Worth the wait? the NEW SGT-DI preamp pedal from AMPEG!

Welcome back to the wetter bass!
Yes, Ampeg finally revamped its preamp pedal and added a modern cab sim IR Loader that sounds AWESOME! But is the rest of this device up to what we expect form such an iconic American Bass brand?
Find out in this video!
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Signal chain:
. Fender Jazz bass with prototype custom van Loo pickups and Lusithand Double NFP on board preamp
. Hofner Bass with roundwound strings
. van Loo 5 string prototype bass
. (Tech21 Liverpool)
. (Palmer Wipper DI box)
. Audio Interface
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. reamped through the Palmer Daccapo
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Follow me on Instagram: @thewetterbasschannel
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#thewetterbass #basspedal #basspreamp
3:49 SVT + Ampeg IR
8:27 B15 + IRs
13:01 Parallel signals?
18:14 Compressor issue?

[@klaymeister]

Just want to say that you have done a much better and thorough job than all the big youtube base channels on covering this pedal. Great video!

[@thewetterbass]

Thanks! It deserved a bit more attention to details I supposed. I only talked about what seemed important to me as a NEW preamp from Ampeg.

[@Barrettzone]

By far the best review on KZbin. I swear the other people are unable to hear a good bass tone!

[@thewetterbass]

🤘🏻😊

[@mgr_1138]

Yes, absolutely great job on actually demoing all the capabilities of the SGT DI. It even helped me to dial in some better tones myself (and it confirmed that I really don't like the 10" Cab-Sims with the SVT voice as much as I always thought I did. Surprisingly, I prefer no Cab-Sim or the 12s over the 10s.)

[@ericbrocious6047]

I’ve had my SGT for a few months now and honestly it doesn’t have a bad sound in it. It’s solid as hell and full of dynamics. I use it mostly as as a compressor and sound coloring with boost. I couldn’t be happier with it.

[@thewetterbass]

Awesome! It always feels good when gear works for us. Glad you’re making the best out of the sgtdi.

[@NNATM]

Did you notice that the device clip too easily (not enough headroom) and the XLR out has not enough volume output ? I just buy one, and those two issues are dealbreaker for me ...

[@michaelyolch79]

SOLD! This SHOULD be a paid advertisement! You did a waaaay better job than ANYONE else demonstrating this pedal. GREAT JOB! Appreciate all your hard work!

[@thewetterbass]

@@michaelyolch79 🙌🏼 thanks!!!

[@the_nondrive_side]

Soon as this started I heard a tone I like..

[@WilDBeestMF]

This one really is for the consummate Ampeg aficionado with a sore back haha. The IR load is nice too. I think I'll stick with my Sansamp for now but I am hearing you and others make beautiful sounds with this device, WB.

[@zengroove16]

SGT DI is so cool, so many things it can do. What a blast! I 💙 me SGT DI. Opens up so much on me Stacc. Is like a wedding ring for Sofi. Many use it to emulate Ampeg Amps... yet, when plugged into a actual Ampeg... it really shines and is truly a awesome pedal. Much Love #Ampeg 😊

[@TheoAndHisPedals]

Wow. I think I’m in love. What a great preamp and an incredible step up from the SCR-DI. As always, you knocked it’s out of the park with this demo.

[@thewetterbass]

Oh yes the improvement is massive from the SCR-DI!!!

[@barracklesnar]

The B15 voice is amazing

[@thewetterbass]

It does!

[@marciosouza8656]

Amazing Review! TOP ! I loved the b115 voice...

[@thewetterbass]

…with 15 or 12” cabs, it sounds great!

[@davidwendland5696]

Great video. It does look like a lot of pedal board real-estate and I’m with you on the built in the country it’s from just adds more authentic iconic value to me.

[@fernheaven]

Update: I bought one of these at the time I was looking there were none available. I called the factory. They couldn’t tell me when they were going to ship. I did however find one unit for sale in the UK so I ordered directly from that music store and ship it to me here in Canada. I don’t like the fact that there isn’t a tuner but do have other options for tuning of course. I find most of the sounds to be very muddy when using the preamp and the fact that you can’t dial the distortion all the way down is a bit of a problem because even at its lowest level, the distortion sounds like it’s overlaid on top of the sound and doesn’t really sound what I would call “integrated “. I don’t really use distortion at all because I prefer a clean sound that punches you in the face and moves a lot of air. You can definitely get that tone if you turn the preamp right off and use it as an active DI.

