Ampeg SVT-3PRO 450-watt Tube Preamp Bass Head

Name: Ampeg SVT-3PRO 450-watt Tube Preamp Bass Head
Brand: Ampeg
Rating: 5 (14 reviews)

Professional Bass Amp Head with Tube Preamp and 1/4" and Speakon Outputs

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Item ID: SVT3Pro

Ampeg SVT-3PRO 450-watt Tube Preamp Bass Head

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Ampeg SVT-3PRO 450-watt Tube Preamp Bass Head

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True SVT tone!

The SVT-3PRO is a lightweight bass head with many of the same features of the SVT-4PRO. Both models are loaded with three 12AX7 tubes in the preamp stage with the SVT-3PRO adding another 12AX7 and a 12AU7 for additional drive. The SVT-3PRO's frequency control allows you to select the center frequency for the midrange control, giving you a choice of five distinct voices for the midrange. The center frequencies are 220Hz, 450Hz, 800Hz, 1.6kHz, and 3kHz. And if that's not enough, you can use the 9-band graphic EQ to custom-tailor your sound even more. Or, you can use the EQ to set up a footswitchable second channel for your show-stopping bass solo.

Resources

From the Manufacturer

SVT-3PRO 450-Watt Tube Preamp Bass Head User Manual

Bass Guitar Amp Buying Guide

History of the Ampeg SVT

Dec 21, 2019

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Tech Specs

Type: Hybrid
Number of Channels: 1
Output Power: 450W
EQ: 3-band (5-position Midrange), 9-band Graphic
Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7
Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/4" (power amp)
Outputs: 1 x speakON, 2 x 1/4" (speakers), 1 x XLR (DI), 2 x 1/4" (line, preamp), 1 x 1/4" (tuner)
Effects Loop: Yes
Footswitch I/O: 1 x 1/4" (channel)
Footswitch Included: No
Cooling System: Internal Fan, Heatsink, Side/Rear Air Vents
Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
Height: 3.5"
Width: 19"
Depth: 15.5"
Weight: 26 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number: 99-026-0505

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Reviews

4.8

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I've been playing this head for 25-30 years and I'm still playing through this head…. It delivers Every sound any Ampeg head has…

I played through a solid state amp--a Fender Bassman ( the one with the 1/2 Moon decal on tne front panel--from the '90's?) for about 5 years, then a one tube amp that mostly was solid state (Hartke LH1000). Since I certainly got a lot of bass sound from these amps--they did what I needed for the bands I was in--I did not know that the warmth of a tube amp (with some modern features) could fundamentally affect my enjoyment of playing bass. The SVT - 3 Pro felt like I had grown up. The tubes add a dimension that makes the solid state amps sound very basic. More of the character of your playing can come through with the SVT; it makes the bass a better sounding instrument. The band sound is colored by this amp sound that makes the rhythm section more dynamic and mysterious. I used it in a prog rock band so far. The solid state amps would not have created a multilayered landscape the way the SVT-3 Pro. At least I experienced this amp i my life; it just took me a while to afford it.

Can't talk highly enough about these amps. Great tone and solid reliability. Bought a pair 20+ years ago and still going. The only maintenance I've had to do (other than swap tubes) is replace a couple of broken off EQ sliders (my fault) and I've had to have the MOSFET bias adjusted. For amps this old, I'd say that's better than good. Some folks may say they seem underpowered, but they aren't setting the input gain hot enough. You need that light to flicker. Don't know if the modern import version is as dependable, but the old SLM 3-Pro is IMO one of their best designs.

I owned the 1st series of this Amp that I bought in the 90's. It finally gave up the power supply, and parts are no longer available for it. So I used something else since I didn't have the $ to replace it. Finally, my Sweetwater rep, Ed Nystrom let me know about a "B" stock that was available, and I got it. Had a bad hiss out of the box. Tech support over nighted a couple of new tubes, I popped them in, and voila, I am back in business with the best bass sound I have ever had. I really had missed my ampeg, and especially the compliments I was accustomed to receiving about my superior bass sound. Once again, Ed and Sweetwater came through for me. I didn't even have to ask for the overnight delivery. My SWR Goliath III is pumping again! There simply is no substitute for quality, and it has the Sweetwater 2yr warranty!

First of all, many users complain that this amp had not enough headroom - volume and it's a very weak amp. Well, I'm here to tell you otherwise :-)! I've been playing bass since 1998 and this is by far the best amp I've every owned. I used an Ampeg B4R and HK Quantum 600 but they don't even come close to this beast. But, before we go any further, this amp only works with great gear. I use this amp with an Ampeg SVT 610 HLF cabinet, a Boss ME50B and Ampeg SCR DI pedal combined with a Spector Euro 6 LX Bass and Mayones Slogan 6 L Bassguitar and with the -15db pressed in, I will never bring the gain higher then 9 o clock and the master at 11 o clock, tube voltage at 14 o clock and the EQ at 50 % level. Because your ears will bleed ;-). The sound is amazing, from deep beefy lows to cristal clear slapping, this amp does it all. You need some time to figure this amp out, at first you might be dissapointed by the sound but after a few hours of testing, tweaking, experimenting,... you will get the sound that you need and you are on your way. This amp has endured ten years of gigging, recording, rehearsing and has never let me down. Ok, two times tube change in ten years but that's about it. And the best of all, at every rehearsel and gig they tell me to "TURN IT DOWN" ;-). In other words, let your ears be your guide and this amp will rule them all!! And I also did a test, this baby runs 450 watts at 4 ohm's without any problem!

Hear from a Sales Engineer

What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Jared Kalish

If you're a bass player who’s looking for the classic Ampeg tone, look no further. Having three 12AX7 tubes in the preamp section really helps bring out the warmth and depth of your bass. You can even drive the tubes to your liking with the Tube Gain knob. One of my favorite features of this head is the amazing EQ section. You're able to really dial in the sound you're looking for and then go over to the 9-band graphic EQ and tweak the exact frequencies you want. Simply amazing!

See also: Bass Amp Heads, Ampeg, Ampeg Bass Guitar Amp Heads