Ampeg Analog Classic Preamp

[RSNG]

I used my SVT for many years, then my SVT3PRO. For the last couple of years, my main gigging rig is a Fender Rumble 500 and 2x10 ext cab. It's much easier on my back. Reported reliability problems kept me from an Ampeg combo. The Rumble sounds nice, but I miss the SVT magic. I used to just push in the ultra low, turn up a little bass and treble, and I got a perfect tone.
I've been playing with this thing in my living room, with my Rumble 40. I usually use the Rumble with the contour and vintage buttons in, and a little bass and treble. But, I'm not having much success working this pedal into the mix. I'm considering sending it back. Does anyone have experience with these? Maybe I'm expecting too much, trying to get an SVT tone out of a Rumble.

 

[DonaldR]

I have the Ampeg SCR-DI (the Classic + the Scrambler in the same enclosure) and it sounds very very good (direct to FOH), maybe not like a full blown SVT but like an Ampeg. I think the Scrambler is to add that SVT distortion but I don't have an SVT so cannot compare. Try it but keep in mind that SCR-DI always has the Ampeg sound even when bypassed.

 

[RSNG]

Thanks! My idea was to make my Rumble sound more like an SVT. I tried the Classic with the Rumble controls all flat, and the buttons out. I really couldn't get a tone that was better than the Rumble with the contour and vintage buttons in, and a little bass and treble. To my ears anyway. If I use the Classic with my normal Rumble settings, it doesn't seem to really enhance the tone that much. At least, not enough to justify bringing it to gigs, and keeping batteries in it. I'm going to play around with it some more. But right now, I'm just not "getting it". I'm wondering what amps guys are using with this, and how they like to set everything. I doubt that I would ever be using it as a direct box.

 

[DonaldR]

Is there an "effects loop return"/"power in" in your Rumble? Is so I would try that instead of front input. I don't own the Classic but my understanding is it will give you more the Ampeg BA series sound than SVT. The SCR-DI was design to give an SVT sound (Scrambler on), but to a certain point, remember that you still don't have the oomph a 300w tube amp and 8x10" pushing behind you, it will be more the recorded sound than the in-the-room sound.

 

[RSNG]

Yes! There is on my Rumble 500. But not the Rumble 40. I'll give it a try. I never considered the scrambler feature of the SCR-DI because I like a clean tone. But, I hadn't considered simulating the natural tube distortion. The Rumble has a distortion circuit too, that I've never tried.

My "real" SVT really is the best amp for me. My SVT3PRO is pretty nice too. But, I didn't like it at all, until the Ampeg experts here on the forum advised me on how to set it up. I'm glad I didn't give it up on it. I'm going to give this pedal a chance too. But, I'm thinking that an SVT in a little box is a bit much to ask. Thanks!

 

[DonaldR]

As I said, I don't think you will ever get an SVT tone with the Classic alone. Maybe try an SCR-DI (Scrambler enable) or add an Ampeg Scrambler pedal to your Classic Pedal. Or maybe a Tech21 VT Bass.
Personally I'm using the SVT emulation in my Eleven Rack, direct to FOH and OMG :-O (Don't have a real SVT to compare, but oh man what a sound).

 

[richntiff]

Ampeg + Rumble? The problem is not with your SCR....

 

[wizard65]

I tried running the Ampeg classic through my Peavey amp, didn't make much difference.
Then bought a Sansamp bddi, gives me a great Ampeg type tone.

 

[RSNG]

I like my Ampegs and my Rumbles. But I see no advantage to using the Ampeg Classic Preamp. It's getting sent back.

 

[StringslamDan]

Mentioned before, but you might try to run the pedal into the effects return of your rumble 500, so that your just hearing the pedal by itself with out it blending with the fender preamp.

 

[mbell75]

You need the SCR-DI, its a TON better than the little cheap one that needs the volume cranked to even hear a subtle difference. I love the SCR-DI with my Rumble 500, sounds killer and way better than the BA-210 and like you said, I don't have to deal with the reliability issues of the Ampeg combo. It makes the Rumble sound very much like an Ampeg but you still get some characteristic from the Rumble too, best of both worlds. Get the SCR-DI. I found a used one on GC's website for $128.

 

[poochiecheeks]

Does anyone know if the Ampeg analog preamp has any kind of tone/cab simulation? Like is it designed to make a signal sound like its going through an SVT or does it literally just have the same controls? Stuck between this and a Sansamp BDDI v2

 

[JKos]

Is there an "effects loop return"/"power in" in your Rumble?

Yes! There is on my Rumble 500. But not the Rumble 40.

I use the Aux In on my Rumble 40. Makes a huge difference when looking for different tones than the Rumble tone.