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Ampeg Micro-VR stack? Anyone tried or has the pair?
- Thread starter BluesyCat
- Start date
I played one in Guitar Center. I thought it was a novelty thing & treated it as such (read: didn't really crank it).
It sounded like a novelty thing to me too - e.g. very mid present, not a lot of deep lows, but then I just came from a Markbass F1 through a 6x10 that was probably cranked a bit more.
Next time I'm in the area I'll have to try it again. Not something I'd really want to add to my arsenal, but I'm willing to have my mind changed.
It sounded like a novelty thing to me too - e.g. very mid present, not a lot of deep lows, but then I just came from a Markbass F1 through a 6x10 that was probably cranked a bit more.
Next time I'm in the area I'll have to try it again. Not something I'd really want to add to my arsenal, but I'm willing to have my mind changed.
Only thing I'm worried about with the Micro VR is what speakers they used. I'm not a fan of the speakers in the 810e these days. They're claiming on the website that they go up to 5k, but the 810e's supoosed to do 5k as well and it doesn't come anywhere near it. What do you all think about its top end?
Chef
In Memoriam
It's been decades since I laid hands on an ampeg 810, but I did not find the 210-AV's to be dark.
They don't have a horn!
Given that, they represented top end nicely, for what they are, and I'd say 4-5k felt about right. "I could hear my round wounds..."
They don't have a horn!
Given that, they represented top end nicely, for what they are, and I'd say 4-5k felt about right. "I could hear my round wounds..."
Mine arrived Tuesday, and I'm finally able to start putting a little time in with it. First reaction - it's about the cutest little rig I've ever seen, and I can't believe it is capable of generating as much sound as it does. On a side note, kudos to Loud for packing these things in UPS-proof double boxes with foam and cardboard corner protectors - mine arrived in pristine condition, even though the boxes looked like they had been through a war.
I must respectfully disagree with Chef's comment about there not being that much difference in sound between one cab and two. Perhaps it is because Chef used another 2X10 cab - I only got the one, but hooked it up with an 8 ohm Ibanez SW115 (extension 15 for the old Soundwave 100 combo) and it flat out came alive. Gave me the pants flappage that I've always looked for when playing bass in larger venues. However, that being said, I'll probably never use the 15 extension. I got this for portability and the SVT tone capabilities it delivers, and it delivers them in spades. If I need more sound, I can always replace the speakers down the road to achieve a 4 ohm load in the single cab.
The only downside, for me anyway, is that the fan is a little noisy when it cranks into the higher RPMs. However, you've got to be playing at a reasonably high volume for that to happen, and I suppose that volume would mask the fan noise.
My experience is identical to Chef's when it comes to his comment regarding a P bass with flats played through an Ampeg. This unit really makes that sound work like no other I've ever owned over the years. In fact, beginning Sunday I have a 3 week run of 'Seussical' at a local theatre, and the SX short scale P with Labella flats and the Micro VR are the weapons of choice. I can't wait to get it into the pit and see how it fits into the mix.
OK, the book is complete. Thanks for reading!!!
Blooz
I must respectfully disagree with Chef's comment about there not being that much difference in sound between one cab and two. Perhaps it is because Chef used another 2X10 cab - I only got the one, but hooked it up with an 8 ohm Ibanez SW115 (extension 15 for the old Soundwave 100 combo) and it flat out came alive. Gave me the pants flappage that I've always looked for when playing bass in larger venues. However, that being said, I'll probably never use the 15 extension. I got this for portability and the SVT tone capabilities it delivers, and it delivers them in spades. If I need more sound, I can always replace the speakers down the road to achieve a 4 ohm load in the single cab.
The only downside, for me anyway, is that the fan is a little noisy when it cranks into the higher RPMs. However, you've got to be playing at a reasonably high volume for that to happen, and I suppose that volume would mask the fan noise.
My experience is identical to Chef's when it comes to his comment regarding a P bass with flats played through an Ampeg. This unit really makes that sound work like no other I've ever owned over the years. In fact, beginning Sunday I have a 3 week run of 'Seussical' at a local theatre, and the SX short scale P with Labella flats and the Micro VR are the weapons of choice. I can't wait to get it into the pit and see how it fits into the mix.
OK, the book is complete. Thanks for reading!!!
Blooz
Chef
In Memoriam
I never said the 2nd cab didn't make much of a difference.
It does, because you double the come area; and that is a substantive diff.
What I did say was that adding the second cab-to run the head a 4 ohms vs 8-didn't seem to make much of a diff in terms of the power output of the amp. With some amps, this is a big, percievable difference.
