• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

AMPEG SVT3 PRO - HEADROOM!!

M

MIKE900

Oct 7, 2009
7
0
#1
I have my SVT3 Pro through Ampeg 410HLF, GIVING ME 450W output. I have the gain set at about 12 O'clock, just before clipping when I strike hard and master up full. I sometimes think I just need a little more headroom, but seem to be at a bit of cul de sac - can't put up the gain anymore as it will clip and master is up full! I have tried adding attenuation with the -15DB button, but still with the master up full I cant say I notice any great difference. I have used the eq but don't really notice huge difference. Is there anything I can do? or am I really using the amp to the max??
I play in a punk band with a pick. Any suggestions or similar experiences PLEASE!!
Mike
 
#2
If I need some extra push on mine I set the eq flat and raise the level. A lot of people seem to bash this amp for lack of volume but I've got to say I don't seem to have that problem, even when using it with a single 8-ohm cab.
 
#3
If you haven't already, turn OFF the "Ultra Low" switch; that switch boosts your lows AND cuts your mids, hence using more power and making the bass harder to hear.

Without it, your bass will sound a lot louder.

Also, wind-up the drive control (the one closest to the graphic EQ) all the way -- that will compress the signal a bit and give you some more distortion.

Good luck!
 
#4
NINE NINE NINE NINE....

Another guy meeds straightened out about the RED LED.... Turn your master down. Turn your bass all the way up, this gives the amp the best signal to noise ratio.

Turn the preamp voltage UP.

Now turn the gain control UP, UP, UP the led should blink with every note. It flashes way below the point of clipping, you can hear clipping it sounds like crap. The LED will flash with every note.

NOW...

Adjust your master for intended volume. Need chunchies? ADJ the preamp voltage down until it gets nasty...

You now have a SVT 3PRO operating correctly.

BOB
 
  • Like
Reactions: cheechi
#5
+ 1. Good advice.

rbonner said:
NINE NINE NINE NINE....

Another guy meeds straightened out about the RED LED.... Turn your master down. Turn your bass all the way up, this gives the amp the best signal to noise ratio.

Turn the preamp voltage UP.

Now turn the gain control UP, UP, UP the led should blink with every note. It flashes way below the point of clipping, you can hear clipping it sounds like crap. The LED will flash with every note.

NOW...

Adjust your master for intended volume. Need chunchies? ADJ the preamp voltage down until it gets nasty...

You now have a SVT 3PRO operating correctly.

BOB
Click to expand...
 
#6
rbonner said:
NINE NINE NINE NINE....

Another guy meeds straightened out about the RED LED.... Turn your master down. Turn your bass all the way up, this gives the amp the best signal to noise ratio.

Turn the preamp voltage UP.

Now turn the gain control UP, UP, UP the led should blink with every note. It flashes way below the point of clipping, you can hear clipping it sounds like crap. The LED will flash with every note.

NOW...

Adjust your master for intended volume. Need chunchies? ADJ the preamp voltage down until it gets nasty...

You now have a SVT 3PRO operating correctly.

BOB
Click to expand...

Another +1 - this is good advice.

You don't need to max out your Master volume to get the full power from your amp. The SVT 3-Pro preamp needs to be hit hard - don't be afraid of that "clip" light. It should have been labeled "signal". Set your Master volume to suit the gig once you've got the rest dialed in.
 
#11
Robman said:
The way I get the most out of my SVT-3 Pro is turn the Volume all the way up and use the Gain as the actual volume control. Unbelievable how loud and clean this thing is before any clipping.
Click to expand...

This is exactly the opposite of what you should do. You can get all the power the amplifier has to offer without setting the Master Volume at max. You are simply raising your noise floor here without giving yourself extra power. Plus, the gain setting has a pretty significant effect on your tone.

Set your Gain up properly (red light is blinking frequently while playing), then use Master to set your output volume to match the band. You will have a lot less noise, and much better control over your tone/volume this way.

Again, for clarity: You can achieve full output power without setting your Master wide open.
 
