Ampeg SGT-DI

[2saddleslab]

Had a chance to take the SGT-DI for a short spin using headphones [3 different pairs] only. It sounds great and the multiple tonal options & features make it impossible to give a full review until it's used in more real life scenarios.

But safe to say this thing can be dialed in to suit just about anyone. A couple quick thoughts:

-Love the the cab sims, especially the 115. But the cab sim volume sets to the level the last time each was used, and that will take some getting used to. Doubt I'll ever add custom sims, a little too tech for me. Besides, there's enough great tone available as is.

-Love the mid sweep, very useful to dial in a tone that will cut thru the mix.

-Love the SGT, especially in B15 mode. I've never been a full tilt distortion guy but this is capable of some very usable overdrive and look forward to discovering all the possibilities.

Got a small no-rig gig this Sunday and will report back. Can't wait to hear everything the SGT-DI can do.

 

[Johno Dunn]

Had a chance to take the SGT-DI for a short spin using headphones [3 different pairs] only. It sounds great and the multiple tonal options & features make it impossible to give a full review until it's used in more real life scenarios.

But safe to say this thing can be dialed in to suit just about anyone. A couple quick thoughts:

-Love the the cab sims, especially the 115. But the cab sim volume sets to the level the last time each was used, and that will take some getting used to. Doubt I'll ever add custom sims, a little too tech for me. Besides, there's enough great tone available as is.

-Love the mid sweep, very useful to dial in a tone that will cut thru the mix.

-Love the SGT, especially in B15 mode. I've never been a full tilt distortion guy but this is capable of some very usable overdrive and look forward to discovering all the possibilities.

Got a small no-rig gig this Sunday and will report back. Can't wait to hear everything the SGT-DI can do.

Look forward to your thoughts on this! I play through IE's every Sunday, and the GTK shines in this. I would love for this to hear other's opinions, before I pull the plug!

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Nothing tech 21 makes sounds anything like an ampeg. Despite their entire marketing budget being dumped into various bass players telling you they do.

I agree that SansAmp stuff doesn't really sound like Ampeg, which is why I like them

 

[johnk_10]

Do you know if the SVT/B15 voice selection only applies when the SGT circuit is on? Or does it change the voice of the entire preamp even when it's not?

the block diagram shows that the SGT circuit is post the SVT-B-15 voicing so it should change the voicing whether the SGT circuit is on or off:

 

[prestonn94]

the block diagram shows that the SGT circuit is post the SVT-B-15 voicing so it should change the voicing whether the SGT circuit is on or off:
View attachment 5016248

I think you're misreading the block diagram because the line above the SGT voicing (SVT/B15) says bypass and shows the signal skipping the SGT Grit and Voicing when bypassed. This means the SGT needs to be engaged to hear differences in voicing.

It even refers to it as SGT Voicing, another hint that it's related only to that circuit.

 

[BEADist]

Someone owning the unit also confirmed this (by listening).

I think you're misreading the block diagram because the line above the SGT voicing (SVT/B15) says bypass and shows the signal skipping the SGT Grit and Voicing when bypassed. This means the SGT needs to be engaged to hear differences in voicing.

It even refers to it as SGT Voicing, another hint that it's related only to that circuit.

 

[AlexMG]

the block diagram shows that the SGT circuit is post the SVT-B-15 voicing so it should change the voicing whether the SGT circuit is on or off:
View attachment 5016248

I think you're misreading the block diagram because the line above the SGT voicing (SVT/B15) says bypass and shows the signal skipping the SGT Grit and Voicing when bypassed. This means the SGT needs to be engaged to hear differences in voicing.

It even refers to it as SGT Voicing, another hint that it's related only to that circuit.

Someone owning the unit also confirmed this (by listening).

it’s also mentioned in the manual that the SGT circuit is composed of the Voice switch and the Grit control

 

[bassnyc1]

I'm so excited about this pedal. I'd like to have one someday. I've already got the SCR=DI and I like it a lot. I don't like the weight of it so that's why I also have the Ampeg Classic pedal for gigs. I've also been a Tech 21 VTDI user for many years so I'm dying to see first, a direct comparison with the
SCR-DI. Then other comparisons like the VT bass and the Origin Effects and so on.

Please someone post a comparison with the SCR-DI

 

[johnk_10]

I think you're misreading the block diagram because the line above the SGT voicing (SVT/B15) says bypass and shows the signal skipping the SGT Grit and Voicing when bypassed. This means the SGT needs to be engaged to hear differences in voicing.

It even refers to it as SGT Voicing, another hint that it's related only to that circuit.

i appears that you're correct.