That was not my epxerience with this head.
I think this is the post you're referring to:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7782420&highlight=#post7782420
It does, because you double the come area; and that is a substantive diff.
What I did say was that adding the second cab-to run the head a 4 ohms vs 8-didn't seem to make much of a diff in terms of the power output of the amp. With some amps, this is a big, percievable difference.
That was not my epxerience with this head.
I think this is the post you're referring to:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7782420&highlight=#post7782420
Chef - sorry for the misrepresentation of your post. It still seems to me that the additional 15 brought out more than just additional cone area, though. However, with nothing but my aging set of ears to go by, I could very well be wrong. I'm sure it's a much more accurate test to add an identical cab like you did rather than something totally different like I did. I just wanted to get a little more low-end thump than I was getting with the 2X10 cab.
When I first set up and fired up the Micro VR, I was somewhat disappointed as I didn't feel it even had the usable bass sound that my 100 watt B15T has. However, the more I adjusted the settings and tried different basses through it, the more I loved what I was hearing. The best sound I've heard so far has been the shorty P with Roto 88's. It is the closest thing I've ever heard to an upright without actually pulling the bull fiddle out of the corner and blowing off the dust. Also, I really love the P with flats sound outlined above. Further, the J I have strung B-E-A-D sounds amazingly strong through this, which was also a surprise.
Blooz
When I first set up and fired up the Micro VR, I was somewhat disappointed as I didn't feel it even had the usable bass sound that my 100 watt B15T has. However, the more I adjusted the settings and tried different basses through it, the more I loved what I was hearing. The best sound I've heard so far has been the shorty P with Roto 88's. It is the closest thing I've ever heard to an upright without actually pulling the bull fiddle out of the corner and blowing off the dust. Also, I really love the P with flats sound outlined above. Further, the J I have strung B-E-A-D sounds amazingly strong through this, which was also a surprise.
Blooz
Chef
In Memoriam
Well, we don't hear things all that different.
The 210-AV cabs are not particularly deep; and some folks will want deeper response that they offer. They weren't intended to be deep, but, there are plenty of other cabs that do that!
The 210-AV cabs are not particularly deep; and some folks will want deeper response that they offer. They weren't intended to be deep, but, there are plenty of other cabs that do that!
Just got my micr 2x10 cab. Awsome, clear, tight, punchy sound. No need for a tweeter with this cab. I played my sansamp VT Bass into a power amp into this cab and then my 70's svt. Man, if you could sit here and tell me that you hear a big difference, I'd call you a liar. The real svt can get more low end but, it's un-usable. When I dial up the tone that I like on the real thing, I can 100% replicate it with the VT pedal. I alway use the low cut function on my real svt by the way. I may get a second cab so that I can run my svt at 4 ohms. .............Im still not dragging that thing to a gig though. I love this cab but wonder why they just didn't make it 16" deep like the 8x10?
Anyone play a Micro-VR head with another cab?
Say, 15's. or 2x15?
Like to know what head sounds like.
Anyone play a Micro-VR head with another cab?
Say, 15's. or 2x15?
Like to know what head sounds like.
I plugged in two Epifani UL 112's. Sounded great!
Hey JimmyM. Bad news for your GAS. I picked up a Micro-VR head yesterday and it sounds really great through my '65 B15N cab. Tons of volume and classic tone. I think I may like it better than my LMII through the old cab. It could be a great live rig. I think that I'll try it out this weekend at a relatively loud bar gig and bring my Markbass rig in case I am dissatisfied after the first set. A bit of extra carrying, but worth the experiment.
It also sounded great through my 2 112 Markbass cabs. It seems to really enjoy both 8 and 4ohm loads.
Built really nicely, too. I opened it up (easy to remove 4 bolts on the top just like classic heads) and found real orderly design to it. Aesthetics are really pleasant, too - knobs have tightening screws and are as smooth as butter with satisfying resistance. I think I may really like this head. Doesn't sound anything like the crappy SVT-450 I had last year and it seems to be at least as loud. A winning design? Maybe...
In early Spring next year (when I get my income tax refund) I will be buying the Micro head and one or two cabs (depending upon the amount of the refund). I don't need more than 200w and, from what I've read, for $300 the Micro head can't be beat.
In the next week or so, I'm taking my Schector Diamond Elite-4 down to GC to try the Micro head with various cabs - the matching 2x10, an Ampeg 1x15, and some other brands.
I'll post a report on my impressions.
