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Ampeg SVT 2 Pro with the SVT-410HLF

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drcool

Jan 9, 2008
66
0
#1
I am very close to pulling the trigger on an Ampeg SVT 2 Pro amp (still might swing to the CL) but I am I am having trouble deciding on which cabinets to go with. My first thought was the SVT-410HLF paired with the SVT 15E but being the idiot I really am I didn't realize that the 410HFL is 4 ohm and the 15E is 8 ohm.

So would you recommend just going with the 410HLF or going with the SVT-410HE paired with the SVT 15E (both of those are 8 ohm).

I have also toyed with the idea of getting some other cabinets (Avatar, Bergatino, DR Bass) but I have really liked the Ampeg cabs I have played through in the past.
 
#3
I used to own that setup and I though it was only sub par. The SVT 410hlf does not project much in the midrange/upper mid/treble range of sound. I always felt the cab and the head just killed that upper mid growl that just about any bass player needs in their tone. The cab definitely goes low, but it's nearly to the point of rediculous. Now keep in mind that I am using a 5 string bass here and I like to have a full on sound - lows, mids, highs - flat with a little 2khz - 5khz boost and that's about it. The 2 PRO ran out of steam at one point when I tried to get the head louder through 2 410hlf's. It's like the amp could only put out so much low end before it started to massively distort. The growly nature of the 2 PRO was definitely cool, but the Ampeg cabs just did not put out enough midrange to define my tone - even when I boosted at 500hz.

I would say pass on the Ampeg stuff.
 
#4
...it sounds as though, if you really like the SVT 2, then based on what's been said, the 610hlf might could work(?).
I know it's been talked to death, but whether or not it's a hybrid cab-another argument altogether (that is, the 410 at the top of the box being partially sealed and the bottom 210's having larger magnets, ported differently, etc.) the reviews on it suggest it's truly a compromise between the great low's the 410hlf produces (which I like with the 3pro and a jbass/single coils) and the mids that the 810e has. In other words, I've heard it has good all around tone. (I'm in the market for one right now).

Otherwise, the 410he and 15e might be a good match since one is sealed and the other ported. (Then again, ask yourself if you're gonna use the tube drive/distortion alot and that may add other possibilities to the mix, ie, the 410hlf may not be articulate enough. The SVT 2 can really do some serious overdrive.)

Jimbob
 
#5
I have never understood people having an issue where they couldn't get their Ampeg amp and cabinet 'loud enough'...I can't turn mine past midway and it it way too loud...

I have the SVT410HLF and an SVT3 and it sounds great. I have owned the 410HE paired with the 115 Ampeg and I will take my 410HLF over the other pair ANY DAY....very tight cabinet, VERY LOW...goes lower than the 810 Ampeg....and has the bar on the back and 2 wheels.....great cabinet...I think you will be happy with the SVT2...

FWIW, I am also thinking about getting rid of my SVT3PRO and getting the SVT CL....I gotta go all tube.
 
#6
The two 410HLF's I had got plenty loud, but the issue was not the volume, but the tone it produced at a high volume. The mids were not as present as something like an Eden 410XLT. So I would have a good, loud low end blasting away, but the guitars would cut through me in a heart beat because I did not have the cool growly upper mid tone or any punch in the 500 hz department. I would boost the mids on the 2 PRO and after a while, I realized the tone was just terrible to my ears.

That's how I feel about it. Try out the rig and if you like it, buy it and forget what I said! Everyone hears things differently than I do, so follow your ears and be happy. That's what matters.
 
#9
Gearhead17 said:
The two 410HLF's I had got plenty loud, but the issue was not the volume, but the tone it produced at a high volume. The mids were not as present as something like an Eden 410XLT. So I would have a good, loud low end blasting away, but the guitars would cut through me in a heart beat because I did not have the cool growly upper mid tone or any punch in the 500 hz department. I would boost the mids on the 2 PRO and after a while, I realized the tone was just terrible to my ears.

That's how I feel about it. Try out the rig and if you like it, buy it and forget what I said! Everyone hears things differently than I do, so follow your ears and be happy. That's what matters.
Click to expand...

I have my graphic EQ looking somewhat like a hill. I boost mids on my guitar as well. I think the sound is okay. It's about as good as the HLF gets but don't forget about the horn pot on the back of the cab.
 
#10
..indeed, it's whatever floats your boat that counts. Gear, that makes sense to me. Sleepmonky, I'd keep your 3 pro (faux tube tone with less weight) for smaller gigs and do the CL for larger ones. (That's what I do, but the 410hlf/CL combo is just a tad bit too bottomy for my taste unless you cut the lows on that set-up.)

There are certainly alot of TB'rs runnin the 2pro who could elaborate on their cab experiences....................... .

Jimbob
 
#11
Williamsburgjim said:
There are certainly alot of TB'rs runnin the 2pro who could elaborate on their cab experiences....................... .

Jimbob
Click to expand...

I try to do this as much as I can. The only cabs I've run my 2-Pro with have been the SVT 410-HLF and 810E

By far, I dug the sound of the 810E over the HLF. As said, the HLF gets very breathy and boomy at high volumes. The only way I counteract it is to boost mids and keep the horn pot higher than half.

It's not the greatest sound on it's own, but it's fine in the mix and the most you can do without going with a different cab. I do get compliments on my tone regularly if that means anything to anyone.

I've only played through the 810E once with it. Liked it a lot in fact I bought one recently based on that one experience (looked for a Berg NV610 for awhile... no dice). I'm in a sealed cab phase...:rolleyes:
 
#13
Thanks for all the input. Much appreciated. Now it just comes down to making a decision. I "think" I am still leaning towards the 410HLF but the 610HLF is tempting also. Maybe I will win big in Vegas this weekend and buy both!!!
 

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