Tech 21 RPM run through SVT III Pro

[Lakland55]

Hey Guys,

I'll cut to the chase, I recently bought a Tech 21 RPM preamp and I'd like to run it with my current amp, (Ampeg SVT III Pro).

Here's my question: with the SVT already having a preamp onboard is it safe to run the RPM (without it draining the SVT's onboard preamp tubes) and if so how? Do I run it, from the back of the amp through the front of the amp?

Could someone who's running similar gear give me a quick run down? Thanks

[JGR]

you can run the output of the RPM into the front end of the Ampeg, but I don't think you will get very good results. I assume that amp has an effects loop, so run the output of the RPM into the effects return of the Ampeg.

[JP Morin]

It's safe... In front it would be ok if you just want to enhance and you like the sound of your svt3pro (Which has a very good sounding preamp IMO, I'm a fan), but I would try both and check what sound best...

[Lakland55]

Yeah, JP I have given thought to shutting of the EQ sliders on the Ampeg and just set the EQ on the RPM.

[pbassnut]

Plug the output of the Tech 21 RPM into the "poweramp in" jack and the SVT III Pro's preamp section will be bypassed. There is a 12AU7 driver tube that serves as the front end to the power section that will still be in the circuit. I'm not sure what you mean by "draining" the SVT III Pro's tubes ... but if it's "wear & tear" you're talking about, I suspect that they'll still be degrading gradually just by virtue of being powered up. Preamp tubes typically last a long time ... I wouldn't lose too much sleep about them wearing out on you even though you're not using them while using an external preamp.

[JP Morin]

I use a tech21 sansamp programmable bass driver in front of my svt4pro and it works well, just to add an edge in the top... I tried it directly in the poweramp in section once I didn't like it and I prefer with the preamp and eq of the svt on...