Ok so I've seen a few threads where people are wondering if it is redundant to run a VT Bass pedal (Ampeg tube amp simulation) into a real Ampeg tube amp..
I have been gigging for about a year with this setup: Tech 21 VTDI (the one with a blend knob) running into a Hartke LH1000 which IMO is a pretty transparent amp. The VTDI is kept always on for a bit of drive and easy EQ while on stage.
... Enter my new (old).. Ampeg SVP Pro all tube preamp which I am running now into the FX loop return on the LH1000 (SVP Pro plugged into LH1000 solid state power section). Yes I know this is not an all tube amp it's just a preamp but still hopefully someone finds this useful or at least entertaining..
After a few weeks of experimenting with the SVP Pro and the VTDI I have come to these conclusions:
- VTDI into LH1000 can sound almost exactly like the SVP Pro. But with more ability for distortion and tone shaping (using the drive and character knobs, cab sim and bite switch). SVP Pro of course has more EQ options but still the VTDI can get very close.
- VTDI into SVP Pro sounds better than SVP Pro on its own or VT into LH1000.
I like some drive on my tone and am also very happy with what the character knob does on the VTDI. It adds a kind of distortion that sounds similar to what you get from a tube power section that's turned way up. Except that with the pedal you get that mid growly tone at any volume instead of only at high volumes like you would from an all tube amp. The VTDI also makes my other distortion pedals (primarily a Bass Big Muff) sound way better so I am happy to keep it on all the time. It's kind of like adding salt to your meal.. it already tasted good but with a bit of VTDI the flavours come out even more..
The drive from the SVP Pro is smooth but if you crank the gain knob until the input peak light stays on it can get aggressively distorted. I prefer to have the input gain set so the light comes on only from powerchords or really hard playing and let the VTDI provide some drive/distortion from its drive/character knobs. This way the amp seems to respond very dynamically. Light playing produces a fairly clean sound depending on how the VTDI is set and hard playing produces a very nice grind!
Anyone else have experience with a similar setup? ..Any advice/recommendations? Cheers..
I have been gigging for about a year with this setup: Tech 21 VTDI (the one with a blend knob) running into a Hartke LH1000 which IMO is a pretty transparent amp. The VTDI is kept always on for a bit of drive and easy EQ while on stage.
... Enter my new (old).. Ampeg SVP Pro all tube preamp which I am running now into the FX loop return on the LH1000 (SVP Pro plugged into LH1000 solid state power section). Yes I know this is not an all tube amp it's just a preamp but still hopefully someone finds this useful or at least entertaining..
After a few weeks of experimenting with the SVP Pro and the VTDI I have come to these conclusions:
- VTDI into LH1000 can sound almost exactly like the SVP Pro. But with more ability for distortion and tone shaping (using the drive and character knobs, cab sim and bite switch). SVP Pro of course has more EQ options but still the VTDI can get very close.
- VTDI into SVP Pro sounds better than SVP Pro on its own or VT into LH1000.
I like some drive on my tone and am also very happy with what the character knob does on the VTDI. It adds a kind of distortion that sounds similar to what you get from a tube power section that's turned way up. Except that with the pedal you get that mid growly tone at any volume instead of only at high volumes like you would from an all tube amp. The VTDI also makes my other distortion pedals (primarily a Bass Big Muff) sound way better so I am happy to keep it on all the time. It's kind of like adding salt to your meal.. it already tasted good but with a bit of VTDI the flavours come out even more..
The drive from the SVP Pro is smooth but if you crank the gain knob until the input peak light stays on it can get aggressively distorted. I prefer to have the input gain set so the light comes on only from powerchords or really hard playing and let the VTDI provide some drive/distortion from its drive/character knobs. This way the amp seems to respond very dynamically. Light playing produces a fairly clean sound depending on how the VTDI is set and hard playing produces a very nice grind!
Anyone else have experience with a similar setup? ..Any advice/recommendations? Cheers..
