(regarding) that CLASSIC AMPEG SOUND (from a class-D amp??)

[Andrew 1976 Ibanez 2353]

Well, I'll give you some... advice

First is the Ampeg preamp pedals. Should work fine with a clean amp like the TC, or if you bypass the head's preamp.

Next, Tech21 Sansamp VT. I believe it was designed to give that SVT type sound. It's also a DI pedal, very handy.

Another option is a multi-effect unit. The Zoom B1 Four has an Ampeg SVT sim (and other amp sims), along lots of other effects (preamps, chorus, octave, distortions, reverb, delay, cab sims etc), a looper, and a tuner. It's cheap, easy to program, and far more versatile than the preamp pedals. My guess is it will have the least accurate SVT reproduction, but probably good enough for a cafe or bar where no one really cares.

The above might fit your budget with the TC BAM200.

Last but not least, find a used Ampeg head.

Thank you - greatly appreciated.

 

[Andrew 1976 Ibanez 2353]

I had a Hartke 210XL for a good while. Sold it mainly due to the size and heft of it, not the sound. It was able to speak a lot of languages!

The closest I got to Ampeg-y sounds with the gear I had came from a Tech 21 VT Deluxe pedal thru a GK MB200 (later I sprung for a Fusion 500, pricier but also a ton of fun) into the 210XL. The GK amps weren't going to have the same voicing if I tried to get the sound via their EQ controls, but the pedal did a killer job of bringing the rock to the hard place.

Later I got an actual Ampeg 2x10 cabinet, and while it won't crush a room alone, with a microphone thru a capable house system, it is a dorm fridge full of awesome. With the VTD pedal? I was in deep, dark SVT-ish places at times.


All to say, I think $300 won't quite get you there. Also, the actual class D head you choose is probably the least important factor in getting the sound, sorry to say! Though if you really don't want a pedal involved, a PortaFlex head will get you at least to the parking lot of the ballpark you want to play in.

This is the other choice. To go CLASS-D (the TC BQ500 @ $250 new?!?) and start my effects board. The Tech 21 VT looks like it would do the job. I do have a BOSS GE7. I am open to what may be best to get next... thanks

 

[40Hz]

IMHO most of what many people assume to be the Ampeg sound is actually the 810 cab.

Yep. The 8x10 cab and the characteristics of the SVT power stage. Something no standard “SVT style” preamp is going to provide.

Maybe some of the new IR/modeling rigs will get you close. But the good ones are still expensive. And their modeled sound is still only going to sound as accurate as the actual cab you’re using can reproduce.

 

[Jack Butler]

If a guy has a PF-50T, would a reddi really bring much more to the table? Just curious.

You are right. They definitely don't suck. I've got a VT Deluxe, a British pedal, and several modern plugins that are pretty sweet, and I use them, with the VT Deluxe the one I most lean on. But I still use an Ampeg tube amp or REDDI whenever possible and wouldn't dream of recording without one.

 

[JimmyM]

If a guy has a PF-50T, would a reddi really bring much more to the table? Just curious.

Love the REDDI for sure, but other than a smaller form factor, not really.

 

[Andrew 1976 Ibanez 2353]

Plus . . . . . something always overlooked: That 'classic PBass / SVT sound' . . . . . is an SVT on top of one of Ampeg's 810 cabinets, non-ported cabinet divided into 4 2-10 chambers. Hard to do with a smaller amp and smaller cabinet.

Good Luck.

thank you - yes - sound and impact are the sum of all parts... I love the theory of it all..!! rock on..!!

 

[sunbeast]

thank you - yes - sound and impact are the sum of all parts... I love the theory of it all..!! rock on..!!

I believe the Sansamp VT pedals all incorporate cab simulation as well to get closer to that sealed 810 sound. One of these would be my choice on a budget for sure.