You've heard that it's versatile? Really? What I've gathered is just the opposite - i.e. doesn't do a lot of different things, but what it does do, it does really, really well.
MM
^ thought I would let someone else point that out first.
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SVT3-Pro vs. Terror Bass
- Thread starter xnogoodjackx
- Start date
^ thought I would let someone else point that out first.
I just don't get the SVT 3 Pro = too quiet thing. I own one along with a GK 700RB II and a GK 500 micro. I would say the Ampeg is the loudest of them using a pair of fearful 12/6 cubes. It is certainly loud enough to shake the walls of any venue I have played (medium bars, stuff with PA support, 500 people outside stuff).
I think the mosfet bias issue has given this head a really bad rep considering how easy it is to rectify the problem. That's too bad, although I use the GK as my main amp, the Ampeg is a lovely thing to listen to in a band context.
In short, get the mosfets set up properly and remember that the "clipping" light is actually the good sound light on the SVT3. The light should be on most of the time. Total cost will probably about $50 or less I would imagine. Certainly cheaper than a new amp.
I think the mosfet bias issue has given this head a really bad rep considering how easy it is to rectify the problem. That's too bad, although I use the GK as my main amp, the Ampeg is a lovely thing to listen to in a band context.
In short, get the mosfets set up properly and remember that the "clipping" light is actually the good sound light on the SVT3. The light should be on most of the time. Total cost will probably about $50 or less I would imagine. Certainly cheaper than a new amp.
Went through the same thing. Dumped the SVT3 for the TB500, cool head but not too versatile. I wound up with a Markbass rig after all was said and done.
YMMV
YMMV
I've had both. I prefer the Orange TB1000 and it's way effing louder than the SVT3. So much so that I'd say the TB500 is probably quite a bit louder as well. If the TB's limited controls are concerning, just get a nice EQ pedal... problem solved. It can do quite a few tones with the small set of controls it has. Everything I needed but I'm not going to claim I play many different styles of music. I play in the realm Tool through the Black Keys. No country, hiphop, funk, blues, or jazz. It did a good flea tone.
i've never owned a 3pro but i did own a terror bass 1000. it was really sweet sounding at lower volumes but when you cranked it a little bit it got kind of muddy. i played it through two RS212's and a 410XLT eden. for small clubs it would be a great choice.
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There are a few tricks to getting the max volume out of the SVT 3 Pro and all are mentioned here but by the sounds of it you need heavy artillery against that guitar rig. Plenty of options. If you like the tone of your Ampeg the obvious choice is the 1000 watt 7 Pro.
The Orange TB has a distinct overdriven tone that I could not dial out. That's fine if you like that sort of thing but not if you don't. Loud as all hell.
The Orange TB has a distinct overdriven tone that I could not dial out. That's fine if you like that sort of thing but not if you don't. Loud as all hell.
Also the Ampeg PF 800, G-K MB800 or MB Fusion800 for full tube preamp if you want to downsize/shed some weight.
See, that kind of puzzles me, as I've heard that the massive headroom of the Terror Bass 1000 allows you to keep it big, clean & smooth - even at very high volume - at least until you crank the gain control. Unless you're referring to the Terror Bass 500 that is...
MM
3pro...lovely sounding head, just not ballsy or loud. I don't wnt baked in grind so the Oranges aren't appealing to me. Love my mbf-500 but i your case, maybe an SVT -CL ?
3 Pro and 4 Pro...to get max volume out of them, ignore the gain light and crank it till you hear distortion, then back off it slightly till the distortion goes away. Depending on the bass, I usually end up with the gain somewhere between 3:00 and full up. The gain light is not a clip light, but many people mistake it for one, then they complain that it's underpowered, not realizing they have a lot more power on tap. Get it lighting up pretty good and solid when you play.
See, that kind of puzzles me, as I've heard that the massive headroom of the Terror Bass 1000 allows you to keep it big, clean & smooth - even at very high volume - at least until you crank the gain control. Unless you're referring to the Terror Bass 500 that is...
MM
Yes soz I haven't played a 1000. Just the 500
Maybe I'm showing my age, but it sounds like your guitarist needs a beating...
Lol!!!
