2013 Ampeg V-4B 100W Reissue Pt2

[beans-on-toast]

If I can get the guy to reply to me I may do just that. I've already got half a bucket of duratex from the one I did in the spring and would like a second shot at the grill cloth. More so if they're not all junk replacement speakers I'd love to play a flatback and see what all the rage is. I've never seen one with black grill cloth and I'm not all that knowledgable on the history and if this is a desirable era.

If it's a flatback, it is desirable. Here are some pics including the front and back of the grille. The one you are looking at has a dolly. This is rare to find. The grille cloth is not original. It is available from Invalid Link Removed (I prefer this place, fliptops can short change you in that they can't cut along a straight line) or Fliptops Home of Parts for Ampeg Lovers.

 

[beans-on-toast]

What would look cool is some Heritage grille cloth from Loud.

 

[rodl2005]

There's no speakons on that cab so it's illegal I'm sure!

 

[G On Bass]

Any issues with attenuators? I'm looking at adding a Jettenuator or a Dr. Z Airbrake so that I can keep the tone where I want it but lower the volume. I looked at the Atty that Jimmy posted earlier in this thread, but it seems to be XLR out and I need something 1/4" between the head and cabs. I know little about them and don't want to damage anything while simultaneously not looking to spend multi-hundreds...

Update: I bought/used the used Dr Z Airbrake at rehearsal last week. Bigger box than I thought, but It was awesome. As is the purpose of these attenuators, I can set the V-4B exactly where I want it (where it breaks up based on harder attack or with a pick), but it keeps it all at neighbor-friendly levels (since we rehearse in a super nice but not-totally-soundproofed garage>studio conversion). We record everything and the path is Amp>speaker level DI > DrZ > cabs (2x112AV), so no attenuation to the board but it gets all the power tubey goodness. The band seemed really pleased with the tone and it recorded great. I was using an provided Mesa 2x12 combo before. Great amp, but not the same as this set up....

 

[Crusty]

Quick question for you fellow V-4B owners....

I've just bought a Scarlett 2i2 interface and am using Reaper to record. I'm having trouble with the outputs on the V-4b head.

The DI out of the amp, when plugged into the Scarlett just produces noise - no bass sound at all - just white noise. I'm assuming this output is "too hot" for the interface ? I've used the DI out, straight into a small PA in our rehearsal room and its fine. Does it need something in between the Amp head and the interface ?

I've also used the Slave out line into the interface, and that works but is very quiet, even if the input of the Scarlett is set on "instrument" and the gain is right up on the input. I can also record fine using the MXR M80 DI on it's own, but I would much prefer recording with the V-4B

Given these issues I mic'd the amp up and that sounded awesome, but would like to work out why these other issues are happening.

Any ideas, please ?

 

[cheu78]

In theory not.. I mean, plug your xlr cable into a LINE input of the interface, and you should be good to go.
Check the XLR cable, and try to change the input channel of the interface..
Have you used the same XLR cable for all your tests?

I hope this helps,

Cheu

 

[Crusty]

In theory not.. I mean, plug your xlr cable into a LINE input of the interface, and you should be good to go.
Check the XLR cable, and try to change the input channel of the interface..
Have you used the same XLR cable for all your tests?

I hope this helps,

Cheu

Thanks for the response.

I only have two choices on the interface input - "Line" and "Instrument". I'm certain I tried both, but I'll double check and try the Line again. I have tried two different XLR cables - one was brand new - but don't have any others at hand to try at the moment.

I'm a complete noob with recording etc. I'll give it another go....

 

[beans-on-toast]

Quick question for you fellow V-4B owners....

I've just bought a Scarlett 2i2 interface and am using Reaper to record. I'm having trouble with the outputs on the V-4b head.

The DI out of the amp, when plugged into the Scarlett just produces noise - no bass sound at all - just white noise. I'm assuming this output is "too hot" for the interface ? I've used the DI out, straight into a small PA in our rehearsal room and its fine. Does it need something in between the Amp head and the interface ?

I've also used the Slave out line into the interface, and that works but is very quiet, even if the input of the Scarlett is set on "instrument" and the gain is right up on the input. I can also record fine using the MXR M80 DI on it's own, but I would much prefer recording with the V-4B

Given these issues I mic'd the amp up and that sounded awesome, but would like to work out why these other issues are happening.

Any ideas, please ?

Rather han the slave out, try the preamp out jack. Use an instrument cable. It is important to adjust the gain and the master volume controls. If the master is down, you will not get any sound out of the preamp.

