New Ampeg Venture Series

[LetItGrowTone]

To dfp:
I'm not an expert, but this is some of my understanding after buying examples good and bad, and agonizing over this for a few years.

The VB88 is tuned somewhere lower than 41Hz, so it can produce what I call an unbroken low E.
This can be rolled off with a HPF just like other ported cabs.
-The good news is that the resulting low E still sounds perfect, merely rolled down.
-The bad news for many is that it does not have the "bump" (often 3dB or a little more) produced by ported cabs at a frequency usually right at or just above their tuning frequency. This gives a very popular feeling.

I would rather produce that "bump" with exactly the right EQ I need (though it won't sound exactly the same (likely better)), instead of doing what almost all ported cabs do: they sacrifice the perfection of everything below that frequency to put that bump where your ears expect it.

I could digress ad nauseum upon request.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

I’ve been curious about the VB88 but keep hearing folks say it’s deeper than expected, making me wonder if it’s overbaked in the lows…

The *sound quality* of its lows is practically perfect, like a studio album recorded DI.
How *much* lows is controlled with EQ/HPF as desired.
This is my testimony and I hope everyone who buys it hears the same thing.

I run a HPF always on as it is already with my SVT112AV cabs. Considering going with something sealed like a pair of PF115HE…

Sealed, provided that it produces *enough* lows for you, is the next best thing because it is also not ruined by ports tuned too high.
I have a Heritage fridge and a VB-88, and I tell you they both sound really great.

VB-88 is much easier to move of course, and narrow enough to fit through narrow passages better. On carpet I can spin it around or slide it sideways without even tilting up onto the wheels.
And as many people say about taller cabs (compared to most 4x10s or maybe the worst example the 410HLF (because it is also deep)), pulling on the handle on top you have more leverage over it. I feel like I'm using my arm instead of my whole body.

 

[dfp]

I think I might like the VB88, with my HPF factored into shaping the response… but it won’t fit in the trunk of my Little Honda! it would fit across the back seat, but that’s not nearly as convenient…

 

[LetItGrowTone]

Broughton makes a "Resonant Filter Equalizer" which, if I remember right, puts a bump before its rolloff. I don't know if it sounds *exactly* like what a ported cab does as it passes through resonance, but the physics is *closely analogous*.
Used with a ported cab that's tuned below 41Hz, it could be the best of both worlds, if you want that bump.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Hi folks,

I’m evaluating the possibility of buying an Ampeg Venture V3 or V7 so instead of starting a new thread, I thought I might jump in this one……………..

So here is my situation :

I play p bass with rounds and my band is mostly hard rock and blues and we play in bars with a maximum of 150 persons. A drummer, two guitars, harmonica, one female singer a a terrific (hum, hum) bass player.

The cabs I use are two 8 ohms GK Neo IV 112 with either my Mesa Subway D350 or Traynor SB200H.

Pros and cons of each amp from my point of view :

Mesa D350 : powerful enough in about all situations, deep lows, reliable as hell but kind of a generic sound, lack of punchy mids and lack of clarity on low notes.

Traynor SB200H : maybe a tad low power, lacks a bit of deep bass but sweet roaring sounding, clarity of low notes, punchy all the way and more specifically in the mids and a sound signature that rumbles and never gets lost in the mix.

I have another setup at home that REALLY REALLY sounds super sweet for low volume music : an Ampeg BA110 on top of an Ampeg RB112 connected in send to return from the 110 to the 112. In fact, that is the perfect sound for me but unfortunately definitely not loud enough for performances on a stage. That’s why I was wondering if an Ampeg amp would bring me the best of both worlds.

I also wonder if the Venture V3 would be powerful enough for my needs or a V7 would be safer.

If anyone here could share similar experiences, I would greatly appreciate.

 

[Parzival]

I think I might like the VB88, with my HPF factored into shaping the response… but it won’t fit in the trunk of my Little Honda! it would fit across the back seat, but that’s not nearly as convenient…

VB88 sounds really good. I run my SVT-3 and SVT-7 with the Ultra low with it. Doesn't get boomy, just hard hitting bass. I had a knucklehead on Reddit argue with me that my cab would have any bass to it. Asked if he had played one and he had not of course. It is a very well designed cab.

