Ampeg Rocket Bass Combos

[Aidil]

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I have been using the Rumble 500 for years now on countless gigs and it’s been a great workhorse.

Easily keeps up with a hard hitting drummer and has been ample for my needs.


This morning I picked up the RB210.

It’s a little bigger, a little heavier, and it looks really great.

I tested it at the volume I use in my rock band and it gets the same perceived volume as the Rumble (the rumble is 350 watts at 8ohms, the RB210 is 250 watts at 8ohms).


The RB210 tone is more appealing to me, but they are both in a similar tonal ballpark. I find the RB a little deeper and clearer sounding.

The only thing I would wish for is a gain knob, but overall this is a great combo.


I’m looking forward to gigging with it!

Does the RB210 have holes underneath for installing casters like the Portaflex 210?

 

[evs]

Does the RB210 have holes underneath for installing casters like the Portaflex 210?

No, it doesn’t have holes.
Just some big rubber feet.
I was thinking of removing the feet and putting castors on it though

 

[Lowbrow]

According to your point though, you will never buy any combo amp. So what's your interest in an ext out anyway?

I have yet to see any combo that has an extension plug that is a speakon connection.

While I’m with you in spirit AND RB-112 ownership, my GK Legacy 212 most definitely has a Speakon ext. jack. HOWEVER, and this was my point on this same line of discussion earlier, it is definitely the cost of about three RB115s …

 

[Lowbrow]

Question for the owners.

I used to own a B200r (see avatar) and it was the nicest sounding rig I’ve ever had. The depth of the bass was unreal, yet still had clarity. I could feel it even at low volumes.

How do the new Rockets compare? Has anyone owned both or done a co
comparison??

I own a B200-R, the RB110, and the RB112. The B200-R is a great sounding amp tho historically plagued with operating and lifespan issues due to poor engineering and build quality. Some have lasted, many more have rattled themselves useless or have undergone various mods to keep them in working order (mine has wooden blocks wedged under the amp chassis to stabilize it against the cabinet). The new RBs are much more well thought out and simple, which to my reckoning should make them hold up far better.

While the two lines of amps share aesthetics, sound wise they are apples and oranges really. The RBs stick much closer to that classic Ampeg vibe while the B200-R has a gain knob, three voicing buttons and a 4-band EQ section with a lot more control over the midrange. It gets bright — the RBs not as much. I love my new RBs, but if I have a gripe, it’s that midrange darkness.

BUT the RB112 has an effects loop — I’ve been inserting a Boss PQ-3B parametric pedal in the loop and boosting just a hair of mids around 900hz and 1.8k and I’m VERY pleased with what this slight sound tweak can do. LOVE the RB112

EDIT: To speak more directly to one of your concerns, set flat the Rocket Bass 112 is a good deal richer in bass than the B200-R. I’ll almost always roll the RB112 bass EQ knob back a notch or two, where with the B200-R I’d generally engage the Ultra Lo and also dial up the bass EQ knob.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Does the RB210 have holes underneath for installing casters like the Portaflex 210?

You can always remove the feet, and screw in castors. Or, don't remove the feet, and screw in removable castors.

 

[gwangi]

That Ampeg sounds AWESOME!!!! Congrats!!!!

 

[corndog]

Never had B200, but this 112 fairs up nicely for a reasonably priced, lightweight portaflex option.

Quality is much lower than a true portaflex rig, but so is price and weight. So...pick your poison.

Thanks. The weight is a consideration for sure. The B200r was no lightweight.

 

[corndog]

I own a B200-R, the RB110, and the RB112. The B200-R is a great sounding amp tho historically plagued with operating and lifespan issues due to poor engineering and build quality. Some have lasted, many more have rattled themselves useless or have undergone various mods to keep them in working order (mine has wooden blocks wedged under the amp chassis to stabilize it against the cabinet). The new RBs are much more well thought out and simple, which to my reckoning should make them hold up far better.

While the two lines of amps share aesthetics, sound wise they are apples and oranges really. The RBs stick much closer to that classic Ampeg vibe while the B200-R has a gain knob, three voicing buttons and a 4-band EQ section with a lot more control over the midrange. It gets bright — the RBs not as much. I love my new RBs, but if I have a gripe, it’s that midrange darkness.

