DHA Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 (edited) As our VT1-EQ-Bass-Drive is really a VT1-Std-Bass with an EQ and a DI on the end of it I was thinking I could offer just the EQ and DI in a seperate pedal for those who already have a VT1 or VT2? Or for those that want just an uncoloured EQ/DI. It will be a solid state pedal so will have a battery and 9V connector and in a small box. There will be a 3 channel active EQ with a mid frequency Q, an i/p pad, level and DI Level. The DI will be a balanced XLR with a ground lift switch. There will be an in and out 1/4" jack as well. Could add a by-pass switch as well if people think it's required? Might also do just an Eq and just a DI if it make sense. Target prices would be EQ/DI £55 - EQ £45 and DI £35. Could add a headphone amp as well as an option for an extra £15? What you think? Dave DHA Edited June 29, 2008 by DHA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 I'm always keen to try any new or different DI/EQ. I currently use an LR Baggs or Orchid DI(for upright) and Sansamp/Aguilar DB924 depending on the gig. They all sound different. I've yet to track down a Demeter or Sadowsky. On functions, I think the Sadowsky is ahead of the pack (EQ bypass, tuner send and mute..so useful) but it really comes down to a musical eq and a great sounding DI output. Running on phantom power is a nice touch, but I understand it has limitations (limited current?). I sometimes only use a DI (no amp) and I can see this happening more often, as PA's get better and transport get harder, so the more options the better. BB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted June 29, 2008 Author Share Posted June 29, 2008 [quote name='BassBod' post='229177' date='Jun 29 2008, 06:52 PM']I'm always keen to try any new or different DI/EQ. I currently use an LR Baggs or Orchid DI(for upright) and Sansamp/Aguilar DB924 depending on the gig. They all sound different. I've yet to track down a Demeter or Sadowsky. On functions, I think the Sadowsky is ahead of the pack (EQ bypass, tuner send and mute..so useful) but it really comes down to a musical eq and a great sounding DI output. Running on phantom power is a nice touch, but I understand it has limitations (limited current?). I sometimes only use a DI (no amp) and I can see this happening more often, as PA's get better and transport get harder, so the more options the better. BB[/quote] Useful info. Can do phantom power as there is no valve to power and the tuner mute is a good idea. Thanks Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umcoo Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 I'd defo be interested in an EQ and headphone amp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silent Fly Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 (edited) Very interesting. I would suggest: - Add Phantom power (as suggested before me) - Headphone amp with stereo input mini-jack. Great for playing along with iPod. - I wouldn't need a bypass switch but in some situations (e.g. where the pedal is used as a stopbox eq) it could be usefull. - EQ+DI in the same (as small as possible) box - a button similar to the "color" button of the MXR M80 Edited June 29, 2008 by Silent Fly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philbillbass Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 i think the basic idea is that people want is similar to the the features you get with an ebs microbass but without the 2 channels and the distortion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Oh, yes, shouldn't state the obvious, but strong construction is a must for things that live on the floor and get chucked in gig bags - metal jack sockets, fixed to the case please. BB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silent Fly Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Another, and completely different, approach that I find very interesting is a minimal DI with the best possible audio quality. A little bit of a mini Avalon U5. Jack input, XLR output, i/p pad, level and power supply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 SF has a point - something like the Aguilar or Demeter valve DI. Power supply (built in) valve and audio transformer...and a ground lift. Might need some sockets... BB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silent Fly Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 [quote name='BassBod' post='229971' date='Jun 30 2008, 07:50 PM']SF has a point - something like the Aguilar or Demeter valve DI. Power supply (built in) valve and audio transformer...and a ground lift. Might need some sockets... BB[/quote] I was thinking to something slightly different: solid state and transformerless. Nothing against valves but I think DHA production has enough products valve-based. What do you think about our ideas so far DHA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted June 30, 2008 Author Share Posted June 30, 2008 [quote name='Silent Fly' post='230031' date='Jun 30 2008, 08:44 PM']I was thinking to something slightly different: solid state and transformerless. Nothing against valves but I think DHA production has enough products valve-based. What do you think about our ideas so far DHA?