How do I get the best sound out of an Ampeg SVT3-PRO?

[cordura21]

I am on a new rehearsal space with this amp , and one of those classic Ampeg enclosures, the cube ones (not the refrigerator-like ones).

Anyways, any tips on getting good sounds out of it, specially with some tips on pre gain, using the graph eq or not, the bright buttons, etc...

The bass used is a Jazz bass with active pickups (S. Duncan).

Thanks, Andrés

[Disco_Dave]

All I can say is "You Lucky Bastard"!

If you can't get good tone out of an Ampeg then it's time to give up! When trying out a new amp I usually stick everything in the middle and adjust each knob - bass treble etc independently at first in ordfer to see the difference each one makes, it will help you fiind new tones easier in the future if you know the effect that adjusting each one will have.

[cordura21]

yes, it's a great device for a rehearsal space, and I really like the way it sounds alone.
My main doubt is about the gain, since I never used tube gear before. I set the gain very high and there's a valve on the side that all lighted up. I guess that's the way to get the tube compression, or am I wrong? Plus, is it safe to use such a gain?