Venture V3, V7, and V12 bass amps sitting on top of two VB-112 cabs on stage. Venture V3, V7, and V12 bass amps sitting on top of two VB-112 cabs on stage.

VENTURE SERIES HEADS

Today’s gigging bassists know that compact setups and easily controlled onstage volume levels are as essential as outstanding performance and reliability. Ampeg® Venture® Series amplifiers set the professional standard on all counts—and because FOH engineers worldwide already know and trust Ampeg tone, soundchecks are faster and easier than ever.

Venture V12, Venture V7, and Venture V3 heads feature easy-to-use controls and offer an extensive array of tone-shaping tools that include a 3-band EQ with sweepable Mids, Ultra Hi and 3-way Ultra Lo switches, and a Super Grit Technology™ (SGT™) Overdrive circuit with SVT® and B15 voicings. The Venture V12 and Venture V7 amplifiers also include a highly musical variable compressor. An effects loop, an XLR direct output, an Aux input, and a Phones output enhance connectivity. All circuitry is analog except for the solid-state Class D amplifiers. Add an optional AFS2 footswitch for remote control of the SGT overdrive and mute and an optional heavy-duty padded Venture carrying bag.

Venture V12 ultra-portable bass amp head Venture V12 ultra-portable bass amp head

Venture V12

The Venture V12 is the largest and most powerful of the three heads in the Venture Series, yet it fits into a gig bag or the optional Venture carrying bag, making it ideal for the pro bassist on the go. The Venture V12 delivers 1200 watts via its Class D power section—more than enough power to drive any of the Venture Series speaker cabinets or practically any other cab bassists may encounter on their travels.

The Venture V12 offers an extensive array of tone-shaping tools that include a legacy preamp, a 3-band EQ with sweepable mids, Ultra Hi and 3-way Ultra Lo switches, a variable compressor, and a Super Grit Technology (SGT) overdrive with SVT and B15 voicings. The circuitry is all analog except the Class D amplifier. The effects loop includes a Mix control and an XLR direct output, a Phones output, and an Aux input enhance connectivity, as do the Neutrik® speakON® outputs. Add an optional AFS2 footswitch for remote control of the SGT overdrive and other functions and an optional heavy-duty padded Venture carrying bag to protect your Venture V12.

  • 1200 watts @ 4 ohms
  • Legacy Preamp with 3-Band EQ (sweepable mids)
  • Ultra Hi/3-way Ultra Lo switches
  • SGT Overdrive with SVT and B15 voicings (footswitchable)
  • Highly musical variable compressor
  • Preamp, XLR DI, and Phones outputs
  • Aux and Power Amp inputs
  • Effects loop with Mix control

All specifications subject to change.

Click to explore Venture V12

Venture V12 front view Venture V12 back view
Venture V12 front view

0 dB/-15 dB Switch

Use this switch to set the optimal input level. Typically, you’ll want to use the -15 dB setting with instruments that include high-output pickups or active electronics, or if you frequently see the Peak LED [13] light up.

Input

Connect a passive or active instrument to this 1/4" jack.

Compressor

This knob controls both the compression threshold and the compression ratio (up to 10:1 maximum). Turn it clockwise to increase compression, and fully counter-clockwise to turn the compressor off. The LED at the left lights to indicate whenever your input level exceeds the compressor's threshold and gain reduction is applied.

Super Grit Technology (SGT) Section

Adds classic Ampeg overdrive.


On/Off:
Enables or disables the SGT circuit. The SGT circuit may also be toggled on and off using an optional footswitch connected to the Switch jack on the rear panel. (Note that connecting a footswitch disables the front panel switch.)


SVT/B15:
This switch toggles between two “flavors” of overdrive, based on the character of either the SVT or Portaflex B15 tube amplifiers.


Grit/Level:
This dual-concentric knob adjusts the amount of grit (the inner control) and the overall output level of the circuit (the outer control).

Power/Mute Indicator

This LED bar lights up blue when the amplifier is powered on and red when the Mute switch [14] is engaged.

Gain

Adjusts the signal level driving the preamplifier.