BUT the RB112 has an effects loop — I’ve been inserting a Boss PQ-3B parametric pedal in the loop and boosting just a hair of mids around 900hz and 1.8k and I’m VERY pleased with what this slight sound tweak can do. LOVE the RB112

EDIT: To speak more directly to one of your concerns, set flat the Rocket Bass 112 is a good deal richer in bass than the B200-R. I’ll almost always roll the RB112 bass EQ knob back a notch or two, where with the B200-R I’d generally engage the Ultra Lo and also dial up the bass EQ knob.

Thanks for the detail!

I sold my B200r because of the rattle. I was thinking of racking the head and using the box as a cab. I should have done that. yeah it was heavy, but I’d happily schlepp that sucker around because the tone was so rich and thick.

But you say the new 112 is richer than the B200r. You got my attention.

I’ll need to investigate them more. Thanks again.

 

[jeff7bass]

Boooom! Dudes, this little is great! It sounds just like a portaflex. Well, once you up the mid and treble a half a knotch. But, I'm pretty sure that mostly has to do with it being ported.View attachment 4321859 View attachment 4321860 View attachment 4321861 View attachment 4321862


I ran the thing through it paces for a good little bit. It'll be perfect for what I'm going to use it for. Sure sounds a heck of a lot better than my ba110. Lighter too. And, looks killer. I think they did a great job.

Bad note: the only thing that sucks is that there is no gain knob. I don't like only having a volume. You can't control clipping and still turn it up. It is what it is. So, to crank it, and keep it clean, you are going to need a compressor.

That's it though. Totally passable by all my combo standards.

The SGT (Super Grit Technology) replaces the gain function. They're trying to keep it affordable to steal sails from the Rumble.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Thanks. The weight is a consideration for sure. The B200r was no lightweight.

Neither is a portaflex really. 50lbs plus amp.

Granted, it's not overly heavy, but it's not light.

 

[iagtrplyr]

"BluBasPlr, post: With settings flat on both and being sampled A/B with multiple basses, I find the Rumble to have a cleaner more mid voiced tone, and the RB112 to have a warmer slightly deeper tone. My preference of the two would be the Ampeg RB112.”

That’s really interesting; a 180° from my perspective. To me, the Fender tone stack caused the 100 to be scooped without even trying, and it took cranking the hi-mid and lowering the low-mid to make it sound decent.

On the other hand, yeah, the Ampeg is dark in nature, but gives a much better midrange sound without tweaking. Of course, I’m still looking for that old school tone, but I agree with you, the RB does it better than the Rumble does.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Boooom! Dudes, this little is great! It sounds just like a portaflex. Well, once you up the mid and treble a half a knotch. But, I'm pretty sure that mostly has to do with it being ported.View attachment 4321859 View attachment 4321860 View attachment 4321861 View attachment 4321862


I ran the thing through it paces for a good little bit. It'll be perfect for what I'm going to use it for. Sure sounds a heck of a lot better than my ba110. Lighter too. And, looks killer. I think they did a great job.

Bad note: the only thing that sucks is that there is no gain knob. I don't like only having a volume. You can't control clipping and still turn it up. It is what it is. So, to crank it, and keep it clean, you are going to need a compressor.

That's it though. Totally passable by all my combo standards.

Great review, Jeezy. You gave us more then our money’s worth of knowledge and I wouldn’t be surprised if you push a few players to the 112.

Your advice on tightening the combo’s screws is a sound one. I myself haven’t noticed any buzzing, but I also haven’t run it as loud as you have. Good time to do a double check.

Great work!

 

[iagtrplyr]

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I have been using the Rumble 500 for years now on countless gigs and it’s been a great workhorse.

Easily keeps up with a hard hitting drummer and has been ample for my needs.


This morning I picked up the RB210.

It’s a little bigger, a little heavier, and it looks really great.

I tested it at the volume I use in my rock band and it gets the same perceived volume as the Rumble (the rumble is 350 watts at 8ohms, the RB210 is 250 watts at 8ohms).


The RB210 tone is more appealing to me, but they are both in a similar tonal ballpark. I find the RB a little deeper and clearer sounding.

The only thing I would wish for is a gain knob, but overall this is a great combo.


I’m looking forward to gigging with it!

Bring some (or all) of these pics to the Combo Club, tell us a little about them, and I’ll gladly hand you a membership number. Great side-by-side comparison!

That goes for anyone else who’s posted your combo. We’d love to have you show it off where it’ll be appreciated.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Does the RB210 have holes underneath for installing casters like the Portaflex 210?

