I had to ask because of my concern but I play an SVT II Pro through an 8x10 cab in a metal band and I have tried a couple different settings and nothing seems to really cut through the mix of my loud ass guitarists and a thunderous drummer until I cranked the "Master" to 10 and set the "Gain" knob to about the 9 o'clock position. This setting is monstrous as hell and the bandmates really dig it but does this screw the tubes up? I just want to know because I am a noob when it comes to tube amps since I just got this amp a little while ago...Thanks-Andrew
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
SVT II Pro Volume question
- Thread starter Altarsmadness91
- Start date
Many people on here will run their Ampeg SVT the same way you described. Perfectly fine to do so.
Having trouble cutting through? Tone settings? Do you have the Ultra Low pushed in?
Having trouble cutting through? Tone settings? Do you have the Ultra Low pushed in?
what you're doing is treating your SVT pro as a non master volume amp. with your power amp section wide open (master volume maxed) you're getting as wide open with your tone as you can get on that amp. Vintage SVT amps didn't even have this 'master volume' and it's like they were maxed out all the time.
Tons of people do this. You can search other threads on the SVTCL vs SVT-VR where it's recommended you do exactly as you're doing to get closer to the vintage sound.
So you're using the gain as your volume now. if it sounds good, keep on rocking!
and no it won't screw up your amp or your tubes.
Tons of people do this. You can search other threads on the SVTCL vs SVT-VR where it's recommended you do exactly as you're doing to get closer to the vintage sound.
So you're using the gain as your volume now. if it sounds good, keep on rocking!
and no it won't screw up your amp or your tubes.
- Oct 18, 2012
- 6,683
- 5,538
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Fender, Spector, Ampeg, Curt Mangan, Nordstrand Pickups, Korg , Conquest Sound
One suggestion would be to adjust your EQ. Many bassists set their EQ while the rest of the band isn't playing and then find that they can't hear themself when the band is playing. You probably have frequencies that are getting lost in the mix. Boost your highs and mids a bit and see if that helps.
Ok, I'm glad to hear it's okay to be used in that way. Thank you all for the advice
And as for the cutting through part, I did have the "Ultra Lo" switch in, I'm guessing that's bad?
Ok, I'm glad to hear it's okay to be used in that way. Thank you all for the advice
It sucks a lot power to the lowest frequencies that do little to get you heard.
Okay, makes sense. I'll take that off at next practice and see how much better it sounds
Thank you
Ultra low cuts the midrange at 500hz by -12db while applying a small boost to the lows and highs. This button basically makes the bass invisible in many settings and allows the rest of the band to cut through. This can be very helpful when few instruments are covering the low end spectrum - you effectively "notch" your tone to work with them.
Do not push this button in. The key to cutting through in a band situation like yours is to keep the midrange at the amp's flat settings and boost as necessary. A tone which is ugly sounding on it's own tends to cut through a band mix in seconds. Put all of the controls at noon on your head, run the Gain and Master like you were, and slowly adjust your tone in the band setting. Small boosts are the key and stay away from those darn push buttons!