Bass

Provides up to 13dB of boost or -21dB of cut at 40Hz (flat at center position)

Mid/Freq

This dual-concentric knob selects the midrange frequency to be boosted (the outer control), and the amount of boost or cut up to 14dB (the inner control).

Treble

Provides up to 12dB of boost or -16dB of cut at 4kHz (flat at center position)

Volume

Adjusts the overall output level of the Speaker, Phones, and Preamp outputs.

Ultra Lo

This 3-way switch selects a -20dB cut at 40Hz (left) or a 2dB boost at 40Hz combined with a -10dB cut at 500Hz (right). The center position bypasses the Ultra Lo circuit.

Ultra Hi

This 2-way switch engages a 9dB boost at 8kHz.

Peak

This LED lights when your input signal is too high.

Mute

Engaging this switch mutes the Speaker outputs, the FX Loop Send, the DI output, and Preamp output. The Aux In signal at the Phones output is not muted. Mute may also be toggled on and off using an optional footswitch connected to the Switch jack on the rear panel. The Power/Mute Indicator LED [5] illuminates red when Mute is engaged.

  • 0 dB/-15 dB Switch
  • Input
  • Compressor
  • Super Grit Technology (SGT) Section
  • Power/Mute Indicator
  • Gain
  • Bass
  • Mid/Freq
  • Treble
  • Volume
  • Ultra Lo
  • Ultra Hi
  • Peak
  • Mute
Venture V12 back view

Power

Toggles the amplifier’s power on (I) and off (O).

AC In

The included IEC power cable is connected here.

Speaker Out

The dual Neutrik speakON NL2 jacks are wired in parallel and accept NL2 type connections only.

Phones

Connect headphones to this 1/4" TRS stereo output to monitor a mix of the signals coming from the Aux In and the front panel 1/4" Input.

Aux In

Connect the audio output from any line-level source (an MP3 player, a CD player, etc.) to this 1/8" TRS stereo input to play along with your favorite audio when listening through headphones.

Preamp Out

Use this 1/4" unbalanced jack to connect the output of the preamp to an external power amplifier using a shielded TS instrument cable.

FX Loop

The 1/4" unbalanced FX Loop Send and Return jacks operate at line level.


Send:
This output is affected by all controls except the Volume control.


Return:
This input may also be used to connect an outboard device directly to the power amp independently of the FX Loop.


Mix:
Adjusts the blend of direct (Dry) and effected (Wet) signals. The fully clockwise position is equivalent to a serial effects loop.

DI Bal. Out

This balanced XLR output may be used to route line-level audio to the input of an external mixer or recorder, or to an external power amplifier or powered loudspeaker. It is not affected by the Volume control.


Pre/Post:
When set to Pre the DI signal bypasses the -15dB input pad, Compressor, tone controls, SGT circuit, and FX Loop. When set to Post it includes them.


-20dB:
Reduces the DI output level by 20dB.


Lift/Gnd:
Engages the ground lift to help eliminate hum if necessary.

Switch (TRS)

Connect a 1/4" TRS dual footswitch to remotely toggle the SGT circuit (tip) and Mute (ring) on and off. Connecting a TS single footswitch will toggle the SGT circuit on and off.

Power Amp In

Connect an external preamp to this 1/4" unbalanced jack to route its output signal directly to the power amp section. The internal preamp signal is bypassed when a plug is inserted into this jack.

  • Power
  • AC In
  • Speaker Out
  • Phones
  • Aux In
  • Preamp Out
  • FX Loop
  • DI Bal. Out
  • Switch (TRS)
  • Power Amp In
Venture V7 ultra-portable bass amp head Venture V7 ultra-portable bass amp head

Venture V7

The Venture V7 occupies the middle position of the three heads in the Venture Series, yet it fits into a gig bag or the optional Venture carrying bag, making it ideal for the pro bassist on the go. The Venture V7 delivers 700 watts via its Class D power section—more than enough power to drive any of the Venture Series speaker cabinets or practically any other cab bassists may encounter on their travels.

