Question about preamps, DIs, and PA systems

[jaroh24]

So I love the sound of an SVT 4 pro, but don't have the money to get it. I found an SVT iip preamp for sale for a fraction of the cost. My question is, if I bought this preamp, could I hook it up directly to a PA system or would I need a DI? Also could I hook this preamp up to a combo amp as well? It would be nice to have an amp behind me too.

 

[two fingers]

Yep, you can go directly to the PA using the XLR out on the back of the preamp. You don't need a DI at all. And, yes, using the main outs you could run into a combo. HOWEVER, you may want to read up on various inputs on the amp before you buy. Some have an input that allows you to bypass the preamp on the combo and use the power section as a "slave amp". This would be best because the signal coming off the preamp might be too hot for the regular input on the amp.

 

[chuck norriss]

So I love the sound of an SVT 4 pro, but don't have the money to get it. I found an SVT iip preamp for sale for a fraction of the cost. My question is, if I bought this preamp, could I hook it up directly to a PA system or would I need a DI? Also could I hook this preamp up to a combo amp as well? It would be nice to have an amp behind me too.

What's this svt iip you speak of

 

[bongomania]

It is, like he said, a preamp made by Ampeg.

 

[chuck norriss]

Intriguing

 

[Tuned]

I use an Ampeg SVP-CL preamp, quite ideal to use it as the DI. On mine the output is pretty hot since I hit the tubes hard, I modified mine with a 20dB pad on the DI output.

 

[spector_boogie]

Short answer, yes.

Long answer, definitely. When I used to gig at church I'd normally always use some sort of dedicated preamp type unit for my DI signal. Demeter and Avalon were my favorites.