Ampeg SVT-2 Pro

The Ampeg SVT-2 Pro is a bass guitar amplifier head in a rack mountable casing.  I don't know the exact wattage on the unit, but this thing sure holds a ton of power.  The SVT-2 Pro is a tube based head with a 1/4 inch connection in the front for your instrument and 1/4 inch speaker output in the back.  The unit has buttons for both on/off and stand by.  As I stated earlier, this can also be rack mounted and will take up four spaces.

UTILIZATION

In terms of tone features, the Ampeg SVT-2 Pro has a lot to bring to the table.  For starters, you've got a nine band graphic equalizer that also has an output level slider.  It also has another parametric equalizer with bass, mid, and treble, and the ability to choose between five fixed frequencies for one of the bands.  You've also got parameters for gain, drive, and master volume.  In addition there are a ton of smaller buttons for controls like ultra lo, ultra hi, and bright. 


SOUNDS

I've used the Ampeg SVT-2 Pro both in tandem with a speaker cabinet and sent directly to a console, and no matter which way you slice it, this is a great bass guitar amp head.  I've used the amp with a Fender Jazz bass and an Ampeg speaker cabinet.  The versatility and overall sound quality possible with this amp head is truly outstanding.  I'm a guitar player more than a bass player, but as a recording engineer when I have used this head with other players who are more experienced, it really shines.  The sound covers all of the frequencies you'd want from a bass guitar as it is both thick and low and full of life.  The head really needs to be experienced in order to feel all of its glory...


OVERALL OPINION

The Ampeg SVT-2 Pro is designed for the professional or experienced player looking for an absolutely top notch bass head.  Considering the price as well, this isn't made for someone getting their first head as it just costs too much.  It is perfect for use both in the studio and on the stage, as I really think that it could get the job done anywhere.  If you're in the market for an upper end bass head from what is probably the best company for anything bass amp related, definitely consider the SVT-2 Pro.

100% lamp head (6x6550) 300 watts
control of the drive
9-band graphic EQ that makes the difference with other heads Ampeg
3-band EQ with effective medium for hyper boost, bass and treble
effects loop with mix (I do not use it because I compress the mix only)
XLR line out with hyper useful to choose pre or post EQ (I sent in a microphone preamplifier TL Audio PA1 which has also equalization filters)
tuner output, prove useful
speakon plug for Ampeg 8x10 cabinet that goes perfectly with this head, SWR will be fine as well (I tested with a 4x10)
One defect: what it is heavy! So not perfect, but it comes close.

UTILIZATION

Not need the manual, super simple to use. Whatever the setting, it sounds. EQs provide flexibility so that I imagine that any bassist can find something here.

SOUNDS

Ideal for hard rock, rock, heavy etc ... I am a guitarist and I use this material to give my songs sound classic rock. Ampeg sound goes perfectly with my sound rhythm guitar (Gibson Les Paul Std connected to both a Mesa Dual Recto 4x12 with V30 + and + 4x12 Marshall JCM800 in G12).
I use the SVT2 with classic Ampeg 8x10 cabinet and a Fender Custom Shop Jazzbass 4 strings (EQ more comprehensive than the standard Jazzbass). I chose this combination SVT2PRO + JBCS after hearing the live bassist Jon Oliva (Savatage ex). The sound is full of psychics and mediums low: so he looks great in the mix. Not to mention the end of the handle Jazzbass be a guitarist.
I get her to Geezer Butler. I have more trouble getting closer to the sound of Dave Ellefson (active pickups). By compressing it approaches the sound of Billy Sheehan. Fat, clear and precise at the same time. Beware, the sound is clean for the noizy, go your way unless you use the pedals, which is not my case. If you are fans of Metallica and Suicidal Tendencies, however, with a Music Man or Warwick you can take to Rob Trujillo.
I summarize: the amp gives a classic sound and lays the foundation (heat lamps, dynamic etc.), the lower the tone. And sculpts all with the EQ on the SVT formidable EQ that allows it to stand out from other SVT heads. In fact the presence of the EQ justifies the purchase of this head or not. If you do not need and are looking for a round at the AC / DC, then spend less with a classic SVT. Of course with the pro SVT2, you have this sound, but you'll also others

OVERALL OPINION

I since April 2011. Anyway I tested tons and there is that SVT2 to me crack. I waited for all my guitar equipment to invest. I was tired of playing with bassists who did not sound. And as this is the only bass amp model that I like, I had no other choice. One competitor could seduce me: SWR. Unlike Hartke, Gallien Krueger and Trace Elliot. Attention amps these brands are good, we are talking about taste, without any objectivity. Why I prefer blondes to brunettes? The girls and beer elsewhere ... Well I know. It's like that and that's all.
Pricewise, it is obviously too expensive for Ampeg does not make either a perfect gear. The build quality is not the best you could find on the market. I will not complain, this SVT never fell down. But I only used in studio conditions. I do not know if this big baby tolerates touring. Before you take it with you on the road, made to sign a contract stating that they accept the roadies to gun down the back with the terribly heavy gear. History to avoid a mutiny. For the very fact lay his head on a 8x10 cabinet is torture. And to find a shockmount rack that does not bend under the weight, is another matter ...
So you buy a head for it delivers the legendary, but not given, and that is especially difficult to handle.