Ampeg Rocket Bass Combos

[Nazrex]

I am going to stay with my RB110 and not purchase the RB210. The RB110's tone and size are perfect. That said, I would like more power and ultra high/ultra low on occasion. Some may say look at the RB 112. There is something about the RB112's tone that does not sit well with me. Maybe it is a Jazz bass and RB112 pairing? Or Ampeg's l------o------n-----g history of excelling with 10 inch drivers that is just sits "right" for me?

Now, if Ampeg were to make an RB110 "pro version" with the ultra high/low and more power, then that would be an instant preorder purchase for me.

I don't know what it is with the sound of the 10 with a bass, but its just right for me.
That RB-110... I'm really debating wanting to get one to replace my BA-110v2.
On Ampeg's own Website, they have some sound demos of each Rocket Bass with different EQ settings...
The sound demo of the RB-110 with the "Clean Rock" EQ, is the absolute BEST sound out of all of them!
Ampeg – Bass guitar amplification

Ampeg really needs to provide demo sounds of them all like that, each one with identical EQ settings, playing identical riffs.

Also, a "Pro Version" of that RB-110??

OMG... I would loooove to see something like that, with a 100w output.
I used to own a Carvin ProBass 100w that had a 10" in it, and it sounded absolutely amazing! Then theres the GK MB110, also 100w; and while I've never owned one, I've heard one and played with one, and it too sounds amazing.

So can't imagine how wonderous a 100w version of the RB-110 could sound!

 

[Akiyama]

I don't know what it is with the sound of the 10 with a bass, but its just right for me.
That RB-110... I'm really debating wanting to get one to replace my BA-110v2.
On Ampeg's own Website, they have some sound demos of each Rocket Bass with different EQ settings...
The sound demo of the RB-110 with the "Clean Rock" EQ, is the absolute BEST sound out of all of them!
Ampeg – Bass guitar amplification

Ampeg really needs to provide demo sounds of them all like that, each one with identical EQ settings, playing identical riffs.

Also, a "Pro Version" of that RB-110??

OMG... I would loooove to see something like that, with a 100w output.
I used to own a Carvin ProBass 100w that had a 10" in it, and it sounded absolutely amazing! Then theres the GK MB110, also 100w; and while I've never owned one, I've heard one and played with one, and it too sounds amazing.

So can't imagine how wonderous a 100w version of the RB-110 could sound!

Here you go:

https://youtube.com/@ampegtv

Miki Santamaria does just that, same riffs but each model in the series.

Also, Ampeg Japan gives you some different perspectives.

https://youtube.com/@AmpegJapan

I hope that helps, fellow Ampeg fan.

 

[Lync]

That tone made me choose the RB110. It sounds great. I only wish I went bigger so I could use it with drums.

I don't know what it is with the sound of the 10 with a bass, but its just right for me.
That RB-110... I'm really debating wanting to get one to replace my BA-110v2.
On Ampeg's own Website, they have some sound demos of each Rocket Bass with different EQ settings...
The sound demo of the RB-110 with the "Clean Rock" EQ, is the absolute BEST sound out of all of them!
Ampeg – Bass guitar amplification

 

[Michael Eisenman]

I don't know what it is with the sound of the 10 with a bass, but its just right for me.
That RB-110... I'm really debating wanting to get one to replace my BA-110v2.
On Ampeg's own Website, they have some sound demos of each Rocket Bass with different EQ settings...
The sound demo of the RB-110 with the "Clean Rock" EQ, is the absolute BEST sound out of all of them!
Ampeg – Bass guitar amplification

Ampeg really needs to provide demo sounds of them all like that, each one with identical EQ settings, playing identical riffs.

…

In that video, when they specify an EQ setting as -5, +5, +3, etc., how does that translate to the knobs, which have no numbers?

 

[IgorRomanovsky]

I bought an amp stand and immediately noticed how much my RB-112 is hissing. It is a preamp noise, it goes away if i use external preamp into combos’s return. This hiss was not an issue when the amp was standing on the floor, but it is a very clear disruptor in a quiet room when amp is pointed toward the ears. Looking for an amp stand which lifts the amp from the floor, but not pointing it toward ears.

