Small Ampeg

[_Some Dude]

For context, my main rig is an SVT + 810. I like it a lot. I play rock/metal.

I want to get something smaller for where the big rig isn't exactly appropriate... basement rehearsal, livingroom jams, gigs in the attic, stuff like that.

I'm leaning towards a PF500+PF210 or an RB210. Maybe even a Micro-VR. I'd like the ability to eventually throw another cab under either option.

I'm not looking for smallest/lightest possible, I'm looking for best quality sound at around the size of a 210.

Could also be talked into a 115 if it'd sound better than the 210.

 

[marchone]

I had only 810s. So I’m used to that sound. Ampeg, Hiwatt, Sunn, Acoustic.

I’m happy with Mesa Boogie cabinets now. The Subway 115 is very popular here. I had one and got a SW 210 I like even better. I’m using an Ampeg PF-50T with it. It’s plenty of rig for most gigs.

 

[_Some Dude]

I had only 810s. So I’m used to that sound. Ampeg, Hiwatt, Sunn, Acoustic.

I’m happy with Mesa Boogie cabinets now. The Subway 115 is very popular here. I had one and got a SW 210 I like even better. I’m using an Ampeg PF-50T with it. It’s plenty of rig for most gigs.

My small rig is actually a Mesa WD800 w/ the matching 115 and 210. I loved it in the past, but with my current band I can't get it to sit in the mix the way I want. I don't want to write a novel describing all the things I've tried, but it's been a year and it's been frustrating. I'm basically dragging the 810 to rehearsal now, which I'm cool with, but long term I want a better solution.

Conversely, the Ampeg's been idiotproof. It's been a very good match for this band, I just want the option to downsize it.

 

[marchone]

My small rig is actually a Mesa WD800 w/ the matching 115 and 210. I loved it in the past, but with my current band I can't get it to sit in the mix the way I want.

That’s baffling. Maybe try a D-800+ or TT-800? I’m interested to hear responses to this.

 

[_Some Dude]

That’s baffling. Maybe try a D-800+ or TT-800? I’m interested to hear responses to this.

At this stage I'm no longer looking to fault find the Mesa rig. It sounds like a Mesa and is excellent at it, but I want something that sounds like an Ampeg.

 

[marchone]

At this stage I'm no longer looking to fault find the Mesa rig. It sounds like a Mesa and is excellent at it, but I want something that sounds like an Ampeg.

Maybe try the new Ampeg SGT-DI in your signal chain?

 

[Timmah]

I find that a lot of the “Ampeg thing” is in the cab, so I’d try one of these things, cheapest first:
1. If you have any pedals that load impulse responses, try an 810 IR and see how it feels.
2. Try an Ampeg-voiced pedal preamp. There are too many to list out there- Origin, Tech 21, SushiBox, and more make them, but Ampeg’s new SGT-DI looks like the new hip thing right now.
3. Grab a Micro VR or PF350/500 and put it on top of a pair of Micro VR cabs.

#3 would be my personal bet for what will be most satisfying for you- in my limited experience there’s just no replicating the feel of those sealed 10” speakers.

 

[mcrawfordmusic]

Micro VR and 210AV for sure.

 

[40Hz]

Longtime Ampeg player here

The PF-50T, Micro VR, or B-100R will all fit the bill. The VR and B-100R can easily handle almost any small gig or similar requirement. The PF-50T really shines in the studio, has a raft of smart features, and sounds tubey although it might be underpowered for some small gigs.

I picked up a used B-100R awhile back for around $300. It gets a lot of use around the house for jam nights and practice sessions. It’s also my goto for small venue things like receptions, dinner music, and bookstore/coffee shop type gigs. And the headphone jack comes in handy on those sleepless nights when book or a movie just isn’t gonna cut it. Lots to like - and it sounds just like an Ampeg! About as close as you can get to the sound of a B-15N without breaking the bank.

