Ampeg Rocket Bass Combos

[JD312]

This might seem a little crazy, but been hoping at some point to try stacking two RB210's. Using a pf210 and pf410 together with a pf800 and very happy with everything except the weight and size of the pf410 even though it's not as bad some other 410's.

The idea is to use one when rehearsing or have decent PA support, and just bring an extra when I don't. The knob locations on the RB210 don't cater very well to this, but maybe preset the bottom amp at a balance with the top amp. Neither amp would break a sweat. Maybe it'll work, maybe not, but I'd rather have two 39lb lifts than a 48lb and 74lb lift.

Probably going to be a while before this can be tried out.

 

[iammr2]

While I'm here, I'm contributing a three-min Mel Bay blues piece that you add your bass. I'm not claiming perfection, but here's a sample of the 122 doing what it does best; holding down the bottom.

Instead of running through the DI, I decided to mic it with my low-budget Shure PG58. It doesn't have the lowest frequency curve, but you use what you have and a bass mic might be down the road. I kept the tone controls flat and did not use the Ultras, my comp, or any other pedals. It's bass/amp/mic to my Scarlett. I thought it sounded a little boomy upon playback, but maybe you'll hear it differently. My playing was meh, but I feel we need to get some tones out there. Now for anyone with a 115 who'd like to volunteer...
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Far out!

 

[lowendrv]

This might seem a little crazy, but been hoping at some point to try stacking two RB210's. Using a pf210 and pf410 together with a pf800 and very happy with everything except the weight and size of the pf410 even though it's not as bad some other 410's.

The idea is to use one when rehearsing or have decent PA support, and just bring an extra when I don't. The knob locations on the RB210 don't cater very well to this, but maybe preset the bottom amp at a balance with the top amp. Neither amp would break a sweat. Maybe it'll work, maybe not, but I'd rather have two 39lb lifts than a 48lb and 74lb lift.

Probably going to be a while before this can be tried out.

Just use effect send from one amp to the effects return on the other amp . Use only one of the pre amps . Easiest way to run two amps and have unity volume .

 

[iagtrplyr]

Sounds great @iagtrplyr and proof the Shure 58 does just fine recording bass. I tend to roll off the bass knob on my RB112 a hair, so yeah, a little bottom heavy in my experience too — but good to know it’s on tap.

It sounds a bit boomy through my Grado SR-80s, which are not bass-heavy. Maybe cut some bass or add an HPF. Was this through just the neck pickup?

Far out!

Thanks much, guys! I appreciate the thoughts and opinions. I feel we don't do enough sharing of our own noodlings and hope it'll spread a little. That being said, one of my most trusted sets of ears gave it the thumbs down today and I can't disagree. He also felt, like M Eisenman, it was pretty boomy, and I believe I had said that too. Not making excuses, but I used my Beatle bass you saw in the pic and its nickname is "Ka- Boom!" Yep, Michael, it was the beck pup, and I purposely did not use my Broughton to lessen the wool. I wanted a pure tone for the experiment, but now I'm thinking I didn't really give you folks a good example of how the amp sounds, and I apologize.

My buddy's advice was to use my Player Precision and find a less repetitious tune, though I actually liked it! So if your ears are brave enough to give it another try, I'll swap basses, pre-evaluate if the tone is too boomy and adjust accordingly, but still us no tone controls. Maybe my mic was also to blame, but it's my only one. My room is small and very dark with too much equipment, but I didn't take it out the first time, so we'll have something to compare.

Thanks again for taking a listen. Let me try a Take II and see what happens.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Speakon is better in everyway. I mean we don't need cars right? Horses were fine for thousands of years.

New technology replaces old technology. Everyday. Refusing to embrace it when there is negligible price difference makes no sense. It's lazy.

For someone who I’m sure has enjoyed TB the past five years, it surprises me that you’re bordering disrespect towards your fellow bass players. What’s your end game? It’s obvious that those of us who’ve been responding get your point, but do not agree. Let’s move on with it and get back to the combos we came here to discuss in the first place.