 

[Yahboy]

I bought an amp stand and immediately noticed how much my RB-112 is hissing. It is a preamp noise, it goes away if i use external preamp into combos’s return. This hiss was not an issue when the amp was standing on the floor, but it is a very clear disruptor in a quiet room when amp is pointed toward the ears. Looking for an amp stand which lifts the amp from the floor, but not pointing it toward ears.

Suggest return it.
My first RB112 has annoying hiss , but the second one are silent .
Need mention that a low amount of hiss when SGT engage .
Hopehelp

 

[IgorRomanovsky]

Suggest return it.
My first RB112 has annoying hiss , but the second one are silent .
Need mention that a low amount of hiss when SGT engage .
Hopehelp

I’m out of my return window since i only noticed this hiss after putting amp on stand a month later. I believe they would say this is within allowed tolerance to be a warranty case.

 

[BrentD]

I've been through a fair bit of this thread but not all of it. Can anyone with experience say whether an RB-112 would compete with a Deluxe Reverb?

If not, I feel like I'd probably skip the 115 for the 210.

I had a Rumble 100 V3 that kept up with loud drums but just barely. No problems with the 500.

 

[bassment zombie]

I've been through a fair bit of this thread but not all of it. Can anyone with experience say whether an RB-112 would compete with a Deluxe Reverb?

If not, I feel like I'd probably skip the 115 for the 210.

I had a Rumble 100 V3 that kept up with loud drums but just barely. No problems with the 500.

The 22 watt '65 Deluxe Reverb? In my experience, it would only keep up in the most restrictive low volume circumstances. If you're referring to the modern Fender Deluxes - some of which have reverb - those are 40 watts and can peel the paint off the walls, and are really tricky to keep at lower volumes with so much power on tap.

If I were you, I'd only go for the RB-112 if you're playing with a very gentle handed and volume controller guitarist playing through nothing larger/louder than a Fender Pro Jr. or Bliues Jr., and even the Blues Jr. would need to be played conservatively for the RB-112 to effectively keep up.

Given what you're shared, I'd recommend the RB-115 at minimum, and if you prefer 10s, you could opt for the RB-210. I played my trusty B100R for the vast majority of circumstances in a loud'ish power pop trio with a tasteful but powerful/hard hitting drummer, and it kept up in most club environments - only needing more power in larger clubs or outdoors - and in those environments, we always had good monitors and a PA pumping the jams for us. That said, I play a passive precision with LaBella flats and a pick, so my hard and steady attack was able to get the most out of the B100R. For a more finesse or medium/softer finger attack in those circumstances, the B100R would have a harder time keeping up.

 

[Michael Eisenman]

I’ve been able to use my RB-112 successfully in bars and outside stages with a guitarist, keyboardist, and drummist, and we’re not a quiet band (though not very loud, either). I sometimes expect to need to run a DI signal to the PA, but it hasn’t been necessary yet. I think it’s a very efficient combo.

 

[BrentD]

Thanks.

The 22 watt '65 Deluxe Reverb? In my experience, it would only keep up in the most restrictive low volume circumstances. If you're referring to the modern Fender Deluxes - some of which have reverb - those are 40 watts and can peel the paint off the walls, and are really tricky to keep at lower volumes with so much power on tap.

If I were you, I'd only go for the RB-112 if you're playing with a very gentle handed and volume controller guitarist playing through nothing larger/louder than a Fender Pro Jr. or Bliues Jr., and even the Blues Jr. would need to be played conservatively for the RB-112 to effectively keep up.

Given what you're shared, I'd recommend the RB-115 at minimum, and if you prefer 10s, you could opt for the RB-210. I played my trusty B100R for the vast majority of circumstances in a loud'ish power pop trio with a tasteful but powerful/hard hitting drummer, and it kept up in most club environments - only needing more power in larger clubs or outdoors - and in those environments, we always had good monitors and a PA pumping the jams for us. That said, I play a passive precision with LaBella flats and a pick, so my hard and steady attack was able to get the most out of the B100R. For a more finesse or medium/softer finger attack in those circumstances, the B100R would have a harder time keeping up.

Thanks. I'll have to do the math but power-wise I don't know if the 15 will be any better. I don't have much of a speaker preference, though the 15 is a little smaller and less expensive than the 210.

 

[RyanM987]

I have a new RB110.

When I turn up the level on the SGT there's a lot of hiss, is that normal?

