Featured review by:
UG Team, on may 30, 2008
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1799
Features: This amp has a plethora of features that culminate perfectly for practically infinite sonic possibilities. Probably the most incredible thing about this amp is it's output power. Clocking in at 1500 watts in bridge mono! The first time I used it the lights in the studio actually dimmed when I flipped it on. The first thing that really hits you about this amp is how incredibly massive it is. It is a three rackspace unit, which isn't unheard of, but just the amount of knobs alone is completely mind boggling. The far left of this unit starts with the dual switchable inputs that lead into the tube preamp, driven by one of the infamous 12AX7 tubes. Located right above the inputs is a pad and a mute Switch. Both of which are very useful, although the former being more so than the latter. Moving on down the line you find two knobs slated as bass intensification controls. These knobs are level and cutoff. It is essentially as if they have added a separate little parametric EQ to the bass frequencies. While I am not a fan of deep, muddy tone, these controls really get it done. However the next effect in the chain isn't nearly as impressive. While an on board tube compressor sounds good in theory, I think that you really need to have a separate rackmount unit to really get the job done. Especially if compression is vital to your sound, such as in a funk or soul environment. While this compressor features four different controls (threshold, ratio, attack and release) it just really doesn't seem to have the Precision that you can find on something like a DBX compressor. But there is one redeeming quality of the compressor, the position Switch. While it doesn't seem that something as trivial as switching the compressor from pre to post eq could make that much of a difference in your sound, I was astounded by the sonic oddities that could be achieved just by changing the position of the compressor. The final component in the effects loop is the Boost control. To me this knob serves purely as decoration. While in theory it would be nice to have something that could really cut through the mix when soloing, doesn't the volume knob on one's bass offer the same kind of boost? The only difference that I can see, is that the basses knob is much easier to adjust. While the compressor and the boost controls both are a little bit disappointing, they are more than compensated for by the incredible parametric equalizers. The switchable eq's feature single Bass and Treble Pots. The mid's are controlled by three concentric pots. This offers an amazing range of sounds, especially when the mid's are so crucial such as in funk or soul music. Also included in the tonal arsenal of this amp is one of SWR's signature controls, the Aural Enhancer. The Aural Enhancer is one of the most unique controls that SWR offers, also one of my personal favorites. The Aural Enhancer brings out the fundamental low notes of the bass, brightens high-end transients and reduces certainfrequencies that “mask” the fundamentals. The ultimate effect is a more transparent sound that opens up the sibilant characteristics of all instruments without being harsh. All this is just on the front side of the amp! The back has much more to offer. On the back you, of course, find all of your speaker connectors, and trust me there is no lack of them, as this amp can be wired in both stereo, mono, and bridged mode. Also included in the massive package is a balanced XLR DI output, and a crossover with variable frequency control. // 10
Sound: While this amp takes a decent amount of time to figure out, the work is well worth the payoff. You will find this to be one of the most sonically versatile amps on the market today. From the first note you play on this amp, you realize, this amp has some serious guts! Straight out of the box it starts producing incredibly rich, deep, mellow tones that really boom. But this certainly isn't where it's sonic capabilities end. I was especially impressed with the punchy, clear, but warm sound that could be achieved. This is attained through careful manipulation of the compressor and the aural enhancer. The Aural Enhancer is one of my favorite of the SWR features. It adds presence, punch and warmth, while still accentuating perfectly every note that comes out of the bass. Overall, with a hearty time investment you can make this amp produce a myriad of tones. // 8
Reliability & Durability: While this amp is built like a tank, it also weighs about as much as one. It has a rugged black stainless steel chassis, that really will take a beating. The handles are attached securely and there is no play in the rack ears. However all of this combined with some massive transformers really make this 67 pound amp a real beast. // 9
Impression: While this amp has almost limitless sonic possibilities, they are difficult at best to access. That being said it is truly amazing what this amp does. If you are looking for one unit to take to a gig, that will cover any size room, this will really do it for you. SWR really didn't miss a trick. I was pleasantly surprised at the versatility and sonic range of the on board compressor. The dual equalizers can be blended and combined in more ways than is possibly imaginable. Bottom line; if you are willing to put up with some extra weight, this amp will service your needs, in whatever situation you can think of, for much longer that you can use it. // 8
- Nicholas Cole-Klaes (c) 2008
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