Ampeg SVT 4 Pro direct out problem?

[DRN]

I just bought a SVT 4 Pro and tried it out for the first time tonight. I used to run a line out to a Behringer B300 or something as a direct bass monitor for the drummer. I ran out of the direct out of my SWR SM900 right into the Behringer and it was loud with plenty of signal. When I try to do the same thing with the Ampeg I get a very very weak signal. I played with the stereo/mono switch and the pre/post switches and had the front panel level pot all the way up. I had to turn the Behringer all the way up and it still could not be heard over the drums. I have heard most car sterio's louder then this. Is this weak signal from the direct out normal for the Ampeg or do you think something is wrong. If that is all the direct out is I can not even see any use to use it for the front of house send. That sucks.

Please set me straight or let me know it may have a problem.

If the above paragraph does not make sense I am sorry it is about 1:20am and I just got home from practice and I have not slept much in two days. I had to do this now since I am frustrated.

Thanks for any input.

Dave

 

[Ryan L.]

I have not had any such problem with the DI on mine. I use it for running to the snake all the time and it comes through loud and clear through the PA. I set the level on the front at about the 2:00 position,BTW.

 

[Biker4Him]

My Di out has very low signal also. The sound guy's always ask me to turn it up. I now just leave the di out volume at full blast. They seem just fine with that, and I always end up good in the house mix.

 

[DRN]

Something must be wrong cause I have mine all the way up and I only get a very weak signal. I have to turn up the monitor and that has a 300 watt amp.

 

[Jerrold Tiers]

I assume you are talking about the balanced line out?

They originally had a very hot output, and most people didn't like that (some did).
If the board had low quality preamps, they couldn't handle the line level, so we reduced the output level for those outputs.

If you are running to a board, those are correct.

If you want to directly drive an external power amplifier, they may not be hot enough, they aren't intended for that.

For running an external power amp directly, the preamp out will be a better choice since it is about 12dB higher level.

 

[DRN]

Gotcha,

I have a few questions about the pre amp out.

Does this have any volume control like the balanced out? Is the level out of the pre amp out dictated by the master volume? I tried the pre amp out and did not get anything. I had the master volume down so I could hear only the monitor and not my rig (I also tried all options with the main speakers on as well) Nothing. I do not see anything in the manual about switches or anything.
Is something wrong or is it operator error?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Jerrold Tiers]

Gotcha,

I have a few questions about the pre amp out.

Does this have any volume control like the balanced out? Is the level out of the pre amp out dictated by the master volume?

It is the same signal as is going to the internal amp, so yes it follows the master, etc.

BUT there is a better idea.

Re-reading, it seems you are using a powered speaker for a monitor. I misread it as a power amp.

The B300 powered speaker has a line and mic input, and the mic input should be fine, with its -24 dBv sensitivity.

In fact, that is pretty similar to running it to the board, so that ought to do the job with room to spare.

The B300 line input is only +4 sensitivity, and might be weak as you mention.

 

[DRN]

Thanks I will try switching it from line input to mic input. I will let you know.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Tim VDL]

I have the same problem with my svt4-pro output power. I took it back to the store to have it tested, but there wasn't anything wrong. They even gave me the correct settings to use this amp on a mixing-table. But everytime I get the same reaction of the PA-guys. Your output sucks and then they show up with an external DI, problem solved. Is there something like banlanced or unbalanced cables? Could this be the problem?

 

[xenrelic]

Just a heads up for anyone that comes across this and has a non-functioning direct out. The push push switches in the back sometimes get dirty/worn out and need to be cleaned or replaced. I have had a few of these amps come through with the direct out not working at all and they work great after the switches are cleaned out with Deoxit D5 spray. You can tell if it's the switch if the sound comes in and out intermittently when moving the switch actuator.