Mesa WA vs Ampeg SVT 3 Pro--volume discrepancy issue

chubrocker · #1 08-21-2011, 06:29 PM

OK, first off, I need a better cab...but, it's what I have for now: Peavey 810TX.

I just took a Ampeg SVT 3 Pro in a trade. Tonight I A/B'd it with my Walkabout. SVT 3 Pro won in tone IMO (more clear and focused, plus was just punchier) but the WA just had more girth and presence overall (best way to explain it). The WA was meatier but the SVT 3 Pro seemed a bit tastier--make sense. BOTH were excellent tones, just different thru this cab.

Questions/Issues:
Walkabout was considerably louder (had it on 3.5 vs. 7 on the Ampeg) and its supposedly 150 watts less at 4 ohms than the Ampeg. Is it the cab? Or are Mesas just that much under-rated on watts?

Also, on the WA, the cab wants to fart-out a bit. With both amps EQ'd flat, the WA definitely had a few issues with the low E. EQ issue? Need to pull back on the bass frequencies? It actually seemed to be coming also from the tweeter, but the tweeter is supposed to be disconnected. Maybe not?

I'm prolly only going to be able to keep one of these amps as I'm really needing a better cab. It's gonna be a tough choice.

mazdah · #2 08-21-2011, 06:31 PM

Have you crakned the gain on 3pro? You have to set up the gain until peak led flashes on every note.

RickenBoogie · #3 08-21-2011, 06:33 PM

First, you cannot relate the knob position to output power. Eq knobs also play a part, and different amps have different controls, and varying tapers on the pots. Secondly, the difference between 300 and 450 watts is very very small. Bottom line, as you've discovered, choose an amp based on your own perception of the tonal qualities, and needed volume.

meatwad · #4 08-21-2011, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mazdah

Have you crakned the gain on 3pro? You have to set up the gain until peak led flashes on every note.

This statement should be stickied in stone at the very top of the amps forum.

chubrocker · #5 08-21-2011, 06:45 PM

I'm guessing this the sweet, tonal heaven spot?

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatwad

This statement should be stickied in stone at the very top of the amps forum.

mazdah · #6 08-21-2011, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubrocker

I'm guessing this the sweet, tonal heaven spot?

Not only tonal. Properly driven preamp "feeds" the power amp better. There is one more way to get full power from the 3pro - crank the master fully open and adjust volume with gain knob.But I'd go with the first method - the tubes are singing!

chubrocker · #7 08-21-2011, 08:02 PM

Good info! I've owned the SVT 3 before, but never needed the volume . I do now!

meatwad · #8 08-22-2011, 11:46 AM

Another good point to getting the most out of the 3 is running it under a 4 ohm load. 8 ohms will work, but it's amazing how much it will open up with two cabs, or one 4 ohm cab.

Musicman20 · #9 08-22-2011, 11:58 AM

The SVT Pro 3 is still quiet for its rating, despite fiddling with the gain.

blackba · #10 08-22-2011, 12:58 PM

The other thing for the 3pro is engage the EQ and crank the level slider in the eq section.

As a 3pro owner, never not had enough power.

I am planning on posting an Ampeg SVT3pro club/settings thread once I write down my settings. The 'don't be afraid of the flashing red clip light' has helped me a ton.

mazdah · #11 08-22-2011, 01:06 PM

Well, it is not a monster amp, especially with old tubes.

But it is still way more than I ever needed. Even at outdoor gigs on big stages there was no need to use monitors for bass on my side of the stage (me and guitards were separated by a very loud drummer so they always wanted bass in their monitors).
Master at noon or 1 o' clock with 410HLF. Now I'm playing at normal volume levels, so I use only one SVT-15E and set the master control at 10-11 o'clock ( 11 is when the drummer is not tired after work

on rehearsals. 9 o'clock at home and noon on last outdoor gig (pretty big stage, no need for bass in the monitors).

rockstarbassist · #12 08-22-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicman20

The SVT Pro 3 is still quiet for its rating, despite fiddling with the gain.

Very much this. Even through big 610 and 215 cabs it was quite weak for it's alleged rating. Had a hard time keeping up with 112 and 212 combos when I had that thing.

chubrocker · #13 08-22-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatwad

Another good point to getting the most out of the 3 is running it under a 4 ohm load. 8 ohms will work, but it's amazing how much it will open up with two cabs, or one 4 ohm cab.

The 810TX is 4 ohms.

Amp is 96 model with original tubes, but the au7 might be newer as it's a JAN Phillips vs Sovtek. I'm not sure new tubes would increase that much power?

I did a more extensive search today and it's ironic how some think it's more than powerful enough and others don't.

mazdah · #14 08-22-2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockstarbassist

Very much this. Even through big 610 and 215 cabs it was quite weak for it's alleged rating. Had a hard time keeping up with 112 and 212 combos when I had that thing.

Funny, in my band I have two 2x12 combos (one all tube), and Hammond organs through quite big Leslie amp. No problems at all with single 15E cab and master set at 10-11 o'clock. Just keep the volume at reasonable level.
We improwise a lot and we just have to be able to communicate in the middle of the song. If we have to scream to each other while playing it's too loud.
P-bass, flats, proper gain setup, not much EQing, staying away from cutting mids (ultra-lo in Ampegs) and you got the power.

chubrocker · #15 08-22-2011, 07:37 PM

I might look at replacing the two driver preamps, just to see what happens. Too bad GC won't have an 12au7. In fact, they look at me strange when I've asked for one in the past.

grendle · #16 08-22-2011, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicman20

The SVT Pro 3 is still quiet for its rating, despite fiddling with the gain.

+1

JimmyM · #17 08-22-2011, 11:45 PM

-1. The 3 Pro's not underpowered. I understand where it comes from with the input light being interpreted as a clip light, but once you figure that out, it'll rip. I've been able to get offensive volume levels out of one many times.

WhoDidTheElf · #18 08-23-2011, 12:02 AM

Yeah if you push the gain hard enough and use the EQ slider as more gain if needed you can get some monster volume out of the thing.

I usually have my gain around 1-3 o'clock range. Lights usually solid red, but no noticeable fuzz yet. If I want fuzz I'll push it harder, but really that light is there more for amusement than anything it would seem.

blackba · #19 08-23-2011, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubrocker

The 810TX is 4 ohms.

Amp is 96 model with original tubes, but the au7 might be newer as it's a JAN Phillips vs Sovtek. I'm not sure new tubes would increase that much power?

I did a more extensive search today and it's ironic how some think it's more than powerful enough and others don't.

You will find varying opinions on amp power for almost any amp out there. I would try some of the settings things mentioned in this thread first and then try swapping some preamp tubes.

I also don't like GC for buying tubes. I generally get mine from Dougs tubes, KCA NOS tubes, or Eurotubes online.

chubrocker · #20 08-23-2011, 07:49 AM

Ultimately, this reminds me of the very simple basic rule: READ THE DAMN MANUAL!! I completely forgot about the Master EQ control!! I had this flat as I was utilizing it as an EQ setting. DOH!