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Ampeg SGT-DI

#381
I got one today and spent about an hour on it direct to my pa. I actually really liked the svt-212av cab sim. It sounds very much like the actual cab. The compression is a bit generic but, plenty useful. The eq was what you would expect with an Ampeg amp. The sgt circuit is good with some instruments and techniques but, not others. No fault of the pedal. The preamp is very clean but, not sterile. Maybe the best all in one I’ve heard direct to foh. I’ll hopefully have time to run it into my bass rig.
 
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#382
Got my SGT-DI today, I've been using a VT Bass DI. My initial take away is that the SGT-DI just has some more mojo or punch or some kind of special sauce. Just sounds noticeably better to my ears, maybe "rounder". The compressor works for what I need it for. The IR sounds much better to me. I kept the SGT circuit pretty low and got great tones. The VT Bass, Empress Bass Compressor and Spark can all come off my board I think.
 
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#384
74A9D047-BC24-453E-B1FC-77FE3E4AC44C.jpeg


I did get to use the SGT-DI at last night’s show. Overall, it’s a win. It doesn’t sound worlds apart from the SVP-CL I typically use. Unfortunately, I found the cab sims a bit woofy and didn’t use them. It sounded fine at home, just wasn’t working in the short time I had to mess with it, so I just turned it off. I did enjoy the compression and using the SGT circuit though. Maybe I’ll bring it again when I’ll have more time to play with it beforehand. Meanwhile, think I’ll tinker with the cabs at home and see what I can come up with.
 
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#385
KaseOfBass said:
View attachment 5019623

I did get to use the SGT-DI at last night’s show. Overall, it’s a win. It doesn’t sound worlds apart from the SVP-CL I typically use. Unfortunately, I found the cab sims a bit woofy and didn’t use them. It sounded fine at home, just wasn’t working in the short time I had to mess with it, so I just turned it off. I did enjoy the compression and using the SGT circuit though. Maybe I’ll bring it again when I’ll have more time to play with it beforehand. Meanwhile, think I’ll tinker with the cabs at home and see what I can come up with.
Click to expand...
I found that using the low cut and either the 1x12 or 2x12 sim to really sound good. I turned the high switch on as well.
 
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#387
So I've been living with mine for a few days and have been wanting to find a reason to return, but so far.. I REALLY like it.

How am I using it?

I typically use only pretty slightly overdriven tones with the EQ relatively flat. For that I am using the SVT SIM.

I don't find that it has the input clip issue that the SCRDI had, but I noticed i have to tweak levels for the Cab Sims so as not to overload those.

This definitely out-Ampegs my VT Bass and this might also replace my SVT3PRO that I sometimes use as a Pre (I have too much gear).

This definitely does what the VT Bass does but better AND I was sold when I loaded my own IRs into the 3 slots for really different flavor.

I currently have a Celestion V30 guitar cab, an Orange PPC212, and a SUNN 200s for the 3 user presets.
 
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#388
Compared 2 devices thus far to the SGT.

1. Ashdown LB30-2N (all tube 30w, post tx di and cabsim onboard)
including the ashdown because it has an internal load and a real valve power section and a 2 notes cabsim set, so it can run like a DI box.

2. Origin Bassrig SV

Running the SGT with DI 8x10 and SVT (compressor off).

I basically dialed them to about the same seatings (my sound, a bit of dirt and mid boost) and all with an 8x10 cabsim running out the DI.

The ashdown is punchier at the same OD and eq sounding level. Louder improved attack on the ashdown. Ashdown is also more touch sensitive in that I can play clean and dig in and get a very different tone.

The ampeg cabsim definitely is darker than the 8x10 I have running on the ashdown. Without the cabsim they can be dialed in closer. Can definitely tell the difference, but in a mix, probably not. Both have enough eq range that they will work great.