[@Naniamania3]

Thank you for a very comprehensive review and for all of the work that went into this! As much as I think this pedal has merit and I am guilty of consistently searching for gear upgrades, I’ve been gigging with a TC Spectracomp and a Tech 21 Geddy preamp (made in NYC - yes, the United States) and it has consistently been outstanding. Soundmen love it, musicians in the audience always have questions, and it works for every style of music. Thanks for helping us make better decisions.

[@thewetterbass]

Tech21 preamps sound so good. I’m on the lookout for good opportunities. And, your welcome. Glad I can help.

[@aldito7586]

Nice sounding pre-amp. Big. Clean.

[@MrRawnch]

I have one and it's earned a place in my gig bag. Love taking it to rehearsals when it's not practical to bring my own rig (bypassing other bass preamps), or when I'm too lazy to plug a rig into my DAW. I have several SVTs, a V4, and flip-tops -- this thing is right there in the mix. I've run this into an SVT-300 (SVT tube power amp) and it's scary how close it gets to a CL in tone. As far as meat and potatoes go -- this unit gets a B+ in execution, form factor, and cost. I agree the compressor could've been better and perhaps they'll improve it via software. As far as "Made in China", it's cost vs distribution on a worldwide scale (even the SVT is made in China). We're paying for expensive television, cellphones, and automobiles that are either made in China or have parts that were. Some of the awesome preamps pedal you showed aren't available here in the States readily unless going through a boutique shop and pay a premium. Dingwall Combustion basses, most class D amps, and bass accessories are made in China. I'm not a huge advocate but it's what large companies have to do to keep costs down and move products.

[@arnoggeddon]

You lucky man!!! There's no stock in Europe at this moment.

[@thewetterbass]

It’s good to hear you are enjoying the pedal! It does sound great and the little time I had it I definitely enjoyed playing with it. As for the China stuff, I get what you mention about costs vs distribution for big companies. It’s a whole other scale compared to smaller local builders, yes. But still, I think it’s time to rethink how we spend resources and energy and start finding solutions based on long term coherent business strategies rather than short term economical benefits. And Ampeg has been around long enough to know that. 🖤 Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!!

[@MrRawnch]

I agree 100%! I miss the eras of Magnavox (US), MTI (Japan), and SLM (US) days in the US -- so I know it can be done.

[@KevlarVTX]

I’m sorry, but that wasn't a problem for Mesa, Eden, Genz Benz, Bergantino, etc. Ampeg still charges top dollar for their SVT's made in China. I paid $700 for a new SVT 212AV cab (made in China). Even after breaking in, the drivers could not handle the 600W RMS advertised, distorting and crackling at medium volume from my USA 4-Pro set flat. Compare that to the used Heritage 410HLF that I owned, which was USA made and could take plenty of power from my 4-Pro without distortion.

[@MrRawnch]

@@KevlarVTX None of those companies are as old as Ampeg or share their history. Sometimes tough decisions are made to keep things afloat. Genz Benz is basically defunct. Mesa is owned by Gibson, so things can change. Eden has seen ups and downs. Berg is the new kid on the block and time will tell. Ampeg has variants of the SVT that are still made in the USA. Despite some products being made in China, I'm sure Yamaha's leadership will do what's best for the company.

[@global-bassist6789]

Im sold on this because of my rocket bass combo rb12..the sgt channel is amazin..seriously. .i have an broughton svpre..an a sansamp bass driver ,a master effects super 300 will be here wedsday ..and the sgt di will b here in 4 days i got it for 200$ used at guitar center couldnt pass it up..also got the sv pre for 100 at guitarcenter used..and i have 3 amps with a morley abc switch so we will see ..might have to use the power amps in stereo on my swr sm 500 ..and send the sv pre to my b15 combo and may be sansamp to the rb112..i run the ebs multi comp with the sensitivity control before input on the morley so allthe amps are getting killer compression..ihave a couple demon fx pedals that are surprisingly amazing (microtubesx and harmonic booster witch is actually kinda blah, and a rowin 5 band eq drom temu wich is amazin for 20 bucks, also the vintage dod fx25 envelope filter and digitech bass synth will come into play too im sure,, i also got a mxr phase 90 knock off from temu that doesnt make any effect at all so that kinda sucks , a heavily modified boss bass limiter enhancer by built by ryan ,and another 10 dollar delayfrom temu wich is kinda neat..oh and the always on broughton hpf is right before my swr .frikn thing makes t hat amp sound so much better ..it feeds a swr goliath jr 2x10 and a ampeg svt 15 e..im telling you multiple amps is the way to go ..even if they are combo amps..,

[@MrClassicmetal]

Nice retro sound with the Beatles bass. And it produces a sound that would fit right in a metal track as well. Interesting.

