All-New Ampeg SCR-DI!

[Slpbass81]

See my review above. I have my initial thoughts but really need to compare them at a gig.

I originally thought the 2nd post was from a different user, my bad. I am interested to hear the difference between the VT Bass DI and the Ampeg SCR-DI. I currently have the SCR-DI and an older Sansamp Bass DI. The SCR-DI is too big for my pedalboard and I currently use it for playing through my computer or practice in another room which is what I intended for. I am considering selling the Sansamp for the VT Bass DI if it sounds like the SCR-DI.

 

[birminghambass]

I originally thought the 2nd post was from a different user, my bad. I am interested to hear the difference between the VT Bass DI and the Ampeg SCR-DI. I currently have the SCR-DI and an older Sansamp Bass DI. The SCR-DI is too big for my pedalboard and I currently use it for playing through my computer or practice in another room which is what I intended for. I am considering selling the Sansamp for the VT Bass DI if it sounds like the SCR-DI.

If you like the Sansamp but prefer the Ampeg, I could see you really liking the VT. I could never get the Ampeg to sound like the Sansamp or vice versa, BUT I could get the VT to get close to both of them. It's certainly the most flexible of the three pedals (also most complex to dial in). I found the Ampeg to be more natural sounding, especially in the high end. I played them all at rehearsal Tuesday and decided I greatly prefer the Tech 21 stuff in a band setting. The Ampeg is now in the classifieds, the Sansamp and VT are staying. The Ampeg is still a great pedal though, I'd probably keep it if I needed it as a practice tool.

 

[pjmack]

I've now used mine with the Carvin BX 500 set flat and into my SVT410HE cab.
All I have to say is it's everything I was hoping it would be and more.
Thick fat tone with great adjustability.
Being able to blend the scrambler is also a great feature. Adding a high drive but low blend brings a lovely driven tone.
Very happy.

 

[marko138]

It's been a couple of months now and I still love this thing.

 

[Bass 45]

I also am still digging my SCR-DI. I have gotten to use it on a couple of big stages as a DI over the last few weeks with great results - and I have become hooked on using it as a pre amp as well.

I think someone warned us already - if you are not using an external power supply, this unit will make a loud harsh high pitched sound come from your amp if the battery goes dead. My band stopped in the middle of a song because we thought the fire alarm was going off in the small packed pub we were playing in. It took me a while to figure out it was me. People were even covering their ears it was so bad. Very embarrassing...

 

[JimmyM]

I also am still digging my SCR-DI. I have gotten to use it on a couple of big stages as a DI over the last few weeks with great results - and I have become hooked on using it as a pre amp as well.

I think someone warned us already - if you are not using an external power supply, this unit will make a loud harsh high pitched sound come from your amp if the battery goes dead. My band stopped in the middle of a song because we thought the fire alarm was going off in the small packed pub we were playing in. It took me a while to figure out it was me. People were even covering their ears it was so bad. Very embarrassing...

LOL! Yeah, best to use a PS with it for sure!

 

[Bass 45]

LOL! Yeah, best to use a PS with it for sure!

I did make my first pedal board for my bass rig (albeit a small one) a couple of weeks ago.

I wanted to make a board that would include the SCR-DI and and my EHX-B-9 and two power supplies (the B-9 gets noisy without it's own p.s.).

The issue was, I needed to switch the B-9 and the power supplies to my guitar rig for another gig. Later, when I realized I forgot to switch everything back in advance of the bass gig, I decided to just unscrew the SCR-DI (I screwed the SCR-DI to the board using the bottom two factory threaded holes) and bring it with a fresh battery, as I knew would not be using the B-9 with that band that night.

Anyway - you know the rest of the story...

 

[JimmyM]

Yep...well hey, nobody died Stuff happens...it's all good.

B9, eh? That is a wicked looking pedal. Sounds killer in demos but have yet to try one out. Probably don't have much use for it but when I hear those demos, I still want one.

 

[Bass 45]

Yep...well hey, nobody died Stuff happens...it's all good.

B9, eh? That is a wicked looking pedal. Sounds killer in demos but have yet to try one out. Probably don't have much use for it but when I hear those demos, I still want one.

I love it. I mostly use it for guitar, but I have recently started using it on bass for a few songs with a surf/garage outfit I play with.

I used to own a mid sixties Vox Jaguar organ - this pedal can sound just like it (in a mix anyway).

 

[Chad T]

Just curious, should this pedal be clean when the OD isn't activated? I've never had an Ampeg amp and wasn't sure how much headroom they typically have. The pedal stays clean with most basses I've tried, but an Ibanez SR1805E caused some grit. Wondering if that is normal/okay or if it is clipping/bad?

Edit: I think I had a faulty cable or something as this problem has since gone away.

 

[JimmyM]

Just curious, should this pedal be clean when the OD isn't activated? I've never had an Ampeg amp and wasn't sure how much headroom they typically have. The pedal stays clean with most basses I've tried, but an Ibanez SR1805E caused some grit. Wondering if that is normal/okay or if it is clipping/bad?

It's possible that it's overloading the clean channel, but I've used hot active basses into it without getting any grit or having to cut the signal down. There's a switch inside to give it a 15db cut in cases like that, but I'd like to know more about your setup and your settings before saying that's the problem. Without knowing that, all I can tell you is unity gain is your friend. If you're trying to boost your signal past unity, that can cause this problem, too.

 

[Daniel Gil]

Hey everybody, this is my first pedal ever, and I need your help.
I have a noob question, How do I properly connect the SCR-DI into my Fender Rumble Combo Amp?
Do I connect it through the Input or the FX Loop?
Thanks in advance

 

[JimmyM]

You can go through the FX return if you'd like to replace the preamp in your amp, but you can also run it direct into your input as well. Personal preference.

 

[Daniel Gil]

Thank you Jimmy

 

[two fingers]

goddamit...

Classy....

 

[phatbass30]

I've tried one yesterday at local dealer. My issues are, volume drop and change of tone. The volume drop was very noticeable. And the tone become slightly thinner. I tried 2 units and both are new. Same story. So I didn't buy it. Anyone here have faced this issues before?

 

[KaseOfBass]

I ended up trading my VTDI for a SCR-DI and haven't experienced any issues with it. My previous concerns regarding the mids (not being able to cut 500 and boost 800) are gone. It sounds like good ol' Ampeg and is much easier to dial in than the VTDI for me. Good trade.

 

[mattattack187]

I like mine but am using it as a backup currently to the Sansamp RBI/RPM combo in my rack. Probably going to use it as a portable practice tool.

 

[KaseOfBass]

I like mine but am using it as a backup currently to the Sansamp RBI/RPM combo in my rack. Probably going to use it as a portable practice tool.

I've been using it for practice as well. Beyond that, it's on my amp-less pedalboard that I use pretty rarely.

 

[Lebowsky]

I'm considering this for home practice with headphones and without an actual amp. Anyone using it like this, and do you like it? (I admit, I haven't read through all the thread)