Ampeg Micro VR?? Opinions?

curseofthecrow · #1 09-12-2011, 10:28 AM

Tell me what you think of the ampeg VR mini amp.
Is it loud enough playing with a really loud drummer? is it too small for medium size gigs? If I get one it will be plugged into a 2x15 or a 4x10 cab.

Please tell me what you think if you own one.

pgk · #2 09-12-2011, 12:15 PM

one friggin' Awesome head with a 2-15 cab. i just did a weekend with that setup. a laughably great sounding head and Loud for 200watts. major thumbs up

JimmyM · #3 09-12-2011, 12:31 PM

I love the Micro VR. The PF-350 and PF-500 might give you a little more insurance, but through a 215 or 410 it'll get plenty loud IMHO.

BulbousMoses · #4 09-12-2011, 12:41 PM

Not to hijack the thread but....Jimmy..how much of a diffrence do you hear with the Micro VR with one cab versus 2 cabs (the SVT210AV cabs, that is)

rodl2005 · #5 09-12-2011, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BulbousMoses

Not to hijack the thread but....Jimmy..how much of a diffrence do you hear with the Micro VR with one cab versus 2 cabs (the SVT210AV cabs, that is)

Double ????

I've not used the micro VR but, again, it's what you play it through!
The amount of speakers or spkr area.
3
Even an SVT-VR doesn't sound that loud thru a 1x15", but thru an 8x10..... Wow!!! That's 300w.
The li'l one is 200w, so put it with an 810, 610 or 215 cab & it should be able to keep up with any drummer.
With 4x10"s should be loud enough for most situations I'd think.

**DosiYanarchy** · #6 09-12-2011, 03:45 PM

I had the Micro VR head and 210av cab and the combination just was not loud enough for me in my rockband either at practice or at gigs. I have heard that actually both the head and the cab perform much better with different corresponding parts (ie ampeg head with a different cab, ampeg cab with different head).

I've still got the cab, currently using it with my 100w valve head and it does sound alot louder now but not as loud as my SWR workingmans 212 (however i would expect a ported 212 to be louder anyway)

JimmyM · #7 09-12-2011, 04:03 PM

The vertical two 210av cabs works very well for me. You get a good boost of volume, and a boost in low end response as well. Not a cab that everyone's going to like on a gig because it's a light/medium duty cab, but it works for me.

zaten · #8 09-13-2011, 02:14 PM

Great to hear the little head is still generating so much feedback!
I'm planning to put my old SVT-DI in front of it soon once i get the rest of my gear over here. I'm hoping this would bring up the tubey-tone even more. Will keep you posted on this one!

For now I have 2 more questions for fellow Micro-owners:

1- I've become quite fond of dialing up the gain to get some break-up. The OD effect is pleasing but the red LED is lighting up (expectedly). How much is too much for safety?

2- I'm interested in upgrading the cab in the future. I'm hearing a second 210AV would improve the sound/projection (JimmyM's feedback) but opinions don't seem unanimous on this one. Plus I have the revision A00 model and these seem to have a problem with 2 cabs hooked-up.
Would a different 4 ohms cab give me more head-room? Has anyone experienced both setups? If yes, which cab would you recommend (I love me a SVT cab but these seems too high output for the amp (?)) Your opinion/experience would be highly appreciated

JimmyM · #9 09-13-2011, 02:22 PM

1. Whatever you like. The head will take it.

2. Add a second 210AV and it's a 410 rig, so it'll be as loud as any medium duty 410 and have better projection if you stack it vertical. But you can plug an 810 into it no problem. I've done it many times. It's a myth that you need a certain amount of wattage for high power handling cabs. I've powered my 810 with a B-15...that's 25w and it was loud enough to be too loud.

**76Dub** · #10 09-14-2011, 09:10 AM

The Micro VR sounds great through a Bergantino NV215

fenderhutz · #11 09-14-2011, 09:15 AM

Do not buy a Micro VR head to run with 2 SVT210AV cabs until Ampeg announces they are producing a fix for the cab farting issues.

Jimmy I know you are an Ampeg endorser now but even you had the issues.

