Studio Projects vtb-1

  • Thread starter Thread starter jimistone
  • Start date Start date
jimistone

jimistone

long standing member
has anyone been using the vtb-1 mic pre? I would like to hear some examples of it used in a recording. How does it stack up against other pres? Is the direct input good for bass guitar?

I have a C-1 that I really like...has anyone used a C-1 with the vtb-1? What di you think?
 
I haven't personally used one, but if I had the money I'd buy one in a second based on the reviews they've gotten. I also have a C1. Sweet, aren't they?
 
I have the VTB1 that I commonly use with a Studio Projects B1. VERY CLEAN and VERY QUIET. I don't post my stuff online. I have, on occasion, posted in the mail though... Even so, I think you'd be very pleased with the VTB1. You have to figure that Studio Projects knows the mic they're designing for.

You can plug a bass into the VTB1, plus you can dial in tube "ambiance" or even "distortion". I don't think everyone likes the VTB1 as much in this application. Even so, check out the ProAudio review. I believe it covers all of this.
 
The C1 works fine with the VTB1.

I've been asking for someone to link to a clip of a song tracked through a VTB1 for a year now to post with my review. Good luck on getting a clip.

Steve
www.mojopie.com
 
very quiet, very clean when you want it to be, and the toob is good for adding toobishness. :D couples very nicely with my studio projects B1 and i used it this weekend in conjunction with my rnc and re38 and laid down some pretty nice sounding vocals.

i use it regularly as a bass preamp, mainly b/c it sounds better than having it just go straight into the board. i run a mid-70's fender precision into the vtb1 into a symetrix 425 (compressor) to tame the levels some, and it gives a pretty punchy sound (i dig it if anything else) and if i really want that allen woody style "overdriven ampeg" type tone, just dial in some toob (anywhere from 10:00 on). i'm sure there are far better bass di's out there (and i've got my eye out for one) but the vtb1 does an ok job on this bass, for this band.

i have to admit being surprised when using it for a guitar di. i plugged my 89 american tele into it, switched to the neck pickup, dialed in a little toob and it had a very warm, bluesy sound to it. not something i'd use every day, but a definite pleasing color. too much toob, though, and it goes to shrill, thin nastiness (as most toobs do).


i don't have a c1, so i can't vouch for that, but for your $125 or whatever, you could do a lot worse, that's for sure.


wade
 
IMO, all the preamps on the market today under $300 are all about the same... give or take a little.
 
DJL said:
IMO, all the preamps on the market today under $300 are all about the same... give or take a little.
Click to expand...

They've had more words spent on them than they deserve but that's where you'll find a big chunk of interest by the public.

I haven't used my Audio Buddy once since I got my FMR RNP. I still use the RNP even though I've got some very nice preamps now.
 
ozraves said:
They've had more words spent on them than they deserve but that's where you'll find a big chunk of interest by the public.
Click to expand...
Oh I know... and after having to find out for myself first hand... I can honestly say... IMO, all the preamps on the market today under $300 are all about the same... give or take a little.
 
VTB1 is not a bad preamp. But like mentioned above, probably not a whole lot different then any other preamp under $300. But it has its place. Find it works best with vocals, where i have preffered the Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro mixers preamps over it on just about everything else.

It is a quiet pre, at least compared to the mackie.

I didnt know people have been looking for samples of this preamp.

I will see if i can get some posted up, even though i dont think ive ever posted my work up before.

Anyway, the VTB1 has its uses but its not anything amazing. Ive used it as a bass amp but wasnt too satisfied with it there.

Danny
 
i think the quality in the under $300 category ranges from very crappy to extremely good(for the price)......
 
Gidge said:
i think the quality in the under $300 category ranges from very crappy to extremely good(for the price)......
Click to expand...

Hi Gidge -

Would you care to elaborate? In your opinion, list the $300 or less preamps, from bad, to good, to extremely good, and why? I think this would be very useful and interesting information to many people here. Thanks!
 
Bad:

Presonus Blue Tube
Presonus TubePre
Behringer mixer
Anything by Rolls
ART Tube MP
Anything by Nady
dbx 286


Okay:

M-Audio Audio Buddy
Symetrix 301
Joemeek
Behringer Ultragain
Mackie Mixer
SP VTB-1


Good:

M-Audio DMP-3
Rane MS1-B
Presonus MP20
Soundcraft Spirt Mixers


In cheap, budget compressors, it's the VCA chip that tends to set the various brands/models apart. And with cheap, prosumer-grade mic pres, it's the Instrument Amplifier (Opamp Chip) that tends to round out the pecking order.

The ones that I think are of higher quality, like the dmp3 and the Rane for instance, tend to use the Burr-brown INA163 opamp chip. The crappy ones like the older Joemeeks and dbx . . . historically have used the SSM2017, and now the INA217 and/or similarly bad/funny-sounding Instrument Amps.

You can hear the difference (subtle, but there) in the high end -- cymbals, esssses, tamborines, etc. etc. It's in the chips, guys. INA163=good. Just remember that.
 
My "www" link will lead you to all my recordings which were all done exclusively with the VTB-1. I also use a C3 (essentially a C1) for vocals. It's a bit sibilant, but I'm learning a few new angles that keep that down some. Good luck.

Tom
 
So, you wanna hear a VTB-1?

If you want to hear the VTB-1 being used for various tasks check out my following tunes:

1. "Hindsight is 20/20"
Vox: All through VTB-1 and C1 mic
acoustic guitars: VTB-1 and C4 mic (single)
electric guitars: All through VTB-1 and SM57 mic

2. "Molds of Clay"
Vox: Same as "20/20"
Acoustic guitars: VTB-1 and C1 mic (rhythm), ATM33a mic (leads)

3. "War13" (First tune I recorded, pre VTB-1 purchase)
Vox: C1 mic through Aardvark DP 2496 pre's (I think)
Guitars: Aardvark pre's and SM57

4. "Charity"
All acoustic guitars through VTB-1 and C1 mic.

The tunes are here:
www.soundclick.com/bands/9/mrmoonmusic.htm

Hope this helps!

-Mr. Moon
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top