Ampeg SVT-3 Pro

I purchased this amp at the Guitar Center in Covina, California and paid about $750 for it. I needed to replace my out-dated Peavy amp that I sold at a yard sale.

This amp is great for live and studio purposes. It has plenty of power and I have yet to find any poor sounds from the amp. It has plently of features, such direct-out (balance and unbalance) with a level control, a direct tuner out, and two types of speaker conections (1/4 inch and speakton). I like the mute function and the Graphic EQ, which provides a lot of sound versatility.

For it's small size (two rack-mount spaces), it weighs a ton! I wish it had two instrument inputs, rather than one.

It is well made and ready for the road, but I suggest buying an SBK Rack-Mount case with at least two or four spaces.

If you have the money, I would buy this amp over the competitor's. I tried them all and the Ampeg SVT 3 Pro performed the best.

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

I have had this head for about 7 years now and the tone and power is great. I have it paired with a 410hlf cab. It gives you that great ampeg tone! This thing is also built like a tank. I have it mounted in a rack and was backed into by a mini van before a gig. Still worked with no issues.


UTILIZATION

After my previous bass amp blew up for the second time, it was time to go shopping for something more reliable. I knew that an Ampeg wasn't going to disappoint, so it was between this and an SVT-CL. Glad I went with the 3-PRO. It covers any style you can possibly think of. The EQ section is very responsive and intuitive and doesn't take much time to dial in. I only use the graphic EQ to get more volume (it actually provides more than the master) It has that classic SVT tone without having to crank it. I consider myself a modern-purist, so if you want that SVT tone but don't need 300W of ALL tube power, pair this with an Ampeg 410HLF, and you'll be set for the life of your bass playing career. (unless your already playing stadiums and arenas, then you don't need this review).


SOUNDS

I love the sounds, really great rock and jazz feeling, it fits perfect in almost all genres of music that any one can be creating. I dont really use any of the settings on it though, just a little drive or boost to make it sound full and not dry.


OVERALL OPINION

Overall I am really happy with my purchase of the Ampeg SVT 3 I would have it any other way, I paid a good amount of money for this, and I take good care of it and im hoping it last me a really long time.

This 450W(@4Ohms) amp is awesome. The range of tone is just phenomenal. You have bass, mid and treble controls plus a 5 position mid control. The 5-position mid control is where you can get the most control in your tone. In addition to that there is a nine band graphic EQ that can be controlled with a foot-switch or by a button on the amp. The SVT-3 PRO's three 12AX7 preamp tubes & one 12AX7 and one 12AU7 driver tubes give you that warm round tone. It also uses 1/4inch outputs or speak-on outputs. Speak-On sounds the best so it's what I use.

UTILIZATION

If you have been playing bass for a while and you know what kind of tone you like, then this amp is no problem setting up. It is also very simple to find and create new tones for yourself.

SOUNDS

The sound this amp puts out is really undescribeable. Before I bought this amp I never knew how great Ampeg amps sounded. I play pretty much every type of music and this has been the only amp I need to switch from different styles. Effects are extremely easy to set up thanks to the effects in and out loop. The effects come in crystal clear without any kind of delay or scratch.

OVERALL OPINION

My big upgrade rig from just small combo amps was this SVT-3 Pro with a SVT-810 cab. I've had this set up now for about 3 years and the volume and tone of this amp is enough for any band I've been in. From metal, funk, pop, rock to jazz and so many more. Whatever style you music you play you can definitely find a tone that will suit you. In my 3 years of owning it I have never had one single problem with it. I don't plan on upgrading any time soon, but if I did I would stick with an Ampeg.