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VT Deluxe is auto-panning...? (Problem)

S

SteveMoodie

Oct 2, 2008
226
112
New Zealand
www.thethomasoliverband.com
#1
Hi guys,

I just noticed something strange with my VT Deluxe while recording some demos...

It automatically pans the balance slightly to one side, even when recorded in mono. :confused:

I've attached a screenshot of the waveforms which shows that the balance isn't mirrored.

If I go direct into the computer or an interface I don't get this problem.

Am I missing something here? I'm worried that I've been using the VT Deluxe live for a few years and it's been sending a panned signal to the front desk. :help:

Cheers
Steve
 

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  • Screen Shot 2013-09-01 at 12.16.14 PM.png
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#3
As DUW says, the VT is a mono-only device, it is totally incapable of sending a "panned" signal.

I'd guess whatever recording device you used was set up funny. Maybe a knob on a pan pot was put on wrong, or some other shenanigans--having absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the VT.
 
#4
The thing is that this has happened on 3 different Macbooks over a period of at least 2 years. I've tried both running through an interface and running straight into Macbook. The problem happens with each setup.

As soon as I take the VT Deluxe out of the chain, there is no more problem. It seems like it's something to do with the input of the VT Deluxe. (there is no pan pot on the VT Deluxe)
As a test I've tried using the bypassed output on the VT Deluxe and it still has the problem.

I don't understand how it could possibly happen to a mono track either!! :confused:

Anyone else with a VT Deluxe wanna try recording and see if they get the same problem?
 
#5
i recorded a dozen times with the vt bass deluxe and i've NEVER seen the waveform "panned" like that. But as Bongomania said already: It's a mono output device, it simply CAN NOT pan a signal on a mono output (right?)
 
#12
I don't think you don't understand what that waveform means - it's not panned because it's a mono waveform. It's not displaying signal strength from the left and right channels; it's an oscilloscope display and represents voltage - positive and negative. Yes, the waveform is asymmetrical, that's not unusual. I've made several recordings with a regular SansAmp bass DI using Cakewalk Sonar, the waveforms look much the same. Do your recordings SOUND OK? Then don't worry about it. There's no problem to solve.

The fact that the "minus" side of the waveform is 'louder' than the "positive" side is probably due to pickup design, or it might be due to the SansAmp, I don't know.

It's actually quite interesting - at least to me - to zoom in on bass waveforms and see what's going on there. Even a normal bassy bass tone has lots of harmonics.
 
#15
Thanks Crater - you're right. It looks like I'm quite ignorant about waveforms! I don't know why I thought that the +/- of a waveform is the L/R. :hiding:

I am hearing it as slightly panned and I've just realised why: I did a hearing test on my smartphone a while ago and the outcome was that I hear less sub bass in one ear. I didn't trust it because it was done on my phone... but it looks like it's true. Damn! :bawl:

Case closed. Thanks for everyone's help!

Cheers
Steve
 
#18
SteveMoodie said:
Thanks Crater - you're right. It looks like I'm quite ignorant about waveforms! I don't know why I thought that the +/- of a waveform is the L/R. :hiding:

I am hearing it as slightly panned and I've just realised why: I did a hearing test on my smartphone a while ago and the outcome was that I hear less sub bass in one ear. I didn't trust it because it was done on my phone... but it looks like it's true. Damn! :bawl:
Click to expand...
That's the aging process for ya. I'm noticing lately that my bass sounds brighter if I turn my right ear to the amp it than it does the left.
 
#19
Hearing tests aside, our designer said it looks like a power issue. It sounds like you are using a switching power supply? Can you try using the pedal with a battery and see what happens. Also try recording the pedal in line but in bypass as well.
 

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