TC Classic 450 vs. RH 750 tonal comparison

funkythumb · #1 10-24-2011, 08:59 AM

I've searched the threads and watched the videos on the TC web site.
Is there a basic difference in tone between the Classic amp and the RH amps? That's my main question. I appreciate answers not only from a technical perspective (EQ) but from a stylistic (musical genre) comparison. Does one sound warmer or is one better suited to certain style than the other?
I recently got to use a Classic 450 head and TC 4X10 cab that was provided for me at a gig. I enjoyed the sound and was wondering how different the RH series would sound.
My main amp is a GK MB Fusion. I love it. Down the line, I'd like to add another amp to my collection with more headroom. The RH 750 seems like a possibility. Just starting the research journey.

blastjv · #2 10-24-2011, 10:01 AM

I could certainly be wrong, but it was my understanding that the RH450 is just a 3-channel memory version of the Classic 450, and the RH750 is just a more powerful version of the RH450. I would expect any tonal differences to come from maybe being able to play clean at a louder volume, etc...

-JV

CrackBass · #3 10-24-2011, 10:08 AM

The RH450 has three presets, and more importantly, parametric eq. and a tuner. This is worth the price of admission over the classic IMO. The 750 adds tweetertone that adjusts the highend roll off.

fretno · #4 10-24-2011, 10:28 AM

I can't really answer the question but I can post a clippy of the classic with my Pbass & Lollars , the pic has the settings of the track , Post DI ,eq was center , which IIRC Center is programable on the RH and the Classic is fixed.
SoundClick artist: Fretless Jamz - page with MP3 music downloads

parapentep70 · #5 10-24-2011, 11:17 AM

I measured my 750 just about the same day when they published the RH540 freq. response in BassGearMagazine.

At least looking to graphs (without counting fractions of a dB at say 350 Hz) responses look very similar with Tweetertone centered.

Then Tweetertone changes the response in highs. A lot. It is not a shelf control. And it is not (of course) exactly a "tweeter attenuator" either. But what it does "sounds" very close to the claim to mimic a tweeter attenuator.

So with the RH750 you add flexibility over what the RH450 can do, and you can get the same EQ with tweetertone centered.

Here is the link

funkythumb · #6 10-24-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parapentep70

I measured my 750 just about the same day when they published the RH540 freq. response in BassGearMagazine.

At least looking to graphs (without counting fractions of a dB at say 350 Hz) responses look very similar with Tweetertone centered.

Then Tweetertone changes the response in highs. A lot. It is not a shelf control. And it is not (of course) exactly a "tweeter attenuator" either. But what it does "sounds" very close to the claim to mimic a tweeter attenuator.

So with the RH750 you add flexibility over what the RH450 can do, and you can get the same EQ with tweetertone centered.

Here is the link

I read the article. I'm not a tech head but was able to get the basic understanding of the results.
My next question:
Does anyone have experience with how this amp sounds with an Bergantino AE 4x10?
When the time comes, I can always drag my cab over to where the head is sold and test it out. Just want some personal feedback from you guys.
thanks

badboyb · #7 10-24-2011, 03:01 PM

I agree that it would be worth the extra to get the RH over the Classic.

I have forever been a simple 'plug and play' bassist.
Generally have always ran my amps flat.

But these amps have so much tonal variation in them, that I really love having the 3 presets.
I have a few real good tones dialled in and it is very handy to have.

I also love not needing a tuner anymore.

Great features.

From what I tried in the shop, the sounds are the same.

funkythumb · #8 10-25-2011, 11:19 AM

I appreciate the input. I'd like to hear from as many people about the Classic vs. RH series and the amp in general.

KJung · #9 10-25-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkythumb

.
My next question:
Does anyone have experience with how this amp sounds with an Bergantino AE 4x10?
When the time comes, I can always drag my cab over to where the head is sold and test it out. Just want some personal feedback from you guys.
thanks

Sadowsky Vintage through Bergantino AE410 driven by TC RH450 and Markbass F1 - YouTube

Other than an RS210 stack, the AE410 was my favorite cab with the RH450. I'm sure it is even better with the RH750, which should sound about the same, with the option to open up the upper treble a bit more if that is your thing (as posted above).

If you check out my Youtube channel, I also have a clip fo the RH450 with various EQ and compression and tubetone settings using the presets with the RS210, which might be another data point for you.

Cool heads... quite voiced, a bit of built in compression and 'warmth' at all times, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on what you are looking for. Loud as heck!

Edit: I don't think the RH750 would be noticably louder than your MBFusion, which is on the 'loud' site of that typical 500 watt spec. The TC amps would be much more mid voiced, less deep low end, less aggressive upper mids, and less upper treble (even with the tweetertone on the RH750). If you are looking for a more 'classic' tone (I describe these heads as emulating a tube head through a one way sealed cab), these heads are top notch. If you are looking for something with more headroom, not sure this would be the right direction. Maybe the GK MB800 if it ever is released, or the Genz Streamliner (if you want it more fat and warm but not as compressed and mid voiced).

Jarrett · #10 10-25-2011, 03:47 PM

I have a RH750 I use regularly and just recently got to try out a RH450 in a RS210 and RS212. The overall sound was the same, but the RH450 seemed to have considerably less power, but the big difference was in the high end. I like to have the ability to dial in a more modern sound and I couldn't do it with the RH450. The RH750 does it really well though. I personally couldn't use the RH450, but RH750 works fairly well.

gregbackstrom · #11 10-25-2011, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarrett

I have a RH750 I use regularly and just recently got to try out a RH450 in a RS210 and RS212. The overall sound was the same, but the RH450 seemed to have considerably less power, but the big difference was in the high end. I like to have the ability to dial in a more modern sound and I couldn't do it with the RH450. The RH750 does it really well though. I personally couldn't use the RH450, but RH750 works fairly well.

I agree. I had a Classic 450 that I didn't care for. But the RH750 had a much more useful top end. I use it with either a Berg AE410 or AE212. It mates very well with either cabinet.

funkythumb · #12 10-25-2011, 07:48 PM

Thanks guys! I may gave to try the MB800 when it comes out.