Ampeg SVT-CL Questions

[ETThompson]

Hi

I have a whole bunch of (probably naive) questions about the Ampeg SVT-CL, after playing one in a GC nearby and loving it. I *was* using a '73 P, so that may have contributed (right now I'm mostly playing a MIM Jazz through an SWR Basic Black, which I like alot (the BB I mean, the J is OK, but...) but after playing that rig it seems pretty neutral).

1. I mostly play in rehearsals, at home for recording, and at small to medium size gigs. Is the SVT-CL overkill for this? If so is there anything smaller that would get really close to that tone?

2. Is the smallest reasonable cab that can handle it and sound good one of the Ampeg 410s?

Thanks Eric

[Alex1984]

Yes, probably overkill. Something like the B15N would work great for recording. If you want a bit more volume the V4/V4B would be great. If you want to have the option of using this on a gig and require headroom, then SVT'd be the obvious choice.

I have heard good things about the ACME B2 paired with an SVT. Since it has a low sensitivity, you can drive the SVT a bit harder, and also, it delivers really good bottom end, from what I've read. Another good option could be a pair of SVT 210AV cabs, stacked vertically. The main thing to watch out for is the impedance.

[JimmyM]

svt's not what you'd call a good knockaround amp most people will use a combo of some sort or a small cab for their less demanding gigs or in the studio. it will mic up great in the studio but i'd rather take a b-15 there.

any 4 ohm cab will work with it as long as it's 4 ohms...the only 4 ohm 410 ampeg makes is the svt 410 hlf. you can use two 8 ohm cabs, though. but svt's operate at 4 or 2 ohms. you can do 8 ohms and it won't immediately blow the amp up (it may never), but it can stress tubes and transformer, so it's not recommended.

[ETThompson]

Thanks guys, very helpful. I'm gonna be chasin the tone I heard out of that SVT though. Pretty soon I'll post the clips I recorded of it on my little handheld recorder. Just ballsy and musical.

If I can get something I like that much from something smaller, then awesome. My problem is, at least for awhile, I'm dealing with just being able to get *one* setup really. In an ideal world, I'd have the SVT and other stuff too - but that may not happen. I can keep my SWR, I'm very happy with it in general and maybe with a better bass like that P, it'll keep making me happy. I'm curious about the V4...I assume that a B-15 is out of my price range...

Thanks Eric

[Jonyak]

if you can afford an SVT you can afford a vintage b15.

The SVT is overkill but I don't see the problem in that.

I have a 74 SVT/810e in my studio/jam room and a 69 b15n, and I use an SVT II pro and eden 410xlt for gigs.

the SVT is stupid loud for that room, but its the sound I like, and no other combination does it for me right now.

[theory028]

Out of all of the rigs that I've tried in music stores, an SVT-CL through an SVT410HLF is among my favorite. It may be overkill but it sounded and felt very nice. I really would like an SVT410HLF for my VR. If trying it in person left enough of an impact on you that you're still thinking about it, do yourself a favor and start shopping around for a good deal on one.

I wouldn't worry too much about it being more amp than you'd need. I have an SVT-VR and an SVT810E and I don't gig at all these days. They're tremendous amps and, if you have the funds and desire to own one, by all means, go for it. It's surprising how having quality gear will make you want to play. That alone can be reason enough to invest in the amp that you want.

Hurry up and post those clips, man.

[Fair Warning]

Through a CL and a 810, there is no "bigger" sound. Period. Even at lower volume, or at small venues, you still get incredible sound. The 410HLF is the best 410 you can use for this head.

The head does get to be a problem to haul around due to the weight. If you ever hauled a full bag of cement, you will know what I am talking about. That is why I use a more portable SVT-4 head for loud practices, and use the CL for gigs and home studio.

Most of the time for quiet practice, I use an SWR combo.

[ETThompson]

Thanks alot for all the comments, they are really helpful. I think eventually I will just have to get the CL, maybe with the 410hlf cab. Just gotta save up.

Here's the sound clips, played with the '73 P that I'm lusting after (that was actually my real target and current goal - please no one swoop in on it!): '73 P Bass 1 SVT CL Acoust 810 by ETThompson on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

I went back later and they'd sold the CL, so played it twice through a SVT-4PRO w/ an SVT 810 cab (distorts some, I think it's my recorder, don't remember it doing that):
'73 P Bass 2 SVTPRO SVT 810 Cab by ETThompson on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free
'73 P Bass 3 SVTPRO SVT 810 Cab by ETThompson on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Then tried it through a lower level Ampeg - BA115. I imagined this would be comparable to my SWR, though that is based on no real info. I think I had the 5 position dial set on "2". Sounded kinda boxy to me:
'73 P Bass Ampeg BA115 by ETThompson on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Then, for a gut check, ran a 2011 AmStd P through the SVT-4PRO:
'11 P Bass SVT-4PRO SVT 810 Cab by ETThompson on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

What do you think? It would've been nice to run the CL through the Ampeg cab - but the Acoustic sure sounded great.

On another note, while I'm saving up for these big boys, has any of you tried a VT Expresssion in front of an SWR Basic Black (my current amp)? Might that keep me happy until the big troops arrive?

Thanks, Eric

[JimmyM]

the acoustic cab isn't bad but it's made out of mdf, and plus i've heard the two cabs side by side through the same amp and there's just no comparison.