Ampeg users - SVP Pro (or CL) vs VT Bass pedal?

AlexanderB · #1 12-19-2010, 12:23 PM

The rack mount Ampeg preamps SVP Pro and SVP CL occasionally show up second hand at decent prices. (Pretty close to that of a new VT Bass.) Has anyone compare either of those preamps to the sound you get from the VT Bass pedal? The rest of the Ampeg preamp features are of course tempting and good to have, but which of these products do best capture the sound of the "real" SVT?

/Alexander

JimmyM · #2 12-19-2010, 12:43 PM

listen, nobody is a bigger fan of the vt pedal than me, but it's mainly because it simulates power tube distortion so well. it also does a great clean sound that sounds very ampeggy. but as a base to build everything else on, i would rather have an svp cl for that. the svp cl is world class, and imho would easily work in any studio situation no matter how high budget. the vt is still excellent and either one is a great choice. i guess it all depends on what you're looking for, but if you're looking for a pre to build your tone around, i'd go for the svp cl.

Jim C · #3 12-19-2010, 12:47 PM

SVP-CL - For studio & stage DI out and to drive pre/power rigs
VT Pedal - For use in front of an amp

AlexanderB · #4 12-19-2010, 01:08 PM

Thanks!

Regarding pedal vs Pre - both options could work for me: I already have an EBS 1V2, which is a very clean sounding SS preamp with lots of bells and whistles. However, it does not have any distortion, flexible EQ or "character" function.

Those key features + the Ampeg "grind" in the SVP Pro together cause a bit of GAS right now... GAS that perhaps is better cured with the VT Bass?

/Alexander

Jim C · #5 12-19-2010, 01:10 PM

SVP-CL sounds like the CL amp
Understand that the SVP Pro is the go to for distrortion
Not sure where grind fits for you as we all seem to hear it differntly

Gearhead17 · #6 12-19-2010, 01:19 PM

If you want more " tube character" along with some "tube-like grind" I highly suggest the VT Bass. It's a the cheaper, but still very good way to go.

From your posts, it sounds like you are not fully happy with the EBS unit you have and your money might be better spent on the SVP-PRO. You can get a decent amount of tube growl along with that fat Ampeg tone out of the same unit. Your tone does not always have to growly, you can turn the Drive knob down a little!

joeydavidson · #7 12-19-2010, 02:28 PM

I've owned a SVT-IIP and a VT (the first one, not the deluxe) and one isn't better than the other, I'd get the pre if you wanted to use a poweramp, however the vt has a more tubey sound and can emulate the SVTpowertube grind better.
Using both together would be an interesting combination.