SVT 2 Pro/ SVT 3 Pro -15db Pad Questions

[sapienerabass]

Here's some questions for ampeg players/audio engineers on the use of the ampeg -15dB pad and gain level?

Are you finding it easier to get pre-amp growl with or without the -15db pad engaged?

I'm finding it's an uneasy trade-off as the sound can be either huge but impossibly clean (-15dB disengaged) or growly but noisy and less punchy (-15dB engaged).

I'm trying to get the sweet spot of growl, with punch with a low signal to noise ratio!

I'm probably just spoiled for choice! I have always disregarded LEDs and trusted my ears for adjusting gain.

From Ampeg....
PAD: This switch attenuates the input signal
by 15dB. Attenuation allows the Gain control (4)
to be used in a more usable (higher) position. If
clipping is indicated even with the Gain control all
the way down, attenuation is needed.

[Nightlyraider]

The -15db pad is such a drastic signal drop in my 4Pro that even my 18v active bass signal is hugely cut. The only real use I can see for the pad is if you have one of the early variety of active basses that put out rediculous amounts of voltage.

I haven't been trying to get the amplifier to "growl" by itself though either. I like pedals for the dirt, and the amp for its up front umph. I imagine things getting stupidly loud before anything changed amp-tone wise for me...

[Sartori]

I only ever used it on my ampeg as a near mute button for changing basses.

[JimmyM]

without always, regardless of where i use passive or active. i think they're completely useless.

[rodl2005]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

without always, regardless of where i use passive or active. i think they're completely useless.

+1 silly li'l button

[sapienerabass]

Thanks everyone, just finished up setting up the rig and persisting without the -15db pad engaged. You're all correct it does sound punchier and bigger without the pad. The drive dial helps bring in a little more grit if necessary. Thanks all!

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by Sartori

I only ever used it on my ampeg as a near mute button for changing basses.

why not just use the mute button?

[NKBassman]

Only when I'm practicing at home in my basement alone when the lady is already asleep.

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

why not just use the mute button?

The Ampeg I had didn't have one. It only had the pad.

[coreyfyfe]

Weird. Which amp?

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

Weird. Which amp?

Not one of the ones in the title, so I was hesitant about posting. But I figured that since the question was about that 15db pad button that my 350H also had, it was somewhat relevant.

[JEDBass]

Also, IMO that clip light on any of the Ampeg "Pro" series heads/preamps is practically useless. I find the amp sounds best when that light is almost constantly on. For solid state pre's I can see where a clip light would be useful, as the distortion in most of those types of circuits can be rather harsh and unpleasant. But, at least on the Ampeg Pro's, that clip light to me shows that the preamp tubes are working the way they should.

FWIW, I've always liked running a passive P or J into an SVT4Pro (or my old SVP-Pro) with the input gain somewhere around 2-3 o'clock, and the "drive" control to taste. Of course, all of this is with the -15dB pad button disengaged. I've never found a good use for those input pads, unless you like an overall duller sound. I'm sure there's probably exceptions, but I just haven't found one yet.

[Sartori]

When I've tried Pro series amps, I've gotten the sound I liked the best by turning the gain all the way up. The clip light was constantly on, but it sounded cool.

I think the light's there basically just to look cool.

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by Sartori

Not one of the ones in the title, so I was hesitant about posting. But I figured that since the question was about that 15db pad button that my 350H also had, it was somewhat relevant.

Ah, I thought those had a mute, but I looked it up, you're right. Still odd that it wouldn't have one. You wouldn't think it would be hard to wire into a SS head.

The lights on the 4-pro is a "peak" light, not a clip light. If you read the manual it specifically says that when the light is coming on you're reaching optimum gain. I think it's the same on most of the ampeg heads, or at least on the pro series.

[Sartori]

Ah, right.

Yeah, it didn't have a mute button, but the pad worked well enough. With my new amp, I just put it on standby to switch basses.

[loend68]

I've always wondered about this. On my SVT II-pro, the manual says to adjust the gain to where the light comes on intermittently. To do that with my Spector I need the -15db pad and I can still only turn the gain up to about 9 o'clock. Does it hurt anything to run it in the red? The sound gets amazing just by bumping it up into the red...

[rbonner]

Originally Posted by loend68

Does it hurt anything to run it in the red? The sound gets amazing just by bumping it up into the red...

Go for amazing every time.

BOB

[JimmyM]

right. it won't hurt anything at all. ampeg pres are supposed to be run pretty cranked.