Will I be happy with an Ampeg SVT 4 pro?

dukeisdog · #1 09-01-2011, 02:57 AM

I picked up a used Ampeg 810e about a week ago for $250 and am really happy with it. The tone is great and I dont mind the weight of the cab. I've been using it with a Peavey Tour 700 since I got it, and I love the tone, but the amp is a really clean amp.

Can the SVT 4 pro do an overdrive? Or would I have to get a VT bass to give my tone some balls? I can get the SVT 4 pro for quite cheap, but would it be worth it? Should I save up more money and get the CL, or 2 Pro?

Son of Bovril · #2 09-01-2011, 03:27 AM

If you want overdrive and a tube head I would suggest the CL, but if you are happy with your current volume, maybe just a VT-bass run into the FX return will do the job and a whole lot cheaper and lighter

TomAwesome · #3 09-01-2011, 03:34 AM

Is adding some dirt all you're trying to do here? Just get a Tech21 SansAmp Bass Driver.

dukeisdog · #4 09-01-2011, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Son of Bovril

If you want overdrive and a tube head I would suggest the CL, but if you are happy with your current volume, maybe just a VT-bass run into the FX return will do the job and a whole lot cheaper and lighter

My volume hasn't been an issue, though my cab hasn't seen a high volume practice yet. I really can't see volume being an issue. I might get a VT tomorrow then, and see how I like it. How does the VT compare to a rackmountable Sansamp such as the RBI or RPM?

i_got_a_mohawk · #5 09-01-2011, 03:49 AM

You could try the VT into the Tour 700.

Used to run a similar-ish setup, with a Bass Driver DI->Firebass->Marshall 810.

It gave OK results, but it didn't nail the tube sound for me, hence my now owning an SVT-II!

You can but try, you may be happy with it, you may not. Hard to say really, so many flavours of overdrive and so many different expectations from musicians!

dukeisdog · #6 09-01-2011, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

You could try the VT into the Tour 700.

Used to run a similar-ish setup, with a Bass Driver DI->Firebass->Marshall 810.

It gave OK results, but it didn't nail the tube sound for me, hence my now owning an SVT-II!

You can but try, you may be happy with it, you may not. Hard to say really, so many flavours of overdrive and so many different expectations from musicians!

I think I might actually really like one of the sansamps into the Peavey. I really like the Peavey, it's got a great tone, it just doesnt do dirt at all. Does anyone have anything to say about comparisons between the sansamps?

Son of Bovril · #7 09-01-2011, 04:22 AM

The VT-Bass is a better SVT tube head emulation than the RBI is IMO, plus I didn't like the eq points of the RBI, the RPM probably would have suited me better.

My advice is get the VT, try it in into the input of your Peavey and also into the FX return. if it doesn't get you a tone you like, it is very inexpensive compared to testing a full tube SVT and easy to sell second hand too if you hate it.

dukeisdog · #8 09-01-2011, 04:47 AM

How does the VT do with tweeters? My Avatar 212 has a tweeter in it and I plan on keeping it around when I don't feel like lugging around the fridge.

Rockmusician · #9 09-01-2011, 04:50 AM

About ten years ago, I had a deal with Ampeg. They sent me an SVT 4 Pro. It seemed to be under powered and muddy sounding. I thought it was defective so I sent it back and they sent me another. That one had the same problem. Then they sent me an SVT Classic. It was much better. Now I am using an SVT 6 Pro. I like it much better then the 4 Pro or the classic.

dukeisdog · #10 09-01-2011, 04:58 AM

How does the VT do with tweeters? My Avatar B212 has a tweeter and I plan on keeping it around for when I don't wanna lug the fridge.

rodl2005 · #11 09-01-2011, 05:08 AM

The VT is fine with tweeters. As with ANY overdrive, you might find you wanna roll off the tweeter, or turn it off.
But, many like the tweeter on.
Either way, the VT is a great overdrive machine, lots of flavours there to experiment with

tech21nyc · #12 09-01-2011, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeisdog

How does the VT do with tweeters? My Avatar B212 has a tweeter and I plan on keeping it around for when I don't wanna lug the fridge.

When you use a full range system with the VT Bass your best results will be achieved with a neutral EQ setting on your amp or plugging in to the power amp return. The VT Bass is designed to work well with a traditional guitar speaker or for direct recording which would be a full range system. Many times when people feel the pedal is too bright they are already boosting the top end on their amp's preamp and then blame the VT Bass.

chaosMK · #13 09-01-2011, 09:56 AM

SVT-4 can do a tiny bit of grit (I think... may have had my Sansamp in the chain the last time I used one). I'd go with the VT as a less expensive alternative if you are already happy with your head in terms of volume and functionality.

Peg_legs · #14 09-01-2011, 10:11 AM

I agree with most of this. I have been wanting Ampeg tone again and looking at the 4pro and 7 pro etc. I just ordered a VT Deluxe and will try that first into my current Mesa BB750. You could pick up a used one here on talkbass, and if you don't like it sell it again for what you paid.

Buster Brown · #15 09-01-2011, 11:25 AM

The only time I have EVER found a 4Pro to be "muddy" or "dark" is usually when the owner didn't know how to set his amp correctly.

A 4 Pro shines when the gain is around 3:00 - 4:00 and the master is controlling the volume (it's job).

For me - the "Flat" settings thing has never worked. Never liked the idea and don't play mine that way. Bass - 3:00 - Mid- 2:00 and treble - 2:00-3:00. I keep my midrange selector at number 3 (that works for me).

I do NOT use the EQ - I turn it on but leave it flat.

I NEVER use the "Ultra Bass" or "Ultra High" buttons (or whatever the hell they're called - I forgot) They are nothing more than giant power sponges.....

For me - the 4Pro and the 8X10, while not as sexy as the CL, sounds like a dream when everything is working as it should! Now, having made that sweeping statement, I must add that if comparing it to my HSVT-CL - the 4 pro loses.....but not by that much!!

Let me also add that I have not played one, but I HEAR really good things about the 7Pro, in that it may actually be closer to copping a CLs tone than an ordinary "hybrid" head....

Cheers!!

JimmyM · #16 09-01-2011, 12:01 PM

Agreed with Buster. The 4 Pro also does a killer mild overdrive when you crank the gain up all the way. But I prefer pedal distortion for live work. It's unwieldy to swap amp settings in the middle of a show, plus nobody's going to let me crank an SVT all the way up.

And I'm one of those people who prefers the 7 Pro for the reason you mentioned, but you really can't go wrong with any of the Ampeg Pro series. Might not be everyone's thing, but they're great heads that are proven performers.

bichibreaker · #17 09-01-2011, 12:30 PM

My 4pro Does NOT overdrive (even cranking the gain up to 10).

I prefer my VT bass

JimmyM · #18 09-01-2011, 02:23 PM

That's pretty odd. Do your basses have low output? I've played some basses that don't get much overdrive out of the pre but they can usually at least get a little bit. OTOH, I'm with you...I'd rather use pedals on a gig. Much easier to deal with unless you play distorted the whole time.

nysbob · #19 09-01-2011, 02:34 PM

I loved the 4-Pro on paper...

I was also really glad GC had the 30 day return policy after about day 7.

Went back to my real SVT and haven't strayed yet.

silky smoove · #20 09-01-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech21nyc

Many times when people feel the pedal is too bright they are already boosting the top end on their amp's preamp and then blame the VT Bass.

I completely disagree with this. I certainly don't represent everyone, but to say that the VT is not an inherently brightly-voiced pedal is ridiculous. That's not to say that you can't dial the brightness out, but it is one of the brightest preamps I've used to date, especially in the 1-2khz range.