I see some live in cases! I'll look into them. Thank you!
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2013 Ampeg V-4B 100W Reissue Pt2
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
If you can, extra foam in an SVT case might do it. Worth checking the measurements.
They only offer lift off cases for the SVT. I had to describe live in cases to them. He said some live in cases have bolts/screws that go through the case, and into the chassis of the amp from the feet holes? I've never heard of this... He was confused by the amp being free inside.
Come to think of it, what ARE you talking about with a live in case for a head? You mean similar to a rack where front and back panels come off?
My understanding is that it's a case that the gear can stay in and operate.
I have an ATA case for my SVT, I can take the top off and use the amp with it sitting in the bottom. So in that respect, I consider it a live in case
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Yeah "live in" usually means a case where you don't have to move the amp for use. Usually the front/back come off for access and the amp is surrounded top/bottom/side by case. I'd always worry about ventilation, not so much an issue on an SVT/V4 but you see a lot of marshall, orange, etc, amps with top vents that are used in cases like that. Probably not ideal.
I usually only get lift-lid cases as the live in case adds side width and would make the amp sit awkwardly on the cab unless the cab has the same/similar sized case or you aren't putting the head on the cab. But I've also not had to bother with cab cases, when I was traveling more frequently we'd just position stuff in the trailer so the cabs were up against the sides or speakers blocked and didn't worry about tolex.
With the V4 you could get away with a lift-lid case on top of a cab since the speaker connections are high up on the chassis. If the speaker connections are too low/the amp sits low in the case that can be a problem. I don't think there would be clearance for me to leave my SVT sitting in the bottom of its road case, maybe some of my other cases, haven't really tried on others.
True, some live in cases have the amp bolted in from the bottom. One way to do it is to attach the amp in the case via the holes drilled for the feet. I don't like that option. too many things can go wrong. One doesn't have to mount a heavy amp like a V4B by attaching it. A rack mount is something else, they have to be attached to the rails. The question is, how high does the base come up and can the amp be operated with it in the bottom of the case.
What I sometimes opt to do is revove the amp from the case and place it on top of the assembled lift-lid ATA case.
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Somehow I find my empty cases always end up stolen for guitar cab stands.
I found a very clean used V4b on GC a few weeks back and have been trying different speaker combinations in my rehearsal space and at gigs. First was 2x Fender Rumble V3 115s from my other rig. This is my first all tube amp and I must say the responsiveness of the tone controls actually overwhelmed me at first. I spent at least 2 hours just tweaking and finding where my sweet spot is with these speakers (horns off). Don't construe this as a negative! It was a totally enjoyable learning experience.
I play a '77 Tele bass with heavy gauge D'Addario Half Rounds. I like a bottom heavy sound (obviously) and set the V4 Bass at 3 o'clock, Mid 3K at 2 o'clock and Treble at 1 o'clock (bass boost and treb boost off). I gigged with this combo and it sounded awesome. Real bottom and thump with a taste of Ampeg grind over the top. In a local bar with no FOH support and about 50 people in the room, I ran gain and master at 12noon and it was more than enough power. And for the first time people actually complimented my sound. (not my playing! LOL)
Next, I acquired a pair of SVT 210av...I tested them in the practice space and, as many have commented, they sounded a bit thin on their own. Boosted the bass, but still too thin for me. Tried Ultra bass, but felt that got muddy with my guitar and heavy strings. So, what the hell, I hooked them up with the 2 115s (2ohms total). All I can say I it sounded interesting, but, not better than the 115s alone. Maybe it's the whole don't mix speakers thing. And who wants to carry around 4 cabs anyway!
Continuing on my GAS fueled odyssey, I happened upon a used SVT 212av on GC and scooped it up. I hooked it up to the V4, left the settings as they were, and BOOM, there it was, THE sound (in my head anyway). Thick, but not muddy, note clarity but still ballsy with just a touch of bite. Still, I just had to twiddle around with the settings, but came right back to my sweet spot. Also tried the 210avs with the 212av and got the same result as with the 115s. The combo didn't sound awesome like the 212 alone.
So here I am in the final stages of terminal GAS. I'm selling my Fender Bassman 500 (look in classifieds) to fund a second 212av. I'll probably keep the 210s and the Rumble 115s, just because...and I know sooner or later I'm gonna have to get a VR or CL!
