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Just Got an Ampeg SVT-DI to try out
- Thread starter JimmyM
- Start date
Thanks for posting Jimmy! All 3 are similar sounding and have that Ampeg vibe. I couldn't tell any difference between the SVT DI and the REDDI. The PF-50T seemed to have ever so slightly less low end than the others and possibly a hair more mids and warmth. The PF-50T sounds like my B-25b.
That is not surprising since I've heard the B-25B also sounds identical to the PF-50T and V4B.
Now let's turn it up a tad bluer, shall we?
Have not heard from folks about the comparison between the regular SVT-DI sound and the one I labeled SVT-DI Boost. I thought that would spur a lot more discussion than it did. So get to discussing it, people!
I liked it just fine, good addition. Two different voicings, both useful. If you have A, EQ can get you to B. Is the boost a HPF?
No, it's what happens when you turn the tube sound on in the amp. For some reason it boosts the gain in the XLR out and changes the sound.
There are a lot of things that I like about the VT...been using a VT pedal and VT Deluxe ever since they came out. But the VT replicates tubey sound while the SVT DI has true tube amp tone. There is definitely a difference, but I still give much respect to the VT.
And just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
Maybe not designed as an Ampeg sound alike, but consistent with the tracks at the begining of this thread
Anybody tried one of these?
ACME Audio Motown DI WB-3 | ZenPro Audio
Maybe not designed as an Ampeg sound alike, but consistent with the tracks at the begining of this thread
Anybody tried one of these?
ACME Audio Motown DI WB-3 | ZenPro Audio
For those who are wondering why a DI with a single 12AU7 tube is so expensive, I took a look at building one.
I've attached some documentation, including a manual, schematic, and printed circuit board layout. (FYI, the schematic and PCB were found on the internet.)
A power supply would be needed. One with a regulated high voltage and heater would help keep noise down to a minimum. Some are available on ebay at lower prices, here is one that can be used although it is more than what is needed: Link Removed, around $120 with toridal transformer, plus shipping.
For the output transformer, a very good choice is the Jensen JT-10K61-1M, Invalid Link Removed, $150.
A PCB would take some time to design and have made. An alternative would be to use a turret board. Around $50 for the latter option.
Around $100-$200+ in additional parts for the tube, socket, components, switches, XLR, jacks, case, power cord, IEC socket, fuse, etc.
Costs add up!!!
SVT-DI
I've attached some documentation, including a manual, schematic, and printed circuit board layout. (FYI, the schematic and PCB were found on the internet.)
A power supply would be needed. One with a regulated high voltage and heater would help keep noise down to a minimum. Some are available on ebay at lower prices, here is one that can be used although it is more than what is needed: Link Removed, around $120 with toridal transformer, plus shipping.
For the output transformer, a very good choice is the Jensen JT-10K61-1M, Invalid Link Removed, $150.
A PCB would take some time to design and have made. An alternative would be to use a turret board. Around $50 for the latter option.
Around $100-$200+ in additional parts for the tube, socket, components, switches, XLR, jacks, case, power cord, IEC socket, fuse, etc.
Costs add up!!!
SVT-DI
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Thanks for the great demo, JimmyM, very enlightening. And awesome playing! 
I've got a lovely SVT DI, but have never played around a lot with the mode switches (I like the tube mode, and always just used that for both), so I obviously had to try the "boost mode" when I read about it.
I noticed the same thing on mine, but only when the Thru jack was actually connected to something. With Thru disconnected, the Thru switch doesn't seem to affect the XLR signal on my unit.
So just out of curiosity - was your Thru jack connected? Any other users on here that tried this?
Speculation: I assume that switching Thru to "Direct" simply connects Input and Thru in parallel. Could it be that the "boost mode" is actually the "normal mode", and the "non-boost mode" is the sound of the pickups being loaded down by both the DI and the amp front end? For what it's worth, with both switches set to "direct", it can run without power, so it's a passive circuit in that mode...
I've got a lovely SVT DI, but have never played around a lot with the mode switches (I like the tube mode, and always just used that for both), so I obviously had to try the "boost mode" when I read about it.
I noticed the same thing on mine, but only when the Thru jack was actually connected to something. With Thru disconnected, the Thru switch doesn't seem to affect the XLR signal on my unit.
So just out of curiosity - was your Thru jack connected? Any other users on here that tried this?
Speculation: I assume that switching Thru to "Direct" simply connects Input and Thru in parallel. Could it be that the "boost mode" is actually the "normal mode", and the "non-boost mode" is the sound of the pickups being loaded down by both the DI and the amp front end? For what it's worth, with both switches set to "direct", it can run without power, so it's a passive circuit in that mode...
I sent it back already, but I seem to recall the thru switch for the amp affected the DI whether it was plugged in or not. Could be wrong but that's how I remember it. I don't know what causes it but that's as logical an explanation as any.Thanks for the great demo, JimmyM, very enlightening. And awesome playing!
I've got a lovely SVT DI, but have never played around a lot with the mode switches (I like the tube mode, and always just used that for both), so I obviously had to try the "boost mode" when I read about it.
I noticed the same thing on mine, but only when the Thru jack was actually connected to something. With Thru disconnected, the Thru switch doesn't seem to affect the XLR signal on my unit.
So just out of curiosity - was your Thru jack connected? Any other users on here that tried this?
Speculation: I assume that switching Thru to "Direct" simply connects Input and Thru in parallel. Could it be that the "boost mode" is actually the "normal mode", and the "non-boost mode" is the sound of the pickups being loaded down by both the DI and the amp front end? For what it's worth, with both switches set to "direct", it can run without power, so it's a passive circuit in that mode...
And thank you very much!
Thought I would resurrect this thread as I finally got around to using the SVT DI in the studio, last night. The producer wanted a " thumpy, Motown " bass sound, and the DI did not disappoint. As soon as we got it set up, the guy says to me, Ok, lets hear what this thing sounds like ( he had never seen one before ). I started playing the opening to " My Girl ", and his mouth dropped open ! He couldn't believe the sound he was getting. He remarked , " We won't even have to EQ this tone at all ! " It went straight in to the board, and I used a P bass, with flats and the Fender mute on the bridge. At the end of the session, the producer asked me where he could get one, and I had to tell him that they were discontinued long ago. He now wants me to rent it to him whenever he needs that sound again.
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Obeid Khan makes a version. I think the only difference is his doesn’t have a switch for the thru connection to be direct or through the tube. The tube signal is phase inverting so if you’re tracking an amp and DI signal this can be important.
KHAN DI
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Been using my KHAN DI as a kind of tube pre for my Aguilar AG700, to good effect, and then running out of the Aguilar’s built-in DI to FOH/console. It really shines in that application live, and gets real close to my DB750 sound/feel on the bandstand, without that weight. I prefere it so the REDDI I had, IME.
From their website:
The Ampeg SCR-DI Bass DI with Scrambler™ Overdrive is a true Ampeg preamp, delivering a wide range of Ampeg tones perfect for the stage. The classic Ampeg EQ offers additional tonal control including Ultra-Hi and Ultra-Lo tone shaping. Plus, you can dial in tube-like grind with the all-new Bass Scrambler overdrive. The SCR-DI has all the connections to get Ampeg tone out of any rig and send it all to front-of-house to ensure the audience hears your tone. With a built-in headphone out and aux in for practicing along with backing tracks, the SCR-DI is also a fantastic practice tool that can fit right into your gig bag.
And it sounds good too!
