Tech 21 VT Bass deluxe - What do I use it with?

[thebrig]

Due to back problems, I have gone down the lightweight route in purchasing a [b]Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0-12[/b][size=4][b]T [/b]plus a[b] Genz Benz 2x10 cab[/b]. It's a lovely set up, but it does lack the punch and warmth that you get with bigger and heavier rigs, so I am considering getting a [/size][b]Tech 21 VT Bass deluxe [/b]to beef up the sound.
We play mainly classic rock and blues, so I am seeking that "[i][b]old school[/b][/i]" tone.

[b][i][u]My questions are:[/u][/i][/b]

1. Will it work ok with my rig, and if so, what settings should I use on the amp, should I set it to as clean/neutral as possible?

2. Would I be better off running it through a power amp into my 2x10 cab, and if so, what power amp would you recommend?

3. Should I consider a 1x15 or 2x12" cab to go with it?

3. Would it sound ok through the PA?

I've only been playing a few years, so not really up on the tech side of things, so any help would be appreciated.

[Wally]

Hi Brig, I have a VT deluxe and for old school tone its great.

1. Will it work ok with my rig, and if so, what settings should I use on the amp, should I set it to as clean/neutral as possible?

I believe the Genz Shuttle's effects loop allows you to put the output of the VT direct into the 'send' jack at the back (don't plug anything into the 'receive' jack) and then the Genz will be a power amp only. This would then bypass the tone shaping and colouration of the Genz pre amp and only the master volume will work. If true then this is the way I would do it but check this out with Genz directly first as I don't own one and the manuals a little unclear on this.

2. Would I be better off running it through a power amp into my 2x10 cab, and if so, what power amp would you recommend?

If the Genz will work as a power amp then just do that. You'd be hard pressed to get a dedicated power that small and light as they are usually designed to be rack mounted and therefore larger. It would only be worth considering if you needed more power/headroom.

3. Should I consider a 1x15 or 2x12" cab to go with it?

Two 8ohm cabs or one 4ohm cab would get the best headroom out of the Genz. Cab choice is a whole other ball game though and very tough to advise upon. My choice: if your Genz 2x10 is 8ohm I'd get another of those. You could put this question in the amps and cabs section but expect diverse responses - its such an individual thing cabs and so many variables and choices.

3. Would it sound ok through the PA?

It'll sound bloody brilliant mate - DI straight from the VT into the PA - its what its best at.

Edited July 26, 2012 by Wally

[thebrig]

Thanks for the advice Wally, I will check out whether I can use the Genz as a power amp only, as it would make sense to use my existing rig if I can, and achieve the tone I want with the VT Deluxe, that way I will be able to hear myself on stage, and I could still go through the PA if I needed more volume.

[1976fenderhead]

To use the GB as power amp you plug the VT to the GB's return jack, not send.

[Wally]

[quote name='1976fenderhead' timestamp='1343390806' post='1750002']
To use the GB as power amp you plug the VT to the GB's return jack, not send.
[/quote]

Whoops! Yep, what he said.