In the next week or so, I'm taking my Schector Diamond Elite-4 down to GC to try the Micro head with various cabs - the matching 2x10, an Ampeg 1x15, and some other brands.
I'll post a report on my impressions.
Well, I gigged with the Micro-VR last Friday on a quite loud stage - Rock in a noisy bar. Quite a great night as far as bars go. Anyway, I had my new Micro-VR running 2 112 8ohm Markbass cabs, so into a 4 ohm load. The tone was great and the EQ section is very powerful through decent speakers. The volume was just enough for that stage - I had the little guy pretty well maxed out.
Now, the Markbass cabs are not particularly efficient but I like their sound (through my usual Markbass LMII). I used only the Micro-VR for the first set and really liked the Ampeg vibe and tone. This little head gives juicy, chewy (even) bottom end and tone. But the limit light was on pretty much of the time to be able to achieve a loud enough stage volume. It was loud and would have been too loud with most bands I play with. But I pushed it that first set. It worked hard, didn't wince even once, and didn't let me down.
For the second and third sets, I decided to use the Micro-VR as a preamp into my LMII. I just took a 1/4" signal from the effects send on the back of the little Ampeg. I had full EQ control (everything but the limiter and Master Volume was available) and I got that great tone into the MB rig. But, the LMII has significantly more headroom (500 watts from the LMII vs 200 watts from the Micro-VR, both into 4 ohms). I wasn't pushing the LMII very hard and was getting more stage volume than with the Micro-VR.
I'm keeping the Ampeg head. It's so freaken cute and toneful! It's colored, but in just the way that suits my playing. But for loud gigs, or outdoor stages, it can't keep up. For everything else, I will be totally satisfied with the Micro-VR as the lone amp. For the bigger stages, I'll be using it as a preamp into my LMII. And, I'll always have a backup amp with me as in my setup, the LMII is part of my 112 combo.
For the less volume intensive gigs, I'll leave all my MB stuff at the studio and bring the Micro-VR and my B15N (just the cab - I don't ever take my B15N tube head out). And wow, the little guy looks and sounds great on top of that vintage cab.
I'm a happy bassplayer...
I think that the Micro-VR can't be beat @ $300. I'd certainly choose and/or recommend it over the $700 SVT-450 and its ilk. I didn't like that amp much at all and sold mine after using it for a few months last year. The Micro-VR sounds way closer to my numerous tube amps and is as least as powerfulas the supposedly 450 watt SVT-450.
Now, the Markbass cabs are not particularly efficient but I like their sound (through my usual Markbass LMII). I used only the Micro-VR for the first set and really liked the Ampeg vibe and tone. This little head gives juicy, chewy (even) bottom end and tone. But the limit light was on pretty much of the time to be able to achieve a loud enough stage volume. It was loud and would have been too loud with most bands I play with. But I pushed it that first set. It worked hard, didn't wince even once, and didn't let me down.
For the second and third sets, I decided to use the Micro-VR as a preamp into my LMII. I just took a 1/4" signal from the effects send on the back of the little Ampeg. I had full EQ control (everything but the limiter and Master Volume was available) and I got that great tone into the MB rig. But, the LMII has significantly more headroom (500 watts from the LMII vs 200 watts from the Micro-VR, both into 4 ohms). I wasn't pushing the LMII very hard and was getting more stage volume than with the Micro-VR.
I'm keeping the Ampeg head. It's so freaken cute and toneful! It's colored, but in just the way that suits my playing. But for loud gigs, or outdoor stages, it can't keep up. For everything else, I will be totally satisfied with the Micro-VR as the lone amp. For the bigger stages, I'll be using it as a preamp into my LMII. And, I'll always have a backup amp with me as in my setup, the LMII is part of my 112 combo.
For the less volume intensive gigs, I'll leave all my MB stuff at the studio and bring the Micro-VR and my B15N (just the cab - I don't ever take my B15N tube head out). And wow, the little guy looks and sounds great on top of that vintage cab.
I'm a happy bassplayer...
I think that the Micro-VR can't be beat @ $300. I'd certainly choose and/or recommend it over the $700 SVT-450 and its ilk. I didn't like that amp much at all and sold mine after using it for a few months last year. The Micro-VR sounds way closer to my numerous tube amps and is as least as powerfulas the supposedly 450 watt SVT-450.
I agree it looks pretty cool that way, but I'd be afraid of toppling the whole thing over with a tug from the cable. Seriously.
Non-skid mats would help, but I would definitely use a wireless if you're animated on stage.
Chef
In Memoriam
