THE INS AND OUTS
Follow Standard Audio Procedure to avoid unwanted and potentially speaker-damaging “pops” when
connecting or disconnecting any equipment:
Always mute mixing board and/or turn down amp volume before plugging or
unplugging!
IMPORTANT: TURN ON FIRST. TURN OFF LAST.
INPUT:
1/4”, 1megOhm, instrument level. Switches battery power on/off. To avoid battery
drain,
unplug when unit is not in use. AND... DON’T FORGET TO MUTE!
PARALLEL OUTPUT:
1/4” unbalanced direct output is “hard-wired” parallel with input
jack. Instrument signal passes through, UNEFFECTED, to the input of your stage amplification sys-
tem.
BALANCED XLR OUTPUT:
Balanced low Z output. Sends effected or uneffected sig-
nal to mixing console/recorder, depending on the orientation of the Footswitch.
XLR Output Level Switch:
-20dB pad to match the output to
equipment with different input level requirements. Disengaged (up position),
the output is 0dB. Engaged (in position), the output is -20dB.
1/4” OUTPUT:
Unbalanced low Z output. Sends effected or uneffected signal to amp rig or
power amp, as per the orientation of the Footswitch.
1/4” Output Level Switch:
+10dB boost to match the output to
equipment with different input level requirements. Disengaged (up position),
the output is -10dB. Engaged (in position), the output is 0dB.
FOOTSWITCH,
with corresponding LED indicator: Engages/disengages SansAmp
Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry. Active, LED will be on. Tonality and gain structure are affected as
determined by the setting of the controls. Delivers effected signal through the XLR Output and
1/4” Output. Inactive, LED will be off. VT Bass DI functions an active transparent direct box and
does not sonically alter the instrument signal.
PHANTOM POWER
Allows you to “tap into” the power of a suitably equipped mixer, which, today, most are. As the 3-
conductor XLR sends the audio signal to the input of a mixer, the mixer sends voltage back to the
unit via the same 3 wires, eliminating the need for an external power supply. Consult your mixer’s
owner’s manual for set-up instructions. For live and studio use, let the engineer know your VT
Bass DI is phantom power operable.
PHANTOM & GROUND CONNECT SWITCH:
When engaged, the ground con-
nects and unit will accept phantom power through the XLR Output. Disengaged, the ground of your
stage system and other interconnected gear is lifted (isolated) from the ground of the mixing console.
With a mixer only: If you are plugging your bass into the VT Bass DI and taking the XLR
Output
to a mixer
--and do not have any other grounded equipment connected in
the setup-- you will have to push the switch in to connect the ground and engage the phantom
power.
With a mixer and bass amp: If you are going to the mixer via the XLR and using the 1/4”
Output
or Parallel Output to feed a bass amp (with its own AC ground), you should have the switch
disengaged (in the up position) to be in “Ground Lift” mode. If you experience hum and/or buzz
with the switch in either position, there is probably a problem with the AC outlets you are plug-
ging into.
NOTE: If using vintage equipment without proper grounds, take extra care connecting it to
modern grounded equipment. Any inadequacies of the ground in vintage gear could result in dam-
aging anything it is connected to.
NOTE: While operating under phantom power, we recommend keeping a 9V alkaline battery
installed at all times to avoid the previously mentioned “pops” when lifting the ground.
NOTEWORTHY NOTES & CONSIDERATIONS
1)
VT Bass DI is an interactive tool. It will react differently to various signal levels, as
well as your individual touch. For instance, a hotter signal and a heavy hand will increase the gain
structure and result in more overdrive. A cooler signal and a light touch decreases the gain struc-
ture for a cleaner sound. By using Drive, Character and the EQ controls, you can achieve the
proper mix of tonality and gain structure that best suits your style.
2)
The noise level of VT Bass DI is exceptionally low. However, it may amplify noise
emanating from the input source. Bear in mind that VT Bass DI’s controls are unusually sensitive
and do not require maximum levels of input to achieve high levels of output. To minimize noise
going into VT Bass DI, we recommend the following:
a) Active electronic instruments should have tone controls
positioned flat. If you need to boost, do so slowly and sparingly.
b) Passive electronic instruments should have volume and
tone controls set at maximum.
3)
When you push VT Bass DI to saturation, you get enhanced harmonics, just as you would with
an overdriven tube amplifier. Depending on the setting, the unique circuitry limits transient peaks
for an even meter reading, so that
outboard compressors or limiters may not be nec-
essary.
4)
Using effects. One of the key attributes of SansAmp is the responsiveness to the dynam-
ics and nuances of your playing technique. Therefore, your bass should be plugged directly into the
SansAmp and effects should be placed after the SansAmp. If, however, you prefer to place an effect
before SansAmp, be sure to set the output level of the effect at unity gain with the output level of
the instrument.
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