Help with my sound

Stinger2k · #1 05-23-2010, 08:01 PM

Hi,
I am new TB but wanted to get some opinions on my set up. I haven't played live in awhile but we got our band back together and will be playing soon. My bass is fine, in my opinion, Geddy Lee Jazz, but the amp I am playing through has never done a live show. I bought it after we stopped playing just to have something at home.
Head - Ampeg SVT-350H
Cab - Ampeg BSE410HLF, 4 ohms 400 watts, Made in USA
I can get decent tone, but just practicing it is hitting the limiter. I am thinking that the main problem is my amp. It's great for what I have used it for, playing at home learning and writing songs, but I don't feel comfortable playing gigs with it.
A couple of questions:
You think my cab is ok?
If so:
What head should I look at? somewhere around 500.00
Or should I get a a new head and cab?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Steve

Rick Auricchio · #2 05-23-2010, 08:04 PM

If you're talking about the input gain light, then just reduce the input gain a bit. If it's the output limiter, then something is wrong.

If the amp was new, you might see about warranty service.

gregwatts2008 · #3 05-23-2010, 08:21 PM

See if you have a 10db cut on your amp. The GKs either have a 10 or 14 db cut for active basses.

craig.p · #4 05-23-2010, 08:24 PM

And if it's out of warranty, then any decent tech should be able to put your head through a stress test into a dummy load so you can have some reasonable confidence in what kind of power it can deliver at what duty cycles and for how long. Think of it as an "amp dyno." Might be worth the small investment, even if it's only for peace of mind.

Stinger2k · #5 05-23-2010, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

If you're talking about the input gain light, then just reduce the input gain a bit. If it's the output limiter, then something is wrong.

If the amp was new, you might see about warranty service.

It's not the input gain that's coming on. It's the limit light just to the right of the master vol. Is that the same as the output limiter?

Stinger2k · #6 05-23-2010, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregwatts2008

See if you have a 10db cut on your amp. The GKs either have a 10 or 14 db cut for active basses.

It does have a pad button, which reduces, I think 16 db. If I have this on I can't really be heard unless I crank it up till it clips

Stinger2k · #7 05-23-2010, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig.p

And if it's out of warranty, then any decent tech should be able to put your head through a stress test into a dummy load so you can have some reasonable confidence in what kind of power it can deliver at what duty cycles and for how long. Think of it as an "amp dyno." Might be worth the small investment, even if it's only for peace of mind.

Bought it years ago so no warranty. Maybe worth spending money on but I am not sure. That is kinda why I am asking here. It's fine playing at home to tunes, but just rehearsing the last few times I don't know. just seems weak.

Rick Auricchio · #8 05-23-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinger2k

It's not the input gain that's coming on. It's the limit light just to the right of the master vol. Is that the same as the output limiter?

Yes, that would be the output limiter. It means the amp is maxed out and you generally won't be able to get it any louder.

It seems as if you're practicing way too loud for the amp.

Does the limiter stop when you turn down a bit?

Has it always done this?

Is it new?

**IvanMike** · #9 05-23-2010, 09:45 PM

you may need a more powerful amp but a couple of things - How many watts does your head put into 4 ohms?

Do you have the low end cranked? try cutting back on the lows and finding a midrange frequency to boost to get a bit louder in the mix. you may not like this tone at home, but it will probably sound great in the band.

Calaverasgrande · #10 05-23-2010, 11:19 PM

The output limiter is there to save your speakers. But in my opinion the SVT SS amps with limiters have lame sounding limiters. My old SS SVT always sounded a lot better with it off.

JimmyM · #11 05-24-2010, 12:19 AM

your cab is fine. i've used rented bse 410 hlf's before. i've also used a rented svt-350h into a bse 410 hlf, and that's the weak link. ampeg does killer hybrids and legendary tube amps, but these 350h's and 450-h's just don't get it for me. sorry to those of you who own a 350h or 450h and like it, but i'm not a fan. i'd look to step up a level to at least an svt 3 pro. or maybe one of those new svt 7 pros. very lightweight and is said to sound a lot closer to the svt tube sound than any of their previous offerings. or there's a thousand non-ampeg amps that might work for you. all solid state amps sound a little limited to me, but i think hybrids disguise it a little better.

Stinger2k · #12 05-24-2010, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

Yes, that would be the output limiter. It means the amp is maxed out and you generally won't be able to get it any louder.

It seems as if you're practicing way too loud for the amp.

Does the limiter stop when you turn down a bit?

Has it always done this?

Is it new?

Yes it goes off when I turn down. It doesn't seem like there is anything wrong with it, but maybe just not enough power for what I want.

I have only played this at home until about a month ago and it has done it at all the practices.

No. It is like new condition, but I think I ought it around 2001.

Thanks for your help

Stinger2k · #13 05-24-2010, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calaverasgrande

The output limiter is there to save your speakers. But in my opinion the SVT SS amps with limiters have lame sounding limiters. My old SS SVT always sounded a lot better with it off.

I will try that next time, unless I just make a move to upgrade

Thanks

Stinger2k · #14 05-24-2010, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IvanMike

you may need a more powerful amp but a couple of things - How many watts does your head put into 4 ohms?

Do you have the low end cranked? try cutting back on the lows and finding a midrange frequency to boost to get a bit louder in the mix. you may not like this tone at home, but it will probably sound great in the band.

350watts. I will try experimenting with that.

Thanks

Stinger2k · #15 05-24-2010, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

your cab is fine. i've used rented bse 410 hlf's before. i've also used a rented svt-350h into a bse 410 hlf, and that's the weak link. ampeg does killer hybrids and legendary tube amps, but these 350h's and 450-h's just don't get it for me. sorry to those of you who own a 350h or 450h and like it, but i'm not a fan. i'd look to step up a level to at least an svt 3 pro. or maybe one of those new svt 7 pros. very lightweight and is said to sound a lot closer to the svt tube sound than any of their previous offerings. or there's a thousand non-ampeg amps that might work for you. all solid state amps sound a little limited to me, but i think hybrids disguise it a little better.

What you said is pretty much what I was thinking, but wanted to get others opinions and see what they think. I had a SVT 3 pro and did like it, but sold it some years ago after the band broke up.
I have read good things about the 7 pro but haven't heard one. I also like the Mark Bass stuff, but only have about 500.00 that I can use if I decide to replace it.

Thanks again to all.
Steve