One of the best suggestions I have seen is to elevate or angle the guitarists cabs more towards their ears. Once they hear what everyone else is suffering with "Gotta crank for the tone." seems to lessen?
I have a 3pro, and it's been my main gigging amp for a while.
I'm late getting to this party, but I'm another one of the guys who can't figure out why people can't get enough volume out of this amp. I can understand if someone doesn't particularly like Ampeg tone, but that's a different thing altogether.
I have an SVT CL and SVT 810e for 'big' gigs and anytime I feel like hauling out the big guns. But the 3pro through my SVT 410he has always had more than enough guts for me. Either 3 or 4 piece bands, with a heavy hitting drummer.
It's all about how you set it. I've never felt it was under powered compared to other amps in its wattage range.
I'm late getting to this party, but I'm another one of the guys who can't figure out why people can't get enough volume out of this amp. I can understand if someone doesn't particularly like Ampeg tone, but that's a different thing altogether.
I have an SVT CL and SVT 810e for 'big' gigs and anytime I feel like hauling out the big guns. But the 3pro through my SVT 410he has always had more than enough guts for me. Either 3 or 4 piece bands, with a heavy hitting drummer.
It's all about how you set it. I've never felt it was under powered compared to other amps in its wattage range.
LOL. I've had this head along with some other Ampegs and if for ONE thing they share it's they are all underpowered for their wattage rating. That is the ONE thing Ampeg is known for besides the SVT line
Try the EBS Fafner II and you'll know what POWER means ;-)
I just re-acquired a 3pro this week and I really like it. I just gave up my TB500 to upgrade to the TB1000 (mostly to get a little more clean headroom) which is currently still in shipping somewhere out there.
They're very different critters. I picked up the 3pro specifically to get an "ampeg tone" again in my collection, I haven't had an Ampeg amp since the 5pro was current.
The 3pro doesn't behave well with an 8x10 cab, it just doesn't have enough oomph in the power section. It's much more efficient and seems to have more volume and clarity through a 4x10 or 4x12 cab.
The Terror Bass series will push well through any cab, but again I found my 500 wasn't pushing too well through an SVT810 as much as it really roars on an Orange 410 or my Traynor 412. But still cuts better than the 3pro will for sure.
I would have to say in a bang for the buck world, go for a Terror Bass 1000 first. If you want versatility out of one, just swap the pre-amp tubes for something with a little smoother gain (12AT7 or 5721 work great).
They're very different critters. I picked up the 3pro specifically to get an "ampeg tone" again in my collection, I haven't had an Ampeg amp since the 5pro was current.
The 3pro doesn't behave well with an 8x10 cab, it just doesn't have enough oomph in the power section. It's much more efficient and seems to have more volume and clarity through a 4x10 or 4x12 cab.
The Terror Bass series will push well through any cab, but again I found my 500 wasn't pushing too well through an SVT810 as much as it really roars on an Orange 410 or my Traynor 412. But still cuts better than the 3pro will for sure.
I would have to say in a bang for the buck world, go for a Terror Bass 1000 first. If you want versatility out of one, just swap the pre-amp tubes for something with a little smoother gain (12AT7 or 5721 work great).
Maybe I'm showing my age, but it sounds like your guitarist needs a beating...
I'm inclined to agree. Frankly I'm surprised it's taken this long for someone to say it. If you're talking about TWO quads and ONE guitarist, that's insane. I totally understand wanting to use all the kickass gear you own, but that's just cruel to you as the bassist. For that matter, how is he EQing, while you're at it? A simple way to check whether that's part of the problem would be to soundcheck from the drums up; have your drummer lay down a beat, then you start, then have the guitarist start; if it's fine with just you and the drums, you know what your problem is. While we're at it, is it your stage sound or your FOH sound that's not cutting it?
Unless the SVT3 truly is *really* underpowered, even stepping up to 1000 watts should really only translate to a +3db increase. I'd say add more cone area, but you're already using a high sensitivity 8x10...
I guess what I'm saying is by all means jump up to a bigger amp, but it might also be worth looking at the other elements in your equation band-wise.
If you really like the tone of the SVT3, maybe try renting a nice big power amp for a gig and just run the SVT3 as a preamp, see how you like it?