I play a '77 Tele bass with heavy gauge D'Addario Half Rounds. I like a bottom heavy sound (obviously) and set the V4 Bass at 3 o'clock, Mid 3K at 2 o'clock and Treble at 1 o'clock (bass boost and treb boost off). I gigged with this combo and it sounded awesome. Real bottom and thump with a taste of Ampeg grind over the top. In a local bar with no FOH support and about 50 people in the room, I ran gain and master at 12noon and it was more than enough power. And for the first time people actually complimented my sound. (not my playing! LOL)
Next, I acquired a pair of SVT 210av...I tested them in the practice space and, as many have commented, they sounded a bit thin on their own. Boosted the bass, but still too thin for me. Tried Ultra bass, but felt that got muddy with my guitar and heavy strings. So, what the hell, I hooked them up with the 2 115s (2ohms total). All I can say I it sounded interesting, but, not better than the 115s alone. Maybe it's the whole don't mix speakers thing. And who wants to carry around 4 cabs anyway!
Continuing on my GAS fueled odyssey, I happened upon a used SVT 212av on GC and scooped it up. I hooked it up to the V4, left the settings as they were, and BOOM, there it was, THE sound (in my head anyway). Thick, but not muddy, note clarity but still ballsy with just a touch of bite. Still, I just had to twiddle around with the settings, but came right back to my sweet spot. Also tried the 210avs with the 212av and got the same result as with the 115s. The combo didn't sound awesome like the 212 alone.
So here I am in the final stages of terminal GAS. I'm selling my Fender Bassman 500 (look in classifieds) to fund a second 212av. I'll probably keep the 210s and the Rumble 115s, just because...and I know sooner or later I'm gonna have to get a VR or CL!
Have you tried pairing up one 210 with one 115? Ampeg sold that as a suggested setup a while back, but stopped making the 210 from that lineup.
And then there's that whole "don't mix cabinets" mantra that's pervasive. Still, doesn't hurt to try. It'll either work or it won't.
There was at least one guy around here that used and liked that combo.
You should probably be sure there's no impedance conflict.
And then there's that whole "don't mix cabinets" mantra that's pervasive. Still, doesn't hurt to try. It'll either work or it won't.
There was at least one guy around here that used and liked that combo.
You should probably be sure there's no impedance conflict.
Michael Schreiber
Commercial User
Awesome - Congratulations!
I bet your Tele sounds great through that rig \m/
As for the 115 and 210, it is rather a good combo (of sealed cabs, that is) for those who are into "thinner" or less boomy low-end; I'm using these adjectives without connotation; just in lack of better words, not with bad meaning.
There is no problem in general mixing 15" and 10"; even Glockenklang does/did that with success even on a ported cab.
It's just a matter of taste, or what suits the songs better.
Glad you found a good solution with the 212AV - an awesome cab!
A more modern tone, and versatile thanks to the adjustable horn.
Do you use the horn or do you have it rolled-off?
What you also may like is the PN-115 which to my ears is also not muddy, and very quick and precise in response.
But just if you intend to add a bit different flavor to the sound of your 212.
Otherwise, I'd get a second 212AV - costs less, has more speaker surface, and is the tone you like.
Very good choice, IMO!
Hi,
Do you find V4B cover (from Ampeg) in the US?
In Europe, Thomann is the only one to sell it but it seems not to be in the Ampeg catalog...
Invalid Link Removed
Cams.
Do you find V4B cover (from Ampeg) in the US?
In Europe, Thomann is the only one to sell it but it seems not to be in the Ampeg catalog...
Invalid Link Removed
Cams.
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Philly case makes a great custom flight case. Since I was close distance from them in Philadelphia, I picked up my custom V4B case in person and got to tour the factory.
Great people and a great company. I got mine with wheels and pull out handle built in. The V4B fits like a glove.
ATA Cases, Trade Show Cases, Custom ATA Case/Shipping Case Manufacturer | Philly Case Company
Great people and a great company. I got mine with wheels and pull out handle built in. The V4B fits like a glove.
ATA Cases, Trade Show Cases, Custom ATA Case/Shipping Case Manufacturer | Philly Case Company
Re: sealed vs ported cabs, for the combo I'd be interested in, both are ported, but the 2x10 is center rear-ported, while the 1x15 is offset front-ported.
Does that make a difference? Better, worse, or just different?
Thanks!
Michael Schreiber
Commercial User
You mean combining front- and rear-ported?
I haven't done that but see no issues. Just make sure you don't place the rear-ported too close to a wall - unless it sounds better, of course
Here's a what if:
I have 2 of the 112AV cabs, 2 of the 210AV cabs and a gig next weekend at a County Fair with a loud guitarist/sound guy. What happens if I hook all 4 cabs up to the V-4B? It should take it because it'll be 2 ohms, right? I wonder what it would sound like...
I have 2 of the 112AV cabs, 2 of the 210AV cabs and a gig next weekend at a County Fair with a loud guitarist/sound guy. What happens if I hook all 4 cabs up to the V-4B? It should take it because it'll be 2 ohms, right? I wonder what it would sound like...
It will take it but you'll have to daisy each pair of cabs into each of the 2 ohm speaker outs. No idea what it would sound like.
