Ampeg SGT-DI Bass Preamp Pedal and DI Reviews
Power and tone. These attributes are what you’ll find in an Ampeg product, and the SGT-DI Bass Preamp Pedal/DI proves this masterfully. Built with time-tested Ampeg technology, the SGT-DI sculpts your bass tone with plenty of low-down bite. The Super Grit Technology overdrive circuit sits at the heart of this monster’s beastly capabilities, featuring the iconic voices of the Ampeg SVT and B15 just waiting for sonic liberation. This preamp-meets-DI stompbox offers up a 3-band EQ to fine-tune your bass sound, with the capability for sweepable mids. But the SGT-DI takes it further by adding Ultra-Hi and 3-way Ultra-Lo switches and a variable 10:1 compressor. Perhaps the most stunning feature of the SGT-DI stompbox is Ampeg’s first IR/cabinet simulation with three classic factory cabs loaded in. To sweeten the pot, you can load in three cabs of your own through the free Ampeg IR Loader app. Bassists around Sweetwater agree: this is one rad all-in-one bass box you’ll need for your rig.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Killer
All I've used since I picked it up
Forgot to add
I sold my Ampeg SCR-DI and regretted it
Its sound was awesome but limited.
What I really missed about it, it had the best headphone amp in it I have ever heard and miss it!
Well got this device and it must use the same circuitry cause the headphone amp is worth the price of this unit alone!
I use it with my Xvive IEM and sounds amazing!
Rarely write a review but
I was prepared to be disappointed and return it before I even took it out of the box.
I have to say a rarely write a review but this thing is love at first listen!
I bought it primarily to do a Pretenders tribute band. I plugged in an active fender PJ and was met with glory after a little fiddling!
I have tried to achieve good pretenders tone with a number of other units but love this one!
Total Ampeg goodness!
Thank you Sweetwater and Hoel Helton my rep!
Love you guys!
Best in the business
Gregg Zimmerman (stage name GG GREYY)
The Review I Couldn't Find
Years ago I lost control of my Ampeg B 25 after decades of use both as a bass amp and an unsurpassed rock guitar amp. Video demos of the SGT-DI accurately revealed its true ampeg sound and so even though I didn't find a review of it used with guitar, I felt I couldn't go wrong with it at least for bass and so gave it a try. Indeed the SGT-DI does largely restore those Ampeg voices to me as my primary sound for guitar as well as bass.
That said, It's a DI through my studio mixer and monitors at low volume, not a living, breathing, 1969 55 watt tube head with a two 15 cabinet and vital ideas of its own. And I'm also trying to recreate memories of 30yo experiences in a much older body. But after a few hours working with the SGT-DI I was sufficiently overwhelmed with its versatility to give it 5 stars. (Very interesting impact with the compressor on string-to-string balance and the midrange control is fantastic.)
First of all, I noticed it is built for Ampeg by Yamaha and, true to their form, it seems like a mighty hunk of quality technology. I give both the design and the manufacture an A+.
Second is it's versatility. While I wish it included a B 25 mode, the B 15 and SVT modes both sound great and are close enough. In trying to get my old guitar sound with the same Peavey T-60 (Gibson Dirty Fingers in the bridge.. a truly awesome ax!), I discovered tremendous sound sculpting possibilities with this DI. There are also many ways to expand this with its extensive IO.
I am getting my old sound again and also starting something new!
Versatile. Absolutely worth it!!
I love the SGT-DI! I use it for a metal band and a pop/dance cover band. It works well for both bands, I pretty much just switch from the SVT to the B15, grab the other bass and that's about it. The voice and cabinet models are awesome, they really do have that Ampeg sound!
It's built SOLID. Yeah the cabinet knob on the side is plastic, but it's not the kind of thing you'll find your self messing with everyday. Plus it can be hidden anyway.
The compressor is fine, ignore everyone knocking it. It doesn't sound very musical; sure, that's the point. If you want something with a little more character, use a different compressor. I use a little bit (set to about 9 o'clock or less) just to tame the active signal and it works just fine.
I did a lot of research before buying this thing and it's hands down one of the best values out there for a pre-amp/DI. I haven't messed with the IR's, mainly cause I'm completely happy with how this thing sounds. But props to them for making it a USB type-C!
This thing is very versatile. I love it. My bandmates love it. You'll love it.
A must have pedal!
Over the years I have not been the biggest fan of Ampeg products but I must admit I am pleasantly surprised at this pedal. Had a few bass player friends over to check out a number of different preamp and bass amp heads through various cabinets and this little beast stood out. Paired it with a Demeter Minnie 800D power amp through a series of Aguilar SL cabinets and whatever configuration it was in, it was outstanding!!! I would highly recommend making this pedal part of your arsenal.