The Venture V7 offers an extensive array of tone-shaping tools that include a legacy preamp, a 3-band EQ with sweepable mids, Ultra Hi and 3-way Ultra Lo switches, a variable compressor, and a Super Grit Technology (SGT) overdrive with SVT and B15 voicings. The circuitry is all analog except the Class D amplifier. The effects loop includes a Mix control and an XLR direct output, a Phones output, and an Aux input enhance connectivity, as do the Neutrik speakON outputs. Add an optional AFS2 footswitch for remote control of the SGT overdrive and other functions and an optional heavy-duty padded Venture carrying bag to protect your Venture V7.

  • 700 watts @ 4 ohms
  • Legacy Preamp with 3-Band EQ (sweepable mids)
  • Ultra Hi/3-way Ultra Lo switches
  • SGT Overdrive with SVT and B15 voicings (footswitchable)
  • Highly musical variable compressor
  • Preamp, XLR DI, and Phones outputs
  • Aux and Power Amp inputs
  • Effects loop with Mix control
  • Dual Neutrik NL2 speakON outputs
  • Optional AFS2 footswitch for SGT overdrive and other functions
  • Optional heavy-duty padded Venture carrying bag
  • 6.12 lb / 2.78 kg

All specifications subject to change.

Click to explore Venture V7

Venture V7 front view Venture V7 back view
Venture V7 front view

0 dB/-15 dB Switch

Use this switch to set the optimal input level. Typically, you’ll want to use the -15 dB setting with instruments that include high-output pickups or active electronics, or if you frequently see the Peak LED [13] light up.

Input

Connect a passive or active instrument to this 1/4" jack.

Compressor

This knob controls both the compression threshold and the compression ratio (up to 10:1 maximum). Turn it clockwise to increase compression, and fully counter-clockwise to turn the compressor off. The LED at the left lights to indicate whenever your input level exceeds the compressor's threshold and gain reduction is applied.

Super Grit Technology (SGT) Section

Adds classic Ampeg overdrive.


On/Off:
Enables or disables the SGT circuit. The SGT circuit may also be toggled on and off using an optional footswitch connected to the Switch jack on the rear panel. (Note that connecting a footswitch disables the front panel switch.)


SVT/B15:
This switch toggles between two “flavors” of overdrive, based on the character of either the SVT or Portaflex B15 tube amplifiers.


Grit/Level:
This dual-concentric knob adjusts the amount of grit (the inner control) and the overall output level of the circuit (the outer control).

Power/Mute Indicator

This LED bar lights up blue when the amplifier is powered on and red when the Mute switch [14] is engaged.

Gain

Adjusts the signal level driving the preamplifier.

Bass

Provides up to 13dB of boost or -21dB of cut at 40Hz (flat at center position)

Mid/Freq

This dual-concentric knob selects the midrange frequency to be boosted (the outer control), and the amount of boost or cut up to 14dB (the inner control).

Treble

Provides up to 12dB of boost or -16dB of cut at 4kHz (flat at center position)

Volume

Adjusts the overall output level of the Speaker, Phones, and Preamp outputs.

Ultra Lo

This 3-way switch selects a -20dB cut at 40Hz (left) or a 2dB boost at 40Hz combined with a -10dB cut at 500Hz (right). The center position bypasses the Ultra Lo circuit.

Ultra Hi

This 2-way switch engages a 9dB boost at 8kHz.

Peak

This LED lights when your input signal is too high.

Mute

Engaging this switch mutes the Speaker outputs, the FX Loop Send, the DI output, and Preamp output. The Aux In signal at the Phones output is not muted. Mute may also be toggled on and off using an optional footswitch connected to the Switch jack on the rear panel. The Power/Mute Indicator LED [5] illuminates red when Mute is engaged.

  • 0 dB/-15 dB Switch
  • Input
  • Compressor
  • Super Grit Technology (SGT) Section
  • Power/Mute Indicator
  • Gain
  • Bass
  • Mid/Freq
  • Treble
  • Volume
  • Ultra Lo
  • Ultra Hi
  • Peak
  • Mute
Venture V7 back view

Power

Toggles the amplifier’s power on (I) and off (O).

