Ampeg Micro SVT - upped power rating?

[bebop1]

I wonder what this is about. Ampeg's new Micro SVT head was originally announced as 150W @ 4 ohms, but is now on the Ampeg site as 200W @ 4 ohms.

Did they just up the spec or has there been a re-working of the guts? Anybody know? It could be an interesting little piece if it is a real change. It might even fit onto/into my portaflex!

http://www.ampeg.com/products/classic/microvr/index.html

 

[jarrod cunningham]

now i like it better ....

 

[will33]

Cute, does it sound anything like an SVT or V4? Probably upped the power rating because they're selling it with an 8ohm cab, might be getting 100 watts there.

 

[shoot-r]

That sure is cute! But I'll have to hear one first.
Since it's kind-of a novelty I'm sure it's way over priced!

 

[Jefenator]

That is adorable.

I noticed no weight spec on the head. "Micro" implies 5 lbs but "SVT" implies 75+. So... which one is it?

 

[bebop1]

The micro SVT head sells for $399 in the USA (was supposed to be shipping last month (Oct. 08). My guess is that it weighs about 15-20lbs as it is tiny (10" x 5" x8") but with a case made with wood and tolex.

It appears that it will match well with the Portaflex cab and could be installed as a flip-top (the measurements are smaller than the B15N head). I am thinking that it might be great as an alternative to drive the cab when one wants to keep the vintage tube flip-top B15N head safe at home.

I kinda interested, at least with the aesthetics. Tone is yet to be determined, but it does use the conventional tone stack and mid switch. It could be way more interesting sounding than the B1R.

 

[mikeswals]

I am thinking that it might be great as an alternative to drive the cab when one wants to keep the vintage tube flip-top B15N head safe at home.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking...I could easily use it with my B15R extension cab for the small gigs or practices I don't need to take my big stuff to.

 

[bebop1]

Yeah, and it might have decently giggable power with a balanced XLR with pre and post options. Hmmmmm, still the tone question...

 

[JustOpenYourMind]

The problem is that it'll sound nothing like a SVT, V4B or B15N because it's solid-state...
Bummer

 

[NoHomework81]

I always assumed "VR" = "Vintage Reissue", but this doesn't appear to be any reissue to me. Am I wrong? wouldn't be the first time. It looks good, I wonder how it will sound?

And I'm suddenly reminded of this...

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[kraigo]

I'd seen a reference to that amp somewhere. It sure is cute. I'm actually more curious about the cab than I am about the head. I notice there's no efficiency/sensitivity rating for it on the Ampeg site.

KO

 

[kraigo]

I just got this amp back from the shop:

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20 watts tube into a sealed 15" cab. Traynor Bassmate from 1973 or so. I'm really enjoying it with the Artcore bass. I'm working on getting the cash for the Darkstar that the Artcore is crying out for.

KO

 

[MingusBass]

We received word from Ampeg that the SVT-Micro is now the Micro-VR and because it's "new" the Micro-VR is on backorder with no ETA.

 

[Spencer!]

I'm interested in the cab....it would be great to have something that small that could sound like an 810 in the studio, if it sounds anything like the SVT810, that is.

 

[AndyMan]

On Ampeg website, looks like the cab is 8 ohms. That's stupid--why have a beefed up head rated at 200 watts at 4 ohms, but keep cab at 8?

Answer: so you will have to buy 2 cabs. $$$

 

[fenderhutz]

Anyone may have insight on this? Maybe the reason it was rated at 150watts was due to it being a retooled Crate Power Block. They were supposed to come out with a bass Power Block before they closed the US operations.

They could have increased the power section and kept the rest of the design the same.

I used my Crate Power Block for rehearsal this week and if the keep the tube emulation the same in the pre-section or improved it it will sound pretty good.

 

[thumpbass1]

I just got this amp back from the shop:

Link Removed

20 watts tube into a sealed 15" cab. Traynor Bassmate from 1973 or so. I'm really enjoying it with the Artcore bass. I'm working on getting the cash for the Darkstar that the Artcore is crying out for.

KO

You are breaking my heart! I had one of those as my first bass amp as a kid back in 72. I needed something bigger to play in band and I jumped straight into a Sunn rig, but the Traynor Bassmate was okay for low volume bass playing and it absolutely killed as a guitar amp when cranked. Congrats on your vintage Traynor Bassmate, it looks awful nice and pristine.

 

[leftymike]

just saw these were only $259. Still curious about the tone.

 

[TheWolf]

January 25th 2009 seems to be the "Coming Soon" date on all the web sites...

 

[bassike]

did anyone played with it yet??