Ampeg SVT 2Pro Settings

[Alexander]

I recently picked up a used SVT 2Pro and have been playing it with a Berg NV412 cab using my Sadowsky. I can get lots of cool tones out of it, but am still trying to find the setting that is just "IT". So I thought I'd get ideas from other Ampeg users on how you dial in your rig - I'm looking for classic rock, country and blues tones. JimmyM gave me a tip on how to start flat (i.e. Bass at 11:00, Mid at 3:00 @800hz, Treble up to 2:00 with all filters off). How do you guys dial in?

And a specific question - the manual states to set the gain up until the clip light just starts flashing in loud passages. For me that is 9:00. The I have to crank the master to maybe 1-2:00 to get decent volume at that setting. I guess my question is this - is there any benefit to padding the input and cranking the gain higher? Also, is there any harm in pushing the gain even beyond where the clip light barely comes on? I'm thinking this will only drive the preamp harder, making it a bit dirty (which might be okay anyhow).

Thoughts?

[eastcoasteddie]

According tot he manual, if you start illuminating the clip light with the gain set pretty low, you should engage the pad button. This will allow for more practical usage of the gain.

I play rock and killer stuff like that so I set mine a bit differently. I also use active basses, so my setting are for my setup.

Gain at 11:30 or thereabout, Drive at 1:30, Bass at 2:00, Mid at 3:00, Frequency setting #1, Treble at 2:00.
Ultra Low filter ON (I like it when my rig makes people have to use the restroom...), EQ ON. Both bright and Ultra High filters off.
I set my EQ with only a little bit of shaping, nothing drastic.
Running through an SWR Goliath II 4x10 and Goliath II Jr 2x10.

[JimmyM]

i guess all the hard work for this thread was already done for me

as for the input light, push it. it's not really a clip light...it should be lit up pretty well, and as long as you can't hear it clipping, it doesn't matter how much the light flashes. you have to get an ampeg preamp running pretty hot to get the best out of it. imho, just running it at 12:00 or higher will get you much closer to the it tone.

[dlvalure]

man i jus picked up a svt also and was kinda having trouble dialing n to a certain sound..my Ken sounds horriable through it buy my lakland sounds King through it....finna play wit da settings summore to get that killer sound

[Alexander]

Played this weekend with bass at 2:00, mid at 2:00 @800 hz and treble at noon with all filters and drive OFF. On the 9 band, I have a VERY slight mid scoop - to me it doesn't sound scooped, but seems to soften\round out the edges of the note. Also add a bit of highs (last 2 bands), which seems to sweeten the top just a bit.

Note, this is with a Sadowsky with slightly boosted low and high via the onboard pre (though frankly next time, I will likely use a tad less bass).

I also like the mid selector switch on setting 4 as well as 3...

I liked the tone A LOT!

[JimmyM]

sounds cool, but man, you like low end! oh well, if it works, it works. that's all that matters. enjoy!

[Alexander]

Yes, it was a tad much (even through a sealed cab), which is why I mentioned dialing it back a bit next time.

A small bit...