• 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.

Can an ampeg svp-pro replace sansamp-bddi?

#22
Fuzzbass said:
IME the SVP-Pro gets dirtier than the BDDI (to do this, crank Gain and Drive so that the clip light stays on). Note that I've mostly used the BDDI with low output passive basses... high output actives will get more fuzz out of the BDDI.

For distortion I definitely prefer SVP-Pro to BDDI. I use the BDDI for milder overdrive and grit.


SWR Interstellar Overdrive. It's pricey and the EQ isn't as versatile as the SVP-Pro... but for outrageous bass distortion, it's an excellent choice! It's a nice pre even if you don't use much distortion.
Click to expand...

I was just spending some time messing with my SVP-Pro today, and remembered this thread. I always run it clean and love it, but there is some DIRT in there if you go for it!

Man, if you turn the drive up to 3PM, turn up the gain into moderate input stage clipping, then DIME the master .... thats the most insane distortion sound I've ever heard! All of the preshapes OFF, bass 3pm, mid position 2 2PM, everything else flat. GINORMOUS!

The BDDI can't touch that sound. It'd be cool to have a pair of SVP-Pro's on a switcher. I wonder if the BSP gets close to that?
 
#24
I switched my rig from an Ampeg SVP-Pro to the Sansamp RBI and I couldn't be happier with the tone. I did like the sound of the Ampeg but for some reason I don't think it's as "complete" of a sound. It running into a big power amp and a clean speaker cabinet does not sound as much like a cool old amp as the RBI doing the same thing, I know that sounds funny to say that but I tried them both back to back and I like the Sansamp deal better. You might do some E-Bay shopping, buy one and try it for yourself, if you don't like it sell it for about the same amount as what you paid and go on, your findings might be just the opposite as mine.
 
#25
I got rid of my SVPCL because I was tired of messing with all the goofy preset midrange scoops etc.... it sounded good but I felt like I was always fighting it to get my tone the way I wanted it. I'm now using a Sansamp BDDI and it sounds great and drives my power amp to full volume with no problem. I usually have the level knob at 12 or 1 o'clock at the most and I can always rattle the stage. Of course my experience with the RBI version was not so happy. I think I got a defective one and had to send it back. I may get another one someday or maybe the BBE Bmax but right now I'm just real happy with the BDDI. So why change?
BTW If you get a used Sansamp make sure you get the newer version with the 0db -20db switches. I think the older ones that didn't have those switches had problems driving a power amp but the new ones don't.
 
#26
That's a good point about driving the power amp. On my Sansamp RBI I use the XLR output to drive the power amp(Crown MA1200) and it's got PLENTY of drive. I use the Level control/phone plug out to go to a direct box for the PA. The phone plug input on my Crown didn't work as well as the XLR which is much quieter, no big deal, it works and sounds great.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back