Ampeg SVT 410 Classic vs. 210 Micro: Portable Power

[El Bannister]

I recently bought an Ampeg SVT 410, with a matching SVT 350 amphead; the original purpose was home practice and gigging around town (blues-rock-punk). Turns out the thing is not only gigantic, but it's damn heavy and only going to get heavier with the amphead.

This rig is the American-made stuff, before they moved manufacturing overseas, and I've heard some great things about fantastic low-end quality on this thing.

My real question is: does the Ampeg SVT-210 Micro put out enough power for a smaller venue? If I'm just using this rig around locally, do I need this beast of a cab (410)? I'd be saving a bit of cash if I swapped the 410 out, on top of the Micro being about 50 lbs. lighter.

I'm thinkin I'm gonna swap it out, but I'd be interested in people's opinions.

 

[DD Gunz]

I have played the 210 and it does get pretty loud but it is of the lighter duty variety than the 410 for sure. If you are playing lower volume gigs in smaller venues it would be fine IMO. It's not enough cab for me but I have seen a few guys using them at smaller shows playing mellow music. The 210 sounds killer though.

 

[Bass 45]

I never thought of a 410 as being gigantic - especially where "punk" is concerned.

I don't know which model you have - but the older SVT410HLF's can be heavy. My Heritage SVT410HLF weighs 50 pounds less (76#) than the one I was using in the late '90's.

I would recommend two light cabs - like 210AV's or 2 PF115HE's. Just one 210AV may not be enough for some gigs.

Also - the amp you have does not put out a lot of power into 8 ohms - you'd be better off with a 4 ohm load (two 8 ohm cabs).

 

[iagtrplyr]

+1 on the second 210 if you're going to go with those cabs. I have the Micro Rig and love how it sounds, but don't feel I could compete with much outside of acoustic guitar alone.

I plan on picking up a second one, but realize you're going to spend up to $600 for the two, and there's some steep competition at that price including cabs from Ampeg.

 

[JimmyM]

You don't necessarily need THAT cab, but if you want that super low end AND be loud, you're going to want something more than the 210av. You might enjoy some of the current PF cabs from Ampeg. They go quite low, they're heavy duty, and two of the 115's or the PF410hlf would be a pretty good lighter substitute. Won't be exact, but certainly in the ballpark.

 

[CrUiSeR]

if you think the svt410 is gigantic and heavy, then I would recommend a 4 ohm
Eden D210XLT!

 

[AlexanderB]

Do you mean the "combined head and cab" Ampeg rig? If so, like Jimmy says, forget about gigging anything bigger than singe songwriter with an acoustic guitar. The bigger SVT-210AV is well liked for tone, but very far from your current 410 in loudness. The discontinued SVT-210HE is basically a half size version of your current 410 (if it is the SVT-410HLF), down to the exact same speakers. Gig worthy with enough amp into 8 Ohms (which I am not sure the SVT 350 is the best for), and a bit of EQing, IME. At least good enough for anyone that is concerned about hauling a "gigantic" 410...
(Insert smiley at your own choise...)

 

[nitsuj]

How are 2 210 AV's in terms of volume (with say a GK 700 RB or MB200)?

 

[DD Gunz]

I have not played that particular combo but have played a 700rb and a 210AV. IMO adding another 210 would be helpful in the volume department; however, the 700rb is a beastly sounding 480w and I would error of the side of caution with that combination. Should be fine unless you push it. IMHO the 700rb gives the impression of a much more powerful amp when run at 4 ohms.