Not that I’ve seen unless you pull off the four feet and drill it out a bit. Casters won’t hurt, but unless you're walking it a country mile, you may not need them.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I own a B200-R, the RB110, and the RB112. The B200-R is a great sounding amp tho historically plagued with operating and lifespan issues due to poor engineering and build quality. Some have lasted, many more have rattled themselves useless or have undergone various mods to keep them in working order (mine has wooden blocks wedged under the amp chassis to stabilize it against the cabinet). The new RBs are much more well thought out and simple, which to my reckoning should make them hold up far better.

While the two lines of amps share aesthetics, sound wise they are apples and oranges really. The RBs stick much closer to that classic Ampeg vibe while the B200-R has a gain knob, three voicing buttons and a 4-band EQ section with a lot more control over the midrange. It gets bright — the RBs not as much. I love my new RBs, but if I have a gripe, it’s that midrange darkness.

BUT the RB112 has an effects loop — I’ve been inserting a Boss PQ-3B parametric pedal in the loop and boosting just a hair of mids around 900hz and 1.8k and I’m VERY pleased with what this slight sound tweak can do. LOVE the RB112

EDIT: To speak more directly to one of your concerns, set flat the Rocket Bass 112 is a good deal richer in bass than the B200-R. I’ll almost always roll the RB112 bass EQ knob back a notch or two, where with the B200-R I’d generally engage the Ultra Lo and also dial up the bass EQ knob.

Lowbrow, great thinking there. I have a Zoom B01n sitting around not doing anything. Maybe run it through the FX loop and see how it sounds.

Concerning your edit paragraph, I’ve kept my bass knob flat, but did nearly cause an earthquake when I tested the Ultra Lo button. Whew, I switched that baby off quickly! I do like the Ultra Hi though.

Interesting thoughts, thanks.

 

[JakobT]

Not that I’ve seen unless you pull off the four feet and drill it out a bit. Casters won’t hurt, but unless you're walking it a country mile, you may not need them.

Agreed. If you need to transport it for longer distances, a small cart is better.

 

[iagtrplyr]

The SGT (Super Grit Technology) replaces the gain function. They're trying to keep it affordable to steal sails from the Rumble.

And for the most part. I think it works well that way. Crank the grit knob and bring the volume up and it’s a lot louder with a bit of snarl. Definitely better than the Scrambler on the DI pedal. A little goes a long way! Not a big fan of the Rumble’s OD either.

 

[Aidil]

Not that I’ve seen unless you pull off the four feet and drill it out a bit. Casters won’t hurt, but unless you're walking it a country mile, you may not need them.

This gets me thinking... if one would use the RB-210 full power capacity by connecting the external speaker output to a PF-210HE or PF-115HE, given that they have the same tolex theme, at least any of these Portaflex cabs with its removable casters would get the stack moveable. So, the fact that the RB-210 doesn't get the detachable casters option is already a well thought out.

But, yes, a small cart would be a much better option.

And now the question is... has anyone put the RB-210 on top of PF-210HE or PF-115HE in real life? Would love to see pictures of how well these stacked, given they have the same tolex theme.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Great review, Jeezy. You gave us more then our money’s worth of knowledge and I wouldn’t be surprised if you push a few players to the 112.

Your advice on tightening the combo’s screws is a sound one. I myself haven’t noticed any buzzing, but I also haven’t run it as loud as you have. Good time to do a double check.

Great work!

Haha, can't beat free! Hahaha

Yeah, I do it on everything I buy. First thing I do is tighten screws. Ever since my handle came loose on a cab a while back. Come to find out, there's loose screws on just about everything. My buddy over at ernie ball told me it's very common for workers to leave them loose, because you strip a screw in the factory, and you've just ruined a product.

 

[iagtrplyr]

This gets me thinking... if one would use the RB-210 full power capacity by connecting the external speaker output to a PF-210HE or PF-115HE, given that they have the same tolex theme, at least any of these Portaflex cabs with its removable casters would get the stack moveable. So, the fact that the RB-210 doesn't get the detachable casters option is already a well thought out.

But, yes, a small cart would be a much better option.

And now the question is... has anyone put the RB-210 on top of PF-210HE or PF-115HE in real life? Would love to see pictures of how well these stacked, given they have the same tolex theme.

Brilliant thought, Aidil. I had both the 115 and 210 underneath a PF-800 (now at my son’s house) and I’d keep the castors on the 115 but take off the 210’s. I would think it’d be the same with the RB-210 in top of the PD-210. Keep the castors on the cab and just carry (or cart) the combo.