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Best Ampeg SVT-like preamp/DI?
- Thread starter FunkyYeti
- Start date
Most authentic Ampeg emulations I've heard/used in pedal form:
- Tech 21 VT BASS DI
- Line 6 HX Stomp
I've been after that SVT tone for years. Here's what I have tried.
-Zoom multi (B3, B3N, and Multistomp)
Decent model of the SVT. B3N sounded the best of the 3 but I never really got used to driving that unit. Actually preferred the B3 in use.
-Tech 21 VT bass and BDDI
Wasn't a fan of the VT but I know a lot of bassist swear by it. The gain is just yucky and putting other drive pedals before it sounded too compressed. My 2cents only!). I prefer the BDDI of the 2. Not strictly SVT but more it's own thing. Get a Behringer BDI21 if you want to try one out.
-Ampeg SCR DI
My favourite of the ones I have tried. The preamp section is spot on. Love that ultra low. Dig in or pick hard and you get a nice break-up. This is the easiest to dial in - it's plug and play SVT. The only downside is the Scrambler side is not great.
-HX Stomp.
This is what I currently gig with. It's so handy having everything in one. The latest update had an SVT 4 Pro. It's so good. But it requires more tweaking and editing. Not exactly plug and go like the analog ones above.
-Zoom multi (B3, B3N, and Multistomp)
Decent model of the SVT. B3N sounded the best of the 3 but I never really got used to driving that unit. Actually preferred the B3 in use.
-Tech 21 VT bass and BDDI
Wasn't a fan of the VT but I know a lot of bassist swear by it. The gain is just yucky and putting other drive pedals before it sounded too compressed. My 2cents only!). I prefer the BDDI of the 2. Not strictly SVT but more it's own thing. Get a Behringer BDI21 if you want to try one out.
-Ampeg SCR DI
My favourite of the ones I have tried. The preamp section is spot on. Love that ultra low. Dig in or pick hard and you get a nice break-up. This is the easiest to dial in - it's plug and play SVT. The only downside is the Scrambler side is not great.
-HX Stomp.
This is what I currently gig with. It's so handy having everything in one. The latest update had an SVT 4 Pro. It's so good. But it requires more tweaking and editing. Not exactly plug and go like the analog ones above.
Any of those will probably get you close as far as the preamp goes.
I like the VTDI from Tech21 for that "Ampeg-ish" sound. Lots of good old school tone and a tiny bit of dirt if needed. But does it sound like an SVT through an 810? Nofrigginway. To do that you'd need...…………....wait for it...….......an 810 cabinet. If you think you're gonna get that sound from a combo amp or small 210 rig, aint gonna happen. No pedal, I don't care what the hype on the box claims, can change the laws of physics and nature. Anyone who tells you different has never actually played through an SVT with an 810 cab. It'd be like putting racing stripes on a Yugo and expecting to win at Indianapolis.
B.
My Mozztronics bass preamp through my two notes C.A.B power tube and speaker sim does a pretty good job
That's something that often gets lost in these discussions. The question "what preamp will give me the most SVT-sounding preamp?" is an easy one, and there are tons of options out there. But wanting a pedalboard and bedroom rig to sound like a full Ampeg stack?
I went to see Chris Thile in concert last fall. And none of the records I listen to will ever compare to what I experienced that night.
I've played through fridges, and I've used the SCR-DI, the VTDI, and several others. I stopped trying to cop that feeling a long time ago.
I'm currently using an Ampeg SCR DI. The actual pre-amp is great but I'm not a huge fan of the scrambler and don't tend to use it. That and the fact I hardly ever use it as a DI mean it a lot of wasted space/weight and I've been looking at downsizing options.
My first, and probably best, bet is the Broughton SV-Pre and I picked one up when he released a batch last Friday. Am waiting on the delivery but I expect I'll be happily downsizing to it.
As for the 810 sound, there's only so much you can do, and most of what you can do is going to be cab modeling. I've also just picked up the Joyo Cab Box which comes with Ampeg style IRs as well as the option to load your own. But I've not had much time to play with it yet.
My first, and probably best, bet is the Broughton SV-Pre and I picked one up when he released a batch last Friday. Am waiting on the delivery but I expect I'll be happily downsizing to it.
As for the 810 sound, there's only so much you can do, and most of what you can do is going to be cab modeling. I've also just picked up the Joyo Cab Box which comes with Ampeg style IRs as well as the option to load your own. But I've not had much time to play with it yet.
If you do it just right a GED 2112 will get a nice pre and post SVT sound. I too have a Broughton on the way, so I cant wait to hear what its all about as well. I've had both svt and a classic 8x10, its been about 15 years so its honestly hard to remember what the cab sounded like, you may have luck with a good cab sim on the back, it seems many IR manufactures have "SVT" packs but I have yet to try them. The head sound I get now is good enough for me, for the time being.
They're definitely a luxury. I've just gotten used to working with them and want to see how using them live pans out with an eye to more modeling in the future. And while I don't a have the experience to judge how well something like the 810 in the Ampeg SVX-2 pack from IK replicates the experience of having a real one mic'd up, I do enjoy using it.
You might want to check the DMT&Humboldt Simplifier Bass station. It's a SVT preamp with analog cab simulation (8x10, 4x10, 1x15) and parallel LPF both with DI outputs so you can keep yourself and the soundguy happy by sending both clean bass and a SVT rig esque signal to the FOH.
Yep, that certainly looks the business, and very thoughtfully designed.
I have one on pre-order, really looking forward to February....
3 years on we have the Origin Effects Super Vintage. Question answered…..
Ok, here is what I have. A VT Bass Deluxe, Zoom MS60b, Zoom B3N, Broughton SV Pre, Sansamp BDDI, HX Stomp. I also have an SVT. Not a 8x10 but a 212av. All of the preamps can sound very good. None of them sound like my SVT VR. Sorry, I have never been able to get the same sound and feel with a pedal. Any of the above preamps, however, will get very good sounds of their own. I personally have given up trying to get the SVT sound with a preamp and just use an Ampeg PF50T with a PF15HE cabinet on gigs that I can't bring my SVT on. Still doesn't sound like an SVT, though. On gigs where I go direct, any of the above pedals will do. None of them sound like my SVT, though.
Years old post. But if you all want to know the secret...
The actual best SVT DI preamp -- Find a vintage 1969-70 SBT Preamp. You don't need the powered cabs which are cool.
Just use this straight into your converters or console, or PA. Run that track through a cab simulator or just dry. Sounds almost identical, because it is. Its a solid state SVT, same EQ, same everything except no tubes, weighs nothing, and doesnt cost much, and you dont need a cab or load plugged into the amp.
It can't be beat for DI SVT bass tone.
The actual best SVT DI preamp -- Find a vintage 1969-70 SBT Preamp. You don't need the powered cabs which are cool.
Just use this straight into your converters or console, or PA. Run that track through a cab simulator or just dry. Sounds almost identical, because it is. Its a solid state SVT, same EQ, same everything except no tubes, weighs nothing, and doesnt cost much, and you dont need a cab or load plugged into the amp.
It can't be beat for DI SVT bass tone.
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