Ampeg SCR-DI | Distortion - EQ - Preamp & DI For Bass

[@healthyfolkstech]

Really appreciate this review, Janek. I've been a drummer for 15 years, and an urge to make my own music made me get a bass guitar. I bought SCR DI before seeing this review just because it had everything I needed as a beginner in one small package: headphone jack so I don't annoy the miss, can sit on the desk and be connected to my sound cards, and some knobs to turn and play with sounds. What I found very interesting is to see how a master player like yourself would approach looking at the pedal. It's been very insightful hearing what you like, what you don't like, snd what's important to you. Cheers man.

[@christopher-vj4hn]

This is my favorite pedal, thank you for reviewing it. I've been playing with it for 3 years and to hear a fresh take on it is really mind opening

[@julio.eduardocenteno1471]

The "START THE SHOW" is EXTREMELY COOL, as is the specific explanation. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED!!!

[@felixweber6593]

I bought this 4 or 5 years ago and I admit, it's the "swiss army knife" for the bass player. To my taste, the sound is a bit too vintage when the EQ is "flat", but it has definitely that Ampeg vibe. The practical aspect is absolutely great : aux in, headphones out (only the Microtubes Infinity by Darkglass has a better headphone amp) are an absolute must have on a bass preamp pedal. I buy and sell a lot of pedals, but I will probably keep this one for many years to come. The only "con" is the battery location that is not easily accessible... and the tone when the battery dies... it's awful...

[@AaronMCook]

Thanks. I find this unit as a decent sounding one. I wish the potentiometer pegs were metal and those were screwed into the metal body.. I feel that the ultra low just somehow scoops the mids down, and needs the ultra high to do it properly. NOT having an input gain is a downer and this unit has the real estate to put a overall mute switch on board. Also it needs a 0db and -15 dbm switch instead of the under panel bridge peg. UPDATE THIS UNIT AMPEG: Metal potentiometer knobs, ad a third stomp switch / mute. Add an input gain or pre-gain. input gain switch for active/passive bass... and have same price point. Yes we know there is a new model but its $200 more than this.

[@nadinbai3102]

Have been using this pedal for a year now. Very happy that janek likes it too :)

[@couloircitadin]

On my board for years, no more amp needed, just, bass, board and in-ear and here I go !

[@jairajswann]

Great solid pedal for the $, I use mine as a hotel and travel practicing amp! Great tool!

[@el_carimo]

That heavily distorted sound is pure fire!!

[@GuitarJawn]

We need a pedal cam and have you ever played the Wampler LowBlow?

[@renato.alexandre]

Hello! I think that pedal is based on the Ampeg BA-210 since it has the same controls, so I have a question: does the volume affect the XLR output? On the BA-210 amplifier, the master volume affects the XLR Out, so if we turn up the volume to hear the amp’s speakers, it also increases the volume of the signal coming through the DI (XLR). By the way, excellent video, my friend! Sending a big hug from Uruguay.

[@xngr]

Have you tried using some kind of cab sim/IR with the overdrive sound? It usually helps a lot with smoothing out the sound a bit and making it sound more natural for lack of a better word. I'm actually surprised there's no such function already built in.

[@fonkamex]

I actually like super low and super high buttons on Ampeg line. I thing the extra low in particular is unique and fundamental

[@marcosfischer_]

Please do Aguilar Tone Hammer, I have one and I love mine. Incredible job with this series!

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

I prefer the Tone Hammer.

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

I prefer the Tone Hammer.

[@keef4937]

What is your signal chain at 10min please. Fantastic growly tone. Please tell me.

[@seanflanderhijn9251]

Hi Janek, first of all it is pleasant to see someone really enjoying to play bass. I own a Ampeg BA combo, so biassed I'm. I want this SCR not so much for the DI, when not being able to plug in to my BA, I want to experience a simular sound from a pre-amp. You video brings about what I wanted to know. Thank you for that. Sean

[@jasondelorey5552]

Metal Janek! Would love to hear Janek shred anesthesia(pulling teeth)

[@situationing]

Janek 2.0 quits jazz and pizzicato lol

[@PUDDLEPUNK]

Would you put this through an fx loop or straight in the front of your amp?

[@basbakker]

I've used this preamp for over 2 years now, for recording and live as well. Realy like it. Use a bit of the scrambler to get through the mix if needed. Record my bass through the ampeg and also an amp

[@junggyujoo]

great review! thank you I ordered one today!

[@MarcAntoineForget]

Hi Janek, could you do a video describing the bass tones and the recording process in your video intro? What distorsion are you using? Thanks!

[@DadoSimicStudiostriver]

Do you recommend this SCR-DI for studio recording or it do not has fullness of real amps? Kind regards.

[@yuichituba]

Hey Janek, have you heard of the Tonwerk by Marleaux? That D.I. Preamp pedal has so much control options and it doesn't add any color to your sound. It's awesome!