 

[Akiyama]

I didn’t know there was a difference between the Ampeg Suite and the UA Ampeg amp collection. Is it more than just GUI?

The Ampeg SVT Suite has:

"SVT® Suite features three of the most renowned SVT amp heads: The HeritageTM 50th Anniversary SVT, the Heritage SVT-CL, and the SVT-4PRO. The amps can be paired with any of eight Ampeg speaker cabinets and third-party IRs may also be loaded. Plus, Dual-Cab and Dual-IR modes allow two cabs or IRs to be used simultaneously. The cabinets may be miked with any of six virtual microphones and you can adjust the position between the mics and the cabs, as well as blend in one of three stationary room mics. There are also models of five Ampeg effects pedals, including the new RocktaverTM and PhasifierTM effects. All this adds up to one extremely powerful bass amplifier plugin, offering nearly unlimited variations on authentic Ampeg SVT tone."

I appreciate the different mic arrangements and cab choices that Ampeg offers in the suite.


I have this plug-in:
Ampeg B-15N


I did not refer to anything by UAD. I do not know about their Ampeg plug-ins. Sorry for any confusion.

I was referring to the sonic qualities of the different amps in my first sentence. I like the sound of the SVT/8X10 over the B15. It just fits my style of playing and what I like to hear.

 

[SoulReflection]

The Ampeg SVT Suite has:

"SVT® Suite features three of the most renowned SVT amp heads: The HeritageTM 50th Anniversary SVT, the Heritage SVT-CL, and the SVT-4PRO. The amps can be paired with any of eight Ampeg speaker cabinets and third-party IRs may also be loaded. Plus, Dual-Cab and Dual-IR modes allow two cabs or IRs to be used simultaneously. The cabinets may be miked with any of six virtual microphones and you can adjust the position between the mics and the cabs, as well as blend in one of three stationary room mics. There are also models of five Ampeg effects pedals, including the new RocktaverTM and PhasifierTM effects. All this adds up to one extremely powerful bass amplifier plugin, offering nearly unlimited variations on authentic Ampeg SVT tone."

I appreciate the different mic arrangements and cab choices that Ampeg offers in the suite.


I have this plug-in:
Ampeg B-15N


I did not refer to anything by UAD. I do not know about their Ampeg plug-ins. Sorry for any confusion.

I was referring to the sonic qualities of the different amps in my first sentence. I like the sound of the SVT/8X10 over the B15. It just fits my style of playing and what I like to hear.

The UAD B15 plugin picks up where the SVT Suite leaves off. If your needs are more B15 oriented, this plugin at $29.95 is something it behold. I was super impressed with the quality and ease of use. For the price, you can't go wrong with either one. It all depends upon what you like to hear...to me, old school B15, Motown stuff is the best, IMHO.

 

[2saddleslab]

Look forward to your thoughts on this! I play through IE's every Sunday, and the GTK shines in this. I would love for this to hear other's opinions, before I pull the plug!

Temper your expectations, my gig is literally at the end of isle 15/16 at Krogers. I'll be going thru a Bose system, so it's a simple setup. My SCR-DI works great thru the system and expect the same with the SGT-DI, hoping the extra features translate to such a gig.

I'm so excited about this pedal. I'd like to have one someday. I've already got the SCR=DI and I like it a lot. I don't like the weight of it so that's why I also have the Ampeg Classic pedal for gigs. I've also been a Tech 21 VTDI user for many years so I'm dying to see first, a direct comparison with the
SCR-DI. Then other comparisons like the VT bass and the Origin Effects and so on.

Please someone post a comparison with the SCR-DI

The SCR-DI has worked great for silent practice and no-rig gigs, really easy to dial in great tone. The Scrambler section is not my favorite but I do use the Scrambler pedal. Just a solid pre that does it's job.

The SGT-DI does that and then some. Time will tell if the additional tone shaping comes to life in real world. I'm currently in a recording project and can't wait to use this in the studio.

 

[KaseOfBass]

Not sure why you’d want a cab sim blend. When playing through an amp and cab, 100% of your sound goes to the cab, that’s what a cab sim is emulating.
Any sound niggles you get with the lack of cab blend, just tweak with EQ.

There's a quite common practice of running a mic'd line and a DI line to a console where your FOH or studio engineer mixes the two together. Having a blend would allow you to accomplish this with one line. For me, I don't need multiple volumes, the one is sufficient.

 

[Bassique]

Comparison between the SGT-DI and Origin Effects Super Vintage would be pretty interesting. Its obvious that the Ampeg one is more versatile, but would be interesting to hear the differences between the drive circuit and cab sim section.

