Staccato 51 vs RH450

[Dr Funk]

Anyone have any direct experience with both? I'm finding the Staccato 51 to be very mid scooped sounding set flat, and in general compared to the RH450. Perhaps users could share their thoughts as to what they prefer about one over the other.

[seamonkey]

It's a very interesting marketing play by TC.
I suspect both amps are identical internally. Just a change in the software.
I would rather see them come up with a flash-able settings via a USB port.
Then setup a web site where you could buy signature settings from various artist.
Maybe version 2.0 will have a USB interface for presets.

[Bass Junkie]

I had both. Could not find a usable setting on the Staccato to save my life.

[The.Marius]

Owning the RH450 I also tried the Staccato: Both are great amps, but I prefer the RH450. The Staccato is more of a modern funkmachine while the RH450 is more of an ampeg-style tubeamp.

[KJung]

I like my RH450 a lot with certain cabs (I find it a bit 'picky' regarding cab matching). The RH450 is anything but 'flat and transparent'. Since the Staccato is MUCH more extremely pre voiced, that would be very uninteresting to me. I don't dig a scooped sort of tone, and I believe the Staccato has a bit of compression built in that is always on (which I would really hate!).

My only complaint (minor) on the RH450 is that lo pass filter set a bit low, resulting in the treble response being a touch subdued way up top. Minor though... plenty of brightness, but it wouldn't be an amp for those who dig the sizzle. I guess the Staccato has that filter set higher, but it sounds like there is a price to pay for that in more extreme baked in mid cuts and deep bass boost.

[Dr Funk]

My findings as well.
Tell me Ken, speaking about cabinets, what about the RH450 and your Epi UL410?

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Dr Funk

My findings as well.
Tell me Ken, speaking about cabinets, what about the RH450 and your Epi UL410?

My 410UL stays in another city that I gig in a lot, so haven't tried it. I don't have much interest though. I'm guessing (and Joeykun recently varified.... we have very similar ears and tone goals) that the wide, smooth UL voicing sounds a bit 'flat and dull' with the more mid voicing and attenuated deep low end and upper treble of the RH450. With the AE410... that head is magic, since the tight low end of the AE410 and the very grindy, bright upper mids really match up well with the RH450 (IMO, and for my tone goals). The RH450/AE410 match-up is somewhat similar to the F500/410UL matchup, with each pairing yin and yanging to result in at least a somewhat similar tone (the Epi/F500 is still deeper down low and not quite as punchy... but in a good way!).

For my tone, the F500 matches up so well with the 410UL that I've stopped even trying other heads with it!

K

PS I know you dig your headroom. The Markbass SD1200 has been described to me as sounding more like a big F500, versus the 800 series heads (which I dislike quite a bit). If that's the case, that might be your dream head.... 7 pounds, about $1,000, and 1200 'real Markbass watts' (i.e., I find the Markbass wattage specs to be, if anything conservative). That might make your UL's sing... especially that 610UL! I haven't tried on myself, and for my needs, don't need the power. But man, if it really does sound like a big F500/F1.. I might just have to take the plunge!

[ursus]

I have both. So far I prefer the Staccato with my Berg AE410. I dig the extended treble respons, I think it sounds better for slapping than the 450. It is bass heavy but that is no problem since you just backing off the bass. First amp I own that I have to do that Over all I think the Staccato is punchier and meatier.