Question about the Ampeg SVT 3-Pro

[D Rock 247]

I have a couple of questions about the Ampeg SVT 3-Pro
Looking to pair up with an Ampeg 410 (would love to get the Ampeg Pro Neo)
Currently I am using an Ampeg B 410HE love it but may be the wrong paring.

Also need to replace a few knobs (not sure where) and was wondering how I should go about asking for maintenance/service on the amp head. I'm not sure what to have the tech look at or work on as a basic service to keep it working well without getting fleeced. Tubes I may need and good price. Thanks in advance!

I used a svt3 pro a couple of years myself. Im sure the midrange is excellent on the he cab. I used the 4x10 hlf on mine, killed in the low end and had some decent midrange so bought a empress compressor to smooth out that low end and got some more low mids out of it. (Also gained some headroom by boosting my volume with the empress compressor on the input and output knobs. That way you can dial back your svt3 when your getting that constant clipping light if you use too much tube gain) Traded my 4x10 hlf to a 6x10 hlf and was the best bass decision ever. Still used the empress comp. With the 6x10 to help out with the volume, but didnt need it anymore. Hope this helps.

 

[quickfix]

I used the SVT 3 Pro for years and loved the tone. I swapped the tubes with EHX 12AX7's and got a bit more grit in doing so. My only complaint with that head was that it's lacking power. I was playing in a hard rock band with 2 guitarists but mainly large venues with good house PA's so it wasn't a major issue.

Congrats on the score!

I used the SVT-3 PRO for a couple weeks while my PF-800 was out for assessment.
I also found it a bit wanting in the power department until I read somewhere to push the "Level" slider (far right hand) all the way to the top for added oomph. That did the trick.
I was so very disappointed when my PF-800 showed up and I had to return the SVT3PRO.

 

[D Rock 247]

I used the SVT-3 PRO for a couple weeks while my PF-800 was out for assessment.
I also found it a bit wanting in the power department until I read somewhere to push the "Level" slider (far right hand) all the way to the top for added oomph. That did the trick.
I was so very disappointed when my PF-800 showed up and I had to return the SVT3PRO.

Good point. Yes the graphic eq can help with the headroom also.

 

[denhou1974]

I've used them for 15 years. Ensure that you're using the gain properly. With a decent cab it has enough power for almost any situation.

TLDR: Turn up the gain. Ignore the limiter light. Use your ears.

 

[NKBassman]

There is a light labeled "Clip" on the front of the 3PRO that really should be called "Signal".
Turn the gain up until that light starts flashing on every note, or put some electrical tape over the light so it doesn't distract you and just use your ears.

 

[BaltBass5]

I used the SVT-3 PRO for a couple weeks while my PF-800 was out for assessment.
I also found it a bit wanting in the power department until I read somewhere to push the "Level" slider (far right hand) all the way to the top for added oomph. That did the trick.
I was so very disappointed when my PF-800 showed up and I had to return the SVT3PRO.

I was very underwhelmed with the PF 800 as well!

 

[D Rock 247]

I was very underwhelmed with the PF 800 as well!

Im gonna go out on a limb and say stay away from the ampeg stuff that isnt USA. Im sure theyre some great products ampeg still makes in china or wherever thats decent, but ive heard more bad reviews of the newer stuff made overseas. Including the svt classic. Thats why im in more favor of (newer products) toward fender, orange, and mesa for all my bass amps. Older usa ampeg, im all about it all day long. But of course orange makes half of their stuff in china and not quite sure about fenders new stuff........

 

[BaltBass5]

Im gonna go out on a limb and say stay away from the ampeg stuff that isnt USA. Im sure theyre some great products ampeg still makes in china or wherever thats decent, but ive heard more bad reviews of the newer stuff made overseas. Including the svt classic. Thats why im in more favor of (newer products) toward fender, orange, and mesa for all my bass amps. Older usa ampeg, im all about it all day long. But of course orange makes half of their stuff in china and not quite sure about fenders new stuff........

For me, I just haven't been impressed with ANYTHING Ampeg makes aside from the old USA SVT 2 and 3 and the CL

 

[NKBassman]

And the VR. And the Heritage. And the 4PRO.