Ampeg - Opto Comp Analog Optical Compressor

Founded in 1946 by Everett Hull and Stanley Michaels, then known as Michael-Hull Electronic Labs, Ampeg quickly became part of music history. Everett Hull, a double bass player at the time, wanted to create a system to amplify his instrument. He teamed up with Stanley Michaels, and together they designed a prototype amplified stand, housing the double bass pole and connected to a 25-watt amp. Named the 'amplified peg' and quickly nicknamed 'Ampeg', the adventure and success were off to a flying start!
Now 67 years old, the brand can pride itself on having designed some of the most legendary amplifiers. Portaflex, Reverbrocket and SVT are all familiar names.
The Portaflex combo was launched by Ampeg in 1960 and quickly became the standard for bass amps. The Portaflex left its mark on a whole generation of bassists, and is now being reissued in separate units!
Ampeg also made history with its innovations, notably the Reverbrocket, the first amp in history to include an integrated reverb.
Finally, the SVT series amplifier, released at NAMM in 1969, quickly established itself as a benchmark for bass amps. Today, many bassists swear by it.
Legendary brands mean legendary endorsers! With the likes of Sting, Darryl Jones of the Rolling Stones and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd at its side, the brand is firmly rooted in rock! But Ampeg is also looking to the modern world, with endorsers such as the bassists of Linkin Park, Pink and the Strokes.