Ampeg Rocket Bass Combos

[paytojt]

Jinx!

haha yeah I wrote that post you mentioned

 

[Lemur Bassman]

So I have an RB-210 on the way to hopefully replace my GKMB115-ii as it wasn’t quite loud enough for gigging (and I tend to prefer 10s over 15s).
Already thinking about extension cab options but the fact that there isn’t a true matching cab to form an actual “stack” kind of bugs me.
Then I had a crazy idea: what about replacing the speakers with a pair of higher powered 8 ohm drivers to let the amp see 4ohm and unlock the full 500 watts without the need for an extension cab? If they were neo drivers it could make the amp even lighter! Anyone out there go this route, or have any ideas what speakers might be a good match for the RB210s cabinet dimensions?
I feel like this might not cost any more than an extension cab, and while 4 speakers would of course be louder than two it could be enough to just take it over the top volume and punch wise.

Hello! I have the Ampeg RB-210 with the Ampeg PF-115LF Portaflex bass cab and love it!! 2x10's and a 1x15 that adds a whole lot more! Plus, the full 500 watts from the RB 210! I had the Fender Stage 800 with a Fender NEO (15') cab and sold it for this and have never regretted it! BETTER sound all the way. A fairly cheap extension for the excellent sound you get. Something to consider. Peace!

 

[Chris Marinelli]

Hello! I have the Ampeg RB-210 with the Ampeg PF-115LF Portaflex bass cab and love it!! 2x10's and a 1x15 that adds a whole lot more! Plus, the full 500 watts from the RB 210! I had the Fender Stage 800 with a Fender NEO (15') cab and sold it for this and have never regretted it! BETTER sound all the way. A fairly cheap extension for the excellent sound you get. Something to consider. Peace!

Thanks for the reply, I actually got a PF210 to put under it and it sounds great. The size difference is only about an inch in width so it actually matches pretty well. And it sounds great!

 

[mickebas]

Maybe this has been covered previously. I own a RB115 and like the sound (and portability). But I’ve realized that it’s on the shy side when it comes to output and volume and it’s basically been staying at home as an practice amp after a couple of tests on smaller gigs.
My question is simply how big of a sound difference and output is it comparing the 115 to the 210?

 

[Lowbrow]

Maybe this has been covered previously. I own a RB115 and like the sound (and portability). But I’ve realized that it’s on the shy side when it comes to output and volume and it’s basically been staying at home as an practice amp after a couple of tests on smaller gigs.
My question is simply how big of a sound difference and output is it comparing the 115 to the 210?

If you have a separate speaker cabinet of some sort that you can hook up as an extension that would be the most impactful way to boost the output of the amp you currently own.

 

[mickebas]

If you have a separate speaker cabinet of some sort that you can hook up as an extension that would be the most impactful way to boost the output of the amp you currently own.

I was thinking of the difference in power of the RB210 vs the RB115.
I have tried to add an extra SVT210AV cab to get the most out of my RB115 but it really didn’t make that much of a difference to my ears. So I’m curious how much more actual volume output the RB210 has.

If you have a separate speaker cabinet of some sort that you can hook up as an extension that would be the most impactful way to boost the output of the amp you currently own.

 

[mickebas]

I was thinking of the difference in power of the RB210 vs the RB115.
I have tried to add an extra SVT210AV cab to get the most out of my RB115 but it really didn’t make that much of a difference to my ears. So I’m curious how much more actual volume output the RB210 has.

 

[Lowbrow]

I was thinking of the difference in power of the RB210 vs the RB115.
I have tried to add an extra SVT210AV cab to get the most out of my RB115 but it really didn’t make that much of a difference to my ears. So I’m curious how much more actual volume output the RB210 has.

That's interesting and maybe some contributors here who are familiar with that particular cab would have an opinion as to why it wasn't effective. I'm sure I remember folks directly comparing the 115 and the 210 somewhere in the course of this thread and you can probably count on someone chiming in. Good luck getting your question answered.

 

[mickebas]

A perfect scenario would be if a RB210 could match the output of my Rumble 500 but with the sound character of the RocketBass series (more of an Ampeg sound). Their specs are similar anyway but I’m mostly concerned with the RBs being more soft and we all know that watts on a paper and sound/volume on stage are completely different things

 

[Bass]

I have to think the output of an RB-210 is very similar to the output of Rumble 500.

I also have to think that the RB-210 has noticeably greater output than the RB-115. It is 250 watts vs 100 watts without extension cab, and 500 watts vs 200 watts with extension cab.

Of course I don't know because I have never owned the RB-115 or the Rumble 500. And as you say watts on paper may not be the same as real life.

 

[mickebas]

Thinking about trading my RB115 for a RB210 and take a chance on them having the same sound character

 

[flatrat]

I have to think the output of an RB-210 is very similar to the output of Rumble 500.

It is not. The Rumble 500 is louder.

I don't understand the connection between wattage and loudness, and perhaps there is no direct correlation between the two. That is beyond my mental capacity. Fwiw, the RB-210 rated speaker output is 250 watts at 8 ohms and Rumble 500 is 350 watts at 8 ohms. I have A/B'ed the RB-210 and Rumble 500 and the Rumble is definitely louder.

 

[mickebas]

But with an extra 8 ohm extension cab they should both give 500 watts or? FWIW

 

[Michael Eisenman]

It is not. The Rumble 500 is louder.

