Reviewer Chuck McLaughlin
Manufacturer Ampeg (SLM Electronics)
Model SVTIII-Pro bass head
Price $1049 list

Dimensions 2 rack spaces
Wattage 450 mono @ 4 ohms
Speaker(s) N/A
EQ graphic, semiparametric, preset filters
Effects None
Controls Input gain, treble, mid level, mid freq, bass, master volume,
tube gain, 9-band graphic eq, graphic eq gain, line out level.
Other Pushbuttons - input pad, bright, ultra-lo, ultra-hi, mute,
graphic eq bypass. I/O - jacks & screwposts for speakers,
hi-Z and balanced lo-Z line outs with pre/post switch, effects
loop, external preamp in, external power amp out, tuner out,
footswitch jack, AC convenience outlet.
This head features the legendary SVTII-Pro preamp section along with a compact 450w MOSFET power stage, making it three rack spaces smaller and about 40 lbs lighter than its all-tube big brother. The preamp includes five - count 'em - five tubes for an incredibly warm tone. Although not quite as "hi-fi" as some compact heads (SWR, Eden), its characteristic fat tone more than compensates. The tube gain control can be varied from high for clean & punchy to low for dirty & compressed. The graphic eq section is footswitch controlled to provide a second channel setting. The unique ultra-hi and ultra-lo filters are very useful for rock & funk sounds.

LIKES - that SVT sound; lots of power; compact; very solidly built.

DISLIKES - small knobs are hard to see in dim light; fan is noisy; heavier than some competitive models.

Construction 90%
Loudness 90%
Clarity 80%
Tone 100%
Size/Bulkiness 90%
Value 90%
Overall 90%
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