Ampeg SGT-DI

[Akiyama]

The origin pedal of course can switch between bassman and twin sounds I think

The Origin does not have headphone out or aux in or a flexible cab-sim. If Origin updated their Bassman with those features then...

so what are you're thoughts about the compressor built in the sgt ? I see different opinions about it on the web .

I never use a compressor except my software-based plug-ins and/or using Izotope mastering applications. The SGT circuit and the amp models have their own compressor-ish sonic behavior built-in. For me, I don't see the need to add any compression from the SGT-DI's knob/circuit. YMMV

 

[klattman]

so what are you're thoughts about the compressor built in the sgt ? I see different opinions about it on the web .

It's only one knob, and that sort of simultaneously sets several parameters, such as make up gain.
I find that it is nothing special and is only really usable in about 10% of the dial range, and the position of that range depends on how hot the bass is. The pedal is set to SGT circuit then compressor, then preamp, then cabsim. So the compressor allows for the SGT part to respond to playing dynamics well, so they placed it nicely in the signal chain, it's just not a very flexible compressor.

However putting an external compressor in front of it doesn't work well for me either because having compression ahead of the SGT drive circuit ruins the dynamic response/feel for me.

 

[iagtrplyr]

It's only one knob, and that sort of simultaneously sets several parameters, such as make up gain.
I find that it is nothing special and is only really usable in about 10% of the dial range, and the position of that range depends on how hot the bass is. The pedal is set to SGT circuit then compressor, then preamp, then cabsim. So the compressor allows for the SGT part to respond to playing dynamics well, so they placed it nicely in the signal chain, it's just not a very flexible compressor.

However putting an external compressor in front of it doesn't work well for me either because having compression ahead of the SGT drive circuit ruins the dynamic response/feel for me.

Agree with you completely. I don’t find the compressor necessarily bad, but I haven’t found a spot on the dial to where I think it’s helping my sound either. I’d say you’re being optimistic with the 10% estimate.

I also agree with you about not putting compression before the SGT circuit, thus the reason why my compressor is currently off my board. I guess that means I’ll have to continue experimenting with theirs until we meet a decent compromise.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Akiyama]

Agree with you completely. I don’t find the compressor necessarily bad, but I haven’t found a spot on the dial to where I think it’s helping my sound either. I’d say you’re being optimistic with the 10% estimate.

I also agree with you about not putting compression before the SGT circuit, thus the reason why my compressor is currently off my board. I guess that means I’ll have to continue experimenting with theirs until we meet a decent compromise.

Thanks for your thoughts!

I get the auditory perception that the higher the SGT setting the higher the compression. What are your thoughts and perceptions?

 

[klattman]

I get the auditory perception that the higher the SGT setting the higher the compression. What are your thoughts and perceptions?

Overdrive is a form of clipping the signal which is also a form of compression, so they will interact. If you change the SGT gain, you probably have to mess with the compression level also to compensate.
It’s definitely fiddly, but once I get it dialed in I really like the sound and playability. Has to be tweaked a bit each session and especially if changing the gain needed or the bass used (all my basses have slightly different output level)

you can get by without the compressor also just have to make sure you aren’t clipping the cab sim if you are using high input or high SGT gain (check for the red light). Clipping the cabsim sounds awful.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I get the auditory perception that the higher the SGT setting the higher the compression. What are your thoughts and perceptions?

Yes, I agree with Klattman’s point: The pedal is set to SGT circuit then compressor, then preamp, then cabsim. So the compressor allows for the SGT part to respond to playing dynamics well, so they placed it nicely in the signal chain, it's just not a very flexible compressor…

You have to push the SGT circuit, through its gain knob, to allow the compressor to increase the effect of the compressor, and maybe live it works, but for recording I just can’t get it to do much to help even out my notes or even add a little sustain.

I typically run it between 10-11 o’clock in conjunction with the SGT circuit, but for the life of me it doesn’t seem to have any effect. For recording, I’m now adding a compression plugin to my bass track to achieve what I’m looking for out of that effect.

The more I use this pedal the more I’m realizing it’s less for recording, IMHO, and more for the stage. My SVT Suite gets me everything the pedal does and more. That said, I still like what it does and again think it’s a great way to get that Ampeg tone when away from the studio.

 

[2saddleslab]

Spent another day in the studio laying down a couple brand new rhythm tracks. Going for a clean sound today and loved the results.

 

[Dr McBalders]

I am continually amazed at how the SGT-DI plays so well with the Edison preamp in front of it. It's like magic or something. Super sounding combination.

 

[2saddleslab]

I am continually amazed at how the SGT-DI plays so well with the Edison preamp in front of it. It's like magic or something. Super sounding combination.

