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SVT-IIP - Noisy/Issues

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by chaosMK, Apr 17, 2012.

  1. Apr 17, 2012 #1
    chaosMK

    chaosMK

    May 26, 2005
    Albuquerque, NM
    Too much hip thrust
    I came across a good deal on an SVT-IIP. This little preamp (rack size but not very deep) is pretty old- at least 15-20 years and I think it is supposed to be the preamp from SVT II non-pro.

    I plugged it into the Return on my Bass 400's FX loop and dialed around on it.

    Tonewise... this has a ton of built-in low end voicing, the kind that rattles windows and sustains forever. Controls are straightforward, it does not have a gain/drive just a volume.

    On low volumes (~50%) it runs pretty clean, no noise or hum. If I have the "volume" around 75%-100% things begin to fuzz out, not sure if it is OD beacuse it sounds more like radio static with no definition. I don't believe this pre is supposed to really do overdrive.

    The graphic EQ sometimes randomly cuts in and out and when the "fuzz" tones occur, the EQ light dims out (kind of strange). I haven't spent that much time with this unit, but kind of noticed some volume cutting out types of issues the entire time (maybe just the graphic EQ).

    Any idea how to correctly investigate or fix these basic issues? I want to give this piece a little bit more of a chance. I popped the hood and it has two Chinese made "SLM Hot Rods" 12AX7's and one that is just made in China.
     
  2. Apr 17, 2012 #2
    grendle

    grendle

    Mar 4, 2011
    Central FL
    You need new tubes. Go with EH's ( they sounded the best in mine) . That's about right for the pre. Clean under 50% and it will start to drive/ distort a bit when pushed higher. Love that pre. Different than the other ampeg stuff and sounds amazing!
     
  3. Apr 17, 2012 #3
    chaosMK

    chaosMK

    May 26, 2005
    Albuquerque, NM
    Too much hip thrust
    Thanks for the tips and encouragement about this pre. I was having some second thoughts. I've used EH tubes in a few other situations and found the highs to be a little enhanced, but could see them being cool with the slightly dark voicing of this head.

    I will probably do my best shot at some contact cleaner cleaning and see if it helps with the EQ cutting out.
     
  4. Apr 17, 2012 #4
    anderbass

    anderbass

    Dec 20, 2005
    Phoenix. Az.
  5. Apr 17, 2012 #5
    grendle

    grendle

    Mar 4, 2011
    Central FL
    yeah the highs of the Eh's actually go nicely with that pre. they have that glassy tone to them and grind pretty nice when pushed. that, and their inexpensive. I got a matched triplet set for $35 new off the bay.
    I never really liked ampeg till i played that pre. thats another piece of gear now they will have to pry from my dead hands. the sweep on the tone knobs is huge, and it does have more bottom end than any of the other ampeg pieces i have tried. Thats a way under looked pre. I may get another for a back up in case mine ever dies lol.
     
  6. Apr 17, 2012 #6
    jmpiwonka

    jmpiwonka Supporting Member

    Jun 11, 2002
    yeah first thing i'd look at is the preamp tubes, easy to check if you have and extra 12ax7 laying around.

    i like the jj ecc803s in the v1 position of my svtII
    the other two positions don't seem to make that much of a difference...unless one is going bad :meh: