Dood

Hmmm, well the main problem is that running virtual machines in VMWARE is that the VM Host requires resources of it's own to run - the host alone requires more resources (ie Memory) than most VSTs - so I think you're gains in performance will be made negligible by the requirements of the VM Host and whatever OS is running within it. Especially if you start running mulitple VMs on one host. I would expect for flawless performance it'd be worth investing in a seriously powerful server host. (which is fine if you have deep pockets) - I can't see too many bands taking racks of hosts to gigs with them either to be honest. On the flipside though, you could keep backup copies of the VMs on another host, so that if one goes down the backup could be brought online with minimal fuss. I'm used to running multiple ESX hosts with a minimum of 8 processors and 64Gb RAM and tons of disc space in huge corporate environments so I'm familiar with performance issues within VMs.

[quote name='civictiger' post='1061295' date='Dec 17 2010, 08:39 AM']Thanks dood, that was an interesting reply! So I'm presuming, that an external click track would inout into the unit and send midi signals to trigger events, if I'm correct in saying this? As for the muse receptor, pendulum use this. Infact, they have 7 of them on at all times live (one each+vocals).. Would this trigger the vst changes internally or would it again need an external device to do such thing? The only problem tho is its price, I would need a cheaper, software version of this for now atleast! The program I have on trial atm can load as many vst's as I want, and in diffrrent racks, and have set-lists too for different songs which is all useful, and I can trigger it to goto the 'next' or previous patch in a click, which I could trigger.. The main pronblem I have with this is it just isn't hands free, or foot free.. And in some parts of our songs we need a vst to turn on for 2 bars and back off again for a while (for overdubs) which would be unreliable for me to do myself.. Do you know if this could be sequenced like you mentioned? And do you know how?[/quote] Hi! I think in most cases including the receptor, you will need an external sequencer of some sort to trigger patch changes or control CC messages to the host. Ok, so what program are you using at the moment? As long as your program can receive and can be controlled by MIDI implementation, then yes you can either control it via a sequencer or possible via a external MIDI controller like a footboard. It depends on the level of implementation that your software contains - but as an example, I have some free looping software that I can controll just by using a USB>MIDI interface and plugging in my Roland FC200 straight in to my laptop. As for sequencers, most DAW software is capable of outputting MIDI data along with audio and say, a click track. I use REAPER and think it is brilliant. But other DAWs such as cubase could also present an external device with patch change messages and CC updates etc etc. I have seen bands go out on tour with just a PC or Mac running sequencing / Virtual Instrument support AND backing tracks.. however, when it goes down... you're stuffed unless you have a back up! Do I know how? Well yes and no - I know the basics, but it would take a lil bit of playing to figure it out totally. It's not actually that difficult, but takes time to get your tempo track together for the song with all the messages in the right place at the right time. You could liken it to sequencing a drum track in a DAW. You have the individual notes, but the CC messages also control velocity, effects, pitch bend, after touch etc etc etc. Those same CC messages can be sent externally to control say, effect delay time in a VST, WAH pedal control and as you have mentioned, turn individual pedals on and off.

I'm just a bit surprised that elsewhere on the forum there is so much support for our fellow bass players, yet ads like these seem to get a bit of friction. Did I miss something? I think that the more support and useful responses we can put on these posts, then the greater likelihood that we will continue to get pro' acts looking for bass players. As a pro myself, if adverts are dropped on my doorstep instead of having to go look for them then it's a good thing no? So let's all be a bit more constructive eh? Bass players might get a bad name otherwise!

Yup a graphic equaliser rack or channel strip with EQ on it will work fine. There are loads out there on the market - I would certain recommed a rack unit designed to go in the effects loop verses a 'pedal' that is usually better off being connected before the input of the amplifier itself. (ie, in the signal path from the guitar).

Bands using this method will be running some sort of sequencer, be it actually a DAW or similar that syncs to a click track (for the musicians to play along in time with) - most DAW software can output the necessary MIDI channel / CC controller information to external devices at a given point in the track - for example, I could use it to change patches on my GMajor 2 at any given moment in a song - maybe even adjust my wah pedal for me - I've also heard of bands using a sequencer to load and run lighting programs as well for shows, so that everything runs perfectly in time! As for a hardware VST host - I trying to remember the name of two such pieces of hardware. Jordan Rudess used to use a big 2u rack unit that could load many VSTs all at the same time. Sadly, for the average musician, it was very expensive. The other unit I recall was far cheaper, but maybe didn't have the MIDI message controls on it that would make it useful in this situation. [edit] Ahhh wait, found it! - It's Receptor, by MUSE - found this old review [url="http://emusician.com/mag/emusic_muse_research_receptor/"]http://emusician.com/mag/emusic_muse_research_receptor/[/url] hopefully the hardware is still available!