The Micro with my 215 (or any other cab for that matter) however sounded great. I would go with the PF350 though. It sounds the same with a little more power for about the same price. The PF350 actually surprised me how sturdy it is built as well.

fenderhutz · #12 09-14-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zaten

2- I'm interested in upgrading the cab in the future. I'm hearing a second 210AV would improve the sound/projection (JimmyM's feedback) but opinions don't seem unanimous on this one. Plus I have the revision A00 model and these seem to have a problem with 2 cabs hooked-up.
Would a different 4 ohms cab give me more head-room? Has anyone experienced both setups? If yes, which cab would you recommend (I love me a SVT cab but these seems too high output for the amp (?)) Your opinion/experience would be highly appreciated

You will have to swap out your head or send it back to Ampeg to have them mod it to make it function properly if you hit the gain that hard. All amps (unless modded) have the issues with the two cabs as they say "with CERTAIN playing styles". Yes if you play with any aggressive attack at all at higher gain and volume. Last time I checked with them (a few weeks back) the fixed head hasn't hit production.

**76Dub** · #13 09-14-2011, 09:31 AM

At first I really didn't like the head when I first played it with the 210AV cabs but once I brought the head home and plugged it into the bergies I knew it was a great little product and definetely giggable

MarkusBass · #14 09-14-2011, 09:37 AM

Sounded great through two Epifani 112's too!

pbass888 · #15 09-14-2011, 10:08 AM

I played the vr last night , and the ba 115, ba210, ba(600watt) and the svt. I felt the vr sounded great but not through the 2X10. The vr through a ampeg 410 (200 watts I think( was awesome and sounded clear low and deep. I had my drummer with me at a local music shop (he plays brushes and we both felt that just the 2x10 mini stack was a little weak).
I hope this helps. Have not really loved the portaflex but do love this little tiger (micro vr). I still think the lm II gives a great svt sound (without the weight) if that is what you are going for. Ill prolly get a micro vr and then use the 4x10 or my mb 12 inch cabs.
Best
SV

fenwickbacker · #16 12-17-2011, 11:56 AM

I'm interested in the Micro VR and 210, seems a logical fit for my basses (passive Fender P and Geddy Jazz) and our band's music (r+b, soul, New Orleans' funk). I love the SVT810 sound (who doesn't).

Currently using and GK1001Rb212 combo - some issues with the amp - looking for smaller and lighter, but with the ability to add a second 210 to the Ampeg for bigger venue gigs.

Is adding a second Ampeg 210 still an issue?

dls59 · #17 12-17-2011, 01:06 PM

I've not really gotten quite as happy yet with the PF-350 as with the Micro, but I'm using the PF when I want to hook up two cabs. If I'm using one cab, for a small gig, I stick with the Micro. I guess I really need to take the Micro and two cabs to a gig and see if it farts out like I've read ad infinitum. I've not run the Micro too hot since I've gotten the second cab.

I've gotten nothing but positive comments on the Micro, both in the studio and live.

Mastermold · #18 12-17-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dls59

I've not really gotten quite as happy yet with the PF-350 as with the Micro, but I'm using the PF when I want to hook up two cabs. If I'm using one cab, for a small gig, I stick with the Micro. I guess I really need to take the Micro and two cabs to a gig and see if it farts out like I've read ad infinitum. I've not run the Micro too hot since I've gotten the second cab.

I've gotten nothing but positive comments on the Micro, both in the studio and live.

Interesting. I was thinking about getting the PF350 instead of the VR to pair with the VR 210 cab but maybe I'll just stick with the VR head.

LowEndMan2112 · #19 12-17-2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastermold

Interesting. I was thinking about getting the PF350 instead of the VR to pair with the VR 210 cab but maybe I'll just stick with the VR head.

If you're using only one of the cabs, I'd personally go with the Micro VR. But, if you're using the 2nd cab it has been consistently reported that there have been farting problems when running the VR with 2 of those 210AVs. In that case, I'd go with the 350!

Mastermold · #20 12-17-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowEndMan2112

If you're using only one of the cabs, I'd personally go with the Micro VR. But, if you're using the 2nd cab it has been consistently reported that there have been farting problems when running the VR with 2 of those 210AVs. In that case, I'd go with the 350!

Okay, well I would probably just use one cab since its primary use would be a practice amp. Leaning towards the VR head now.