Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey Fellas,
Do any of guys use the Ampeg SVP Pro preamp in your rigs? Could you tell me your likes and dislikes? Thank you,
Brent

I've had one for a few years and I couldn't be happier. The tone is very full and clear with no "extra" noise. The mute switch that leaves the "tuner out" functioning is a nice touch (foot switchable along with the EQ). I don't twaek it much.....it always sounds good and I use stomp boxes to get some variations of my tone......so I really can't comment on how versatile it is. I like that it is simple and straightforward. The direct out is also a feature that I love.....it sends "my tone" to the PA rather than using a direct box. Most decent preamps have that feature but it is one that is a "must have" for me so I'll call it a positive.

I've had or tried everything else that I could get my mittens on and the SVP satisfied all of my needs. I had one and sold it in favor of a more "highend" preamp and realized my error pretty quick and scored my current SVP that I'm keeping.

I really have no negative comments. It's constructed well and has seen it's share of mishaps with only one issue. It had to go in the shop once because one of the outputs was cutting out....the five year warranty took care of it and it has been fine for the last few years. The problem may be due to a pretty good tumble it took while in it's rack case so I wouldn't call it unreliable.

I had the SVP 2 which I used for approx 2 years, but I never got on with it. I got ok sounds with some basses, but was never happy with the sounds I got with my Ricks. Strangely it just never seemed to have the oomph I was after, and which I'd had with my previous Trace Elliot head. After various other dalliances I went back to the Trace and the sound I wanted was back. I now use Ashdown, which I also vastly prefer, but you should trust your own ears. Reliability wise mine needed work a couple of times early on (solder joints cracking) but once sorted I had no problems.