Ampeg SVT CL

The Ampeg SVT CL has been an industry standard in bass amplification since the 1960s and remains the benchmark for sound reinforcement on large stages - a status reflected in its long-standing position as the most requested amp by backline agencies for decades. Delivering a massive 300 watts of tube-driven power, the SVT CL produces an immensely rich tone that is easily capable of filling stadiums while still offering the nuance needed for quieter passages. The preamp is also tube-driven and, paired with a three-band EQ and Ampeg's distinctive switches, delivers the unmistakable Ampeg sound, which can be pushed into warm distortion via the highly responsive gain control.

The Ampeg SVT CL's power section, which features a complement of six 6550 tubes, delivers an impressive 300 watts of power - a statistic that stands apart from the ratings of transistor or Class D amps, as tube power produces a depth, pressure, and volume still unmatched today. The front panel houses a pair of inputs followed by a gain control that not only sets the input level but also introduces the signature Ampeg "dirt" when pushed. The adjacent three-band EQ, featuring five selectable midrange frequencies, allows for precise tonal shaping, while the iconic Ultra-Low and Ultra-High switches provide powerful boosts in their respective frequency ranges. The rear panel features a variety of professional connectivity options, including preamp out, power amp in, slave out, and a high-quality DI out with an output transformer for clean and dependable signal routing.

The Ampeg SVT CL has been designed to project sound across the world's largest stages, making this amp the perfect choice for loud - and even louder - setups, with an assertive presence that still holds its own against towering walls of guitar amps and thunderous drums. Its warm, voluminous tube tone will shine across genres like Pop, Soul, R&B, and Reggae, though the SVT CL will truly excel in heavier styles where power and punch are essential. The preamp can be beautifully overdriven, adding rich character and a pleasing tube saturation that delivers authentic Rock and heavy tones - often eliminating the need for additional pedals.

The legendary Ampeg sound owes its reputation not only to its iconic tube amplifiers but also to a rich tradition of speaker cabinets - most notably the powerful pairing of the SVT CL and the legendary "fridge," the SVT-810E. Together, they form the ultimate low-end duo and represent the dream setup for many Rock bassists, with the closed-back cabinet and the massive dispersion angle of eight 10" speakers delivering a punch that is as awe-inspiring as it is earth-shaking. For those seeking a more portable alternative, the SVT CL pairs just as well with the 410E or other Ampeg cabinets, and thanks to its ability to operate at 2 ohms, even a combination of four eight-ohm cabs is entirely possible.