 

[DarkStar90]

I’ve been using a pair the 210av cabs for about 10 years now. While they are considered to be a medium duty cab, when using the pair I’ve never felt like I needed to crank the volume.

I’ve used them with the Micro VR, Quilter BB800, GK MB200, and SWR WorkingPro 700. The cab is responsible for a lot of the character.

I have an 810av as well, and the Micro VR rig is voiced to similarly to it. To be honest though, I don’t know if I’d ever pump excessive power into the 210’s. They sound great, they are loud, but maybe not as robust as other cabs. I love them.

 

[MCF]

You don’t say where you are. But here is a stunning deal in SoCal. Local pickup only though.
Ampeg Micro VR 200-Watt 2x10" Compact Solid State Bass Amp Stack 2011 - Present - Black | Reverb

 

[dalkowski]

I find that a lot of the “Ampeg thing” is in the cab

 

[Timmah]

View attachment 5034058

Nice rig! I love the GK/210AV combo as well.

 

[Stewie]

Go play with an Ampeg RB210. Sounds like an Ampeg, loud enough for most gigs, reasonable DI. And at less than 40 pounds and being trunk sized, an easy move too

 

[mikeswals]

*My view*

Rehearsal is just that...practicing the motions for the band to figure its stops and starts.
I wouldn't buy more gear for just that. I'd just use the Mesa thats already there. For me the rehearsal space is just not important to nit pick the N-th degree of mix tone.

 

[_Some Dude]

I find that a lot of the “Ampeg thing” is in the cab,

Agreed. The WD800 into the 810E does the "SVT" thing better than the SVT plugged into the Mesa cabs. That was the moment I figured out I was fighting an uphill battle.

so I’d try one of these things, cheapest first:
1. If you have any pedals that load impulse responses, try an 810 IR and see how it feels.
2. Try an Ampeg-voiced pedal preamp. There are too many to list out there- Origin, Tech 21, SushiBox, and more make them, but Ampeg’s new SGT-DI looks like the new hip thing right now.
3. Grab a Micro VR or PF350/500 and put it on top of a pair of Micro VR cabs.

#3 would be my personal bet for what will be most satisfying for you- in my limited experience there’s just no replicating the feel of those sealed 10” speakers.

I've tried 1 and 2 awhile ago. It's been a year leading me up to this point.

For #3, do you think a PF head on a MicroVR cab would be better than the PF210HE?

 

[tothemax]

I'm not familiar with the Rocket series, but I do have a BA210 v2 and while it's listed at 450w the output without an extension cab is around 300w. With the extension cab it has the full 450 watts. It works fine for me and sounds good. But I thought I'd follow up as you have the Rocket in your pick list (it may be similar). I'd also be a little concerned about pushing the new lighter neo speakers hard. The BA V2's still have the older style speakers, and the weight is not that bad (if you're used to an 810 cab, it'll be cake).

 

[Timmah]

Agreed. The WD800 into the 810E does the "SVT" thing better than the SVT plugged into the Mesa cabs. That was the moment I figured out I was fighting an uphill battle.



I've tried 1 and 2 awhile ago. It's been a year leading me up to this point.

For #3, do you think a PF head on a MicroVR cab would be better than the PF210HE?

I think the Micro VR cab- the SVT210AV- will do a much more faithful approximation of the sealed 810 sound than the 210HE, which is a fine cabinet but voiced less like the fridge and more like a B15 cab. The portaflex cab does have a little more native low end and volume, but IME the SVT210AV is more faithful to the fridge sound with that midrange bark so I prefer it.

 

[GreyBeard]

I've played the rb210 and it rocks

 

[wintremute]

I can run the Ampeg PF 350 and two SVT 210 AVs and keep up with a loud band.

So, for what you're describing, I think you could do the PF 350 and one 210av.

Things may have changed, but for some reason the PF 500 does not get as much love as the PF 350 or the PF 800. So if you want bigger than 350, I suggest looking at the 800.

As always, I call into the void to query the knowledge and experience of @JimmyM for this type of question.