All user reviews for the Ampeg SVT-4 Pro

Tube preamp, amp Mosfet.
2 * 450w in 4ohm, if I'm not mistaken, the doc is available on the web
Specific level I will not descend into more detail because everything is available on the web.

UTILIZATION

However, playing with this amp is a bit of dream, in my opinion ... definition, settings, bass, the sound required whatever the frequency, the dynamics ... this amp is definitely a pro!

The doc gives some examples of settings known bassists enough ... is exactly that ...

And make your own sound is quite 'easy' if indeed we know what we like / want ...

Plethora of settings for all types of sounds really ... incredible definition.

SOUNDS

Say it suits my style of music will not advance to much (metal / prog) ... it's so subjective and personal ... but given the possible settings, I can not see how style it would not fit ...

Output I have two 4 * 10 to ampeg, SWR supported by a cube (just a bit more serious (I have a Moog Taurus III) wood ... it sends the pants fall to the ankles!

As I have an upstream and a VB99 GR55 (yes, I play a little, I am especially pleased) that I have a 6 string Ibanez recent, even if it's not a signature model ... this is amazing ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 years now I have a Hartke HA2500 and I played long ago on a head HIWATT ...

... this is not the place, but I have a problem, however ... when I use it in stereo speakers and whatever the assembly to change the impedance, I'm cracking 'electric' in stereo making its use impossible (after 10 minutes approx.) ... I brought home 2 'repairers' Place de Lyon ... nothing, nada, no nothing, nothing ... a hair balls at this rate ...
I continue my research ... on the web, nothing ... I come down to a faulty capacitor, but my knowledge stops fast enough ...

The fact remains that this is a powerhouse, with dynamics and control possibilities of crazy! ... so do it again ... I would do!

Upon moving away from California (and coming into a large signing bonus- $$$), I felt it necessary to upgrade my GK 400RB to the 4Pro. This transaction set me back ~$1100 from Guitar Center.

The tone is great. Ample EQ control. The low end is enough to force a bowel movement. I typically run through an ART effects processer (using it as a preamp with a light touch of reverb/chorus, etc.), but running dry almost forced my hand into pawning off the ART.

The volume is pretty decent, but might use more power. This could be an artifact of my cab (currently a SWR GoliathIII), or limitations of the processer). It's also a little heavy, but perhaps that's a call for me to hit the gym.

Solid.

This amp works for me. Enough power for what I'm doing, and quite a bit of versatility. I'd almost say it's worth its weight in gold, if you can carry that.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I purchased this unit as a new blem from a music dealer in NE Oklahoma. I paid a little under a grand for it. I need a unit that would give more power in order to cut through the mix in the clubs.

I like the power and versatility of the head. It has plenty of power with power to spare. The tone is wonderful and the sound can be altered for any song, or situation. This thing makes more different sounds than any other that I tried out. I have it hooked in with a SVT210HE and an SVT18 cab. I have ran it both bi-amp full range and bi-amp HI-LOW and it works well both ways. I am currently trying to acquire an SVT-810 cab so that I have the capability to run it mono balls to the wall.

I like eveything about the unit. If I could change anything I would ask for better knob protection. I have no problem with the way it is because I have it racked in an SKB case, however if it was not racked you would need to be very carefull not to damage the knobs due to the weight of the head.

I am very pleased with the quality and construction. The curved front face seems to really strengthen the whole thing. The rest is built of what seems to be very adequate gauge sheet metal. The jacks seem to be of very good quality and are smooth and give a good positive locked feel when pluged in.

I really enjoy this head and am now sold on Ampeg sound and quality. I can't see myself ever buying another head unless this one breaks beyond repair or I find myself needing two.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I was looking for a large, collusium quality amp with many tonal features
Price Paid:A total steal $1400 Canadian
I aquired an Svt4 Pro Amp head and a 810e Classic enclosure off a friend of mine

I like the 9 band equalizer and the fact you can engage, disengage it with a pedal. I was mainly looking for an amp with many different tonal features for the number of different soloing styles I do, Cliff Burton is one of my biggest insparations, so the harmonics and sustain are great. Most importantly it is LOUD. 1600 watts @ mono briged it more power than you'd ever handle. The 10" speakers sound amazing with great punch and don't "fart" when overdriven.