[quote name='dincz' post='1059913' date='Dec 15 2010, 07:23 PM']Oops, I must have dozed off for the past 15 years OK, foot now out of mouth.[/quote] Nawwww!! It's alreet! *pats dincz on the back* don'cha worry about it! I remember when all this 'ere were just fields *Dvorák's "New World" Symphony playing in the background*

I love the Korg Pitchblack tuner. It's small, built like a proverbial outhouse and very acurate. It even tunes my low F# strings - something I've seen lots of tuners struggle with. As for effects, maybe you could link us to some YT videos that you like the sounds of and we'll have a go at telling you how to go about getting those tones if you are unsure.

Just gotten Guitar Pro 6. A HUGE improvement over Guitar Pro 5. I highly recommend upgrading. You can download a demo of 6 to see it in action. [url="http://www.guitar-pro.com/en/index.php"]http://www.guitar-pro.com/en/index.php[/url]

[quote name='4-string-thing' post='1059864' date='Dec 15 2010, 06:49 PM']The problem is, our guitarists both have 200w Blackstar valve heads and no concept of turning it down! Keep the suggestions coming though chaps![/quote] Hmmm... ditch the guitarists. Is it any wonder us bass players have so many back problems having to lug around twice as much gear as our guitar counterparts just to be heard, because they are a. Selfish b. Stupid C. Incapable of compromise. Any guitarist worth his weight in **** understands the importance of calving out his space in the spectrums of frequency AND amplitude.

[quote name='dincz' post='1059826' date='Dec 15 2010, 06:21 PM']Any 2 channel power amp is bridgeable with the addition of some very basic electronics. A competent tech should be able to add the necessary phase inverter for next to nothing. There's a kit here for ₤8.25: [url="http://www.jaycar.co.uk/productView.asp?ID=KC5469&keywords=KC5469&form=KEYWORD"]http://www.jaycar.co.uk/productView.asp?ID...mp;form=KEYWORD[/url][/quote] Not necessarily, for example D Class and H Class amplifiers. There are some whose individual channels are bridged already too, but I haven't seen any new versions of those for a while. Maybe not cost effective!

[quote name='Stylon Pilson' post='1059684' date='Dec 15 2010, 04:11 PM']Even worse, what if the best player to suit their band is male and 27 years old, but their 28th birthday is in the next 2 months? Not really worth going for auditions if you're going to be fired a few weeks later, is it? S.P.[/quote] I would have thought that someone in that position would get in touch with the band directly to ask those questions before applying to go to an audition surely? I certainly would have.

[quote name='Rich' post='1058797' date='Dec 14 2010, 06:22 PM']The only signature bass worth considering. [/quote] Ahhh yes, indeed it is!! Interestingly, this is his Left Hand model I understand. I heard a rumour that Tony is ambidextrous and can play left hand if he wants to. (Hence the strap button on the lower horn)

Can't help thinking that it's all sounding far to complicated for what it actually is! Ok, it's actually very simple and I have one question about the power amp. Does it have a 'parallel' or 'link' switch? Most that I have owned had such. (Not 'bridge, this is not the same) The switch allows one input (say input channel A) to also be fed to the second input as well using an internal connection. If it does, then do this> Bass > Ashdown > 2x15 Ashdown Line out OR Send Effect socket > Channel A power amp input Set power amp to Parallel Power amp output A > 1st 1x15 Power amp output B > 2nd 1x15 By usuing the line out or send effects you will be getting all of you post EQ a nd functions added to the sound going out to the power amp. If you use the tuner out - that is ONLY a buffered signal from your bass. The effects loop of you amp splits the preamp section and the poweramp section - so another reason for using the send effects output is that it connects all of the power amps safely at the same point in the signal chain. You can then use the volume controls on each to balance the levels between the cabinets - which is ideal if for example one of the 1x15's is not as sensitive as the others. Don't worry about bi-amping or anything like that - there's no point, unless you think it sounds nice, but from an efficiency point of view - well.. I'm sure Bill F or Alex C's multitude of thread posts in the past will bare this out. Keep it simple.

