Sansamp or SVP Pro with an Ampeg SVT 4 Pro

[baxter_x]

Hi all,

I own a Mesa Titan V12 and used to own an Ampeg SVT 4 Pro. I really enjoy the Titan, but still miss the SVT 4 for its warm heavy sound. But I need distortion too.
So I was wondering what could be the best between an Ampeg SVP Pro or a Sansamp RPI/RPM/PSA with the SVT 4?
My guess is the SansAmp as I already have the Ampeg sound with the head. So adding the SVP wouldn't add much expect for distortion.
Also, I would run the unit in front of the amp, not in the effect loop.

Thanks

 

[jazzbass_5]

I have an SVP-PRO and an RBI. with a foot switch you'd be able to use the RBI all by itself (with a powe amp of course). Very good preamp.

 

[baxter_x]

The thing is, I'd use it just as a dirty channel. I want to keep the natural sound of the amp.
As an owner of both how would you compare them?

 

[jazzbass_5]

My RBI rivals my SVP-PRO as much as I hate to say it. They are both great sounding preamps, I use my RBI a lot now in place of my Ampeg setup. I'll post pictures. I have multiple cabs I use for different venues.

 

[baxter_x]

Which one is best for dirt? I guess the sansamp should be better as I already have an Ampeg preamp with the svt.

 

[JimiLL]

Sans amp gets dirtier. Run it in fx loop and engage with the footswitch

 

[jazzbass_5]

Sans amp gets dirtier. Run it in fx loop and engage with the footswitch

+1 on this

 

[baxter_x]

Effect loop means I'll have to bypass the ampeg preamp. Which is something I don't want to do.

 

[JimmyM]

Effect loop means I'll have to bypass the ampeg preamp. Which is something I don't want to do.

Word. Dirt always sounds better hitting the front end anyway.

 

[JimiLL]

How would you bypass the pre?

 

[jazzbass_5]

According to the block diagram you won't be excluding the SVT4 preamp section if you use the efx loop. The efx loop comes after the preamp section.

 

[JimiLL]

Plug bass into the svt, plug effects send into RBI and back out to return on the svt

 

[baxter_x]

Plug bass into the svt, plug effects send into RBI and back out to return on the svt

This way, the Sansamp won't be before the preamp, which is not suitable for dirt I think. Nor I would need an A/B box. But this will bypass the preamp anyway.

 

[baxter_x]

According to the block diagram you won't be excluding the SVT4 preamp section if you use the efx loop. The efx loop comes after the preamp section.View attachment 1193942

An effect loop always comes after the preamp. That means I'll bypass the preamp. That's not what I want to do.

 

[jazzbass_5]

Effect loop means I'll have to bypass the ampeg preamp. Which is something I don't want to do.

This comment isn't right then if your plugging your bass into the SVT first, you wouldn't be bypassing the SVT preamp as you put it, your signal would be going into the SVT first, through the SVT preamp, then out the efx loop, through whatever you have in the loop, then back into the SVT and through the SVT power amp.
Isn't that what you're looking for?

 

[jazzbass_5]

As for the picture of my SVP-PRO and my SVP-CL, I A/B Them for the desired sound. Seems easiest.

 

[jazzbass_5]

This way, the Sansamp won't be before the preamp, which is not suitable for dirt I think. Nor I would need an A/B box. But this will bypass the preamp anyway.

Disregard the above about the preamp and before after blah blah, I see what you're saying.
My last comment about running an A/B switch would be best (although I did see you didn't want to do that)
Sorry about the confusion.

 

[baxter_x]

Sorry about the confusion.

No problem.
Do you advise me to run the Sansamp in the FX loop or in front of the amp?
Also, about the dirt sound, which sounds better? The Sansamp or the SVP?

 

[jazzbass_5]

No problem.
Do you advise me to run the Sansamp in the FX loop or in front of the amp?
Also, about the dirt sound, which sounds better? The Sansamp or the SVP?

Personally, I would advise running an A/B switch because as you said, I want either the sound of the ampeg, or when being used the secondary preamp, uncolored by the first.
To answer your question about which one I like better?
I like the Sansamp better (ugh, there, I said it.. that really hurt too)
Because....
It's more versatile than the SVP-PRO.
You have no idea how I hate that..
The SVP-PRO has a great Ampeg sound (as does my SVP-CL) but the Sansamp seems to be more adjustable and I attribute that to the blend circuit. It really is a kick a** preamp.
I'm playing a show tomorrow and I'll be using the RBI again...
UGH....

 

[baxter_x]

Well.... I guess you convinced me for the Sans,amp.
What's the difference between the RPM and RBI? Is the PSA still a good choice?