level of the bass, anywhere from minimum boost for an active bass up to about 10 o'clock for a passive/quiet bass. I make a similar adjustment to the drive of the VT bass if needed from about 9 to 10 o'clock.

I'd definitely audition the VT bass rm first to see if the sound is right for you. To put it in Rush terms, the VT is more Moving Pictures and the RPM is more Snakes and Arrows.

If I plug my Avalon U5 directly into my dbx using and XLR cable and I read le input level (leds) I can observe a signal of -20 dbu.
According to your experience, is it normal?
The settings are Boost: 4 and Tone: 3.
I have the same signal if I put my Rane between the Avalon and the dbx using an XLR to TRS cable. The Rane settings are: Channel Level: 7 and Master Level: 7-8.
Maybe it's correct but it seems to me that the signal is too weak, no?
Thanks

 

[DigitalMan]

If I plug my Avalon U5 directly into my dbx using and XLR cable and I read le input level (leds) I can observe a signal of -20 dbu.
According to your experience, is it normal?
The settings are Boost: 4 and Tone: 3.
I have the same signal if I put my Rane between the Avalon and the dbx using an XLR to TRS cable. The Rane settings are: Channel Level: 7 and Master Level: 7-8.
Maybe it's correct but it seems to me that the signal is too weak, no?
Thanks

Are you using the line level out on the U5?

Boost 4 and tone 3 are typical for me as well. Master out on Rane is typically less for me - around 4-5.

 

[dupseb]

Are you using the line level out on the U5?

Boost 4 and tone 3 are typical for me as well. Master out on Rane is typically less for me - around 4-5.

Yes, I use the XLR line out and use XLR-TRS cable to hook it up to the Rane.
If I set the channel level at 7 and the master level around 4-5, I get a weak signal (-30 db).
My audio interface, a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6, has four inputs, 2 XLR/Line/Instrument and two Line inputs (I use one of those to send my signal from my compressor).
If I want to get a better signal, I have two choices:

1 - use one of the front inputs and amplify the signal with the interface gain button, or
2 - continue to use line input (on the back of the interface) and amplify the signal with the gain on the compressor.

I'm wondering, if it's normal to have a such signal.

I went on your talkbass page and saw that you have in your rack two dbx compressors. Because on the previous post you asked me if I put the compressor after the Rane, I assume that you plug your preamps directly into their dedicated compressor before the mix. If you look at the input signal indicator on the compressor channel associated with your Avalon, what can you read? Is it -20 db?

Thanks my friend.

 

[dupseb]

If I understand correctly I think you're putting the compressor after the Rane?

In any case, yes when mixing additional signals I adjust the master of the Rane as the overall volume control. In my case it can be anywhere from about 2-6 depending on the volume required. I also adjust the boost of the Avalon depending on the output level of the bass, anywhere from minimum boost for an active bass up to about 10 o'clock for a passive/quiet bass. I make a similar adjustment to the drive of the VT bass if needed from about 9 to 10 o'clock.

I'd definitely audition the VT bass rm first to see if the sound is right for you. To put it in Rush terms, the VT is more Moving Pictures and the RPM is more Snakes and Arrows.

I just received my VT bass rm and installed it. The Character knob with the drive allows us to get a very rich tone. You said that you got the Geddy's tone with it. Could give me some hints for the settings? Thanks

 

[crguti]

About the VTRM Jumpers.

I know that removing the jumper completely shifts the frequency up, and moving it so the middle pin is still connected but the outside pin is reversed shifts the frequency down.... but what is the original position? to the left or to the right?

 

[tech21nyc]

About the VTRM Jumpers.

I know that removing the jumper completely shifts the frequency up, and moving it so the middle pin is still connected but the outside pin is reversed shifts the frequency down.... but what is the original position? to the left or to the right?

We need to know the REV version of the board.

 

[crguti]

I got a 2nd VTRM and I checked the internal jumpers. Each jumper comes with a mark on the pcb surface specifying the stock position.

