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Ampeg dissatisfaction
- Thread starter Caleb Mills
- Start date
all of those are all-tube, yes? I'm just confused because both of the combos I had before we're solid state, and I never had complaints with them except that they basically fell apart on me because I rattled them so much. It might seem like "we'll dude, just go buy a freakin combo amp then..." but it really bothers me that I "upgraded" to this huge rig and I can't get that same satisfying tone out of it. I shouldn't have to go back to a 115 combo.
There is no such thing as a 1x15 combo that can perform anything near what a fully functioning SVT-3/810 can do. Not as far as I know anyway. I own a Heritage SVT and a reissue V4B. My SVT-3Pro can sound very close to the all tube versions - but with more eq options.
Exactly my point. So why so far have I liked them so much better? hence why I'm asking for suggestions on how to get at least a universally accepted decent tone. I know everyone has their own tone, but certainly there has to be a standard starting point that I can build off of
Ampeg 810s are sealed and their frequency range doesnt have as much deep bass as many other cabinets. My mesa powerhouse 410 goes alot lower AND alot higher than my fridge ever could. I love 810s for the power,volume, and articulate tone, but I honestly prefer the greater range of mesa 10 in. cabs. It just sounds fuller.
Well, if rattling your diaghram is what you are looking for, why not get a PF800 into two PF115s? Still sound like Ampeg, just don't stand right in front of it.....
I've seriously thought about that. Both of my combos were 115's, so maybe I'm used to the "rattle" that a 15 offers. Maybe I'm just not an 810 kind of dude.
I have a PF500 and one PF115, tried it with a friend's 115 too, and it was just stupid. Would be even better with the PF800. Jimmy, any comments? Know it's not as "tubey" but for shakin' your chest?
Yes, let's ask Jimmy.
Another good example if what I'm looking for is David Labruyeres tone on the John Mayer live in Los Angeles album. Super full and derp, but when he hits fills and runs there's still plenty of definition to each note.
We should distinguish between the PF115 models. The PF115LF's are bigger, go lower (ported) and cheaper then the PF115HE's. Two LF's together kill - and do get bigger and thumpier then the Ampeg 810.
I still think there may be an issue with the amp/speaker in question - as opposed to the inherent designs.
Can't you try the amp with another cab and the cab with another amp? Often when these discussions come up it turns out to be a simple issue - like the speakers being wired out of phase or something.
I still think there may be an issue with the amp/speaker in question - as opposed to the inherent designs.
Can't you try the amp with another cab and the cab with another amp? Often when these discussions come up it turns out to be a simple issue - like the speakers being wired out of phase or something.
One other thing I would suggest checking first is that the 810 is properly hooked up. If you're getting a thin sound, or your 1x15 cabs sounded more "full" versus the 8x10 maybe something is loose or wired backwards. Try the 9V test and be sure all the speakers are in the right polarity.
Take a long speaker cable (or get a friend to help, you need to able to see the speakers while you do this) and touch a 9V across the terminals briefly. The speakers should all jump, in or out doesn't matter as long as they all move in the same direction. Having some of the drivers out of phase with the others would make the cab sound thin. Given that the cab was used you never know how it was treated before you bought it, might be worth checking.
Try another head, Ampeg or otherwise. My personal experience with the 3Pro is that it is prone to problems, particularly previously owned ones. You can't undo the trials and tribulations that the previous owner put it through. I love me some Ampeg, but the 3Pro and the 410hlf are low on the totem pole for me. An 810 should be serviceable with virtually any head. Doesn't need to be a tube head, but any decent amp 500w+ should tell the tale.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned two common, easy things to try to improve sound from an SVT-3PRO: crank up the gain, and check the MOSFET bias.
The GAIN knob (leftmost) has a red LED next to it labeled PEAK. Both the color and the label are unfortunate. The preamp doesn't sound sweet until you start to light that up. It should be "good to go" green, not "danger" red, and labeled AMPEG GOODNESS.
The final output in the power amp is MOSFET power transistors. They need to be biased for correct operation, much like tubes. If they are biased too low, the amp sounds kind of weak (especially in the low end). There will also be a faint "fuzz" undertone audible if you play at low volumes. Note that the adjustment is VERY sensitive, and you can smoke those transistors easily! You can find instructions from Jerrold Tiers if you search here; do it yourself if your tech skills and tools are up to it, take it to a competent tech if you're the least bit unsure.
I have a 3PRO and tweaked the bias myself, it made a big improvement in the low end power!
The GAIN knob (leftmost) has a red LED next to it labeled PEAK. Both the color and the label are unfortunate. The preamp doesn't sound sweet until you start to light that up. It should be "good to go" green, not "danger" red, and labeled AMPEG GOODNESS.
The final output in the power amp is MOSFET power transistors. They need to be biased for correct operation, much like tubes. If they are biased too low, the amp sounds kind of weak (especially in the low end). There will also be a faint "fuzz" undertone audible if you play at low volumes. Note that the adjustment is VERY sensitive, and you can smoke those transistors easily! You can find instructions from Jerrold Tiers if you search here; do it yourself if your tech skills and tools are up to it, take it to a competent tech if you're the least bit unsure.
I have a 3PRO and tweaked the bias myself, it made a big improvement in the low end power!
Cool man. I might take that thing in to a tech and have them change the tubes and make sure the MOSFET is biased correctly and all that jazz. It probably just needs TLC, from what I'm hearing. Like I said, I bought both used (they're were traded in to Samash as a set) probably a good 5 or 6 years ago, and I've never done anything to them. So it's really hard telling how long it's been since maintenance has been done to it.
What kind of sound are you wanting? i use the SVT-3 Pro and an SVT-410 Pro cabinet. i also play for my church and ive never had a "want" in terms of tone. i like my sound t be a bit midrangy and "hifi" ish.. and she sounds great.
What about the amp doesnt sound good to you?
It's just too midrange and high for me. It's either that or ridiculously muddy. It never sounds smooth and deep. It has this snappy, bright quality that I really don't like. I've played both my P with rosewood fingerboard and my jazz with maple and both just sound like absolute garbage. Really tinny and snappy and just gross.
I have the same experience with a non tube Ampeg (svt pro 5 I think) and an 8x10 just couldn't get a tone I really liked even after spending ages fiddling and reading the manual. I assume it's something I don't like about the built in tone combined with being a dullard with the knobs on the Ampeg, when I use my GK head with the same cab I find it difficult to get a tone I don't like. There may be nothing wrong with your amp at all.
BTW I play punk and some rock.