It’s great to disagree, but the past few pages have shown that even a well-made point can be driven into the ground. At this point, I don’t care if Ampeg ever adds Speakons to their combos.

I vote to close the case and get back to the Rocket Bass combos!

 

[butterfingers1]

Let’s hear Ka-Boom.

 

[Michael Eisenman]

Thanks much, guys! I appreciate the thoughts and opinions. I feel we don't do enough sharing of our own noodlings and hope it'll spread a little. That being said, one of my most trusted sets of ears gave it the thumbs down today and I can't disagree. He also felt, like M Eisenman, it was pretty boomy, and I believe I had said that too. Not making excuses, but I used my Beatle bass you saw in the pic and its nickname is "Ka- Boom!" Yep, Michael, it was the beck pup, and I purposely did not use my Broughton to lessen the wool. I wanted a pure tone for the experiment, but now I'm thinking I didn't really give you folks a good example of how the amp sounds, and I apologize.

My buddy's advice was to use my Player Precision and find a less repetitious tune, though I actually liked it! So if your ears are brave enough to give it another try, I'll swap basses, pre-evaluate if the tone is too boomy and adjust accordingly, but still us no tone controls. Maybe my mic was also to blame, but it's my only one. My room is small and very dark with too much equipment, but I didn't take it out the first time, so we'll have something to compare.

Thanks again for taking a listen. Let me try a Take II and see what happens.

Instead of using the P bass, which most everyone uses to demo these amps, it would be useful to know how you can make the amp work with your other basses. Unless you’re trying to replicate the same sound as everyone else, that is.

If you want to know whether the Beatle bass will work with that amp, I would hook it up and adjust the EQ until you like the sound. If you have to add an HPF, then fine. If you can’t make it work with that bass, then that’s good to know, too. Tell us what you did to accomplish your goal.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Instead of using the P bass, which most everyone uses to demo these amps, it would be useful to know how you can make the amp work with your other basses. Unless you’re trying to replicate the same sound as everyone else, that is.

If you want to know whether the Beatle bass will work with that amp, I would hook it up and adjust the EQ until you like the sound. If you have to add an HPF, then fine. If you can’t make it work with that bass, then that’s good to know, too. Tell us what you did to accomplish your goal.

Interesting. Okay, that changes my intentions of demoing a pure tone of the combo, but I accept the offer. Actually, the violin bass is my #1 because I like the double bass vibe, and yes, the P is old faithful.

I’ll make another recording, but set up the combo and my pedalboard to get the best tone. We’ll see how it differs.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Let’s hear Ka-Boom.

You got it. Take II tomorrow.

 

[Michael Eisenman]

Interesting. Okay, that changes my intentions of demoing a pure tone of the combo, but I accept the offer. Actually, the violin bass is my #1 because I like the double bass vibe, and yes, the P is old faithful.

I’ll make another recording, but set up the combo and my pedalboard to get the best tone. We’ll see how it differs.

Yes, we all know what the amp sounds like by itself. Let’s see how people put it to use.

 

[Hounddog409]

For someone who I’m sure has enjoyed TB the past five years, it surprises me that you’re bordering disrespect towards your fellow bass players. What’s your end game? It’s obvious that those of us who’ve been responding get your point, but do not agree. Let’s move on with it and get back to the combos we came here to discuss in the first place.

It’s great to disagree, but the past few pages have shown that even a well-made point can be driven into the ground. At this point, I don’t care if Ampeg ever adds Speakons to their combos.

I vote to close the case and get back to the Rocket Bass combos!

How am I disrespecting anyone? I just stated I was disappointed with some aspects of the new amp.

Then I have to fend of childish and disrespectful replies.

I thought this was a forum for normal discussions.

I have no "end game". I Stated an opinion. In a normal manner.