[@thewetterbass]

Yes, it’s a good thing this preamp is versatile but yet has the typical Ampeg sound signature.

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@thewetterbass Yeah, the thing that instantly came to mind when you first started playing through it was "Huh? But that's metal!" But then you showcased the other sounds.

[@thewetterbass]

I think the trick with the tech21 really brings it a step closer to metal tones. 😊

[@jonathanchevallier7046]

Thank you for this great review !

[@thewetterbass]

Thanks bro!!!

[@lalogarcia-maynez4968]

Question; does the Hofner have flatwound strings or rounds ?

[@Vincent_Roy]

I am new to compressor pedals, but I was hoping than this one would react like the one-knob compressor on my SVT4-Pro. I hope it will be usable for me. I ordered the pedal 2 months ago, it seems to be out-of-stock everywhere in Canada.

[@thewetterbass]

The pedal is great, just use its compressor lightly. So if you can, and care about good compression, buy a dedicated pedal. 😉

[@arnoggeddon]

Nice review! Such a lovely thing! Could you tell us how does it compare to a Simplifier (made in Chile🙂)?

[@thewetterbass]

Hi! I wanted to but the video is already 20min long… I’ll probably do a small one just for that. I can tell you already the Ampeg feels more like a preamp whereas the simplifier a Swiss Army knife.

[@kameronwraithd.k.5363]

Great video as usual! Can you make another one with the new EHX Hell Melter? :v

[@thewetterbass]

I saw the pedal announced and it looks interesting. However, I got lots a work planned ahead so I might check out the EHX, but not in the near futur. 😉

[@lusithanddevices]

It sounds pretty good!!!!

[@thewetterbass]

Yes, but the comp… 🤔? You know what I mean. 😉

[@greatvanzini]

Dang, I sure do dig the Hofner. Reminds me of Ellicott/Cold Blood/ You Got Me Hummin! Great vid.

[@chrisparker5278]

The compressor issue is a show-stopper. If it doesn't work then it doesn't work

[@DeathCAPTsukinose]

Can you review the Darkglass Vintage Ultra V2? You're the only one I can trust honestly. I have SGT-DI currently, but I wonder if the Darkglass can offer a different vibe.

[@thewetterbass]

Ok, first of all, thank you! If I do get my hands on a Vintage Ultra V2, I would definitely do a review. But there are many pedals I have planned on reviewing before and Darkglass is an expensive piece of gear. I don’t think they would send me an ultra vintage, though I could always ask! So it’s not a priority. I can, however, tell you that Darkglass has a typical sound, like Ampeg. This is good, cause you’re investing in a particular sound and you’ll get exactly what you pay for. Also, (almost) nothing will be better, though some brands might come close the original stuff. I owned the ultra b7k V1 for years, the small vintage, the fuzz and the Alpha-Omega. I sold all of them. Why? Although they do sound and feel amazingly good, it was always difficult for me to make them “work” for the styles of music I play (from dark stoner/doom to lighter pop-rock) and how I want my bass to sound. Like all things with their own character I did get stuck with a device that did not react the way I expected. For three years I tried to make the B7K work in my previous band… Darkglass is the kind of brand people blindly recommend when you ask on forums and platforms what preamp/pedal you should buy next. You’ll probably get a Dunning Kruger ill-advised automatic response from people that reflect themselves in a brand instead of simply considering it as a tool for sculpting sound. And I personally think it’s an error. It depends on the style of music, amp, bass, condition of use, etc… so many variables! You don’t know what the result will be until you test it yourself, with your gear. So again, thanks so much for trusting my take on the pedals I review, but in the end YOU should be the one to determine if something works for you. So I have 3 solutions for you: 1. buy one, carefully try it for some days, and return it if it doesn’t convince you. 2. ask someone to lend it to you and 3. try the free trial of the Neural Darkglass Ultra (b7k & vintage) plugin. I own one and this is the main reason I sold my B7K. neuraldsp.com/plugins/darkglass-ultra

[@DeathCAPTsukinose]

@@thewetterbass I’ve had the SGT for a few months now and I think I can live with it, especially for the price. It’s packed with many features but not all of them are up to my liking. Like the compressor for example, another big one is how the Super Grit Technology when pushed hard. I love the pedal if I’m just looking it as an Ampeg SVT/B15 replacement. But as a preamp-di box I thought I wasn’t that great, but it is capable. Right now I run it along with a Darkglass Hyper Luminal and B3K. That’s the sound I was looking for, a distortion/od pedal into a classic slightly driven Ampeg. I was thinking maybe I didn’t need the Hyper Luminal and B3K if the compressor and the grit on the SGT-Di was better. But I think I realized now that even with the Vintage Ultra I would probably ended up getting more pedals to accompany it anyway. Your review was the one that sold me on this pedal, I’m a big Ampeg fan and having an SVT/B15 in a lunch box size pedal is incredible in itself.