Forgot to add. When I first started using it, my drummer asked me after the shows what was going on with my amps. He said sitting up on the drumkit he felt like his insides were being tossed around like a salad.

Mine fits across the back seat of my car and its not that heavy so its not a big deal to pack and unpack. I would rather drag this around than two smaller cabs.

 

[Loretta]

VB88 sounds really good.

So what's missing?
VB48. Half A Little Fridge - goes along with the name "HALF".
Would be perfect for small venues. Compact size and low weight.
About 400W RMS, 8 Ohm. Appr. 20kg.
Less expensive.

I'd be in.

 

[dfp]

So what's missing?
VB48. Half A Little Fridge - goes along with the name "HALF".
Would be perfect for small venues. Compact size and low weight.
About 400W RMS, 8 Ohm. Appr. 20kg.
Less expensive.

I'd be in.

gonna get very confused with their amplifier V4B but actually it’s an interesting idea!

To me, and I guess more than a few others, what’s missing is a sealed cab neo option, something about VB88 size (or actual 810 size for the purists) and also a modular option like a 410 or even a 210 size. 8 and 4 ohm options, and 24” wide for matching with an SVT or V4Bri head.

 

[lowendrv]

gonna get very confused with their amplifier V4B but actually it’s an interesting idea!

To me, and I guess more than a few others, what’s missing is a sealed cab neo option, something about VB88 size (or actual 810 size for the purists) and also a modular option like a 410 or even a 210 size. 8 and 4 ohm options, and 24” wide for matching with an SVT or V4Bri head.

Back in the 90's Ampeg made a 4x8. The idea a pair was to compete with SWR's 8x8 .
https://reverb.com/item/29988066-ampeg-svt-48he-rare-usa-made-4x8-bass-speaker-cabinet-with-horn

 

[JimmyM]

So what's missing?
VB48. Half A Little Fridge - goes along with the name "HALF".
Would be perfect for small venues. Compact size and low weight.
About 400W RMS, 8 Ohm. Appr. 20kg.
Less expensive.

I'd be in.

It was hard enough to talk the brass into an 8x8! But I do think it would sell, so maybe it’s not out of the question. I wouldn’t plan around it, though.

 

[Loretta]

I wouldn’t plan around it, though.

No, same here.
The VB88 must be a great cab, but it's way out of my price range.
Maybe a used one, one of these days...who knows...

 

[JimmyM]

Hi folks,

I’m evaluating the possibility of buying an Ampeg Venture V3 or V7 so instead of starting a new thread, I thought I might jump in this one……………..

So here is my situation :

I play p bass with rounds and my band is mostly hard rock and blues and we play in bars with a maximum of 150 persons. A drummer, two guitars, harmonica, one female singer a a terrific (hum, hum) bass player.

The cabs I use are two 8 ohms GK Neo IV 112 with either my Mesa Subway D350 or Traynor SB200H.

Pros and cons of each amp from my point of view :

Mesa D350 : powerful enough in about all situations, deep lows, reliable as hell but kind of a generic sound, lack of punchy mids and lack of clarity on low notes.

Traynor SB200H : maybe a tad low power, lacks a bit of deep bass but sweet roaring sounding, clarity of low notes, punchy all the way and more specifically in the mids and a sound signature that rumbles and never gets lost in the mix.

I have another setup at home that REALLY REALLY sounds super sweet for low volume music : an Ampeg BA110 on top of an Ampeg RB112 connected in send to return from the 110 to the 112. In fact, that is the perfect sound for me but unfortunately definitely not loud enough for performances on a stage. That’s why I was wondering if an Ampeg amp would bring me the best of both worlds.

I also wonder if the Venture V3 would be powerful enough for my needs or a V7 would be safer.

If anyone here could share similar experiences, I would greatly appreciate.