On the other hand, the originSV and ampeg SGT are very close. I needed to dial more treble on the SGT to match the origin and the cabsim on the SGT still seems a bit darker. I like the drive character of both but they are a little different as I can’t get the voicing to match exactly. These are close enough to be redundant as a DI. Possibly more options with the SGT because of the B15 and other cabs, but for live I really like the helpful amp eq on the SV.

I’d say for me the origin edges out the SGT just barely. The ashdown really does sound better and is more responsive and can play the same role but of course it’s a different animal at a different cost. Close enough for most situations, probably.
 
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#393
I just scanned through the entire thread, sorry if I missed it, but does anyone know if the SGT-DI will drive a stereo power amp?

I’m really close to buying either a Tech 21 ParaDriver DI or a Tech 21 VT DI to do just this, but this SGT-DI looks really cool, and some of these sound clips sound really good!
 
#394
Arthur U. Poon said:
I just scanned through the entire thread, sorry if I missed it, but does anyone know if the SGT-DI will drive a stereo power amp?

I’m really close to buying either a Tech 21 ParaDriver DI or a Tech 21 VT DI to do just this, but this SGT-DI looks really cool, and some of these sound clips sound really good!
Click to expand...
I plugged it into the effects return of an amp at my guitarist jam room and it drove that just fine. Sounded a lot better than the pre-amp section on the amp.
 
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#396
I find it good that people describe it as punchier and “rounder” than the VTDI. I play through a SansAmp BDDI V2 and I A/B’d it against the VTDI a while ago, and found the VTDI to be a bit thinner, lacking a bit of depth and thickness in the sound compared to the BDDI V2.
Looking forward to receiving the SGT-DI and seeing how it performs with the band.
 
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#398
Ian774 said:
I find it good that people describe it as punchier and “rounder” than the VTDI. I play through a SansAmp BDDI V2 and I A/B’d it against the VTDI a while ago, and found the VTDI to be a bit thinner, lacking a bit of depth and thickness in the sound compared to the BDDI V2.
Looking forward to receiving the SGT-DI and seeing how it performs with the band.
Click to expand...

Once you receive it, and spend some time with it, I hope you’ll post your thoughts on how it’s sound compares with your BDDI V2.
Thanks so much!
 
#399
1st gig w/ the SGT-DI. Disclaimer: this is probably not the scenario many will use the SGT-DI, so consider that when comparing to your own situation.

This was a small no-rig gig at the end of aisle 15/16 at Krogers [don't laugh, they pay well and it's a blast to play], running thru a Bose tower w/ sub.
IMG_6445.JPG


My mini no-rig board.
IMG_6446.JPG


At first I tried the 115 cab sim. Not bad, a little dark running thru the Bose, and didn't have quite the definition as I wanted. Then tried the 810 cab sim, same result. The cab sim was turned off and I dialed in the tone that worked well w/ the Bose and didn't compete w/ my geetar players Taylor [which has tons of low end]. Below are the settings I used.
IMG_6447 2.JPG


The bottom line: the SGT-DI has enough tonal options to handle just about any scenario. Really makes you smile when you dial in the sweet spot [thanks mid sweep].

Next will be in the studio [hopefully soon] where I plan to experiment w/ the cab sims and SGT drives, which sound amazing thru headphones. Pretty sure I'll be able to find a handful of unique but usable tones in the studio.

Comparing the SCR-DI w/ the SGT-DI: the former is more of a one trick pony, although it does it well. The latter is an Ampeg Swiss Army knife, allowing for more tonal options. YMMV. Very much enjoyed my SCR-DI and even happier w/ the SGT-DI.
 
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#400
txhawaii said:
here's a review in Japanese. the reviewer has an animated dial that moves to illustrate the sounds and tones he gets out of the box. you don't have to speak Japanese to actually understand it as its sorta visual. at the end he does give it a big thumbs up sayings its an all around good product from ampeg. watch for the animated dial.

Click to expand...

I don't speak the language but still found this video amazingly helpful.
 
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