#12
groovaholic said:
If you haven't already, turn OFF the "Ultra Low" switch; that switch boosts your lows AND cuts your mids, hence using more power and making the bass harder to hear.

Without it, your bass will sound a lot louder...
Click to expand...
Right . . . :cool: . . .

groovaholic said:
...Also, wind-up the drive control (the one closest to the graphic EQ) all the way -- that will compress the signal a bit and give you some more distortion...
Click to expand...
That's what rbonner calls "preamp voltage" . . . actually, maxing out the "preamp voltage/drive" control gives the least compressed, least distorted sound . . . that control at maximum is the cleanest, least distorted that the SVT-3PRO can sound . . . and, as rbonner said, lowering that "preamp voltage/drive" control will give a more distorted, "compressed" ("chunchier") sound . . .
 
#13
If the 3Pro is like the 6Pro, and I think it is, there is a knob labelled "tube voltage". This is what Bob is talking about, it's not the gain knob. When set low, it drives the tubes into saturation quicker, and when set high, it keeps the amps tone clean.
 
#14
Yeah whatever that knob is called on your particular amp. The first GAIN CONTROL on the left is the "volume knob" of the input level, crank this sucker up as far as you can and let the LED flash until it burns out.

The TUBE GAIN KNOB all the way on the right past the master is the voltage control for the preamp. Turn it all the way to the right for clean tone and back it off to get crunchy a little bit. Its subtle.

The master is the main volume control.

Hey Mav, do some of that bassist S***.... :-) BOB
 
#15
All replies so far are on the mark. I had one-a 3PRO- & IF U do need MORE heardroom, as said- Just set the Graphic EQ freq sliders FLAT, & turn UP the GRAPHIC EQ LEVEL slider. This will give U a LOTTA extra headroom. Took me a while to work this one out, but it DID make a heck of a diff. & I never actually had a prob w/ this amp NOT having enough headroom. just wasn't my 'bag'. Swapped it for an all tube Ampeg V4BH. 100w & darn near as loud too!!! :-)
 
#16
rodl2005 said:
All replies so far are on the mark. I had one-a 3PRO- & IF U do need MORE heardroom, as said- Just set the Graphic EQ freq sliders FLAT, & turn UP the GRAPHIC EQ LEVEL slider. This will give U a LOTTA extra headroom. Took me a while to work this one out, but it DID make a heck of a diff. & I never actually had a prob w/ this amp NOT having enough headroom. just wasn't my 'bag'. Swapped it for an all tube Ampeg V4BH. 100w & darn near as loud too!!! :-)
Click to expand...

+1 to that. Engage the EQ and crank it with the right most level slider - even if you EQ it flat.

.. oh and .... IIRC and FWIW... the tube voltage regulates the 12AU7 which is the mosfet driver - not the preamp. (:rolleyes: OK I'm a nerd)
 
#17
rbonner said:
Yeah whatever that knob is called on your particular amp. The first GAIN CONTROL on the left is the "volume knob" of the input level, crank this sucker up as far as you can and let the LED flash until it burns out.

The TUBE GAIN KNOB all the way on the right past the master is the voltage control for the preamp. Turn it all the way to the right for clean tone and back it off to get crunchy a little bit. Its subtle.

The master is the main volume control.

Hey Mav, do some of that bassist S***.... :-) BOB
Click to expand...

Thanks all. really useful stuff. Will give it a go next week and see how it is.
Mike
 
#18
rbonner said:
The first GAIN CONTROL on the left is the "volume knob" of the input level, crank this sucker up as far as you can and let the LED flash until it burns out.
Click to expand...

How hard can I hit the gain control, I've got it at about 10past. and just brought the master down a bit. Now if I need some more am I ok to turn up the gain more, what is the optimum gauge?
 
#20
I had the same issue for a long time with the exact same setup. Check out the thread that bassman_al posted, it helped me ALOT... I now run my gain (far left) at about 2 o'clock, tube gain (far right) at full, and master at around 3 o'clock- eq to taste and I overpower everyone including a hard hitting drummer if I go any higher.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back