The SGT-DI + Edison make a great team.

 

[Nunovsky]

Hi! I've been using my SGT-DI and I really love it. I'm currently using it into the fx loop return of my amp.
Thing is, I'm using my Harley Benton 25th Anniversary JB that's passive, and it's pushing the input signal to red even with the volume knob bellow 12 o'clock.
I have to set the volume pretty low for it not to clip and this messes with the signal of the amp and into the PA.
How does your preamps deal with hotter signals? Is this ok or is the unit defective in any way?
I'm using an Harley Benton power bank to feed the pedals but each output has 9v and 500ma, which should be enough to power the unit according to the power demands in the manual.
I really like this preamp but it seems to lack on headroom...

 

[Murph_Orpheus]

Hi! I've been using my SGT-DI and I really love it. I'm currently using it into the fx loop return of my amp.
Thing is, I'm using my Harley Benton 25th Anniversary JB that's passive, and it's pushing the input signal to red even with the volume knob bellow 12 o'clock.
I have to set the volume pretty low for it not to clip and this messes with the signal of the amp and into the PA.
How does your preamps deal with hotter signals? Is this ok or is the unit defective in any way?
I'm using an Harley Benton power bank to feed the pedals but each output has 9v and 500ma, which should be enough to power the unit according to the power demands in the manual.
I really like this preamp but it seems to lack on headroom...

If you mean the clipping light on the SGT-DI then that isn't a bad thing. Is there audible clipping happening when you play at higher volumes? If not, then carry on playing. The clipping light on Ampeg products isn't a negative unless you can hear it happening.

 

[Nunovsky]

If you mean the clipping light on the SGT-DI then that isn't a bad thing. Is there audible clipping happening when you play at higher volumes? If not, then carry on playing. The clipping light on Ampeg products isn't a negative unless you can hear it happening.

In fact, I don't hear an audible clipping, but the light just keeps turning red when the volume is set at 12 o'clock.

 

[Murph_Orpheus]

In fact, I don't hear an audible clipping, but the light just keeps turning red when the volume is set at 12 o'clock.

As long as you don't hear any clipping then carry on by all means. The red light is nothing to be afraid of on Ampegs.

 

[dubmaster]

As long as you don't hear any clipping then carry on by all means. The red light is nothing to be afraid of on Ampegs.

This is not the same as the clipping light on usual ampegs. The clip light for the sgt DI turns red when you clip the impulse response which usually sounds very harsh. My experience is to avoid the clip light by turning down the cab level knob on the side then add gain at the mixing console to account for the low levels. I wish there was a way to boost gain post the cab level higher since the output level is mic not line.

 

[klattman]

This is not the same as the clipping light on usual ampegs. The clip light for the sgt DI turns red when you clip the impulse response which usually sounds very harsh. My experience is to avoid the clip light by turning down the cab level knob on the side then add gain at the mixing console to account for the low levels. I wish there was a way to boost gain post the cab level higher since the output level is mic not line.

Agreed. Red light is bad as in you are clipping the cab sun. Trim ahead of the cabsim or dial back the cabsim volume. A built in input pad would have been nice even for some of my passive basses.

 

[marchone]

 

[kevinpmajka]

Nice rig! If you use compression.... Do you use the ampeg compressor or does the mesa have it?

I can't play jazz basses due to my height, but that one is my style! Nice sunburst/tort combo. I'm pretty picky about it - real compliment.

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[Nunovsky]

This is not the same as the clipping light on usual ampegs. The clip light for the sgt DI turns red when you clip the impulse response which usually sounds very harsh. My experience is to avoid the clip light by turning down the cab level knob on the side then add gain at the mixing console to account for the low levels. I wish there was a way to boost gain post the cab level higher since the output level is mic not line.

Agreed. Red light is bad as in you are clipping the cab sun. Trim ahead of the cabsim or dial back the cabsim volume. A built in input pad would have been nice even for some of my passive basses.

Thank you! Now I understand better how this unit functions.
I wish this stuff would be described in the manual and this totally needs an input pad.

 

[marchone]

Nice rig! If you use compression.... Do you use the ampeg compressor or does the mesa have it?

I can't play jazz basses due to my height, but that one is my style! Nice sunburst/tort combo. I'm pretty picky about it - real compliment.

I typically don’t use compression.

There is no compressor in the Mesa D-350. The usable compressor range in the SGT is very limited.

 

[59jazz]

High pitched hum issue. Just got a lightly used one (looks new to me) in the mail this week. I'm using the Ampeg power supply and the unit is dead quiet, but if I add 1 or 2 effects to the power supply chain, I get this faint annoying high pitched hum. Anyone experience this?