Bass Gear Review

Reviewer	Mark Wikholm
Experience	15+
Email	markwikholm@home.com
Review date	June 22 2001
Manufacturer	Ampeg/SLM
Model	SVT-IIP
Price	$175 usd used

Dimensions	1-5/8" high, 6"deep, 19" wide, 1 rack space
Weight	less than 10 lbs.
EQ	Pre-eq features 5 position midrange, bass and treble. Also ultra hi and
	ultra low switches. Post-eq is six band graphic.
Other

I've had this preamp for a few months, and I'm still discovering things about it. It is quite versatile, and can give an array of sounds from traditional to ultra-modern and everything in between. Both equalizer sections are quite powerful. The first equalizer gives you the basic tone, and the graphic helps to fine-tune it. There's a switch to turn the graphic eq. section on or off, and the graphic has a level control so that you can match (or mismatch) levels with the graphic in or out. The graphic is also footswitchable, but I don't have the footswitch. I've used the ultra-low switch sometimes to add thump to roundwounds, but since I'm currently using flats, I don't need it. I just boost the mids some for definition. The ultra-hi switch should be a real slapper's delight.

This preamp has three 12ax7 tubes. The tubes that are in it are "SLM Hot Rods" which are re-labeled Chinese tubes of unknown origin. Probably the originals. It sounds fine, though, so I haven't replaced them. There is a balanced out, and two unbalanced outputs. I'm currently sending the balanced out to the PA, and an unbalanced out to the monitor mixer, and not using an amp on stage. I think it sounds pretty good.

I've heard that Ampeg preamps tend to be a little hissy, but I haven't really had a problem. If you boost the highs and use the ultra-hi switch, you'll hear some hiss, but no more than I've heard on most equipment using a lot of treble boost. Also, if you use that ultra-hi switch, you'd better have clean technique, because you'll hear every mistake.

I bought this for about the price of a SansAmp Bass Driver, which I was considering, and may still get. I think it was a pretty good deal for a solid, versatile tone machine.

Cosntruction	90%
Clarity	95%
Versatility	95%
Customer Service	90%
(I ordered a manual, got it in a few days.)
Value	95%
(At the used price. I don't think the new Ampeg stuff is overpriced, either.)

Overall	90%