If I was playing in a band with two guitars and a really loud drummer I would be pulling out more firepower than a V4B, probably SVT or more.
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2013 Ampeg V-4B 100W Reissue Pt2
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
You'd be surprised. With my loudest group I usually use the SVT but my V4 through the 8x10 has no trouble keeping up either. The guitarists are using a VHT into a mesa 4x12 and a vintage JCM800 into a marshall 4x12. The V4 is only slightly into hairy territory with enough speakers. I think in our practice space is usually the loudest we ever get, we usually try to maintain decent/appropriate stage volume when possible. But we also usually play clubs with decent monitoring/FOH.
Put it this way...a pushed SVT in an 810 will make me puke from volume while the new V4B won't, but it's still crazy insane loud. Tonally, expect it to identify more with the earlier one when pushed.
No, I wouldn't be surprised. I've gigged my V4B through my 810 at an outdoor gig and it kept up ok but if I would've wanted more cleanish volume it wouldn't have been there.
97% of the gig's I pull it has plenty of headroom with a 212 cab.
father of fires
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I just played one at guitar center. It sounded really good but I wasn't able to crank it. I return too much gear because the difference between sound at bedroom volume and stage volume is usually vastly different. I'm sure it would be good cranked but to be honest at a gig the crown is usually hearing my just my pedal board through the PA. She sure is pretty though!
IMO this is a different issue. Even an SVT with an 8x10 can be lacking with infinite room to fill.
I did it. Picked up a V-4B. Have played around with it in my basement and have not decided whether it's that much better than my PF-500 and VT Bass pedal. Will use it for a couple small gigs in the next couple of weeks before deciding whether to keep it.
Can't speak for the Avatar but I have one of the SVT210AVs and it sounds great with the V4B. Two cabs sound even better! I sold one to help fund the V4B and SVT212AV but I kinda wish I would have kept it.
Finally received my AV grill cloth for my 610, my v4b/610 rig is complete!
Early review after one gig, outside, small area, limited PA support. General rock gig with drummer who probably hits harder than average. I had marginally enough volume before breakup. If I could totally crank it the volume would have been fine, but I found myself wishing I had the "extra gear" of cleaner volume I can get with the PF-500 and VT Bass. I might be going back to that setup.
I do not think a V4B would be my first choice head for an outdoor gig without much PA support. It is a fine amp, but 100 watts into a 210AV and SB112 is still 100 watts and a big ask when you need to shift a bit of air outside.
+1
I wouldn't use my V4BH outdoors with two little cabs. Run an 810 or a 412 and then tell me the 100 watts doesn't cut it. Cab choice plays a big part in perceived volume with a 100 watt tube amp.
I agree with you guys, 100watts into a bigger cabinet makes all the difference. Going into my 610, it's a loud 100 watts!
Yes, the cabs are a significant factor. For my own situation, though, I do not want more or bigger/heavier cabinets.
One other thing, the bass could have been run through the PA; I was more concerned with the stage volume.
You guys must be playing at some pretty high volumes. I've had no trouble with my V-4B/210AV+210AV rig at outdoor gigs with zero PA support. Most I've had to turn the knobs was volume and gain at noon. For EQ, I keep the bass and treble knobs at noon, mids at around 2 o' clock. I keep the ultra low switch engaged and the mid switch at 800.
