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Ampeg Rocket Bass Combos

#2,601
Been a loyal Fender Rumble user for quite a few years now. Decided to step over to Ampeg world and see how I like it. Sam Ash has a good deal on the 115 right now so I went for it. Can't wait to test it out.

The 115 will be plenty loud for the traditional country band I play in, but for my alt-rock band I will probably add an extension cab. That said even my Rumble 100 with a 112 can cut through in the rock band if I crank it.

Any cab recommendations I should consider?
 
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#2,602
Swerve said:
Been a loyal Fender Rumble user for quite a few years now. Decided to step over to Ampeg world and see how I like it. Sam Ash has a good deal on the 115 right now so I went for it. Can't wait to test it out.

The 115 will be plenty loud for the traditional country band I play in, but for my alt-rock band I will probably add an extension cab. That said even my Rumble 100 with a 112 can cut through in the rock band if I crank it.

Any cab recommendations I should consider?
Click to expand...

Congrats and welcome to the world of more midrange! You’ll hear the difference almost immediately compared to your Rumbles. I also had a 100 combo but sold it to buy an RB112 and couldn’t be happier. The Rumble 115 cab would mark for a good lower-cost ext cab (I have one and find it adequate), or you could spring for a Portaflex 115 HE. Would work well with your RB combo and has a ton of low end, if that’s what you’re looking for. Good hunting!
 
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#2,603
Does anyone here have experience comparing a RB110 or RB 112 with one of the Micro stacks (CL or VR)? I am interested in one of these rigs strictly for home use. I was leaning heavily toward one of the Micro stacks but then played through a RB115 at guitar center recently, and really like how it sounded, even at low volume. The 115 would be WAY too big for my application (space is limited), but the other options are all about the same width.
 
#2,604
I currently own the RB112 (see above your post), but also owned the VR Micro rig for a spell. I can’t comment about the CL rig, but the VR is a different beast compared to the Rocket Bass series. The speakers are, to me, night and day different.

The VR’s is composed of two tens in an acoustic suspension cabinet, whereas the RBs are in a bass reflex system. The port makes a difference in efficiency and bass output. Your best bet is to audition both if you can.

BTW, I went back to a larger cab and head after owning the VR pair because I found it to be more for home recording than gigging, though for less-powered needs, it was nice sounding provided you increased the bass tone.
 
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#2,605
smatanovic said:
Does anyone here have experience comparing a RB110 or RB 112 with one of the Micro stacks (CL or VR)? I am interested in one of these rigs strictly for home use. I was leaning heavily toward one of the Micro stacks but then played through a RB115 at guitar center recently, and really like how it sounded, even at low volume. The 115 would be WAY too big for my application (space is limited), but the other options are all about the same width.
Click to expand...

There are not to much in size different between Rb112 and Rb115 , just 2' taller and 1' wider on Rb115. But $130 price tag different.
 
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#2,606
iagtrplyr said:
I currently own the RB112 (see above your post), but also owned the VR Micro rig for a spell. I can’t comment about the CL rig, but the VR is a different beast compared to the Rocket Bass series. The speakers are, to me, night and day different.

The VR’s is composed of two tens in an acoustic suspension cabinet, whereas the RBs are in a bass reflex system. The port makes a difference in efficiency and bass output. Your best bet is to audition both if you can.

BTW, I went back to a larger cab and head after owning the VR pair because I found it to be more for home recording than gigging, though for less-powered needs, it was nice sounding provided you increased the bass tone.
Click to expand...
Definitely NOT looking for volume. This will be for home use only, and I would prefer something that sounds good at low volume and doesn’t need to be cranked. I was intrigued by the adjustable gain on the VR, figuring I could get it to do svt-ish things without svt volume.
 
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#2,611
smatanovic said:
Definitely NOT looking for volume. This will be for home use only, and I would prefer something that sounds good at low volume and doesn’t need to be cranked. I was intrigued by the adjustable gain on the VR, figuring I could get it to do svt-ish things without svt volume.
Click to expand...
If you’re not looking to add an external cabinet to get the full 200 watts of the RB-115, the RB-112 does everything that the RB-115 does. The wattage of the RB-115 without an external cabinet is the same as the RB-112. I have successfully used my RB-112 on several bar-band gigs without using the DI out to the PA. It’s plenty loud for a home environment.
 
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#2,612
Michael Eisenman said:
If you’re not looking to add an external cabinet to get the full 200 watts of the RB-115, the RB-112 does everything that the RB-115 does. The wattage of the RB-115 without an external cabinet is the same as the RB-112. I have successfully used my RB-112 on several bar-band gigs without using the DI out to the PA. It’s plenty loud for a home environment.
Click to expand...
No, won’t be adding a second cab. So, RB-112 v Micro stack.
 
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#2,614
Really digging my new RB115! I've owned Ampeg cabs before but never an amp. I'm terrible at describing sound but it's got that "peanut butter" thing going on that I love, warm/crunchy/smooth all at the same time. Way different from the Rumble. Really brings out the best in my P bass. Can't wait to try it out with my two bands over the next week.


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#2,618
I bought an RB 210 just to test . Knowing that I usually play on a glockenklang head with its 210 and 115 cab. And often I activate the ampeg amp simulation of my stomp. The ampeg sound suits me so well that I have the opportunity to exchange my glockenklang for a v4b and its 212. Problem, I did a gig with the RB 210 and I loved it. My dingwall sounded great. I understood that the 112 sounded good and I had the idea of taking 2x 112, for modularity. Resell the glocks and leave with money :) How do you get 2 112 to work together, I admit I'm lost. The watts add up and I would really have 200 watts?
 
#2,619
Oh and I have no experience with "ultra lo" but I found it interesting. By turning it on then lowering the bass, I had a deep bass without the boomy side, boosting the mid and treble... It seems weird but it's unknown territory for me. I tie it in knots at the head.
 
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