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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Now that the VIP Pre-amps have been out for a little while, can I get some reviews from those who have them, or have done any change-outs?
Also, How do they compare to the other pre-amps?
Are they all that they're advertised to be?
Thanks in advance. |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 1126
Location: Omaha, NE | I've got one in my Koala.
I don't know if I am in a position to answer all your questions, but I am very pleased with it.
I leave it on image #2, with the blend set at about 40% (meaning more pickup than image). I leave the eq flat, with the exception that I pull the bass down just a tad (just off the detent). With those settings, it produces a very nice, natural tone with just a slight hint of piezo edginess to help it cut through.
In day to day terms, I go between my Koala and my Taylor 714ce. The contrast between the two systems is pretty stark. The Taylor has "that ES sound", which you pretty much have to hear to understand. It sounds good, but its a little 'off' at the same time. One good thing about it is that it is just about completely feedback-proof.
The Ovation has more of the expected Ovation tone, meaning you can tell its a piezo pickup. It is also more feedback prone by far, particularly as you increase the slider from 0% image toward 100% image. But it just sounds better...it is cleaner and clearer and far more appropriate for a group environment.
For a solo gig (where I would be playing plugged in), I'd probably take the Taylor. Anything else would be the Ovation.
Hope that helps at least a little. |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 1126
Location: Omaha, NE | Two more quick thoughts...
1) Always have spare batteries on hand. The VIP seems to really eat them up.
2) The necessity of the dummy plug is stupid. And dumb. And its stupid too. |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1138
Location: CT | Do you need the dummy plug to get phantom power from a board if you don't have the specially wired XLR cable? |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Yes |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Well, not really.
If you don't have the right cable you're not getting phantom whether or not you have the plug. That's why you need the plug.
If it won't work when the phantom's on without the plug, you're NOT running on phantom with the plug in, you're running on battery.
Originally posted by Omaha:
1) Always have spare batteries on hand. The VIP seems to really eat them up.
2) The necessity of the dummy plug is stupid. And dumb. And its stupid too. And you're absolutely right on both counts, Jeff. |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Wow! what a pain in the rear! ... Now I believe I'm thoroughly confused, and just as thoroughly convinced that I don't want the VIP. I guess I'll just wait for something better to be developed, with the kinks already worked out. |
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VIP Pre Amp Questions
