![ampeg svp pro ampeg svp pro](http://media.guitarcenter.com/is/image/MMGS7/SVP-Pro-Tube-Bass-Preamp/000000113377826-00-500x500.jpg)
Its lasted this long because it was well made and I haven't felt the need to update much of it over the years. My gear is all fairly old but I'm of the school that if it works well and sounds good, don't screw with it. I would still love to spend a week and some gigs to try out an IOD.īottom line was that the SVP-PRO was able to be tested by me and it was on my short list, based on my web research into what sound I was after.
![ampeg svp pro ampeg svp pro](https://medias.audiofanzine.com/images/normal/ampeg-svp-pro-3607995.jpg)
I could get my hands on a lot of SWR gear to try but not the IOD.
![ampeg svp pro ampeg svp pro](https://medias.audiofanzine.com/images/thumbs3/ampeg-svp-pro-859683.jpg)
OK, so culling any unit that cost more than Aus$1000 (US$750) and any unit that (based upon my many hours of web trawling and forum asking/lurking) seemed that it was gonna be too Jazz and not Rock enough, (takes breath.) it came down to a choice between the SVP-PRO and the SWR IOD (Interstellar Overdrive) - Pre Fender buy out.Īgain I was confronted with the tyranny of distance. Granted they are very good quality and I understand that a lot of players will be far more demanding than me in rega rds to their sound requirements, but seriously! When I think about the price I paid for my SVP-PRO (US$360) I cannot understand how companies like Aguilar and Eden can warrant the cost of their units. The list of Tube preamps that I gave consideration is as follows:ħ.Alembic F-1X (great preamp but too Jazz for me)ĩ.SWR IOD (A very close 2nd place, I still want one to try)ġ2.Ashdown RPM-1 EVO II (Not readily available or accessible in Australia) 13.Eden Navigator (quality but Incredibly expensive)Ī good list of preamp reviews can be found at Bass Gear Review.Īs I live in Adelaide South Australia, a lot of these units were not available for me to try. I know there will be people who read this who play both styles but um. I'm a rock player so delineating between the two, made my life a lot easier. Rock bassists such as Jack Bruce and co had such classic sounds that not only filled the bottom end of a room but also had great definition. Jazz is a simplistic generalisation, but to me the most obvious way to label the players who use this kind of preamp. JAZZ SOUND: Clean, warm and transparent tube sound My valve preamp research took me through a lot of options but the basic choice came down to 2 camps.ġ. Both being valve amps I decided that, as I didn't need a new power amp I would just look at buying a tube preamp. I had always loved the sound of the Ampeg SVT amps and the Mesa Boogie 400+. (See the Harmony Central reviews here ).Īfter nearly 20 years the TC 1140 started to have a few problems so I decided to look into a replacement preamp. No sound engineers ever complained about it at least.įor most of my playing years I used a TC Electronic 1140 four band Parametric preamp which is a brilliant piece of kit for giving you control over your sound. Don't get me wrong I've almost always had a good sound. I have generally used good quality gear but always seemed to be chasing "That" sound. I've started this blog as a record of my experiences with the Ampeg SVP-PRO tube (valve) bass preamp. Hi, I am a bass player with over 25 years experience, including 10 years making a living from my playing.