I don't understand the connection between wattage and loudness, and perhaps there is no direct correlation between the two. That is beyond my mental capacity. Fwiw, the RB-210 rated speaker output is 250 watts at 8 ohms and Rumble 500 is 350 watts at 8 ohms. I have A/B'ed the RB-210 and Rumble 500 and the Rumble is definitely louder.

Some speaker cabs are more efficient than others. You’d have to be able to see and compare the specs, which might specify such things as:

• Sensitivity: 103dB @ 1m
• Sound Pressure: 126dB @ 1m

 

[Yahboy]

Maybe this has been covered previously. I own a RB115 and like the sound (and portability). But I’ve realized that it’s on the shy side when it comes to output and volume and it’s basically been staying at home as an practice amp after a couple of tests on smaller gigs.
My question is simply how big of a sound difference and output is it comparing the 115 to the 210?

Been own RB115 and has RB112 currently for home use, there are no notable output different on same volume setting, but wider low end spread on RB115. When volume set at 2 o'clock , the RB115 just explore too much boomy low end and overall sound just not as In-Your-Face as RB112.

I suggest exchange the RB115 to RB210 if the seller provide exchange policy. I believe RB210 with extent cab will suit your need. Don't care how loud that Rumble 500 can do, Rumble unable give you the RB voice, and RB210 are the only one highest watts model you can get in RB line.

Why Yamapeg still do nothing on matching extent cab for the RB line until today????

 

[flatrat]

But with an extra 8 ohm extension cab they should both give 500 watts or? FWIW

True.

 

[TheDuff]

I am using a 110, purchased for coffee house gigs, in rehearsals with my four piece in a garage. Lower volumes overall, drummer using Rocket Sticks, lead player sometime gets overly loud, but not all the time. Nobody using ear plugs.

I only have volume at 6, not using SGT. Have never been overwhelmed in the slightest.

I also have never cranked it to max, given the nearby neighbours, so can't speak about farting at extreme volumes.

My rb110 does cut out when played too aggressively and very loud. Not trying to be in a band, just pushing it and rocking out. Deep, doomy, and loud might hit the speaker protection and the limiter might choke your sound out intermittently. But this can be worked with to get more volume by using pedals. Drive the volume with the pedal level adjustment and gain and back off on the amp volume. This can result in the expected boost. Works good for home use. Great with pedals. Great clean tone.

 

[thepapercut]

So I’m about to downsize my Rumble 500. I don’t play big gigs anymore and need something I can take to a jam, acoustic hang, easily transport, and smaller form factor etc. So I’m looking between the RB112 and RB115. Is there much of a difference between the two? Can the RB112 keep up with a group? Back in the day I was using my Hartke B60(!) to practice with my garage band. Surely the 100 watt RB112 is a better amp than that Hartke was. But, the RB115 doesn’t feel like much of a downsize from the Rumble 500, which makes me feel like the 12 might be what I need. But hey, never hurts to have Larger speaker and a few extra watts. Right?

 

[Yahboy]

So I’m about to downsize my Rumble 500. I don’t play big gigs anymore and need something I can take to a jam, acoustic hang, easily transport, and smaller form factor etc. So I’m looking between the RB112 and RB115. Is there much of a difference between the two? Can the RB112 keep up with a group? Back in the day I was using my Hartke B60(!) to practice with my garage band. Surely the 100 watt RB112 is a better amp than that Hartke was. But, the RB115 doesn’t feel like much of a downsize from the Rumble 500, which makes me feel like the 12 might be what I need. But hey, never hurts to have Larger speaker and a few extra watts. Right?

How about Hartke KB15 ?

I been own rumble 200, KB15, tech 21 VT combo , RB115 and currently satisfy with RB112.

Hartke KB15 Combo

 

[TheDuff]

So I’m about to downsize my Rumble 500. I don’t play big gigs anymore and need something I can take to a jam, acoustic hang, easily transport, and smaller form factor etc. So I’m looking between the RB112 and RB115. Is there much of a difference between the two? Can the RB112 keep up with a group? Back in the day I was using my Hartke B60(!) to practice with my garage band. Surely the 100 watt RB112 is a better amp than that Hartke was. But, the RB115 doesn’t feel like much of a downsize from the Rumble 500, which makes me feel like the 12 might be what I need. But hey, never hurts to have Larger speaker and a few extra watts. Right?

I would want to get an amp that would scream on demand if I wanted to play with other rockers in a garage situation. Rockers get loud by nature. Some rockers get much louder than others.

I personally would consider an Orange tube bass head and at least 1 strong ten inch speaker cab. This way I would have tone and volume. When the drummer started slamming I would be able, therefore, to keep up. The small combos are not going to be loud enough and focused enough for a lot of applications.

I wouldn't go too small if I was planning on ever playing with any other electric musicians in a band situation. I wouldn't want to be too limited. I like loud and clear sound. Not muddy and boomy reverberating type bass tone, usually. I like my bass loud and clear and that feature of the sound requires a significantly high level of headroom. Normally headroom increases in a proportional way along with watts. When the amp has more watts it will generally have more headroom. Going too small will result in a big loss of headroom and will also result in a big degradation of sound quality when cranked to usable loudness. Turning up about 3/4 of the way might be the practical max volume.

I very much dig my Rocket Bass RB110 for home use.