The only problem I had with it is one of the wheels bent on the enclosure so I just went to crappy tire and replaced them with heavy duty casters. The enclosure is litteraly like loading a coffin into your car but this no compliant, If you spend $1200 on any 8x10 enclosure your gonna have to deal with over 160lbs of dead wieght. The head is absolutly great no complaints.

Other than the wheel problem, the rig is really sturdy. As far as the durability of the head goes, LOOK AFTER IT!! It is not bullet proof, if you drop it or mistreat it be prepared to buy preamp tubes as well as getting it fixed buy a technichian. If you par the list price for it (1799$) you should instinctivley know to take care of it.

I would absolutly recommend this amp to any professional or amatuer with alot of money 100 times over. If you look after it you will never have a problem with it. The only thing is I would advise agianst rackmounting it. Unless there is a case out there with vents on the side, if you rackmount it the fan vents will be blocked and I am assuming the system would overheat rather Quickly.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I received an SVT 4 Pro through Ampeg's Artist Relations Dept. I ran it through every possible combination listed in the owners manual while using Ampeg SVT410HLF and SVT210HE cabs. I set the pre amp volume so that the clip light came on during the strongest signals as recommended in the owners manual. I had to turn the master up to 3/4 or higher in order to be heard with a relatively low stage volume blues band. I returned the head and received another one and had the same problem. I went to a local music store and played through their's and also was unable to obtain an acceptable volume level. In fact my GK 800 RB has more balls! After calling Ampeg, I traded my cabinets in for an SVT 810. I still must crank the volume to over 3/4 in order to be heard clearly even during rehearsal. We are not a loud band. The most I ever turned my GK up was to 1/2 and that was at an outdoor gig. I am disappointed by the lack of balls the SVT4PRO has. I expected more. I have run it bi-amped, mono, stereo, bridged and I still can't get the volume that I should. The tone is phenomenal but what good is it if you can't hear it. I am playing quality basses, 76 Fender Precision, 78 Fender Jazz and Musicman Stingray 5 String with active electronics. If I push in the DB pad button while using the Musicman (as recommended for active electronics), I can barely hear it at all. I expected much much more from Ampeg. I used vintage tube heads for years and I am disappointed with the current Ampeg product line.


This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Purchased to work with a "Reincarnated Heavy" that, alas, the Tour never happened. Time being of the essence, (hey, you get the call, you go!), I hurredly paid $1700, (lists at $1799), at my local shop.

When you want to move air which translates in to sonic power/sound pressure, when you want to feel the thump of each note in your chest and increase the line to the restrooms with lows so deep and clear, the AMPEG SVT 4Pro is the amplifier of choice.

Proven sound, the clearest tones, overheard capable of 1600 Watts! you move mountains. The recording and live choice of many notables, the SVT 4Pro is not for the faint of heart.

Boasting a EQ of dynamic proportions, every possible combination of tonal characteristics can be modified, a rugged, fan cooled rack mountable case, and did I mention Power?

For clarity of nuances, the most subltle of inference, the deepest lows, the most penetrating highs, but above all the clarity of each desired note and tone~ A Slap Monsters weapon of choice, a Blues Man's subtle bottom hugging growl, or a New age mid-range woof, this amp does it all.

Mounted in a rugged 6 space case, add a tuner and a power conditioner, like any self respecting bassist should do, and the weight makes this old and feeble low ender pray for his youth and a roadie. Weight is the only dislike I could have with the SVT 4Pro.

Rugged?, hugely so. Built for the full tour schedule and all the rough handling that one expects on the road. The intent of the reliablilty of the design is proven again and again~ You never find these for sale used!!

If by some alien miracle the weight could be reduced but the overhead kept, I'd own two. One to play and one to look at!