He all - has anyone had a chance to try out the TC Electronic Nova Drive yet, with it's blendable distortion and overdrive sections? I really like it'd MIDI and external control compatibility - but it'd be pointless if it sounds naff on bass! If the price is good, I might take a punt on one and have my G Major 2 control it via MIDI.

[quote name='TheRockinRoadie' post='1058699' date='Dec 14 2010, 04:30 PM']Fantastic - sounds good to me! I just hope im free on that sunday, Unfortunately i work most sundays, and band practice when i'm not, so i will have to talk to the guys. I have a few friends locally that might be interested in going aswell. EDIT: I've just mentioned it to Nick Wells of BGM, he's over this way. Cheers L[/quote] Ahhh that'd be great, I met Nick outside the building where BassDay was held whilst on my way to demoing on the Shuker stand. I'd sent him an email recently, but I guess he was a bit busy for a reply! Nice chap, would like to have a gas with him again.

[quote name='TheRockinRoadie' post='1058692' date='Dec 14 2010, 04:20 PM']So what happens with these bass days? Do people bring gear along and everyone tries each others stuff out? I live in Ely, so its not far, but i have a feeling my band practice is on that date. Cheers Lorry[/quote] Hi Lorry, yes, that's kinda it actually! We all get together, wander around, meet new faces - talk, talk, play, talk and play some more! Some of the bashes have had masterclasses / clinics and visits from well known Luthiers too. I hope that we'll have some people along to do a talk or masterclass for this bash too! All the bashes I have been to have been brilliant and it's great to hang out with a great bunch of bass players!

[quote name='Lozz196' post='1058292' date='Dec 14 2010, 10:38 AM']From what I`ve understood from previous similar posts, the recommendations are to not do this, as it can damage the amp.[/quote] Ahh I see this is a duplicate thread - I've answered to the contrary on the other one. The SVT 3 has an SS poweramplifier - and to be on the safe side, keeping the master volume down at zero, it will be fine running without a speaker attached.

[quote name='Lozz196' post='1058148' date='Dec 14 2010, 07:28 AM']I`d love one of the Duff McKagan Fender Precisions, however being a tight-wad, they are too much at present, will wait til they start cropping up in the used section.[/quote] Keep an eye on eBay for a 'Jazz Bass Special' which are the original Japanese basses that Duff used to use. I think I may have mentioned this before - I have an active version (Power Jazz Bass Special) and I think I paid about 200 quid for it. I read that the newer versions are different and possibly not as good, but I can't substantiate that till I try one for myself. wow! Edit! Seems the price of these babies is creeping up!! [url="http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=2&_nkw=jazz%20bass%20special&_dmpt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283"]http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?rt=nc&LH...d=p3286.c0.m283[/url]

[quote name='Alberto Rigoni' post='1058219' date='Dec 14 2010, 09:30 AM']p.s. how can i embed a youtube player directly on the topic?[/quote] There's a sticky in Off-Topic explaining how to

[quote name='mik900' post='1058259' date='Dec 14 2010, 10:09 AM']I am using my Ampeg SVT 3 Pro to lay down a bass track, I am DI ing from the back of the amp, is it Ok to DI without connecting the amp up to speakers? Or can this do damage. Thanks Mike[/quote] Hi Mike, yes you'll be fine to do this - but to be on the safe side, keep the master volume down to zero (this should not affect the level of the DI output.)

Yup, I'm looking forward to seeing a new 7 string build! Congrats!

[quote name='lowdown' post='1056122' date='Dec 12 2010, 03:50 PM']He will be left with a one stringed semi acoustic Banjo... Garry[/quote]

Great news! I look forward to seeing the progress!

For me it is a very quick and simple answer! Write down all the things you love about all those basses and then a second list about all the things you dislike. Take that list to a luthier of your choice and have them make the bass of your dreams! For this, my answer is my two Shukers. Jon has completely nailed exactly what I wanted and needed out of an instrument. It's not going to be 'the best' for everyone and I am happy to see that some have been quite honest to say 'Euuurghhh, I don't like singlecuts' for example. (Though I'm chuffed to say that everyone who has played my basses has thought they sound and play brilliantly) Anyway, I digress - the point has been made above already, so for me to find my ideal instrument, I first had to play and own enough instruments over the years to be able to decide what I did and didn't like about off the shelf instruments. Go custom, it's the way forward