NB: A more recent analysis is available here.
Ampeg drew from their experience and reputation as a popular bass amplifier maker to design the SCR-DI, a preamp stompbox that brings with it the Ampeg amp flavor, with built-in overdrive and DI box capabilities.
It starts off with legacy preamp and tone stack circuits that are based on Ampeg Amps, with basic 3-knob equalization control. To make it more electric bass friendly, Ampeg added interesting features that include an an Ultra Lo and Ultra Hi switch, which gives more lows and highs, depending on your need.
The SCR-DI also comes with Ampeg’s Scrambler overdrive effect, complete with its own dedicated footswitch and knobs for drive and blend control.
Finally, it comes with expanded connectivity options that include independent wet and dry output ports, Aux in for plugging in your music player, DI out for going straight to a recording/mixing console and more.
Features:
- Preamp: Legacy Amper preamp and Tone Stack Circuit
- Controls: Volume,Aux Level Ground Lift, Drive, Blend
- EQ: Treble, Mid, Bass, Ultra Lo Switch, Ultra Hi switch
- Other Features: Built-in Scrambler Overdrive
- DI Function: XLR/Line Out
- Input: 2 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″
- Output: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″ (Line), 1 x 1/4″ (Thru), 1 x 1/8″ (Headphones)
- Power: Optional Power Adapter or 9V Battery
- Dimensions: 2.2″ x 7.6″ x 4.3″
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
Here’s what I found when I analyzed customer and expert reviews of the Ampeg SCR-DI
Pros
“Outstanding” is a good one word description of how the market feels about the Ampeg SCR-DI. Experienced bassists describe it as having a true Ampeg SVT amplifier that can fit in your gig-bag. While most of the reviewers used traditional passive pickup bass guitars from Fender and Gibson, there were also a few that were using modern basses and even boutique ones, and all of them shared an appreciation for the SCR-DI’s sound quality. The organic sound of the Scrambler Overdrive also got a lot of thumbs up.
Cons
There were a few users who commented in their customer reviews that this pedal eats batteries faster than they expect it to, one user shared an awkward situation where in the battery drained while performing, after around 2.5 to 3 hours of use – so he recommends getting the optional power adapter. Not having the ability to choose between Pre/Post EQ for the DI out was also raised.
Overall
If you’re looking for the Ampeg amp sound in a compact package, or you’re looking for a versatile bass overdrive that can also serve as a portable headphone amp, then the Ampeg SCR-DI is for you.