By far the clearest most capable tone range amplifier on the planet. Overhead equals clarity, and when the call comes in for the next tour, I'll be ready!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

-Tube preamp, solid state with two Power 490 watts into 4 ohms
-Ability to link the two power (bridged mono) for a power of 1200 watts RMS into 4 ohms.
-Stereo effects loop
-Crossover: choice of frequency and scale
-3 Band EQ with parametric mid (5 positions)
Eq-9-band graphic
Ultra-High-buttons, Ultra Low, bright
-Mute, eq bypass and controllable effects on the head or footswitch.

UTILIZATION

Some will find it difficult to use properly, but all it is is to read the manual. Everything is clearly detailed.
As for sound, there are tons of configurations available, so you must know and use the knobs to know which firms use and how to connect, but if you already have an idea what kind of sound that will have at the base, c, is easy to obtain.

SOUNDS

I am a bassist who stands in several styles, mostly metal, but also the progressive, jazz, etc.. I play finger and I slap a lot. 6 strings. Yes, of course, you will have a sound that Ampeg sound, it goes without saying. You have to love having a round. I configure the buttons on the amp for a good sound to the finger, and then I turn the 9-band eq for the slap, which is very effective. I particularly like the bright switch. My effects are also performed well on this head, as they are plugged into the effects loop. The bi-amp to use a low power to manage, both for high and medium frequencies, so we can grow without compromising the low treble, very useful when playing six-string, like me. Small flat, it is very difficult to find a bass cabinet at 4 ohms which is resistant to 490 watts. Ampeg SVT-have discontinued their 18 and it is very difficult to find. Firms that can support the 1200 watts does not run the streets not more, so the configuration is the easiest to do is two 410, 500 watts each. That way you use non-negligible power of the head, without danger of destroying your cabinets. Two 410 are much easier to carry than a 810.

OVERALL OPINION

I have this head for two months. I love its power, we discover the pleasure of playing it when the chance to turn the volume knob a little. The possibilities are almost endless given the impressive number of jacks is behind the beast. I chose it mainly because of these possibilities, I tried some other amps before but exceeded all of its features, so I chose it. I'm not disappointed by its cons. I use it with an SVT-410 HLF, and I plan to buy me a second or me making myself a 18 inch if I am not of SVT-18 used. on the other hand, try all the possibilities before you buy. I have a problem with line out on my own and I must go have it checked soon. Fortunately there is a good guarantee, but as I made these studio-days, I could do without. Still, I remake the same choice without hesitation, for sound, power and various connection options.

For CHARACTERISTICS, simply go to the website.
Even when I post a quick résumé from Ampeg.com Site:

RMS Power Output: 300-Watts x 2 / 900 (mono-bridged @ 8 Ohms)
RMS Power Output: 490-Watts x 2 / 1200 (mono-bridged @ 4 Ohms)
RMS Power Output (2 Ohms): 600-Watts x 2
Preamp: Tubes (3 x 12AX7)
Power Amp: Solid State

UTILIZATION

I have long used SWR (SM-400).

THE FIRST thing I did when trying the head for the first time I had t dbarrasser SVT sound that I can not stand. As a result I get my sound.

It is from this moment that I realized the possibilities of the head. It's, I want to say, infinite) I find my Mrs. Russ's SWR perfection ... Yet the philosophy Ampeg and SWR well diffrent

I think this amp can make any sound Search. The challenge is to find such a great opportunities. That's his weakness and his strength.

The connection is not left with the possibility of him put 4 8 * 10 derrire!
It often descends to 2 ohms 1600W power. Question SVT4 the power is comparable V8 engine. If you need more, it's not an amp for you but a Physicians

I use it with 2 baffles 4 * 10 SWR GOLIATH home.

