V-4B
by Ampeg · Amp Sim · Bass amp head and cab model
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Ampeg V-4B is Brainworx's recreation of Ampeg's V-4B bass head, which has a warmer, grittier tone than the larger SVT.
It includes 4x10 and 8x10 cabinets, 65 recording chains and the Brainworx FX rack, for $75.
Best for: Bass. Genres: Rock & Indie, Metal, R&B & Soul, Pop.
Keywords: bass, warm, hardware emulation, gritty, brass, tube, British console, licensed emulation, 70s, classic, clean, subscription, wet.
What it does
V-4B is Brainworx's model of Ampeg's 1971 V-4B all-tube bass head, made for Plugin Alliance and endorsed by Ampeg. Its power amp breaks up more easily than an SVT's, and the plugin aims for that warmer, "richer, more textured tone" and the head's dynamic range.
- Amp controls: separate gain and master, a three-band EQ with switchable mids, and Ultra-low and Ultra-high switches for extra lows and highs.
- Power Soak: drives the power amp harder for more breakup without raising the output level.
- Cabinets: three cabinet options in 4x10 and 8x10 configurations, with a horn on/off switch to add or remove top-end attack.
- Recording chains: 65 engineered chains combining classic microphones and boutique outboard gear, run through a Neve VXS72 console.
- Clean-up: a built-in noise gate plus Tight and Smooth filters for shaping the signal.
- FX rack: the Brainworx FX rack for extra processing around the amp.
The current version is 1.6.0 (January 2026). It is included in Plugin Alliance's CORE and PRO subscriptions and has a 14-day trial.
When to use it
V-4B is the pick when you want a smaller, grittier Ampeg head that breaks up early, rather than the huge clean headroom of an SVT. Compared with Ampeg's SVT-VR plugin, it trades some of the big, round SVT weight for warmth and texture, which suits vintage rock and soul bass and driven modern parts alike. Compared with AmpliTube 5 MAX or Guitar Rig 7 Pro, it covers one amp in depth, with 65 recording chains, rather than offering a full rig of bass and guitar gear.
- Best for: warm, gritty Ampeg bass tones from a DI, from clean-ish soul lines to driven rock and metal bass.
- Genres: rock, metal, soul, country and pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you want the classic big SVT sound (the SVT-VR plugin) or a full multi-amp rig with pedals (AmpliTube 5 MAX).
- Tip: dial attack and low end together with the tone stack, the recording chains and the horn switch, rather than with an EQ afterwards.
What producers say
The available reviews treat it as a faithful, versatile model of the tube head, though detailed critical reviews are scarce.
- Benoni Studio called it "a faithful emulation of the real all tube Ampeg bass amp" that works for styles from country to metal.
- Low end: the same review noted it has plenty of low end, enough to "rattle the windows", and recommended shaping attack with the horn and recording chains.
Where to buy
- Plugin Alliance: $75
Tutorials and reviews
- Ampeg V-4B Bass Amp Plugin
- PLUGIN ALLIANCE BRAINWORX AMPEG V4B DEMO
- Ampeg V-4B Teaser
- Plugin Alliance Ampeg B-15N vs SVT-3PRO vs SVT-VR vs V-4B - BASS AMP WAR
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