Tried Ampeg SVT3pro and GB Shuttle 6.0. What now?

[randysmojo]

I've been playing on an Ampeg SVT-3pro for a couple of months and although I can get some pretty good tones out,of it, it's just not articulate enough for my taste. A friend letter me borrow his Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 this weekend to try, and although it definitely had the articulation I want, it was too hifi sounding. Can anyone tell me what amps would get a faster articulation with a warmer tone? Somewhere between the Ampeg and Genz? I've seen a GK 700RB and an SWR 550X at a local shop, but I never have the time to drag my gear in and try different amps out. I'm not limited to those either. Just a starting point to get some thoughts going. THANKS!!

[cableguy]

Not sure what style of music you are playing or cab you are using, but you might look at the GK 700RB-II. I bought mine used for $325. They pop up on the TB classified now and then too. Listen to some of the stuff Norm Stockton has done and he uses a GK RB series as well as many others. I think you would call it articulate. Part of the reason I say this amp, is it sounds different than the ampeg and shuttle. Maybe falling a little closer to the shuttle 6 end of the tone spectrum but with a little more bottom end to my ears. The GK is also a workhorse amp.

[RickenBoogie]

Mesa M6 Carbine.

[cableguy]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Mesa M6 Carbine.

^^^^This is a damn good amp too!

[randysmojo]

I'm using a Genz Benz NeoX-212T cabinet and playing different styles. Country, classic rock, blues, r&b, and I'm starting to work on jazz, and funk a lot.

[Pilgrim]

I'm wondering if the OP ran the preamp up to or near max on the Shuttle to get some tube sound. That makes a big difference with that amp.

[mazdah]

Crank the Tube Gain high and see what happens. In the band context - I can barely hear the difference between 10 and 14 o'clock, but the difference in the band is really BIG.

[cableguy]

Originally Posted by randysmojo

I'm using a Genz Benz NeoX-212T cabinet and playing different styles. Country, classic rock, blues, r&b, and I'm starting to work on jazz, and funk a lot.

I played my 700RB-II through that cab at a TB GTG and it sounded pretty damn good. Again not sure if that's the sound your looking for but it sounded good.

[svtb15]

Or try a Tech 21 VT bass pedal in tine with your shuttle 6...

[Doug Parent]

GK700RBII should put a smile on your face.

[B-string]

G-K Fusion 550 might do naughty things to you.....

[randysmojo]

I had the tube gain around 11 o'clock. I will try it again tonight with it up to around 2 o'clock as long as it stays clean.

[Slackerprince]

Cab choice is crucial.

S

[thudfromafar]

Another suggestion. Don't be afraid to work the EQ on whatever amp you're trying. With one of my basses into my genz benz shuttle, I EQ the crap out of the mids and the highs, but it gets me a great sound in the end so it doesn't bother me.

[mazdah]

Originally Posted by randysmojo

I had the tube gain around 11 o'clock. I will try it again tonight with it up to around 2 o'clock as long as it stays clean.

The more tube gain you set, the clearer the sound is. More tube gain - more clear, dynamic and sterile the sound is.
Don't be afraid to crank it all the way up - many players use it like this, but for me is too "hi-fi" - thats why I set it at 2 o'clock.

[randysmojo]

I tried it ataround 2 o'clock last night and it gain that tube softness of the ampeg. Actually too much so I dialed it back to 1 o'clock. That was perfect!!! One thing I still don't under stand is the higher the tube gain the more hifi. I originally had the tube gain at. About 10 o'clock when I looked last night. That was real hifi sounding to me and when I turned it up to 1 o'clock it lost some of that. Past 2 it might get tighter again, I don't know. The suggestion to try it at 2 made all the difference for me and has made this my next amp choice for sure now!!!!!

[mazdah]

With different basses, different cabs, in different rooms that may vary.
The difference may be sublte to ears when listening to bass solo, but it's very powerfull in a band mix. Don't be afraid to try different settings, you can't damage or overload your ampg, even using extreme "tube gain' settings

[agedhorse]

Originally Posted by randysmojo

I tried it ataround 2 o'clock last night and it gain that tube softness of the ampeg. Actually too much so I dialed it back to 1 o'clock. That was perfect!!! One thing I still don't under stand is the higher the tube gain the more hifi. I originally had the tube gain at. About 10 o'clock when I looked last night. That was real hifi sounding to me and when I turned it up to 1 o'clock it lost some of that. Past 2 it might get tighter again, I don't know. The suggestion to try it at 2 made all the difference for me and has made this my next amp choice for sure now!!!!!

For accuracy, the higher the tube gain, the LESS hi-fi and the more tube-ish sounding. The lower the tube gain the MORE hi-fi.

[mazdah]

Originally Posted by agedhorse

For accuracy, the higher the tube gain, the LESS hi-fi and the more tube-ish sounding. The lower the tube gain the MORE hi-fi.

Nope. It is just the opposite - the more tube gain you set (it's plate voltage to be precise) the more open, punchy and hi-fi (more "solid statey" instead of "tubey") the sound becomes.
Just watch this video (2:10):
Ampeg's SVT-3pro Bass Head - YouTube

You jsut have to find tthe correct setting in the band context. I find the tube gain all the way up too sterile for me.

[vin*tone]

You guys are both right - and talking about different things. AH is talking about preamp gain - far left.