[@AmilcarBaxo]

Hello 👋🏻 Janek! Whats the model AkG headphones? Thanks!

[@RasCuban33]

Scr-Di into pedals or pedals into Scr-Di? I’m using a Universal Audio LA-610mkii for tube satch and compression, thanks. Trying to use the reverb on my Keeley Seafoam+.

[@SamuelSamurai2074]

Thanks for the video. Your feedback is amazing and this pedal is amazing. Bought it when it first came out and it’s my first pedal in two of my bass pedalboards. Love the sound. Didn’t know the quality of the DI until today. Wondering if I could run my pedalboard sound back into the ampeg di scr to take into the PA thru the DI? Or do I have to run my effects first and end it with the Ampeg Scr Di?

[@pbass2go]

I wanted to love this pedal when I had one. I think I kept hitting the input too hard with my active Stingrays and 5 strings. Great tool, just wasn't for me. Great video, thanks. Love AMPEG!

[@WakizashiSabre]

There is switch - jumper under the pedal, if you unscrew the bottom cover. Have you tried that? Designwise, it is stupid that switch is not at somewhere else, but yeh...

[@paolulisse31]

Hey Janek! I'm loving your pedal studio videos! I think this pedal lacks of definition and presence in the mix for aggressive bass tones. If you are getting into the rabbit hole of metal bass try the darkglass x ultra, is the ultimate pedal for this kind of sound!

[@WakizashiSabre]

If I could take only one pedal, it would be my Helix Stomp HX XL. There are Ampeg effects and they are just great as this pedal. Still kick ass pedal. Loving its Low and High boost. Not a fan of scrambler tho... Quite hard to find nice tone with it.

[@marcelodelpaggio7469]

thnx janek!

[@situationing]

Hey Janek 2.0! Let’s compare tone hammer Preamp with tone hammer 500

[@user-rt2fh7mo4l]

Being a massive Ampeg fan, but owning and using Darkglass' Alpha Omega Ultra... I think DG eats this for breakfast - but worth mentioning I got it for a third of the regular price

[@mauroescobar3564]

hey janek, you should try the API TRANZFORMER

[@blankvrs]

What would you recommend, in the same range or a little more, instead of this pedal? Do you have something else that you would prefer? Asking because I'm looking for myself.

[@negan3112]

Hi Janek, has anyone tried to use the aux line in combined with the phone Jack as in ear solution? I mean it will only ve mixed to the phone Jack. There is a separate volume knob for the aux? Now use a hybrid guitar and headphone cable and we have a perfect in ear System? Ask the engineer for a monitor mix to your aux in. Just thinking?

[@trunks828]

These days I take two pedals out Cali 76tx and a hx stomp. No amp no worries.

[@bassnsax]

I've never been the biggest fan of Ampeg gear (I recognize that it often is the de facto Rock Bass sound)...but this pedal has changed my opinion. It really does capture the essence (yes, it's not a vintage SVT or 8x10 fridge), but it is WAY more portable and affordable than a vintage SVT and 8x10! Definitely a great pedal to own if you're doing any recording/gigging for rock!

[@bassplayer2011ify]

The ultra high and low is disappoint because that is the SVT bread and butter sound and a really couldn't hear the difference when you turned them on. Also the apple earpods are more iems as apposed to headphones in that they used two drivers one high and one low. They sound good for what they are as long as don't mind losing mids.

[@WakizashiSabre]

The difference is quite dramatic if you switch these ones on. Also I would say that EQ also has some serious range. Hard to tell from the video maybe. Cannot stand that bass tone here... Scrambler is matter of a taste, I guess. Pity it does not have more controls as Scrambler pedal itself, but no need to tweak it like crazy with only these two buttons at scr di. Besides no IRs, I think the features of the pedal are nice at the price.

[@PilferMusic]

Gotta say the tone of the bass here is a solid "D" compared to your usual tones which I would score a solid "A". Love Ampeg gear and the best tone I ever had was pluggin in my Fender Jazz bass into a mid 70's SVT with 8x10's... but this thing really sounds flat and lifeless compared to your regular setup with the Tone Hammer and your pedals. THIS sounds glorious in comparison... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4vZXqOKg7aggdk

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

I prefer the Tone Hammer.

[@jamesbass907]

AMPIG

[@philipbrookes1078]

personally more a fan of finger click and grit in metal but great sound

[@-Christoph]

If would be so much more useful if we could see the pedal while you tweak around....

[@arthuraguirrejr.9500]

I love Ampeg, but HATE the low end and ultra high buttons. They scoop the shit out of your tone.

[@craigdamage]

Of course there is "color" AMPEG is synonymous with color. If you want transparent get another box. Ampeg is all about that color.

[@michaelyolch79]

So...a 5-string bass tuned down a half step? Probably not the best demo for the vast majority of players. Ugh.

