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SWR 12 Stack review

Metropolis_488

Metropolis_488

Jun 12, 2006
1,698
519
Connecticut
#1
Finally got to use my 12 stack (4x12) in a band situation yesterday and here are some initial comments:

1) WOW

2) Very "vintage" sounding, however more versitile than my 2x15

3) Tight low-end, brings out growl in the tone...mid range emphasis for sure.

4) very compressed highs (something I like). Less highs than my Mesa 2x15- the mesa doesn't have a horn btw...and it's for sale! :D
Noticably less string noise and fret clank come through this cab.

5) sounds much more focused that the Agi 2x12 I played at GC. What I mean is that the low E seems to have less flop and loosness...

6) I did get it to fart-out once at practice volume...so I am not sure what that means....it could have been caused by the hot output of that particular bass...??

7) This cab does overdrive better than any other cab I have heard, hands down. I found I could leave my Fulltone Bassdrive on for a lot more parts of songs because of this cab. EVERY other bass cab I have tried gets these ugly spikes and peaks when overdrive is run through them...not this cab.

Anyhow, that's just a first pass...once I put it through some more paces I will give a more in depth review.
 
#2
Cool! I'm still digging my pair of 12-stacks! I agree, these cabs are made for overdrive. What bass/amp are you running through it? I've had great success with my SVT CL's with GK Diesel Dawg and Pres Elec Depth Charge dist pedals...

After I finish my MBA next month and have some free time, I'm gonna find a band just to get out and open these babies up!


JR
 
#4
Oh man, I'm so glad I clicked on this thread. I've been looking for a 412 with the classic 2x2 arrangement. Its nice to see these. Do these have the typical SWR modern sound? I need more of a vintage sound for a classic rock band ala Cream.
 
#5
McHaven said:
Oh man, I'm so glad I clicked on this thread. I've been looking for a 412 with the classic 2x2 arrangement. Its nice to see these. Do these have the typical SWR modern sound? I need more of a vintage sound for a classic rock band ala Cream.
Click to expand...
They don't sound ANYTHING like typical SWR cabs....this is really the best cab I have ever heard for that Cream thing, or anything vintage for that matter. I can't recommend this cab enough...unless someone is a Hi-fi player that wants real sterile equipment...
 
#6
I've got one of these sitting in my basement as well....

In the VR thread everyone keeps going on about the NV610 as a perfect match for the SVT, which may be true, but I think the SWR 12 Stack might be a good match for the SVT-VR or CL as well instead of the heavy Ampeg 810....

I haven't had a chance to open this cab up yet so I'm happy to hear everyone is diggin' it...

Great deal, right?
 
#7
I've been running my 12-stacks with Ampeg SVT CL's and they are a great match, and they really shine when you kick in overdrive or distortion. This is one area where 12's seem to really excel over 10's IMO.

BTW, I've recently been running the Cl's with the master wide open and adjusting the overall volume with the preamp gain knob - it gives an increadibly grindy, massive sound. The CL's, weather they sound like a vintage SVT or not, are great sounding heads in their own right. Awesome tone with minimal tweaking.

JR
 

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