[/quote] It's a SS design I have in mind. If you want valves and a DI then buy the VT1-EQ-Bass-Drive. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 I'm looking at DIs at the moment; I intend to get a VT Bass as an amp modeller going into some kind of stereo modulation and was looking at the Radial ProD2 passive stereo DI box. A headphone amp would also be very useful in this kind of setup, so I'm watching to see what you come up with! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnylager Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 [quote name='philbillbass' post='229211' date='Jun 29 2008, 07:50 PM']i think the basic idea is that people want is similar to the the features you get with an ebs microbass but without the 2 channels and the distortion.[/quote] And the price! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted July 1, 2008 Author Share Posted July 1, 2008 [quote name='johnnylager' post='230563' date='Jul 1 2008, 02:26 PM']And the price! [/quote] How much is the ebs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted July 1, 2008 Author Share Posted July 1, 2008 [quote name='dannybuoy' post='230562' date='Jul 1 2008, 02:24 PM']I'm looking at DIs at the moment; I intend to get a VT Bass as an amp modeller going into some kind of stereo modulation and was looking at the Radial ProD2 passive stereo DI box. A headphone amp would also be very useful in this kind of setup, so I'm watching to see what you come up with![/quote] Looking for a home for the prototype if you are interested? Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 Dave, what do you have to say on the matter of active vs. passive DIs in the chain I was talking about above? I thought I would be best off with a passive DI like the Radial JDI or ProDI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ant Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 ive just moved out into a much nicer neighbourhood and i suddenly feel horrible playing all my stuff really loudly, headphone amp sounds ace loads of control over the mids sounds super ace, i love control over the mids. i'd love to be kept informed with how this is going, i love the tones of my Pearce BC1 preamp and also of my sansamp, but i'd love to have a go with one of these. any headphoney type things i've used in the past have only given me rubbish tones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted July 1, 2008 Author Share Posted July 1, 2008 [quote name='dannybuoy' post='230600' date='Jul 1 2008, 03:09 PM']Dave, what do you have to say on the matter of active vs. passive DIs in the chain I was talking about above? I thought I would be best off with a passive DI like the Radial JDI or ProDI.[/quote] My design is active but I do have a design for a transformer passive DI as well but I have not built one yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayFW Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 [quote name='DHA' post='230594' date='Jul 1 2008, 02:59 PM']How much is the ebs?[/quote] The EBS is >£200 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted July 1, 2008 Author Share Posted July 1, 2008 [quote name='rayfw' post='230658' date='Jul 1 2008, 04:38 PM']The EBS is >£200[/quote] But I guess that is nearer my VT1-EQ-Bass-Drive in spec anyway which is now £149.99. Once this goes to PCB it will also have a headphone amp. So a DHA-EQ/DI will have 3 channel active EQ with mid range Q, balanced XLR DI and 1/4" jack line out, 1/4" jack in, DI level, i/p pad, output level, toggle switch to by-pass the eq, 9-12VDC connector, Stereo headphone jack with level, DI ground lift, bright switch, tuner mute footswitch and 1/4" tuner jack. Could have a PP3 battery but not sure how long it will last due to the headphone amp. No phantom power as it will require a fair amount of current and most desks will not supply it. Cost will be £75 + P&P A DHA-DI will have a balanced XLR DI and 1/4" in and out, DI level, phantom power and switch, PP3 battery and 9-12VDC power connector. Cost will be £45 + P&P What you think? Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silent Fly Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 [quote name='DHA' post='230804' date='Jul 1 2008, 07:21 PM']But I guess that is nearer my VT1-EQ-Bass-Drive in spec anyway which is now £149.99. Once this goes to PCB it will also have a headphone amp. So a DHA-EQ/DI will have 3 channel active EQ with mid range Q, balanced XLR DI and 1/4" jack line out, 1/4" jack in, DI level, i/p pad, output level, toggle switch to by-pass the eq, 9-12VDC connector, Stereo headphone jack with level, DI ground lift, bright switch, tuner mute footswitch and 1/4" tuner jack. Could have a PP3 battery but not sure how long it will last due to the headphone amp. No phantom power as it will require a fair amount of current and most desks will not supply it. Cost will be £75 + P&P (...)[/quote] It sounds interesting. I assume that by "3 channel active EQ" you actually mean "3 band active EQ" unless I am wrong and the pedal has 3 separate channels with EQ for each one (which would be very cool). I would have liked a mini-jack stereo input to play along mp3 players but I could live without it. [quote name='DHA' post='230804' date='Jul 1 2008, 07:21 PM'](...) A DHA-DI will have a balanced XLR DI and 1/4" in and out, DI level, phantom power and switch, PP3 battery and 9-12VDC power connector. Cost will be £45 + P&P What you think? Dave[/quote] With a simple DI, you are in the same territory of other DIs that cost around the same money. I think that to be interesting it has to sound exceptionally well (which I am sure it will be the case). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted July 1, 2008 Author Share Posted July 1, 2008 [quote name='Silent Fly' post='230825' date='Jul 1 2008, 07:45 PM']It sounds interesting. I assume that by "3 channel active EQ" you actually mean "3 band active EQ" unless I am wrong and the pedal has 3 separate channels with EQ for each one (which would be very cool). I would have liked a mini-jack stereo input to play along mp3 players but I could live without it. With a simple DI, you are in the same territory of other DIs that cost around the same money. I think that to be interesting it has to sound exceptionally well (which I am sure it will be the case).[/quote] Yes, sorry 3 band. I will have a look at the iPod input but as that is a new design I don't want to commit until I have tried it. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silent Fly Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Hi Dave/DHA, Do you have anynews about these pedals? Silent Fly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 [quote name='Silent Fly' post='234446' date='Jul 7 2008, 07:59 PM']Hi Dave/DHA, Do you have anynews about these pedals? Silent Fly[/quote] Hi, Didn't get much of a response so will most likely stick with the VT1-EQ-Bass-Drive design and add the headphone amp and maybe the stereo line in/out when it goes to PCB. I might use the same PCB without the valve drive part as a lower cost SS EQ/DI with headphones at a later date. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted August 20, 2008 Author Share Posted August 20, 2008 [quote name='Silent Fly' post='234446' date='Jul 7 2008, 07:59 PM']Hi Dave/DHA, Do you have anynews about these pedals? Silent Fly[/quote] Hi, The final production of the VT1-EQ-Bass-Drive is now complete as the new PCB and design has been tested. Anyone waiting for a VT1-EQ-Bass-Drive will receive the new version in the couple of weeks. Pictures soon but it has the following features. VT1 valve overdrive with active EQ, Q sweep, balanced DI, line in/out, headphone amp, Colour switch, bright switch, selectable clean Boost with level, DI gnd lift. 10 knobs, 4 switches all on the top of the box. knobs - left to right (top row) i/p pad, Gain, Boost, Level, Q left to right (bottom row) Headphone/line out level, DI Level, Treble, Mid, Bass switches - left to right, Colour, Bright, Boost, DI gnd lift. connections - 1/4" jack instrument in and out. XLR balanced DI out 2.5mm power connector 2.5mm stereo jack headphone/line out 2.5mm stereo jack line in. The DI and line out/headphones are on all the time there is power connected but the EQ and valve drive is selected with true by-pass with the footswitch. The EQ is active and there is a mid range Q sweep. The line in allows the user to play along to backing, cd's, mp3's, iPod, etc. on the headphones/line out. Colour adds gain, distortion and compression - almost fuzz. Thanks to all for the comments and reviews which have helped develop this product. There is a short but very good review in the latest UK bassplayer mag. We are trying to keep the price low for a pedal with all these features as we see it as our volume bass product so keeping the £149 plus P&P and including Power supply for a while. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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