[@tplank216]

Arkham Oracle More Ampeg than Ampeg

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

Wow! That Mayones sounds like utter crap!

[@janekgwizdala]

Thanks for your super constructive contribution to the discussion.

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

Janek Gwizdala absolutely. A Chinese 5-string Squier P sounds clearer.

[@gioboye]

@@jaxonvictoria4345 so then what do you consider to be a good sound?

[@lassebasist2397]

Honestly? - C'mon... most of us can hear that this SCR-DI pedal sounds like crap. It has a HUGE hole in the midrange... it's just fluffy. Unbelievable! - - Take a look at the Shift-Line Olympic instead.

[@janekgwizdala]

That was not my assessment of the unit, and I think it sounds great as a clean DI. Like I said in the video, I wasn't blown away by the way the EQ is trimmed in the pre amp, but as an all-in-one recording, practice, and gigging tool, in this price range, it's great value in my opinion. Now, the device you're saying we should compare this with, is almost double the price, is a tube preamp, has an IR loader and doesn't have a distortion circuit. So what is your point? "lets watch a video about a product I don't particularly like, be outraged by the points made in the video, and then suggest something completely different for the pedal in question to be compared to"? While you're at it, why don't we compare it with the Noble ($1,099/tube/no distortion circuit/no aux in) Miura K3 ($379/no distortion circuit/no aux in) Teletronix TDI ($259 no anything except a DI)? I own all three. They are all amazing products, but they all do completely different things. The only thing they share in common is being a DI. So please, before you go off on something "sounding like crap", it's all subjective, and if you're going to suggest something that might do a better job, then at least suggest something in the same category. I don't doubt that the Shift Line DI is probably a good product, and you can get some nice tones out of it. But just as you commented on not liking the mid range of the Ampeg in my video, I watched Shift Line's own company demo on KZbinfrom December of 2018, and all I hear is mids. I think it's one of the worst sounds I've heard in a long time, I think that the tone choices don't represent the instrument at all, especially in the musical examples and genres put forward by Shift Line themselves in the video. But who cares? That's my opinion. I'm not the bass player in the video, I wouldn't have played the same way when testing the device, and I think there is probably a lot more musical mileage in the device the than the unfortunate choices made in their demo video highlight. But I'm not about to go to their channel and tell them they did it wrong, or that there's something wrong with their product. They don't need to hear that from me, or anyone else. They do what they do, and if their product sells, good for them. And this is by no means a "I disagree with your taste, so I'm right and you're wrong" comment. It's simply bringing some perspective to comparing products and sounds to each other that actually make sense. And not taking a $30 joyo pedal and comparing it to a vintage Neve console. I should also, one again, point out that aside from being sent this pedal for free, I have no affiliation with Ampeg whatsoever, and was not paid to make this video. These opinions are my own, and I wasn't reading from a script provided to me by the company like a lot of "review" videos you might find on KZbin.

[@lassebasist2397]

I was just so surprised that you did a review on this pedal, and even more surprised that you like it. There are so many similar pedals that sound so much better. I'm a big fan of Ampeg heads, the overdrive on my V4B head sounds nothing like this SCR-DI Scrambler. There are many pedals that sound so much more Ampeg overdrive compared to this one. But the big problem with this SCR-DI is the preamp, it has no midrange at all... it's just a fluffy hole, and the low end is just a bassy mess. To me it's total useless. I'm not the only one who has this opinion about this pedal. - And you're right, the youtube demo's of the Shift-Line Olympic isn't any good at all, unfortunately, too many metal heads. But IRL the Olympic is really super nice, it has a very fat, smooth and musical sound. And put a good quality overdrive pedal before it in the pedal chain, wow! - - Just my opinion... and and thousands of others opinions.

[@jamesbass907]

lassebasist I like these bass specific vids Janek’s doing. I wouldn’t buy this pedal but I would if I was on a budget and needed a good practice amp and di and get the ampeg tone cheap. Great work Janek keep it up. Never can you say too many metal bassists lassebasist ....

[@lassebasist2397]

@@jamesbass907 Me too, I like Janek's vids a lot. I know Janek's potential. But this one turned out to be.... not so good. Listen at 8:47.... it gets painful to listen. But, as Janek himself says..."playing heavily distorted metal isn't normally my thing". We know that, right? And I can't see the problem with my opinion about the sound. This SCR-DI is a Ampeg flop, period. As I said, there are other pedals that sounds way better, Tech 21 VT Bass/VT Bass Deluxe is a good example ... Shift-Line Olympic is a more sophisticated example.

[@lassebasist2397]

@@Bibblebabbler Yes, but there is a difference between facts and opinions. Right?

[@m.hughes2521]

Real bass players don't use a pick.

[@garrydhintz8017]

Tell that to Dave Ellefson, Lemmy, Jason Newsted, Paul McCartney, Justin Chancellor and many others everyone has heard of. Real bass players don't bitch about how others go about their instrument.