Obviously the V7 would be safer and that’s part of the reason I went with it, but honestly I don’t expect to need more than I could get with a V3. I almost never need to be that loud. But it’s small enough not to sweat it, and if I need it, it’s there.

 

[lowendrv]

Obviously the V7 would be safer and that’s part of the reason I went with it, but honestly I don’t expect to need more than I could get with a V3. I almost never need to be that loud. But it’s small enough not to sweat it, and if I need it, it’s there.

Yeah if the gig is louder than the V3. I need a different gig.

 

[JimmyM]

Yeah if the gig is louder than the V3. I need a different gig.

If it pays, I’ll do it, but usually those gigs don’t pay unless it’s big time.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Yeah if the gig is louder than the V3. I need a different gig.

It might be similar for me as I play in small bars and restaurants only. Bigger than that, there’s always a plug in sound kit nowadays and I use my amp and cabs as a monitor only.

 

[lowendrv]

It might be similar for me as I play in small bars and restaurants only. Bigger than that, there’s always a plug in sound kit nowadays and I use my amp and cabs as a monitor only.

FOH if I can't cover it with any of my amps. Then amp is just used as monitor for the drummer sometimes.

 

[pisces_bass]

Looks like the SCR-DI is now discontinued.

 

[TheSpinDoctor]

After playing with a Mesa/Boogie WD-800 into an Ampeg SVT-18 cabinet, I finally decided to buy a lighter cabinet. The VB410 specs looked good. The cabinet had great low end when I used a tone generator to test a VB-410 cabinet at a local GC. The low end was deeper than my SVT-18 cabinet. Finally, I sprung for one. First use was at an outdoor gig. The cabinet was fantastic. So much articulate low end that I thought about rolling off the bass on the WD-800. The highs were clear, providing definition to everything that I played. Now I need to update my avatar.

 

[H13]

YO!

New to bass gear but spent an awful lot of time with plugins and stuff

Favourite bass noise is an Ampeg Tube head screaming in agony right before it explodes.

Unfortunately, I do not have enough money for multiple Tube Heads which I can blow up one after the other like a fireworks display. Also I unfortunately have neighbours. Those selfish bastards don't appreciate the sound of an amplifier about to explode. How dare they?!

ERGO: The Venture 3 looks like a great buy. However I have questions.

#1) I currently have a 1x12 Ampeg SVT Cab. One of these doohickey things:

Ampeg SVT-112AV 1x12" 300-watt Classic Bass Cabinet

Whether it’s the local coffee house or the recording studio, the 1x12 configuration packs a surprising punch for its diminutive size. And don’t be afraid that it can’t handle big power: at 300 watts, it’s more than enough for most giggers around-town heads. The SVT®-112AV features a 12"...

skymusic.com.au

IMHO: SOUNDS GREAT. Records really well. Doesn't thunder like an 8x10, but it's a great way to get the sound of the bass guitar (and then add the sub bass with a DI or something else later).

Will this Cab work with the Venture 3? (I assume yes, but I see lots of cab discussion in this threat so it seems to be worthy of concern).

#2) I had an Ampeg SVT3. It was aggressively fine. As in it was like the amp was determined to be 7\10 in every way. It never sounded BAD, but the best noise I got out of it was a noise that'd make people go: "Oh yeah. That'll do" rather than: "shag yeaaaaah!" Does this Venture sound like an SVT3?

#3) Obviously nothing short of an actual Tube Ampeg will give you that sound. You're not going to get the visceral feeling from the cab, the smell of burning resistors and the accusatory hum of a tube amp asking what the shag it did to deserve this.

HOWEVER: The Ampeg SVT3 was much too polite and...well...boring to even allow me to pretend that's what was happening. Does the Venture 3 have some actual balls and character? Can I plug a Jazz Bass into it and convincingly play Rage Against The Machine riffs all day? Can I mildly irritate my neighbours with my sloppy bass playing rather than have them call the police (and fire brigade) on my house?

 

[OldogNewTrick]

If it pays, I’ll do it, but usually those gigs don’t pay unless it’s big time.

Say Jimmy, are you safely back from the land of the drummers ?