Need more headroom. Ampeg related

jerkass9879 · #1 01-30-2012, 06:47 PM

OK, so Im sure this questioned has been asked but i wanted to get some opinions on my personal set up. Currently I am playing a G&L SB2 through either a Boss distortion or a Swollen Pickle pedal. My rig is a Ampeg V4B into a 610hlf. It just doesn't seem loud enough. I play with the colume knob around 11-12 and just cant get much more out of it without it becoming too distorted, even without pedals. The amp was just serviced about 3 weeks ago and everything is in perfect condition. So my question is,

1. Bite the bullet and buy an SVT
-if so should i get a VR or a true vintage one?s
2. Reload my 70's V4 cab with good 12" bass speakers?
or
3. Add another 6x10, which seems ridiculous.
Any input helps. I'm just looking for a little bit more volume.

johnk_10 · #2 01-30-2012, 06:54 PM

IMO, you either need a more efficient cabinet or a more powerful head. IMO, V4's aren't all that powerful and what you're describing is normal.

**B-string** · #3 01-30-2012, 06:55 PM

Your at the limit of the V4B's power so if just a little more volume is needed, add a second speaker cab. That will give more than a little more volume.

jerkass9879 · #4 01-30-2012, 06:59 PM

that's what I figured. Would a 4x12 cab be more efficient than a 6x10? I really don't know anything about speaker efficiency but I always thought the 610HLF was a decent cab.

dog1 · #5 01-30-2012, 07:08 PM

A 610hlf is an excellent cab. But a V4B (which I owned in the 70's) is what, 100 watts? Push your cab with 500 watts and you will notice a big difference. If you feel like you need to stay with Ampeg tubes, buy an SVT. A great (heavy) amp!!. You could try another 610hlf before you buy an SVT, but the experiments will be costly. But, what the hey. An SVT with 2 610 hlf's would be mind blowing. (and window shattering)

jerkass9879 · #6 01-30-2012, 07:12 PM

or do you think buying an 8x10 would increase the volume enough?

Gearhead17 · #7 01-30-2012, 07:12 PM

You want headroom and less tube breakup? Get the SVT CL. If you want a cleaner tone more often and don't really want the tube growl any more....SVT 7 PRO is a great choice. You can get the dirt with the pedals - different sound than the tube heads, but still very usable.

rodl2005 · #8 01-30-2012, 07:14 PM

If the amp can do 2 ohms then you can of course add another cab. An SVT810E cab would give you a li'l more volume. 2 of 'em - even more

I had a V4BH & even thru either an Ampeg 810 (which I only rarely used) or my Bergantino NV610- which is a pretty loud 610- I still had problems at LOUD gigs/BIG stages, outdoors etc...
I'd go for a SVT-VR or 2nd choice CVT-CL Ya never have to worry re volume again, & as many have stated.....
lift with yr knees!

Edit: I've a 7 PRO & am staggered at how good it sounds thru a nice cab- well any cab really, but thru a 810 or sealed 412 it's a true delight, & IMO the CLOSEST sounding 15lb amp to an all tube SVT.
I also have a Mesa Walkabout (300w-4 ohms & will do 500+ w into 2 ohms happily) & this is another lightweight, VERY tubey sounding amp.

If I wasn't worried about weight- Sure get the SVT-VR, but if y'are, the 7 PRO or Walkabout are great options

jerkass9879 · #9 01-30-2012, 07:36 PM

I love the the sound of tube breakup. That's why I have the v4b to begin with I just need more volume before the breakup gets excessive.

jerkass9879 · #10 01-30-2012, 07:37 PM

Also, I don't want to have to buy anymore gear for a while once i make my decide on this purchase

Gearhead17 · #11 01-30-2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerkass9879

I love the the sound of tube breakup. That's why I have the v4b to begin with I just need more volume before the breakup gets excessive.

SVT CL or SVT VR would be for you then.

jerkass9879 · #12 01-30-2012, 07:41 PM

Which one sounds more like a true svt?
Or should I jut buy a vintage svt?

Gearhead17 · #13 01-30-2012, 07:45 PM

If you have the money and will to lug around the 70's SVT, nothing can beat that. The made in the USA SVT VR is fairly close to the original.

bassguppy · #14 01-30-2012, 07:51 PM

Get an SVT. That would make your 610 sing and would be MUCH better than having to haul 2 large cabs. I have an SVT2PRO with a Berg NV610 and have no desire or need for more volume and I have room to spare on the volume knob.

rodl2005 · #15 01-30-2012, 08:14 PM

They don't make VR's in the USA no more, but definately ain't nothing wrong with the MIK SVT-VR. GREAT amp! The SVT-CL will allow you to dial in some tube OD more easily as it has a gain & master volume, while the VR is more closely designed on the early SVT specs. It has just the volume control & no gain control, therefore you have to turn it up to 10.30-11 o'clock before you'll get any overdrive that's noticeable. It is super sweet tho, & I'd grab one over the CL if the price was not a problem.
& +1 to the idea of getting this over more cabs. Get a CL or VR now & you'll be set for life, or until U can no longer lift it

JimmyM · #16 01-30-2012, 10:37 PM

The CL is very awesome, but I slightly prefer the VR. The VR sounds pretty much identical to the vintage SVT's. However, I'm in the market for a new SVT too, and I'm considering the Heritage SVT-CL just because it's something different from my 69 SVT. But any way you go will be great. There's no such thing as a bad SVT.

arthur31686 · #17 01-30-2012, 11:11 PM

Yeah I don't ever turn up my v4b past 11 or 12 (and I always have it that loud) because there's no point. I always wish I had more headroom just so I could have the option but I've yet to become lost in the mix.

Though I bit the bullet and solved that problem today and joined the SVT & 810 club. I haven't gigged the SVT yet but it has more than enough punch to keep up.

But I'm not getting rid of the v4b at all. When I want to just plug in and sound crunchy in a medium sized room there's nothing better. Turn up and set the EQ and you have awesome overdrive. Basically rock that p-bass with a pick and rock it proud.