With the XLR output, check the ground lift switch.

Test the scarlett channel again by plugging the instrument directly in, select instrument. Make sure that the gain on the scarlet is set high enough.

It is important that the speaker cab be connected to the amp when you are using it. Do not unplug the cab when you are just using the preamp.

 

[mattwear]

Just a thought, make sure the phantom power on you're Scarlett is switched off. This can cause weird problems when using an amp's DI out.

 

[Crusty]

Thanks for the replies. Tried all of the above suggestions. Looks like it's the effects loop causing issues in some way.

DI and slave out (haven't been able to try pre-amp out yet) both work fine into the Scarlett, as long as there is nothing in the effects loop. Took me awhile to suspect and eliminate this. If I have a pedal or two in the loop then the di output goes bat-poopie crazy. Take the XLR out of the DI on the back of the amp, and the effects loop behaves as normal.

Was able to record from the DI with a fuzz pedal between my guitar and amp input but not with it in the loop.

I was also wondering if having the master wide-open, and using the gain to control volume might also be contributing to the issues ? I've turned the master down anyway.

It's only a month old, so maybe take it to a tech for a warranty check over.

 

[beans-on-toast]

On the V4B reissue, the master is an attenuator at the preamp out. Master controls the level for the balanced out, pre-out, and slave out. Don't turn the master down. Turn it up and use the gain to control the level.

When you say effects loop, I assume that you mean at the input of the amp. Neither the amp nor the scarlett has an effects loop.

The xlr cable has been mentioned. You need to verify that the cable is good. If you have an ohm meter you can test it. Also, make sure that phantom power is turned off on the Scarlett. Try the ground lift on the back of the amp near the XLR connector when using the XLR.

The scarlett switch should be set to line when the amp DI is connected via the XLR cable.

Have you tried plugging into one scarlett channel, then the other to see if the noise occurs on both?

Otherwise, it appears that you need to have your unit checked out..

 

[Crusty]

What I mean by "effects loop" is the "Pre-amp out" and "Power amp in" jacks on the back of the V-4B head.

I just tried recording something again - and you are correct. Having the master wide open isn't causing the problem. I just thought might be in the mix of issues.

XLR cable is good, not running phantom power, have the input on the scarlett set to "line" for the DI, both scarlett inputs work the same, have checked the ground/lift button. Its definitely only happening when something is in the "effects loop". if i have nothing in there, all works as expected.

I had a power valve blow 15 mins after getting the amp. The tech said it took out some resistors too and he replaced those. Maybe this is a continuation of the damage that was caused by the valve blowing. I'll have to get it checked out.

Other than this small annoyance, it's an amazing amp.

 

[beans-on-toast]

What I mean by "effects loop" is the "Pre-amp out" and "Power amp in" jacks on the back of the V-4B head.

OK. Sorry for misunderstanding that. If the effects sound fine through the amps speaker cab they are working and should be coming out the DI.

There is an illuminated ring around the volume knobs on the scarlett. If it is red, the signal into the unit is too strong, the volume know on the unit needs to be turned down. If it is green, the unit is not being overloaded.

 

[dje31]

Just curious, and this may not be the best comparison, but has anyone compared the V-4B reissue to the Orange Terror Bass 500? I know Ampeg is full tube / 100W while the Orange is hybrid / 500 W.

Want the Ampeg, but found a deal on the Orange. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[tombowlus]

Just curious, and this may not be the best comparison, but has anyone compared the V-4B reissue to the Orange Terror Bass 500? I know Ampeg is full tube / 100W while the Orange is hybrid / 500 W.

Want the Ampeg, but found a deal on the Orange. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

I have them both and like them both, but they do vary quite a bit from each other. Much like comparing the Terror Bass 500 to the AD200, even when you dial in the tone to be similar in terms of overall saturation and frequency range balance, the tube output section in the AD200 has a different feel than the TB500. Some would say it's "better" - more organic, more heft, more gravitas. Some will prefer the class-D head - "faster," a bit more clean sounding, etc. Stacking up the V-4B against the TB500 is much of the same, though I will say that the V-4B has a somewhat wider range of usable clean tones available (compared to the AD200).

 

[dje31]

I have them both and like them both, but they do vary quite a bit from each other. Much like comparing the Terror Bass 500 to the AD200, even when you dial in the tone to be similar in terms of overall saturation and frequency range balance, the tube output section in the AD200 has a different feel than the TB500. Some would say it's "better" - more organic, more heft, more gravitas. Some will prefer the class-D head - "faster," a bit more clean sounding, etc. Stacking up the V-4B against the TB500 is much of the same, though I will say that the V-4B has a somewhat wider range of usable clean tones available (compared to the AD200).

Thanks for the quick response! Since I already have a solid state rig ( GK ) I was looking to have a tube-based alternative. Then the Orange came up, and while it's cheaper, and much lighter, I'm inclined to wait for the Ampeg.

It's not like I need another amp / cab setup...but when has that stopped any of us?!

 

[ErnieD]

I know this is silly but I think if I bought that new Fender Hybrid 800 head, I'd use it alot more than my V4B. Mostly because of the 17lbs it weighs. I start to load up my V4B and then I grab my Peavey MM1000 to use instead. Such an easy carry and really an awesome sounding amp. Also cause its just such an easy schlep in an out of gig venues.

I guess if I had been like many here and carried 60+lbs Ampeg SVT's for years I'd be more appreciative of the lighter weight V4B. Just that this new V4B is my first all tube head and I'm very delicate with it. Even opting for one of my micro-amps so as not to take the V4B into the smoky bars. I've been having some wrist pain and the single strap handle on top gives me some pain at times. I end up huggin it to my chest to move it about. Micro-Amps so much easier to move, heck I carry two of them in a backpack to have a backup.

I know this is just lazy and maybe I baby this amp too much but again its' my first all tuber and trying to be too safe maybe. I still own my pristine Carvin B1500 and even in its' 3 space Rollin-Rack case, I haven't used it in years since I got my first Markbass LMII. All those little amps just made me not want to haul anything heavy anymore. Spoiled I know. I should consider what I get "tone-wise" outta the V4B. Cause when I do take it out and gig it, I love what it sounds like. I plan to gig it this coming Sat's gig. THough it's just another restaurant gig so depending on weather, "it's flooding down it Texas...." I may grab the MM1000 and SVT112AV again. Finally, I dont think I'd ever use the two channels on those Fender heads. I like that even when pushed hard, my V4B still stays very clean. I actually, have to try very hard to make it break up, when I want that.

Oh well, just saw that Fender Hybrid 800 in a Zzounds email I got and got me abit GASSY, I guess. peace, e

 

[rodl2005]

Yeah. ..you ARE "baby-ing" yr V4B a lil there. Better this than the opposite tho. They are pretty robust creatures those all tube amps. I've never had one fail on me due to regular use since I started (C '74). One failed spectacularly once when our sax player spilled a beer into it. ... hardly the amps fault there. The rest of the time, let em warm up for a minute. ..let em cool down a bit prior to moving em after a gig and they're rough as guts!
As @JimmyM & others have stated tho... they ARE built to last. And. ..I think, they're built with their weight taken into account.
I mean. ...I think I'd be more wary of dropping a 4lb micro than my 65lb Super Bassman...or V4B. I could be wrong, but I think they take their weight into account when building and thus "mostly" a drop will hopefully fall into the parameters of 'a calculated fall' I hope that's the case anyway.
I've not dropped either my Super Bassman nor my V4B (touch wood) &, obviously, don't INTEND to. But I've dropped one or two in the past and have taken no real internal damage.

 

[ErnieD]

Right rodl, I do baby it too much. Guess I'm thinking, since I use it so little, I may want to sell it and my 212AV locally one day soon. Just dont have the big gigs anymore to need it. And if I get booked for larger/louder gigs, I'd prolly roll out my BF BT-T+MM1000, such a great combo that rig is.
So I keep the Ampeg rig at home, out of smoky bars so it'll keep some resale value. But took me this long to ever buy my first tube amp and Ampeg cab, prolly cant think of selling it anytime soon.

Besides, I do haul out the V4B to use with a single 112AV at times. Just aint the same.

 

[rodl2005]

Right rodl, I do baby it too much. Guess I'm thinking, since I use it so little, I may want to sell it and my 212AV locally one day soon. Just dont have the big gigs anymore to need it. And if I get booked for larger/louder gigs, I'd prolly roll out my BF BT-T+MM1000, such a great combo that rig is.
So I keep the Ampeg rig at home, out of smoky bars so it'll keep some resale value. But took me this long to ever buy my first tube amp and Ampeg cab, prolly cant think of selling it anytime soon.

Besides, I do haul out the V4B to use with a single 112AV at times. Just aint the same.

All good E. So you're impressed with the PV class D offerings?