 

[crguti]

early VTRM doesn't come with a mark on the pcb, but I guess is the same configuration, isn't?

edit1: I moved the bass jumpers to select 80 Hz.
edit2: @tech21nyc the manual says that it comes stock at 80Hz, instead of the stock 100Hz that the 'VTRM jumpers' document specify. Which one is correct?

 

[KimGT99]

Just ordered mine

 

[tech21nyc]

The middle jumper needs to be moved to the left for the stock setting. The difference between 80 & 100Hz won't be all that noticeable. Whichever works best for your rig is all that matters.

early VTRM doesn't come with a mark on the pcb, but I guess is the same configuration, isn't?
edit1: I moved the bass jumpers to select 80 Hz.
edit2: @tech21nyc the manual says that it comes stock at 80Hz, instead of the stock 100Hz that the 'VTRM jumpers' document specify. Which one is correct?

 

[KimGT99]

Yeah! Mine arrived 2 days ago. Didn't have much time yet. Just quickly dialed it in. Man, this things comes pretty close to my SVT2 pro, without its weight.
I find it a little hissy, even noisy depending on the sendings. Although I might master this in a few days.
Chances are good that it's a keeper.

 

[MJ_Sotti]

I bought another one of these. Skimming this thread I came across this. What a great feature.

"Dumb question for your guys. When I'm sending the FOH a signal through the XLR is it sending the Sansamp signal and my direct signal? What I mean is, I'm finding I like the blend around 40-50%. Does my direct signal go to the board also?
Yes. The SansAmp output sends the "blended" signal. You can also run the uneffected output to the mixer as well and set the blend to full wet and let the soundman mix in the dry signal if desired. Sometimes this can be a better approach as the soundman is in a better vantage point to hear the complete sound in the context of the mix. Of course you need to consider how you are monitoring as well. This is what Geddy does. He has the RPM signal, the Avalon and his Orange amps running at the same time and FOH mixes it differently for certain songs and rooms. At least that's how he was running it most recently."

 

[tech21nyc]

The SansAmp XLR out will reflect how you have the Blend control set. In essence with the Blend at minimum and SansAmp off that is your direct signal but the Bass, Mid and Treble controls are still active. So basically you have a DI output with EQ. You can set it flat or use it for tone shaping. If you want to run two outputs in parallel to the board I would recommend setting the Blend at maximum for the SansAmp XLR out and send the uneffected XLR out to a second channel on the board.

The SansAmp can be set clean if desired. I usually suggest starting with the Blend at maximum and dialing in the Drive gradually at gig volume. Because the tube emulation gets it's distortion without the need for volume (as in a real tube amp) it's very easy to dial in too much which may not work as well with a loud drummer and guitarist.

 

[cromag31]

do any of you guys using this rack get that crazy hum? i can't stop it? help please..

 

[Matthew_84]

@Envincibal I loved your recording with the three Sansamp Rackmounts, and @Fuzzbass I loved yours with the clean RPM into the dirtier VTRM, and thanks @JGR for letting us know how to do it!

I have the RPM and would love to use it for clean lows in parallel with the distorted mids and highs of an RBI or VTRM.

I'm curious if you guys still run these setups and have came up with some preferences (using all three, selling one, etc)? I'd prefer to get only one more instead of both, to keep my rack small.

I'll be going for a Chris Squire tone (along the lines of "Long Distance Runaround") or Geddy Lee's earlier Rickenbacker tone (like on "Cygnux X-1"), not so much Ged's current tone... I realize a Rick would help, but that's not in the cards right now.

I'm thinking keeping the RPM blend fully CCW while boosting the bass and mids (at roughly 250Hz) and cutting treble, while using the second unit for distortion and cutting the bass and boosting the high mids and maybe leaving the treble flat (or a slight boost) should get me close.

You guys have any thoughts on which would be best for the second unit? I'm thinking the VTRM while using the Character Knob for the high mids would be best, but wanted to run it with you guys before I buy... I've had a VT Bass Deluxe pedal before so I'm aware of its capabilities, but I've never had the RBI or Bass Driver so I'm not as familiar with it.

Thanks!