A Step Up from the SCR-DI
The added features and flexibility this piece gives you will make you put this at the top of any list that you might be compiling for a DI or Preamp. The amp cab simulations and the compression as well as the grit you can get out of this is still yet to be totally vetted, but what I have experienced so far is quite nice. If you are looking for an all in one kind of DI with the sound of an Ampeg rig, this is your piece
LDT
Awesome pedal!! Very happy with the sound I get from this pedal. Many thanks to Garrhett Kidd for always being in touch and helping with my orders.
AWESOME!
This pedal is just awesome! The EQ section is way better than the other DI they have out. The amp cab sim on this is incredible. I run a Sansamp into this and it sounds amazing! This pedal will really make you think about selling your stage amp and never haul a stage setup again
Ampeg in a box
I'm a long time Ampeg user. This new DI hits it right out of the park. I feel very fortunate to own both an original 1970 blue line SVT head and a 1970 B15. The blue line is very unique and doesn't sound like the modern classic SVT. When I set this new DI to my original blue line settings, it captures the sound exactly. The new DI also has a host of excellent features including the very amazing cabinet IR. So much usable ground is covered in this box. I have many other bass DI pedals and this new SGT-DI buries them all. I will not play live or track in the studio without it. It really is that good. Bravo Ampeg!
Ampeg SGT-DI Bass Preamp Pedal and DI
Just what I needed to get dynamics for all the different types of music I play. Upped my live performances to where I like. I recommend this equipment highly.
Oh WoW
Buy It!!!!!
Solid Sound at a reasonable Price
I'm really digging the full sound I'm getting from this pedal. Although I have no experience with Ampeg gear, the increase in sound quality and juicy saturated output, especially with SVT enabled is outstanding. Its making my little Orange Crush Bass 50 sound HUGE. Personally, I really like the 410 Cab sim with mild grit and Ultra Hi on. The bass is intense with the Ultra Lo enabled (rattles the furnishings), so I'm keeping it off for now. This is a gorgeous pedal permitting me to practice with tracks (love the included retractable aux volume knob). Ampeg really knocked it outta the park. I've been comparing all the major Bass preamp pedals and in my opinion this offers the most bang for the buck.
Everything I'd hoped it would be.
This is as close as you're currently going to get to a SVT 810 through FOH without hauling a fridge around. Full stop. The controls are useful, boosts help adapt to different bass guitar outputs, the IRs work great, the distortion is short of perfect but really good, I'm actually running a B7k with very little gain in front of mine and the two types of saturation blend wonderfully. The comp is...good enough. Not bad by any stretch but if you're used to like a Cali76 or something you'll be left wanting, however it's entirely usable and a nice thought to be included at all.
Strong, solid, amp-like sounds!
This is a flexible box, and honestly took a little while to dial in. But after learning the various gain staging choices, and expanding the cab sim IR options with some free 3rd party downloads, I'm very happy with the sound. They have captured the flavor and spirit of real B15's and SVT's I've played. Be open minded about the EQ options, for example, I never use the Ultra Hi with real Ampeg amps, but it works great with the B15 mode on the SGT-DI to add definition to the sound. I will use the SGT as an 'always on' tone-shaper.
The stereo Aux In with adjustable volume is so helpful for quiet, late-night practicing, and not found on many similar products.
Just Buy It
It really is an Ampeg in a box. If you like the Ampeg tone, this is a no-brainer. If you get into Ampeg, you could easily stay there for life, and this really sounds like a big Ampeg. I used it live for the first time two days prior to my writing, and went direct to FOH with this, and out into the return of my amp on stage, and it crushed. The band couldn't believe the difference. The EQ is great,and the sweepable mid control really hones the tone to your bass perfectly. Flat-out, this is awesome.
Some minor gripes:
The power supply needs to be plugged in while using the AMpeg IR loader software, the unit won't power up via USB.
The compressor is very basic. It's enough for me, I use very little compression. The manual says the knob adjusts the ratio, but using it I think it's ratio and threshold. If you use a compressor and really tweak your settings, this won't cut it.
Some of the components, i.e. the aux/cab volume knobs, feel flimsy and I wonder how durable they'll be.
Regardless, this is a lightweight, compact tool that will give you a lot of tools to create your tone.
Lemon
Sending back my 3rd one. All had problems with cab modeling one had a bad foot switch as well. Would be good if it worked. but it doesn't. Ampeg has a quality control problem for sure as such I would not recommend this pedal. Very disappointing.
Sad!
This box sounds good, almost like a Ampeg! But I've only had mine for 4 months and it is starting to go bad! Ampeg warranty is only 90 days! Go figure! Now I have to find something else!
Total dud
I was so excited when I got this. Everything was sounding good. Within 10 minutes the SGT circuit failed. Then the preamp light literally almost went out. Needless to say I don't trust getting another one and will be returning it.