AC In

The included IEC power cable is connected here.

Speaker Out

The dual Neutrik speakON NL2 jacks are wired in parallel and accept NL2 type connections only.

Phones

Connect headphones to this 1/4" TRS stereo output to monitor a mix of the signals coming from the Aux In and the front panel 1/4" Input.

Aux In

Connect the audio output from any line-level source (an MP3 player, a CD player, etc.) to this 1/8" TRS stereo input to play along with your favorite audio when listening through headphones.

Preamp Out

Use this 1/4" unbalanced jack to connect the output of the preamp to an external power amplifier using a shielded TS instrument cable.

FX Loop

The 1/4" unbalanced FX Loop Send and Return jacks operate at line level.


Send:
This output is affected by all controls except the Volume control.


Return:
This input may also be used to connect an outboard device directly to the power amp independently of the FX Loop.


Mix:
Adjusts the blend of direct (Dry) and effected (Wet) signals. The fully clockwise position is equivalent to a serial effects loop.

DI Bal. Out

This balanced XLR output may be used to route line-level audio to the input of an external mixer or recorder, or to an external power amplifier or powered loudspeaker. It is not affected by the Volume control.


Pre/Post:
When set to Pre the DI signal bypasses the -15dB input pad, Compressor, tone controls, SGT circuit, and FX Loop. When set to Post it includes them.


-20dB:
Reduces the DI output level by 20dB.


Lift/Gnd:
Engages the ground lift to help eliminate hum if necessary.

Switch (TRS)

Connect a 1/4" TRS dual footswitch to remotely toggle the SGT circuit (tip) and Mute (ring) on and off. Connecting a TS single footswitch will toggle the SGT circuit on and off.

Power Amp In

Connect an external preamp to this 1/4" unbalanced jack to route its output signal directly to the power amp section. The internal preamp signal is bypassed when a plug is inserted into this jack.

  • Power
  • AC In
  • Speaker Out
  • Phones
  • Aux In
  • Preamp Out
  • FX Loop
  • DI Bal. Out
  • Switch (TRS)
  • Power Amp In
Venture V3 ultra-portable bass amp head Venture V3 ultra-portable bass amp head

Venture V3

The ultra-compact Venture V3 is the smallest and lightest of the three heads in the Venture Series and easily fits into a gig bag or the optional Venture carrying bag, making it ideal for the pro bassist on the go. The Venture V3 delivers 300 watts via its Class D power section—more than enough power to drive any of the Venture Series speaker cabinets or practically any other cab bassists may encounter on their travels.

The Venture V3 offers an extensive array of tone-shaping tools that include a legacy preamp, a 3-band EQ with sweepable mids, Ultra Hi and 3-way Ultra Lo switches, and a Super Grit Technology (SGT) overdrive with SVT and B15 voicings. The circuitry is all analog except the Class D amplifier. An effects loop, an XLR direct output, a Phones output, and an Aux input enhance connectivity, as does the Neutrik speakON / 1/4" combo output. Add an optional AFS2 footswitch for remote control of the SGT overdrive and other functions and an optional heavy-duty padded Venture carrying bag to protect your Venture V3.

  • 300 watts @ 4 ohms
  • Legacy Preamp with 3-Band EQ (sweepable mids)
  • Ultra Hi/3-way Ultra Lo switches
  • SGT Overdrive with SVT and B15 voicings (footswitchable)
  • XLR DI and Phones outputs
  • Aux input
  • Effects loop
  • Neutrik speakON / 1/4" combo output
  • Optional AFS2 footswitch for SGT overdrive and other functions
  • Optional heavy-duty padded Venture carrying bag
  • 3.9 lb / 1.77 kg

All specifications subject to change.

Click to explore Venture V3

Venture V3 front view Venture V3 back view
Venture V3 front view

0 dB/-15 dB Switch

Use this switch to set the optimal input level. Typically, you’ll want to use the -15 dB setting with instruments that include high-output pickups or active electronics, or if you frequently see the Peak LED [13] light up.

Input

Connect a passive or active instrument to this 1/4" jack.