SOUNDS

Here is my current gear:

Fender Deluxe Precision V-US
Ampeg Pro SVT4 (recess)
Two 4 * 10 SWR Goliath III

For my part, I dbarrass as soon as possible thanks SVT sound EQ parameter.
Fat to the lens, everything goes. And when I say fat is fat! For the Mtal, a must see! Heavy and powerful.
I also like the slap banging like a whip. No problem, powerful torque to the head of my SWR tweeter could make more of a fade. Just give it a little mdium of acute and may (again thanks to EQ)

OVERALL OPINION

To conclude:

Do not drop the search for the DSIR. You will find test conditions.

One last nice thing: you can attach to pedals gnriques CONTRL the head, no need to buy pedals manufacturer (as in Mesa by xample)

all is said below, you can download the manual on the manufacturer's website.


UTILIZATION

the connection is really impressive and not always easy to navigate. (note the single bridge, it sends 1600W @ 4ohm)
the manual is clear enough to start, settings are simple and intuitive and the possibilities seem endless (I say appear because I have not tried all possible settings, I found the sound that suited me quite quickly and since I do not touch more)

SOUNDS

it is quite my style of music (cover ac / dc) I like the sounds heavy and greasy with a hint of metal, I play on Ibanez SR400 Active and srx590 through a Hartke bass attack of at all in an ampeg svt410hlf
it's wicked and powerful! I became the worst nightmare of our sound engineer!

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it almost 2 years I have not tried anything else, I come from a svt400t serves me still in rehearsals, I love her and I wanted the ampeg ampeg.
what I love most: the sound! and the reserve power
I like the least: it's very heavy, the side ventilation which forced me to make 2 big holes in my fly box, and the line out XLR output poses some problems with sound (solved with a good microphone)
the quality / price is more than excellent in my case, I bought a site in Germany who had probably made a mistake in pricing, I had the whole head + cabinet for less expensive than head only.
I recommend this amp connected to a svt410hlf if you can afford and you like the sound ampeg

The SVT 4 Pro is the real deal. It has the "classic" tube preamp tone that made Ampeg famous with a host of modern updates and options. It has the following features: Dual Separate Power Amplifiers, Biamp Capable, 5-Position Midrange Selector, Compression Control, 9 Band Graphic EQ, Tuner out jacks, Speakon Jacks or 1/4" outs, stereo effects in/out, amp in/preamp out, and footswitch control (plus a whole bunch more stuff)!
Power:
1600 Watts Mono-Bridged @ 4 Ohms (1200 Watts Continuous)
1200 Watts Mono-Bridged @ 8 Ohms (900 Watts Continuous)
2 x 900 Watts @ 2 Ohms (600 Watts Continuous)
2 x 625 Watts @ 4 Ohms (490 Watts Continuous)
2 x 350 Watts @ 8 Ohms (300 Watts Continuous)

and it weighs almost 40 lbs

UTILIZATION

This amp has a lot of buttons, knobs and switches so there is a learning curve but once you get it figured out, this amp can do pretty much anything. You can dial in unlimited numbers of tones with the EQ or the bass/mid/treble and the adjustable mid. A footswitch allows you to click between them for 2 distinct sounds, just click away. The SVT-4 has a variety of output options. The stereo power amps can be biamped (with adjustable crossover), ran in stereo or used with just one output and a smaller cab to play at much more reasonable volumes (but still get that pushed tube sound). Of course you can also bridge the signal for a full 1600 watts of bass fury and bury the rest of the band. The amazing thing about the SVT-4 Pro is that you get so many options and never compromise quality.

SOUNDS

Tone is why you buy Ampeg and this amp has it! 3 12AX7 tubes power the preamp to give it that warm "classic" low-end drive that Ampeg is famous for. You really can dial in pretty much any tone you want from a deep warm reggae sound to a driven tube metal thump. The owners manual has a few recommended settings including: Classic Ampeg, Funky Thing, Etheral Fretless, Jaco, R&B Groove, and Downright Upright Doneright. This amp IS the tone that all the modeling amps try to emulate.

OVERALL OPINION

This is the Cadillac of all amps. A really big, smooth riding, high powered, pimped out Cadillac!