Answer the fool: digital modellers are run through the effects loop?

[Billy Irish]

Never used an outboard preamp, never used an effects loop. Just picked up a V-amp Pro on the cheap and want to try it through a Hartke 7000 head. I assume you can run it through the loop, yeah? (This requires speaker cables, or will instrument cables work for this part of the signal?)

 

Any suggestions on how to set the amp to get an optimal sound/avoid the worst result from the modeller?

 

Thanks for entertaining my idiot questions.

[bassesofalessergod]

use instrument cables in an effects loop.

 

with the V-Amp, since it is a modeler, i would put it inline between bass and amp.

[fretless]

instrument cables , just have a go , if you don't like it then just use the input . These things can be hit or miss so let us know how it sounds .

[Grumpy_Polecat]

 

use instrument cables in an effects loop. with the V-Amp, since it is a modeler, i would put it inline between bass and amp.

 

 

 

It's actually preferable to bypass the amp's own preamp and use the V-amp as a replacement. Otherwise the amp's own preamp sullies the V-amp output.

 

So, you connect the guitar to the V-amp and the V-amp to the effects return. This puts the signal in AFTER the amp's tone controls.

[Billy Irish]

Terrific, wasn't sure you could do that. And that's the proper signal level--bass-->rackmount V-amp Pro-->effects return?

 

Sorry if these are kidergarten questions.

[Grumpy_Polecat]

That one's not so easy to answer.

 

I'd try starting with your bass full-on and your amp at whatever volume you'd use for the room you're in. If your effects loop has its own level, turn that all the way up too.

 

Then with the V-amp you use the Master vol to set the overall level, but not change the tonal character of whatever model you're using. The other volume is as if it were the 'model's' own volume.

 

Here's a link to the owner's manual (you may have to browse around for your exact model)

http://www.behringer.com/02_products/proddetail.cfm?lang=ENG&id=LX1-PRO&type=310

[Billy Irish]

Helpful. But is the level of signal coming out of the bass straight into the modeller compatable with the effects return in a bass head? (Meaning as opposed to running the modeller send/return in the effects loop--a real "loop.")

 

Thanks.

[Grumpy_Polecat]

It should be hot enough, voltage wise. There are some adjustments that can be made (because one size does NOT fit all.)

 

The point though is that if the modeler is put between the instrument and the amp, the end result is as if the instrument is being played through one amp which is plugged into another amp. An 70s SVT model played through a Mesa Boogie just isn't going to sound right.

 

The absolute best results from modelers come with a very linear, hi-fi type setup, like even your home stereo. All amps and speakers make some amount of coloration of the sound. Hi-fi and PA stuff is meant to reduce that coloration to an absolute minimum, and instrument amps are not.

[Craig Vecchione]

 

Helpful. But is the level of signal coming out of the bass straight into the modeller compatable with the effects return in a bass head? (Meaning as opposed to running the modeller send/return in the effects loop--a real "loop.") Thanks.

 

 

 

The V-amp's input is intended to be connected to your bass. The input and output voltages and impedances are a good enough match to use either through a bass amp's input or an effects loop. A Hartke 7000 is a sterile enough amp that it won't matter much which way you configure things.

 

You can download the user's manual from Behringer. Note in there that the unit has several 'modes' of operation and you should read up on this to get familiar with how the unit works.