AMPEG SVT 3 PRO EQ SETTINGS HELP!

[slapstick13]

I got the svt 3 pro and the 410hlf cab a few weeks ago and still havent found the tone Im looking for yet. I play in a punk band and use a jazz bass. Looking to get that nice midrange growl. Anyone have any eq suggestions for the graphic eq on this amp??? I've never really messed with a graphic eq, nor do I know which frequencies do what. Help! thanks.

 

[jmercer91]

flat lows boost low mids cut high mids flat highs, works good in a live setting too.

 

[slapstick13]

Im not sure which frequecies are low mids/ high mids or any of that sorta thing! Please clarify for me.

 

[Kraken]

May try that on my SVT4 too.

IMHO, 33Hz and 80 Hz are Lows, 150Hz and 300Hz are Low Mids, 600Hz is dead centre, 900 Hz and 2Khz are High Mids and 5Khz and 8Khz are Highs.
other people may tell you differently.

One thing I have learnt with graphic equalisers is to try and keep the sliders forming a nice curve rather than being all over the place. but again, this is down to taste

 

[scottbass]

I only use the graphic EQ on Ampeg's to adjust for the room harmonics. I start with all the sliders flat (at "0"), then IF NECESSARY I use the graphic EQ to fix "problem" frequencies - if there is a resonance or booming in a particular frequency range, or if the room seems to be sucking up a particular frequency range. I do the actual EQ'ing of my desired tone with the rotary bass, mid, treble and tube gain controls only. And since I like the basic Ampeg sound as-is, I tend to adjust those controls relatively flat with just a slight bump of midrange using the "2" range. And, of course, tube gain as necessary to get the edge I want.

 

[main_sale]

When using the graphic equalizers on a SVT-3Pro, remember that the slider all the way to the right controls the output(volume). Keep it at the top.

 

[Fletz]

Replying only to see responses... just got this same set up myself and would love to see what folks have to say...

 

[DeluxeRed]

I only use the graphic EQ on Ampeg's to adjust for the room harmonics. I start with all the sliders flat (at "0"), then IF NECESSARY I use the graphic EQ to fix "problem" frequencies - if there is a resonance or booming in a particular frequency range, or if the room seems to be sucking up a particular frequency range. I do the actual EQ'ing of my desired tone with the rotary bass, mid, treble and tube gain controls only. And since I like the basic Ampeg sound as-is, I tend to adjust those controls relatively flat with just a slight bump of midrange using the "2" range. And, of course, tube gain as necessary to get the edge I want.

+1. And hit it with a hot signal and boost the gain to get the 3-Pro really working. My peak light is almost always on.

When using the graphic equalizers on a SVT-3Pro, remember that the slider all the way to the right controls the output(volume). Keep it at the top.

You want to use the far-right slider to balance the changes you have made with the other sliders. That is, if you add a bunch of gain with the band sliders, then you don't have much headroom left in your signal; the master slider can reduce that back down. By the same token, if you cut a bunch of freqs, then you may need to boost the signal back up a bit. But running it full up will usually close out options for you.

The HLF is going to be boomy with this head. You'll have to work it a bit to get a more growly sound.

The meat is in the Mids.

 

[JimmyM]

want to know what the sliders do? move them up and down fully and you'll hear exactly what they do

 

[t bake]

To geta good mid growel with j bass and ampeg gotta crank the bass wide open my fender pickups really shelve the mids when rooled off , the verry pest punk tone i can get is with my gk BUT your ampeg will do just fine just keep turning the knobs ,rember cuttin freqs will do just the same as adding those around what you want i.e. if you want to hear moor mid try cutting the bass and trebble pre amp settings will also affect your drive tone . have fun GOD bless and gig on!

 

[steveinohio]

DeluxeRed hit the nail on the head. Great advice!

 

[vin*tone]

want to know what the sliders do? move them up and down fully and you'll hear exactly what they do

LOL. Now that's just crazy talk.

 

[vin*tone]

Oh and... The other thing you could try is a Precision.

 

[Gowron]

I read that Dookie was recorded with an SVT 2-Pro. Dirnt said he liked the 2khz frequency.
so like that other guy suggested, try boosting around there. i use a 3-Pro and go for that sorta tone, and play a jazz bass. j-basses are just naturally brighter, so if you think the tone is too twangy, don't go overboard on the treble knob(5khz on a 3-pro). i just bought a 410HLF and haven't really had much time to mess with it. last week i used my 3-pro with a GK 4x10 and the tone was all the bright, punchy, crystal clear i hoped it would be. i had bass mids and treble all around 2oclock. mid freq at 4 (1.6khz). eq pretty flat, boosting around 2, smoothly of course. tube gain boosted as well.
but whatever sounds good to you is what's right.

 

[Son of Bovril]

I find it is generally a good idea to turn the deep switch off on ampegs as that low end boost eats up headroom and masks your low mid frequencies with wool.

Here's an idea: if you are not getting the tone you want, try cutting the frequencies you don't like instead of boosting the ones you like...

 

[NKBassman]

Don't be afraid of the "clip" light on the gain knob either. Think of it more as a "signal" light, or better yet, ignore it completely and set the gain by ear. My 3-PRO sounds best when that light is on pretty much constantly.

 

[staindbass]

want to know what the sliders do? move them up and down fully and you'll hear exactly what they do

exactly . thats how you "find" your tone. put the normal eq at flat, and with the graphic flat, raise each slider to the top, and note how it changes the sound. some will make sound that you dont like, some will. keep the ones you dont like at flat, and boost the ones you liked according to how much you liked them. (then you will have you own unique sound.