 

[iagtrplyr]

It here!
View attachment 5015935

A few comparison pics. BTW, the SGT-DI is a bit lighter.
View attachment 5015936
View attachment 5015937

Now down to the music room. Brief update later today.

Congrats on your purchase. Have fun with it!

 

[iagtrplyr]

It's that good? I've been keeping my eyes on it. I usually go through a Tech 21 DI-2112 into my DAW. Wonder how good it would sound having that plugin engaged as well.

I have been considering do I sell my 2112 to fund a purchase of this new pedal but the plugin may scratch the itch. I mainly jam at home and record.

I've had the Suite for about a year or so and I really like it. If you don't play out live then the Suite is perfect for the home enthusiast with numerous more options available. For $75 it's a steal.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Had a chance to take the SGT-DI for a short spin using headphones [3 different pairs] only. It sounds great and the multiple tonal options & features make it impossible to give a full review until it's used in more real life scenarios.

But safe to say this thing can be dialed in to suit just about anyone. A couple quick thoughts:

-Love the the cab sims, especially the 115. But the cab sim volume sets to the level the last time each was used, and that will take some getting used to. Doubt I'll ever add custom sims, a little too tech for me. Besides, there's enough great tone available as is.

-Love the mid sweep, very useful to dial in a tone that will cut thru the mix.

-Love the SGT, especially in B15 mode. I've never been a full tilt distortion guy but this is capable of some very usable overdrive and look forward to discovering all the possibilities.

Got a small no-rig gig this Sunday and will report back. Can't wait to hear everything the SGT-DI can do.

Thanks so much for this quick review. I'm looking for a B15 tone for live playing and am very interested in reading what you find out. I'll order a pizza on Sunday and hang around! Thanks again.

 

[Les Fret]

The Ampeg SVT Suite has:

"SVT® Suite features three of the most renowned SVT amp heads: The HeritageTM 50th Anniversary SVT, the Heritage SVT-CL, and the SVT-4PRO. The amps can be paired with any of eight Ampeg speaker cabinets and third-party IRs may also be loaded. Plus, Dual-Cab and Dual-IR modes allow two cabs or IRs to be used simultaneously. The cabinets may be miked with any of six virtual microphones and you can adjust the position between the mics and the cabs, as well as blend in one of three stationary room mics. There are also models of five Ampeg effects pedals, including the new RocktaverTM and PhasifierTM effects. All this adds up to one extremely powerful bass amplifier plugin, offering nearly unlimited variations on authentic Ampeg SVT tone."

I appreciate the different mic arrangements and cab choices that Ampeg offers in the suite.


I have this plug-in:
Ampeg B-15N


I did not refer to anything by UAD. I do not know about their Ampeg plug-ins. Sorry for any confusion.

I was referring to the sonic qualities of the different amps in my first sentence. I like the sound of the SVT/8X10 over the B15. It just fits my style of playing and what I like to hear.

Did you compare the B15 model in the Ampeg suite with the Brainworx B-15N? Which one do you prefer? Do they sound alike or is there a big difference?

 

[KaseOfBass]

I got to sit down with mine again tonight and got it dialed in about where I want it. Mounted on the pedalboard and ran through the Khan it sounds really nice! But I’ll readily admit it sounds pretty fantastic on its own, too.

Live, I’ve been just using an SVP-CL preamp for awhile now, but if I have time at our load ins this weekend, I plan to to take the pedalboard and give the SGT-DI a shot.

I’ll say, I like the 810 cab sim in the SGT better than I liked the stock one in HX Stomp. I had the Stomp set up with a little drive on it, but I’m liking what the SGT does over that, too.

Overall, very pleased so far. Hope I have a chance to use it this weekend.

 

[Warpt]

I ordered the SGT-DI after seeing a few videos of it on Tuesday. I ordered express shipping and got it today. I A/B'd it with my Master Effects Super 300, and the SVT setting on the SGT-DI sounds a lot more like an SVT than the ME S300 in my opinion. I have tried quite a few pre-amps to capture an Ampeg tone, heres a list of what I've bought and sold over the years: Tech 21 VT Bass, Darkglass Microtubes Vintage Ultra and B7K, Catlinbread SFT, Shiftline Olympic. I had settled on the Master Effects S300 for the SVT sound and a Sushi Box Slampegg Bee pre for a B15. I have yet to do a comparison between the SGT and the Slampegg Bee Pre. The SGT will definitely be very versatile. I'm very happy with my purchase so far with my very limited time with it.