 

[iagtrplyr]

How am I disrespecting anyone? I just stated I was disappointed with some aspects of the new amp.

Then I have to fend of childish and disrespectful replies.

I thought this was a forum for normal discussions.

I have no "end game". I Stated an opinion. In a normal manner.

And to my eyes, that’s the calmest, most rational post you’ve made concerning this topic. I never said you can’t make a point, and one many of us might’ve agreed with, but you needed to lower the rage temp a bit. Go back and read your posts like someone who’s not you and ya might see what I mean. I think you just wore us out on the Speakons, that’s all.

As I mentioned before, I suggest we move on from it and keep the dialogue interesting without being argumentative.

 

[JD312]

Just use effect send from one amp to the effects return on the other amp . Use only one of the pre amps . Easiest way to run two amps and have unity volume .

It’s almost too easy. Might need a little compression or a buffer somewhere, but maybe not. I suppose I could send them an email and ask if they’ve tried this. Thx for the tip!

 

[richntiff]

Interesting turns this thread has taken.

So….. anyways……

I have to be honest - even trying to account for the YouTube aspect, I’m disappointed in the tone from the 2x10 combo. It sounds much more sterile - I hope it’s just a recording/YT/compression thing. The 112 sounds so much more Ampeggy. I’m running the GKMB112 and MBP112 powered extension right now, but was kind of hoping the 210 would be a possible replacement. Can’t wait to hear one in person!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Just got tracking info. My 112 is on its way to me. That was quick. Support told me the 12th

 

[High Camp]

This might seem a little crazy, but been hoping at some point to try stacking two RB210's. Using a pf210 and pf410 together with a pf800 and very happy with everything except the weight and size of the pf410 even though it's not as bad some other 410's.

The idea is to use one when rehearsing or have decent PA support, and just bring an extra when I don't. The knob locations on the RB210 don't cater very well to this, but maybe preset the bottom amp at a balance with the top amp. Neither amp would break a sweat. Maybe it'll work, maybe not, but I'd rather have two 39lb lifts than a 48lb and 74lb lift.

Probably going to be a while before this can be tried out.

I understand what you want. In my opinion, you'd be best served with a RB210 and use the PF210 as an extension cab.
The cabs have the same look, the PF210 is a tad wider and that's fine (in my book anyway) for stacking.
The PF210 without the PF800 is about the same weight as the RB210 and you already have it.

(you could sell the PF410 afterwards if it would become redundant)

Just a thought, but it could save you some cash and hassle

 

[JD312]

I understand what you want. In my opinion, you'd be best served with a RB210 and use the PF210 as an extension cab.
The cabs have the same look, the PF210 is a tad wider and that's fine (in my book anyway) for stacking.
The PF210 without the PF800 is about the same weight as the RB210 and you already have it.

(you could sell the PF410 afterwards if it would become redundant)

Just a thought, but it could save you some cash and hassle

Yeah, at first my response was going to be the PF210 isn't ported, but after a quick double check, the RB210 isn't ported either. I don't know how I thought that it was. That might spoil my master plan. The PF410 just has an absolutely killer solid low end and I have to believe the porting has a lot to do with that. I'm not optimistic the RB210, or even two of them, could deliver something close to the PF410 at any volume, but it still might be a good tone. I'll try it out, next spring, lol. And no, not going with Markbass. Not a hater, just not a lover.

 

[Dino Boreanaz]

From the photos I've seen with their grill covers removed, all of the RB combos are ported.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Just got tracking info. My 112 is on its way to me. That was quick. Support told me the 12th

Congrats, Jeezy! Risk your ears on the second take of my boogie blues tune from yesterday. It was requested to give the amp a chance to sound better by using what's available to enhance, and I think I did that. To me, the 112 sounds, as richntiff put it, Ampeggy.

 

[iagtrplyr]

From the photos I've seen with their grill covers removed, all of the RB combos are ported.

+1 and here's the evidence...