[@thewetterbass]

@DeathCAPTsukinose a nice blend of classic and modern tone there!

[@fernheaven]

GREAT SOUNDS! big negative no tuner and no mute! They advertise this as an “all in one” solution. How about a mute so we can easily switch instruments live on stage? It fall short of an onstage amp free solution!

[@thewetterbass]

Well, the only solution is a tuner pedal, to tune and mute, in front of the SGT-DI… but yeah, that means at least 2 pedals.

[@SteveRussell-q6v]

Why cant you use the headphone out for the tuner?

[@fernheaven]

@@SteveRussell-q6v again…. Should just have built in tuner …. So its not the “all in one solution”

[@SteveRussell-q6v]

@@fernheaven What Marshall amp has a tuner??

[@SteveRussell-q6v]

Of course the compressor is gonna be confused with those silly ringing open string chords. What does it sound like on punchy bass notes with a beginning and end?

[@thewetterbass]

@@SteveRussell-q6v congested. Yes compressors will struggle a bit more with double stops and chords. But that doesn’t change the fact that the compressor on this preamp is below average when trying to get the best out of it. As a discrete comp at low gain it’s ok though, but hardly makes any difference in the sound. I use compressor a lot, and this one would definitely be turned off and substituted by an external one. Hope this answers your question.

[@davidwendland5696]

I’d love to see a video on the walrus audio badwater

[@thewetterbass]

If I ever get my hands on one… 🤞🏻

[@SplitHairz]

My friend has had previous Ampeg pedals that do the same. However they only last 2 years or so and die. Anyone else had this issue? It what stops me from getting one.

[@dave5655]

Thank you for bringing up the China thing. I actively will search out a suitable option and will pay a reasonable amount more to avoid China when ever possible. I wear Solovair instead of Dr. Martin for this reason. (Solovair happens to be slightly cheaper with better materials and construction, BTW) Sometimes I don’t have a choice, like Apple and a lot of gear

[@thewetterbass]

Hi! I understand the advantages of mass production in China, especially when it comes to high demand from consumers. But yeah… to me it’s more an origin/symbolic thing. And don’t get me wrong, I play with pedals made in China from Chinese companies and have a blast with them! 🤘🏻

[@ArielNefleman]

i have an ampeg scr di. Is this much diferent in tone ?

[@thewetterbass]

Basic Ampeg tone is the same. Drives (SVT or B15) + IR makes the difference.

[@ftomasi]

I've thinking in update my preamp at some ponit, with the ampeg scr-di, that costs around U$S200, because of the sound. But i've seen that youtube bassist like Janek Gwizdala or Adam Neely (among others) use the line6 hx stomp. That unit can do many things I don't need, but i definetly use if i had to disposal, but costs 3 times the scr-di, so, for me, the line6 wasn't that good value. But this new preamp is dangerously close in price to the line6 or the new tonex pedal, and with the current state of digital modeling, how does this preamp justify it's price?

[@thewetterbass]

Agree. I guess it’s just a question of going fully digital or partially analog, right?

[@ftomasi]

Totally, analog drive pedals with a digital Swiss army knife for time based or modulatuon effects would be great for me. I don't need or want a dedicated pedal for delay, chorus, or things like that.

[@erikarko]

Nice!! :)

[@godsinbox]

Pass. No convincing ampeg tone, and in my country it costs double with all the wholesale markups.

[@thewetterbass]

Where do you live?

[@godsinbox]

@@thewetterbass Australia. Normally we follow Canadian pricing (same exchange rate). They don't want us to buy grey market items but it is significantly cheaper

[@thewetterbass]

Just had some Australian friends visiting us here in Spain. Lovely people!

[@KevlarVTX]

No. Made in China. I'll stick with my Sansamp BDDI and VT bass.

[@thewetterbass]

Great preamps these tech21 😉🤘🏻

[@KevlarVTX]

@@thewetterbass They are. big fan of the VT bass particularly.

[@thewetterbass]

@Kevlar1990 I just bought one second hand dead cheap, it’s got a slight problem with the blend that a friend of mine is trying to repare. Hopefully we’ll get it up and running soon. 🤞🏻

[@KevlarVTX]

No blend knob on the VT bass pedal. You're referring to the BDDI. Insanely powerful when used in front a power amp.@@thewetterbass

[@thewetterbass]

@Kevlar1990 oh yes, right. I am referring to the VTBASS DI 😉