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Ampeg SVT-II appreciation thread

#521
Alexander said:
Sorry if this has been done before, but after reading through much of this thread (and searching more broadly), I can't find an answer. I'm wondering what the real differences are between the SVT II and the 2 Pro. The first bass amp I ever player through was a 2 Pro and it was awesome - I assumed since it had Pro in the name, it would be better than the SVT II (non pro) - but sounds like you all think differently. I'm interested in perhaps getting one with a Berg NV610. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...

The differences are both obvious and subtle. The Pro adds a couple more bands on the EQ, tuner out, gain control, etc. These changes were more about modernization of the SVT than anything else.
The less obvious differences are internal. The SVT II (non-Pro) circuit is close to the original SVT circuit, while the SVT Pro was changed to better meet the changing demands of the modern bass player. These changes included a higher-gain input stage and pre-amp circuits, as well as protective devices to allow the amp to run even when a tube fails. The power amp section is the same, except for the protective resistors, which are designed to blow (open) if a tube fails, possibly saving the OT from damage or meltdown. I'm sure there are plenty of references to this if you search the archives.
I own an SVT II (non-Pro), although I hardly ever use it anymore (too heavy). When I do break it out I use it with a 4-ohm 4X10, mainly because I don't have room in my car for anything larger -- except maybe a 6X10. If I owned an SVT Pro I'd be just as happy. They're really not that different, especially if you watch the input gain level. I can't think of a better way to make my bass heard than with an NV610 and an SVT II -- Pro or non-Pro -- provided you can deal with the weight. In fact, that just might be the direction I go next.
 
#522
Hey all, I just got a SVT II today, my first all tube bass amp!!!

2 questions :)

where can I find a users manual, I couldnt find one on the ampeg site

and also what would be the best generic setting for country with a Fender American Jazz V (chrome DRs)

Thanks!!!!

Eric
 
#525
There's a few ways. You could split the signal from your bass, and have each amp running a single cab. But the problem there is any tweaks in volume you'd need to change the settings on both amps.

You could always run the preamp out from one SVT into the poweramp in of the other. And then have each SVT plugged into an 810.

That would be using the same preamp signal from both amps to drive each 300 watt power section into an 810 (each).

Or you could of course just use one amp. By running both SVT's, you'll be running up to 300 watts into each cabinet, if you were using only one, it would be up to 150 watts into each cabinet.

Doubling the wattage like that would give you a 3dB increase in volume, which, isn't a huge amount.

Would look cool tho :p
 
#526
I see alot of guys running two 8x10 cabs off of one head.. definately not a bad move.. But two heads would look cool too.


Also, I sold my old SVT-II a few months back... :crying: BUT...... I have a "new" SVT-II arriving Friday!!! :hyper::bassist: Cant wait!!

Now I will can compare the tone of my V4 to the SVTII . :D
 
#527
ericluther said:
Hey all, I just got a SVT II today, my first all tube bass amp!!!

2 questions :)

where can I find a users manual, I couldnt find one on the ampeg site

and also what would be the best generic setting for country with a Fender American Jazz V (chrome DRs)

Thanks!!!!

Eric
Click to expand...

I couldn't find a manual either but you'll find centering all your amps tone knobs will be a good starting point for any type of music. You can then tweek to taste from there and don't forget to try out some different Frequency selector knob positions.

ps: you'll notice much more difference between the Frequency knob settings if you boost your amps mid tone knob up past the half way point.
 
#529
1966jazzbass said:
So the preamp out to the other heads' poweramp in doesn't cancel the original signal?

Thx
Jon

You could always run the preamp out from one SVT into the poweramp in of the other. And then have each SVT plugged into an 810.
Click to expand...


No problem with this. In fact, I used to use the pre-amp out as a tuner-out.
The power-amp input is the one you have to look out for with the switching contacts.
 
#530
i may still have a pdf of the owners manual. let me know if you still need it & i will look
for it.

yes, plug each head into an 810, then run pre-amp out(or effect out) of main head, into
power amp in (or effect in) of the second head. bam
 
#532
Mine just starts breaking up on the low notes with the amps volume set to somewhere around 3 or 4. (that's with all tone knobs centered and no boosts from an active bass) At that setting my rig is extremely loud. By the time your up to a volume knob setting of 5, It'd be normal to be getting a lot of breakup. I play pretty loud but have never had the desire to crank mine over half way.
 
#533
Is there a secret to getting them to overdrive like the gain on a SVT Classic or do you just simply have to drive the volume up...I had one, like an idiot got rid of it...now am trying to decide btw a Mesa Boogie 400+, SVT Classic, Peavey VB-2, or the SVT II Pro or Non-Pro...love the gain on the classic but love the SVT II...any help with getting that overdrive tone on it?
 
#534
anderbass said:
Mine just starts breaking up on the low notes with the amps volume set to somewhere around 3 or 4. (that's with all tone knobs centered and no boosts from an active bass) At that setting my rig is extremely loud. By the time your up to a volume knob setting of 5, It'd be normal to be getting a lot of breakup. I play pretty loud but have never had the desire to crank mine over half way.
Click to expand...

I get the same response from my amp .
 
#536
Seriously, Mohawk...thanks...I am so pissed I didn't even realize what I had...I play in a Southern Rock/Punk/Blues influenced and I just picked up a new Mosrite bass...before getting the bass I had tried an SG bass on a Mesa M6 Carbine and thought fantastic but leery about not having tubes...tried my new Mosrite on Thurs at a Guitar Center...too thin...unplugged walked over to an SVT Classic and put the gain up to 6 and there was the tone...hoping I can get that or close with the SVT II...just always really liked the amp I had...if I had access to this site before or had known of it...I might have still had it...thanks, again...

-Butcher
 

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