 

[swagbotbilly]

Thanks.

Thanks. I'll have to do the math but power-wise I don't know if the 15 will be any better. I don't have much of a speaker preference, though the 15 is a little smaller and less expensive than the 210.

If you've been happy with the Rumble 500, the 210 would fill the same space.

I think the wattage in the Rumble is 350 to the cab vs. the RB210's 250W, with the same speaker area, so the volume should be comparable.

 

[BrentD]

If you've been happy with the Rumble 500, the 210 would fill the same space.

I think the wattage in the Rumble is 350 to the cab vs. the RB210's 250W, with the same speaker area, so the volume should be comparable.

I'm pretty sure you're right, I'm just being cheap with money and space!

 

[swagbotbilly]

I ended up getting a good deal on the 210 so the marginal price increase was less than it looks like it is now.

Footprint-wise, I was really surprised that the 210 was only a bit taller.

I've been super happy with my 210, and even happier now that I added a PF-115HE and am getting the full 500W

 

[SulzerType2]

I've just bought an RB-108. It will replace my Rumble 100. I don't need earthquaking lows or to try and keep up with drummer. The Rumble really is a 'rumbling amp'. Quite saggy feeling, and quite muffled, suddenly breaking out into a fragile, brittle treble response.

The 108 feels much tighter, or quicker perhaps. My P Bass really shines through it.

Bass practice amps are good these days! When I was growing up they were just rubbish wee guitar amps without a drive channel. Or they weighed 100 lbs and had weird resonance issues.

 

[Lowbrow]

I've just bought an RB-108. It will replace my Rumble 100. I don't need earthquaking lows or to try and keep up with drummer. The Rumble really is a 'rumbling amp'. Quite saggy feeling, and quite muffled, suddenly breaking out into a fragile, brittle treble response.

The 108 feels much tighter, or quicker perhaps. My P Bass really shines through it.

Bass practice amps are good these days! When I was growing up they were just rubbish wee guitar amps without a drive channel. Or they weighed 100 lbs and had weird resonance issues.

It’s really amazing how much better and totally different bass amp engineering is when it comes to combos especially. They were once a compromise but no more.

 

[SoulReflection]

I've just bought an RB-108. It will replace my Rumble 100. I don't need earthquaking lows or to try and keep up with drummer. The Rumble really is a 'rumbling amp'. Quite saggy feeling, and quite muffled, suddenly breaking out into a fragile, brittle treble response.

The 108 feels much tighter, or quicker perhaps. My P Bass really shines through it.

Bass practice amps are good these days! When I was growing up they were just rubbish wee guitar amps without a drive channel. Or they weighed 100 lbs and had weird resonance issues.

I am happy your are happy, now you can send me your Rumble 100. I would love to have a second one to chain together for that G-D awful tone you speak of . i would even reimburse you for a reasonable shipping cost. Let me know...

 

[Yahboy]

I have a new RB110.

When I turn up the level on the SGT there's a lot of hiss, is that normal?

Yes, in low volume of hiss. Raise the level knob more than 2 oclock, hiss become notable but not annoying.

You can ignore that hiss when your playing position are more than 6 feets from the combo.

 

[jwindham]

I've just bought an RB-108. It will replace my Rumble 100. I don't need earthquaking lows or to try and keep up with drummer. The Rumble really is a 'rumbling amp'. Quite saggy feeling, and quite muffled, suddenly breaking out into a fragile, brittle treble response.

The 108 feels much tighter, or quicker perhaps. My P Bass really shines through it.

Bass practice amps are good these days! When I was growing up they were just rubbish wee guitar amps without a drive channel. Or they weighed 100 lbs and had weird resonance issues.

Felt the same about the Rumble 100- mostly trying in stores, so take that FWIW. Could not seem to get much definition at "lower" volumes. That said, I once tried a Sansamp BDDI V2 into the effects return of a Rumble 100, and wow- that added a ton of definition, bypassing the front end altogether. That said, I really like that Ampeg RB108- as you mentioned, its very tight, quick, and enjoyable to play for home practice. The RB-112 is pretty solid and can certainly get louder with a drummer, etc., but there is something about the 108 and the RB-110 (my current home combo) that I really enjoy- easy to dial-in, warm, and punchy without "tearing down the walls".