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70's V4B and single SVT210-AV

denton57

denton57

Nov 1, 2005
3,967
2,994
Arkansas
#1
Just ordered a single SVT 210 AV from MF at a great price (restock + 15% off coupon) to use with my V4B at practices and small gigs instead of lugging the 4x12 everywhere.

Anyone have any experience with using this cab with this head? From reading the reviews, I think it will work great but I'd like to hear some real world experience.. It just looks so small :)
 
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#3
I do have experience.. Owned a couple 70's flat back 8x10's and a couple newer 8x10's in my past. Current 4x12 is sealed as well.

I guess it's size just makes me question it's ability.. Honestly, I'd like for this cab to replace my 4x12 on a steady gig I have at a restaurant..100-150 people in a medium sized room and only competing with a deluxe reverb and medium drummer. That may be wishful thinking, but the 4x12 is overkill.. Only turn the amp to 9:30 and its still too loud I'm afraid.. I'd like to be in that 10:30-11:00 range for some sweet tube breakup.
 
#5
It's plenty for rehearsals and small gigs where the drummer is un-mic'd. The voicing of the cab is awesome, pure classic Ampeg tone. They did a great job of getting the "fridge" sound in a small cab. If you're going to gig medium to large gigs though, a second one may be required, then stack'em vertical if you need to. Get that mid-rangey tone up in your ears.
 
#6
Sounds like what I envisioned.. May stick with the 4x12 for the restaurant gig, but man it's a hassle to lug along with the head!

I know it's a compromise in tone, but the micro VR head with two cabs is SO appealing at this point in my life.. I guess I'm getting old?
 
#8
Should be a good combo, I used mine this Friday in the studio with a B-25 and it sounded great. I've also used the same rig for rehearsal and it was more than sufficient. A single 210 would probably cover your restaurant gig, if not, 2 def would. And they're 26 lbs each and an easy schlep.
 
#9
The 4x12 is awesome, but man is it tough to haul around.

I'm excited to get the 2x10. Since I'm only competing with a deluxe reverb and we don't mic the drums, it may work out fine. If so, I'll save the 4x12 for outdoor stuff or big rooms.
 
#10
denton57 said:
Sounds like what I envisioned.. May stick with the 4x12 for the restaurant gig, but man it's a hassle to lug along with the head!

I know it's a compromise in tone, but the micro VR head with two cabs is SO appealing at this point in my life.. I guess I'm getting old?
Click to expand...

Not sure it's a compromise in tone, volume yes, but the tone of the little Ampeg is sweet with the VR head and a precision bass!! Classic!!
 
#12
Denton,

The volume of the AV210 is not 1/4th of a fridge cab. It is less than 1/4th. That's why the AV210 is a bit shy in the lows.

If you really want 1/4th of a fridge cab (or a pair of those), I recommend having Don Oatman at LDS (Low Down Sound) build you a pair at the correct volumes. Then you would truly have a quarter (or two quarters) of a fridge cab.

Just my two cents.

(For the record, I have no affiliation with Don).

Another option is to go with a Fliptops sealed 4x10. I recently acquired one to match my 1973 V4B, and it is a match made in heaven. It's loaded with four Eminence 32-ohm B810's (the cab is 8-ohms), and the width of the cab is 27" to perfectly match the V4B. Even the cup holes on the top of the cab exactly match the feet locations of the V4B, and the grill cloth is a perfect match.
 
#15
Get one SVT210AV and another one later if you need it. Playing over (louder) than an un-mic'd drummer will make the band lose it's punch. For restaurant gigs one will do just fine. When you have to turn up, just turn the bass knob down a little and supplement with low mids. Sounds better anyway.
 
#16
Ampeg doesn't list the sensitivity of the 210AV on their site or in the manual. I'd imagine it to be a ~6-6.5 dB quieter per watt than an 810. I don't think a single 210 and the VT-22 would cut it for me no matter how much I wish it would. ;)
 
#17
SactoBass said:
Denton,

The volume of the AV210 is not 1/4th of a fridge cab. It is less than 1/4th. That's why the AV210 is a bit shy in the lows.

If you really want 1/4th of a fridge cab (or a pair of those), I recommend having Don Oatman at LDS (Low Down Sound) build you a pair at the correct volumes. Then you would truly have a quarter (or two quarters) of a fridge cab.
Click to expand...
Or you could just turn the bass knob up a little ;)
 
#20
SVT.

SVT210avsSpring2012_zpsc617ba61.jpg


I would, however, use a V4B in a heartbeat if I had one. Almost waited to buy a new rig till the new V4B came out, but the Heritage SVT got to me first ;)
 
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