Marshall VBA400

400w all-tube bass head. 4 lamps preamp, 8 power tubes. two entries: passive active. 3 settings: treble, middle, bass + 2 filters: high and low. a master (preamp) and volume (power stage). effects loop, direct out to PA. Outputs 4 ohms or 2 ohms. Special entry for tuner, 2 speed fan. Two side handles shrink. Weight: between thirty and forty pounds.

UTILIZATION

The settings are simple and instinctive. One branch, we play, we sound.

SOUNDS

I plug in the head on a cabinet Ampeg SVT 810 AV. I use several basses, fretted or fretless. What I like is that this configuration complies with the personality of my different basses. It remains in the registry fat, organic. The sound is clear even at high volume. There's reserve, in terms of performance. You can play with a big hitter drummer.
The amp is ideal for those seeking a great sound straight without taking the head with the settings. Personally I play with the EQ flat without engaging any filter. Least, is that the pots or filters are not very effective compared to eg Ampeg svt 300 head 300w AV reissue.
We do not have a wide array of sounds available. One branch, we play, we sound.

OVERALL OPINION

I play it for a year. Before I played on Trace-Elliot, I liked but I do not like too much. I also played on a long Hiwatt Custom 100 head, I liked but I did not have enough power. I know the Ampeg SVT AV 300. The Marshall is extra. The Ampeg too, I do not know which I prefer.
At the price, this head is a big investment if you want new, a little less than 2000 €. I got it secondhand in 1000. She must be fifteen years but it is nickel.

You can not compare a brand lamps with an Ampeg SVT 3 (pro), it was only the preamp tube, the rest is the transistor.
I have an Ampeg svt3 pro, so I know whereof I speak. But I also have (maybe the Rolls bass amps) the full SVT 2 PRO lamps (SVT cabinet with 8 x 10 ").
I do not have the Marshall described, I can not say anything, but when comparing the IVOKKO SVT3 is not permitted. If playing on a SVT 2 pro, I'm not sure he would find many qualities in Marshall.
I have a Marshall 200 watt combo tube preamp, the rest transistors, but with an equalizer with a single 15 "which I add a 2 x 10", it is great, but far from my other 2 Ampeg.
For bass, including C Squire Rickenbacker signature, and Marcus Miller Jazz Bass.

UTILIZATION

no comment

SOUNDS

no comment

OVERALL OPINION

no comment

400w tube amp, we choose 2 or 4 ohms behind (so you can put two fridges if you do!), There is a fan with two speeds (also very cool).
It is very easy to use 1 volume 1 gain is made with mashed easily equalize and Bass / midrange / treble to sculpt sound in addition to the rest.
There is also a bass boost and treble boost.

Frankly it is often said that there are less buttons the better it works, I is what I like with this kind of amp.
Oh yes there is also an effects loop.

UTILIZATION

I tried it, I said good ... it growls, it slams, it's everything you want and it exudes lights for miles ....
Let's say I waited a long time to have any lights, I had long eyed the SVT, and then I finally got tired of so-called problem with new fabrications ... prices are still high enough ... brief.
Knowing that I played on SVT3 for 6-7 years, I still hung well (and always) on the famous ampeg legend!

When the sound of that my head fell into my hands, I told myself that ca worth it, the sound is just insane, it svt3 my cap to the post before, that the rest was good, but I goes upmarket as they say. The sound is easy to find, it is very "lamps" of course but not too typical, we will say that the sound is, it works well.

SOUNDS

I rock with and I said to marshall rock it can only do so much. I really sound discs I listen to, a big tube sound that takes good belly without being aggressive.

Of course I have not ampeg svt recognizable 100km, but I have a serious competitor that is largely the case, which sounds less typical, and that cost me a lot less to be made especially in UK! Enough said.

OVERALL OPINION

For almost a year I have, I'm not disappointed at all, I want lights, you're done.
Well it's just a little heavy, but you should know what you want!