Super Grit Technology (SGT) Section

Adds classic Ampeg overdrive.


On/Off:
Enables or disables the SGT circuit. The SGT circuit may also be toggled on and off using an optional footswitch connected to the Switch jack on the rear panel. (Note that connecting a footswitch disables the front panel switch.)


SVT/B15:
This switch toggles between two “flavors” of overdrive, based on the character of either the SVT or Portaflex B15 tube amplifiers.


Grit/Level:
This dual-concentric knob adjusts the amount of grit (the inner control) and the overall output level of the circuit (the outer control).

Power/Mute Indicator

This LED bar lights up blue when the amplifier is powered on and red when the Mute switch [14] is engaged.

Gain

Adjusts the signal level driving the preamplifier.

Bass

Provides up to 13dB of boost or -21dB of cut at 40Hz (flat at center position)

Mid/Freq

This dual-concentric knob selects the midrange frequency to be boosted (the outer control), and the amount of boost or cut up to 14dB (the inner control).

Treble

Provides up to 12dB of boost or -16dB of cut at 4kHz (flat at center position)

Volume

Adjusts the overall output level of the Speaker, Phones, and Preamp outputs.

Ultra Lo

This 3-way switch selects a -20dB cut at 40Hz (left) or a 2dB boost at 40Hz combined with a -10dB cut at 500Hz (right). The center position bypasses the Ultra Lo circuit.

Ultra Hi

This 2-way switch engages a 9dB boost at 8kHz.

Peak

This LED lights when your input signal is too high.

Mute

Engaging this switch mutes the Speaker outputs, the FX Loop Send, the DI output, and Preamp output. The Aux In signal at the Phones output is not muted. Mute may also be toggled on and off using an optional footswitch connected to the Switch jack on the rear panel. The Power/Mute Indicator LED [5] illuminates red when Mute is engaged.

  • 0 dB/-15 dB Switch
  • Input
  • Super Grit Technology (SGT) Section
  • Power/Mute Indicator
  • Gain
  • Bass
  • Mid/Freq
  • Treble
  • Volume
  • Ultra Lo
  • Ultra Hi
  • Peak
  • Mute
Venture V3 back view

Power

Toggles the amplifier’s power on (I) and off (O).

AC In

The included IEC power cable is connected here.

Speaker Out

The Neutrik speakON combo jack accepts either speakON or 1/4" TS speaker cables.

Phones

Connect headphones to this 1/4" TRS stereo output to monitor a mix of the signals coming from the Aux In and the front panel 1/4" Input.

Aux In

Connect the audio output from any line-level source (an MP3 player, a CD player, etc.) to this 1/8" TRS stereo input to play along with your favorite audio when listening through headphones.

FX Loop

The 1/4" unbalanced FX Loop Send and Return jacks operate at line level.


Send:
This output is affected by all controls except the Volume control.


Return:
This input may also be used to connect an outboard device directly to the power amp independently of the FX Loop.


Mix:
Adjusts the blend of direct (Dry) and effected (Wet) signals. The fully clockwise position is equivalent to a serial effects loop.

DI Bal. Out

This balanced XLR output may be used to route line-level audio to the input of an external mixer or recorder, or to an external power amplifier or powered loudspeaker. It is not affected by the Volume control.


Pre/Post:
When set to Pre the DI signal bypasses the -15dB input pad, Compressor, tone controls, SGT circuit, and FX Loop. When set to Post it includes them.


-20dB:
Reduces the DI output level by 20dB.


Lift/Gnd:
Engages the ground lift to help eliminate hum if necessary.

Switch (TRS)

Connect a 1/4" TRS dual footswitch to remotely toggle the SGT circuit (tip) and Mute (ring) on and off. Connecting a TS single footswitch will toggle the SGT circuit on and off.

  • Power
  • AC In
  • Speaker Out
  • Phones
  • Aux In
  • FX Loop
  • DI Bal. Out
  • Switch (TRS)
HEADS COMPARISON CHART
DOWNLOAD MANUALS

Neutrik and speakON are registered trademarks of Neutrik AG corporation.