Ampeg V4B with SVT-212AV vs other cabs

[Canauos]

Hello,

I've never been a big fan of Ampeg sound. I had the opportunity to play on SVT3 Pro and I did not like.

I then had a big period where I only used transparent amps, but in the end I never managed to find my sound.

In recent years, I have changed my mind about ampluses. I leave high fidelity behind and prefer simple amps that are warm, with a bit of character, without being caricatural.

I've also played Ampeg BA-110 and BA-115 combos (the newer generations) and got good sound in the context of student amps.

For gigs, I mainly play with a Line 6 HX Stomp, Ampeg simulations and in-ear monitors.

Recently I went to a friend who was selling an Ampeg V4B head (new model). I tried this head and absolutely loved it! As I said, it's an amp that has character, but is not caricatural. The sound is clear, defined, balanced and articulate. Yet it does not sound flat.

I would like to use this head in some of my gigs but also in the studio. The goal is to be picked up by a microphone.
But I don't know which cab to choose.

When I tried the V4B at my friend's house, I brought my 1x12 cab. It was built by a craftsman for me with a 12" Celestion ferrite and a semi-open back design.

The sound is great, but I had to cut the bass. I usually use this cab with another tube head and in concert, in closed spaces, I often have to cut the bass. I think it's the semi-open design that's a bit of a problem in a band (even though it's cool).

I then tried my friend's PF-115HE and the sound was much clearer and more defined. We tried in an apartment so it's hard to judge, but even if it seems less flattering than my 12", I have the impression that it would correspond better to use in a band.

The problem is that this cab is not really suitable for the V4B head. It is too narrow and a plank must be added. So I looked up some info and read that the Ampeg SVT-212AV cab is a great option for the V4B head. In addition, it matches the design well.

Nevertheless, after reading the specifications, I have a big doubt ...
The frequency response is given between 71hz and 18khz at -3db.
71hz seems low to me when you know the frequency of the fundamental of a low E
Even if it goes down to 35hz at -10db. Which also means there is still some sound.

In fact, it's the Ampeg cabinet that goes lowest at -3db.

In comparison, the PF-115 HE is given a frequency response between 50hz and 17khz at -3db and 35hz at -10db.
Yet it already had much less bass than my 12".

Also, I haven't tried it with a 5-string bass, although I regularly play 5-string bass!

When I compare with other manufacturers, most give the frequency response without specifying whether it is -3db or -10db.
Others just give the frequency response at -10db.

I may be worrying about nothing, but I don't know what to decide !

So I play 4, 5 and 6 string basses. I want a cab for my Ampeg V4B head. I mainly play all things jazz rock / fusion / funk. Also blues and chanson.
I don't really play things like punk rock.
What cab do you recommend ?
Is the SVT-212AV a good idea, or should I aim for something else?
For example, I found an EBS Neoline 212 for sale 2 hours away from my house.

So I want to use this configuration in concert but also in the studio.
The weight and size of the 212AV represents my maximum limit. Unless it's really worth it.
I think that in any case the power will be sufficient and I will use a microphone in both cases.
So I don't want 810 or stuff like that !!

Thanks in advance for your reply and sorry for the bad English !

 

[Wasnex]

The best thing you can do is try as many cabs as possible.

Specs are useful but don't really tell you the full story. I wouldn't be overly concerned about having a cab that is relatively flat to 31hz (open B). The Acme Low B series was designed specifically for this goal. They are rated -6dB to 31hz. They are also incredibly inefficient, meaning they won't get very loud with 100W.

IMHO much of our perception of fat low end is encoded in the frequency band of about 75 to 125hz. Also bass guitar does not put out a very strong fundamental, and you hear mostly the 2nd harmonic. So for open B you hear mainly 62hz rather than 31hz.

Don't get me wrong...it can be cool to play through a cab with strong response to 31hz. But cabs that can do this at concert levels tend to be impractical and expensive.

Listening to online demos rarely gives you an accurate impression of how a cab sounds, and it tells you nothing about how the amp and cab will respond to your playing dynamics.

Reading reviews can be very misleading because most of them are more subjective than objective. Just because a million people love something does not mean you will. In fact you may hate it.

For the record, a lot of people think the 212AV sounds great with the V4B, and two sound even better. So it's a great combination, but you may hate it...or you may love it.

 

[Canauos]

I understand your answer !

The ideal would be to be able to try, but the 212AV is no longer available in stores. I can only order it. and it's still 949€ now.

I think I can negotiate the EBS 212 Neoline cab at 700€, but I have a 4 hour trip.

Regarding the frequency response, difficult to say. I understand for the different fundamentals, but I would have liked to have confirmation from 5-string users.

I had a 2x10 HIFI + tweeter that went down to 60hz. I didn't like the sound. It had bass but sounded too medium. I would really like something like my 12" just a little sharper.

I also have a Markbass Super K1 which sounds very low. It goes down to 40hz. -3db or -10db? I don't know, but in concert there are almost too many lows.

I also have an AER Amp One with a 10" speaker. It's an old model with radiator cooling. I don't know how low it goes, but to me this amp is the best sound I've ever had. could have had in a combo.

So yes, everything is relative and it's hard to know without trying !
But hey, I'm not against a few opinions anyway ! Because in any case, I will have to buy a cab, without necessarily having the opportunity to try it.
Unless I find an occasion like with the EBS cab.

PS : I specify that I did not like the few demonstrations of V4B + 212AV, on Youtube. This is not at all the sound I had with the two cabs I tried.
So, it doesn't really help me to make a blind purchase !

 

[Wasnex]

I understand your answer !

The ideal would be to be able to try, but the 212AV is no longer available in stores. I can only order it. and it's still 949€ now.

I think I can negotiate the EBS 212 Neoline cab at 700€, but I have a 4 hour trip.

Regarding the frequency response, difficult to say. I understand for the different fundamentals, but I would have liked to have confirmation from 5-string users.

I had a 2x10 HIFI + tweeter that went down to 60hz. I didn't like the sound. It had bass but sounded too medium. I would really like something like my 12" just a little sharper.

I also have a Markbass Super K1 which sounds very low. It goes down to 40hz. -3db or -10db? I don't know, but in concert there are almost too many lows.

I also have an AER Amp One with a 10" speaker. It's an old model with radiator cooling. I don't know how low it goes, but to me this amp is the best sound I've ever had. could have had in a combo.

So yes, everything is relative and it's hard to know without trying !
But hey, I'm not against a few opinions anyway ! Because in any case, I will have to buy a cab, without necessarily having the opportunity to try it.
Unless I find an occasion like with the EBS cab.

PS : I specify that I did not like the few demonstrations of V4B + 212AV, on Youtube. This is not at all the sound I had with the two cabs I tried.
So, it doesn't really help me to make a blind purchase !

It should be fairly easy to find some of the many reviews and comments that have already posted about the V4B and 212AV...and I am sure you will get some responses to the thread.

Also, I suggest reading this:
Cab Lab – Ampeg SVT-212AV Bass Cabinet | Bass Gear Magazine

Supposedly this cab was designed to mimic the low frequency performance of the 810E. But it has a tweeter, so it can produce more highs if you prefer.

Good luck!