Ampeg SVT direct output problems..?

rainsinvelvet · 6th August 2006, 01:18 AM

Hey guys.
I've got a 2005 Ampeg SVT anniversery version head and I tried using the direct out (xlr) on the back today. It seems to have a VERY low output. I have to crank my pre's to get any amount of decent signal out of it.

Anyone run into this issue?

ERic

chetatkinsdiet · 6th August 2006, 03:42 AM

If you've got a real SVT, then why the heck are you using the DI. Put a mic in front of that thing. That's what it's all about.

m

Ahellam · 6th August 2006, 04:20 AM

seems like 9 times out of 10 the direct outs on those amps are weak. as the fellow above me said... if he has a svt you should be mic'n that thang

JSVice · 6th August 2006, 04:34 AM

Nah. From experience, I can tell you that putting a mic in front of an SVT and recording it will only yield a slight hum if you're lucky. To really see what it can do, try hooking it up to a 4x10 or 8x10 cabinet.... then put a mic in front of that.

Seriously though... I recorded an SVT3 last weekend and used 3 tracks. Mic on a 4x10, DI, and a Schoeps on the bass strings. Ended up scrapping the DI track, but I normally always have one.

Jim Williams · 6th August 2006, 04:16 PM

You won't find much low end depth there either. SVT's preamps roll off at 90 hz. To fix that, one needs to replace the coupling caps with larger values and then cut the power B+ lines and decouple them with RC sections. Not too easy. These are really guitar amps "stolen" by bass players.

Try this trick: Pop in a good bass preamp with good low end into the power amp input of the SVT. Now you will hear bass as the power amp doesn't have the 90 hz roll-offs like the preamp does.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

KrisNY · 6th August 2006, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Try this trick: Pop in a good bass preamp with good low end into the power amp input of the SVT. Now you will hear bass as the power amp doesn't have the 90 hz roll-offs like the preamp does.

I like this guy.

rainsinvelvet · 6th August 2006, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Try this trick: Pop in a good bass preamp with good low end into the power amp input of the SVT. Now you will hear bass as the power amp doesn't have the 90 hz roll-offs like the preamp does.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

Thanks Jim for actually replying to my question.

It's funny, as I wrote the original post I <i>knew</i> there would be folks telling me to just mic the damn thing.. Gee, it's like I've never thought of that...

ERic

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6th August 2006, 01:18 AM	#1
rainsinvelvet Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: California Posts: 1,038	Ampeg SVT direct output problems..? Hey guys. I've got a 2005 Ampeg SVT anniversery version head and I tried using the direct out (xlr) on the back today. It seems to have a VERY low output. I have to crank my pre's to get any amount of decent signal out of it. Anyone run into this issue? ERic __________________ http://www.thesleepoverdisaster.com (my Band) http://www.myspace.com/thesleepoverdisaster It is a very mixed blessing to be brought back from the dead. Kurt Vonnegut Last edited by rainsinvelvet; 6th August 2006 at 01:20 AM.. Reason: errors in wording

6th August 2006, 04:20 AM	#3
Ahellam Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 419	seems like 9 times out of 10 the direct outs on those amps are weak. as the fellow above me said... if he has a svt you should be mic'n that thang __________________ One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.

6th August 2006, 04:34 AM	#4
JSVice Gear addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 318	Nah. From experience, I can tell you that putting a mic in front of an SVT and recording it will only yield a slight hum if you're lucky. To really see what it can do, try hooking it up to a 4x10 or 8x10 cabinet.... then put a mic in front of that. Seriously though... I recorded an SVT3 last weekend and used 3 tracks. Mic on a 4x10, DI, and a Schoeps on the bass strings. Ended up scrapping the DI track, but I normally always have one. __________________ -John Vice

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6th August 2006, 03:42 AM	#2
chetatkinsdiet Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,473	If you've got a real SVT, then why the heck are you using the DI. Put a mic in front of that thing. That's what it's all about. m

6th August 2006, 04:16 PM	#5
Jim Williams Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: beautiful Carlsbad, CA Posts: 4,258	You won't find much low end depth there either. SVT's preamps roll off at 90 hz. To fix that, one needs to replace the coupling caps with larger values and then cut the power B+ lines and decouple them with RC sections. Not too easy. These are really guitar amps "stolen" by bass players. Try this trick: Pop in a good bass preamp with good low end into the power amp input of the SVT. Now you will hear bass as the power amp doesn't have the 90 hz roll-offs like the preamp does. Jim Williams Audio Upgrades