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Help: the best suited AMPEG SVT for my needs?

#21
I know what you mean. Well maybe a REDDI would work out for you. Big honking tube DI with giant power and output transformers, costs less than most used B-15's, especially in Europe. I'm totally with you...I hate boring old DI too and used to mic my cabs but 1 out of every 5 gigs would start with an argument between me and the soundman, even though I brought my own. So I bought a REDDI, and now I'm happy because I get my tube amp sound in the PA and the whiny soundmen stopped complaining.

Just throwing it out there as another suggestion. That said, I won't dissuade you from checking out Genz Benz either. They're a really good company that makes high quality gear.
 
#22
Thanks.
Well but isn't sending a Reddi into my DAW the same (almost) as using my DI from, say, my SPL channel
One (has 1 tube...) ?? In other words, still ole DI !!

Btw I don't do live. I just need smth small but good for recording from home.

I'm a bit at a loss.... what's a good and small sounding head plus cab solution. s)
 
#23
Lorenzop said:
Thanks.
Well but isn't sending a Reddi into my DAW the same (almost) as using my DI from, say, my SPL channel
One (has 1 tube...) ?? In other words, still ole DI !!
Click to expand...
Not even close. Your SPL channel strip looks pretty darn cool, but I know lots of folks who run REDDIs through high end channel strips because they just don't do what the REDDI does. I have AB'd my REDDI vs speaker DIing my B-15, and when I EQ'd them the same way, the only noticeable difference I could hear was the B-15 was slightly noisier. The big difference between the REDDI and other tube DI's is the presence of a big giant iron output transformer. The giant iron power supply also helps, but a big iron output transformer is the secret sauce that really makes tube amps pop, and same with the REDDI. Now I love micing amps, but I've also done stuff where I mic'ed the B-15 and went direct with the REDDI at the same time, and I liked both equally for the same reasons, so I don't bother micing anymore unless I want genuine power tube distortion, which is rare these days.
 
#24
Ok thanks for clearing that up I almost got it - so using a DI out of an ampeg svt head or other brand high end head, wouldn't that be v similar to a Reddi? I mean doesn't the SVT DI give you the sound of tubes? Or is it placed pre-tube section so to speak?
I don't understand why for tube dist you need to mike a cab
 
#25
Lorenzop said:
Ok thanks for clearing that up I almost got it - so using a DI out of an ampeg svt head or other brand high end head, wouldn't that be v similar to a Reddi? I mean doesn't the SVT DI give you the sound of tubes? Or is it placed pre-tube section so to speak?
Click to expand...
I liken DI's like the SVT-DI to good hybrid amps. Better than straight up SS, not as good as real authentic tube sound. And yes, speaker DIing an SVT or B-15 would be very similar, but you do have to have a cab or dummy load hooked up as well. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, though. Certainly won't try to talk you out of getting an Ampeg, that's for sure ;)

I don't understand why for tube dist you need to mike a cab
Click to expand...
Tube amps cranked sound quite a bit more awesome than pedals IMHO, although many pedals do an excellent job with it, too. But the speaker filters out excessive high end frequencies that can blow tweeters and sound way too harsh. You can get pedals now that do that as well, but there was a time you couldn't, so that was how many folks tamed the high end.
 
#26
ok phew thats pretty much as I thought, I was worried I´d missed something now ;)

So, which Ampeg would you suggest? As I said, I havent been terribly impressed by the modern line for some reason the more I listen to them the less "characteristic" I find them, other than vintage B15s that is.

I also dont get why they have so many solid state amps, confuses my choices :) grrr

Anyway, what is a good, "cheap" real tube based ampeg I should check out? Should I forget about anything post-1980 /90s ?
 
#34
Using a DI is simple and effective, but for recording nothing beats a real B15 for both tone and feel. Some of my favorite basses to play through my B15 are my MIJ Ibanez Soundgears with the active electronics and the Vari-Mid sweep. Boosting the bass on the preamp and dialing in/out some of the mids can really makethat B15 sound like a whole new animal!
 

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