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Another Ampeg V4BH question.

68Goldfish

68Goldfish

Nov 4, 2006
2,809
5,109
57
Port Orchard WA
#1
Hey guys. I just recently snagged a used 05 V4BH. I love the sound. In fact I think it's probably the best tone I've ever had out of all my amps. I'm really digging the fat warm round pillowy sound. Something I've never been able to get out of my mesa 440+. But anyway, the only problem with it is that it doesn't have enough clean volume. To get it loud enough I have to get it to the point of overdrive. Now mind you I love the overdrive I wouldn't mind having a little more clean sound and still be loud enough to be heard. My question is, is there a way to use a power amp after the ampeg to amplify the sound of it. Is there an out after the power tubes or no. I just wonder if you can get the same sound using only the preamp out. Basically is there a way to amplify this sucker and keep the exact same tone??
TIA TB:bassist:
 
#2
:cool:

I also own and love the tone of the V4BH. ( with 1x15 cab)

It's a great amp for small to med. gigs.

I use a Boost pedal when a want a little more punch.

I use a Nick Greer "Buttertone pedal. ( Fat, smooth, clean.)

With this I can play with drums, and two guitar players using Bassman amps.

Also, for more volume, I will also use a 6x10. ( replacing the 1x15)
More speakers, equal more volume. ( up to a point)

No matter what you do.
A V4BH, will not be as loud as an SVT.
 
#4
I don't know about the V4BH but the V4B has an 'ext amp' on the back that allows you to use the amp in tandom with another amp thus combining the power of the two. I've not tried it so I don't know how good it works but as far as I can tell the only down side would be having to carry a second amp and cabinet.
 
#5
The extension amp out won't likely get the same tone as the speaker out unless you send the signal to something like the V4 power section... the power tubes are integral to the overall sound. There are 100 watt tube power amps like that available (but pricey). Still, I would think the preamp out into a solid state power amp would be a great tone, and remain cleaner longer, though I've never tried it w/my '76 V4B.
 
#7
If it makes you feel any better, I have the same problem with mt V4BH. It just isn't a loud amp, but the tone is to die for. I run mine through SVT15 and SVT210, and to a point, it's magical. Usually, when playing with the band, I use a Mesa set up, which also sounds killer, but obviously not the same. The V4BH rig comes out to play when I run two rigs in stereo. Otherwise, it's just a very large practice amp at home. Using the V4BH's preamp out, into another amps poweramp in defeats the purpose, and sounds ok, but not as good as the Mesa rig alone. It's a big old drag, but that's what we get for buying 100 watt amps.
 
#8
The extension amp out won't likely get the same tone as the speaker out unless you send the signal to something like the V4 power section... the power tubes are integral to the overall sound. There are 100 watt tube power amps like that available (but pricey). Still, I would think the preamp out into a solid state power amp would be a great tone, and remain cleaner longer, though I've never tried it w/my '76 V4B.
Click to expand...

I'm sure you're right but it might worth trying.
 
#9
If you do use the extension amp output to drive a power amp, make sure you have a load on the amplifiers speaker output as well.

Carvin makes a inexpensive 100W tube power amp - and it is capable of running 6L6's. Might not sound exactly the same, but you could run the speaker out into one cab, then run the Carvin amp as a slave into another cabinet.

Another solution may be to use a THD Hot Plate at full load, then put the "line out" (not the speaker out) into a high power solid state power amp...that would theoretically capture the tone of your V4BH power section.
 
#11
I tend to agree with rodl2005...my V4BH sounds is plenty loud when paired up with my SVT 8-10. This is going up against a hard hitting drummer, guitarist, and keyboardist. However, when just connected to my lone SVT 15E, my bass sound can get lost on stage in a hurry. To give a bit more clean headroom I installed SED 6L6's (Winged "C's") and had the amp (quad) biased at 40ma. I also installed other select pre and driver tubes to optmize clean output. Doug Preston at Doug's Tubes really helped me get the most out of my V4BH. You may want to contact him and let him know what you're looking for out of your's.
 
#15
#16
It is a high quality power attenuator. I use one on my guitar amp. They will work for lower powered bass amps as well. You can adjust the amount of attenuation up to no output (marked as "load" on the range control). There is a line output on the back with a dedicated level control...used to feed a DI, other amp, etc.
Click to expand...

You can't possibly believe that I'm going to have a clue as to what that means? :crying:
 
#20
It makes your tube amp sound as it does flat out(full volume & gain-if U want) but at any volume. eg. full on power amp overdrive from having your amp at full volume, but the actual volume can be at bedroom level. At least thats how I understand it!
Click to expand...

I can't understand how that would help a bass player with a 100 watt amp. For a guitarist who wants to get a cranked tube amp sound without drowning out a jet airplane sure but I think what we're looking for is more volume from our V4B.
 

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