Ampeg Rocket Bass Combos

[iagtrplyr]

Bass at 10 o'clock, mids at 1 o'clock, treble at 1 o'clock

SGT sounds best off...unless you're Lowbrow. I guess I just don't have the magic touch.

Add me to the SGT list, Jeezy. It’s not gonna be an always-on for me, but I took Lb’s advice and dined the level control while running the grit anywhere from 9:00-1:00.

I misspoke a week or two ago suggesting it’s a gain control of sorts, and yeah, it’s not. I find it difficult to describe but it seems to add a little more grind to the signal and I think it brings out the mids a little more.

I’ll say this too...it’s a heck of a lot more useful, IMHO, than the Scrambler was. Maybe it’ll continue to evolve, but it works with my P really nice.

BTW, have I mentioned how much I love this amp? I get a natural B-15ish tone out of it by plugging in and with a little dialing effort, can nail SVT tone that Fred Turner of Bachman-Turner Overdrive would be happy with!

Edit: I forgot, tone controls flat or with bass at 10:40-11:00 and usually with Ultra Hi pressed with my violin bass.

 

[iagtrplyr]

FLASH!!
(Lightening and monsoons here in the High Desert tonight!)

Played a lot the last couple of days with the RB-115. Dapper Bass DI/effects, Mooer “Shimverb” mini pedal set to spring reverb like this:

View attachment 4341228
Dapper into ‘Peg effects loop, Mooer into Dapper Bass effects loop! The more I play around with this, the more I like it!

I went @Lowbrow for this- SGT at 9:00- EQ flat- mids bumped on preamp, and some gain as well I grabbed one of my Herco nylon “Hi, Ho, Silver” picks, and kicked it up to heck Yeah- played with headphones.

WOW - the reverb and the mid bump gave a nice “tic tac” tone…with great low end as well!
Kicked on the chorus. Nice!! ripped into Transmission by Joy Division. (One of the first songs I could credibly play on bass )

Then I added the Octave- dry at noon, -1 octave at 3:00, -2 octave at 9:00. Hmmm. I’ve never messed around with one before, but as I’ve read about- tracks better on the A string and higher. Sounded gnarly enough, so I played “Alison Gross” by Steeleye Span. Fun!!

Today played without the headphones, but with the same setup, but lower volumes.

Here’s where @iagtrplyr should take note- the Dapper Bass emits some hiss .
Only noticed with boost/comp, and possibly the chorus as well- I could easily tame it with the tone knob on Jbass, so no biggie- plus you have a high pass filter? No??

I’m not set up to record anything at this point so you’ll have to..imagine it…

This weekend, the wife is taking the boys down to Phoenix for ice hockey solo. I’ll have some time to give it a probed warm-up and break in at stage volume.

Stay Tuned! - Bonus- hockey pic of Boyz last Saturday.
View attachment 4341234 Oh!! And then met Baxter at the Diamondbacks game later that very afternoon!!
View attachment 4341233
Lost to Chicago Cubs (blown save in 9th after leading 2-1 Grrr!)

Nice post, Tele. You’re always with interesting things to say and cute kid pics.

I saw I was mentioned and gad to look. When I did, I saw my name and the word “hiss” near it. Stop the ride, I’ll get off here! I have a sign over my music room door that reads, “No Hiss Shall Enter These Premises!”

Seriously, I’m not surprised based on what you paid for it and it’s probable manufacturing budget. Like my inexpensive Zoom pedal, it’s the nature of the beast. But who cares, you’re digging it so much why worry about it?

My Stage 800 gives me all the bells and whistles I’d ever want and is the quietest modeler I’ve ever used. My favorite setup right now is the Rocket Bass amp along with my mini-pedalboard. I wouldn’t mind adding though your Mooer pedal just for kicks.

Let that 115 rip this weekend so you can tell us how big it really plays!

 

[68Tele-Bass]

Yeah— I’m ok with it- my usual tone is fingerstyle with a softer, less edgy tone, so it won’t usually be an issue- but I’m keeping an ear on it! No Gnarly gigs on horizon, so I can get it sorted out!

still a fun little pedal- I DO like the tuner that also mutes the output signal.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Yeah— I’m ok with it- my usual tone is fingerstyle with a softer, less edgy tone, so it won’t usually be an issue- but I’m keeping an ear on it! No Gnarly gigs on horizon, so I can get it sorted out!

still a fun little pedal- I DO like the tuner that also mutes the output signal.

Hope ya survived the bad weather you folks had. At the same time, I'm sure people were happy to see precip falling from the sky.

Another Lowbrow reminder (gotta give credit to where it belongs) that I kinda forgot about during recording was to mute the speaker via an eighth-inch jack. I don't need to as I'm secluded from my wife at night when I like to record, but I also didn't feel like I was hitting the sweet spot of the combo as it sent the signal to my Scarlett. So I popped the plug into the jack, ran the volume to noon, and was rewarded with plenty of gain to my DAW. When I added the SGT circuit I backed off the volume just a smidge so as not to have to back of the channel volume during recording. It's a little of this and a little of that to get that nice mix but well worth it.

I'll PM ya a tune or two which I did earlier in the week with that setup.

 

[mickebas]

Anyone with an opinion regarding sounddifference on the RB210 vs the 115. Disregarding the power difference and thinking only of the type of sound.

I have a Fender Rumble 500/210 and a Ampeg PF50T fitted to a PF115HE speaker and I’m thinking about a cross between these two as far as sound goes would either a RB115 or a RB210.
Am I wrong?

 

[iagtrplyr]

Anyone with an opinion regarding sounddifference on the RB210 vs the 115. Disregarding the power difference and thinking only of the type of sound.

I have a Fender Rumble 500/210 and a Ampeg PF50T fitted to a PF115HE speaker and I’m thinking about a cross between these two as far as sound goes would either a RB115 or a RB210.
Am I wrong?

Good question and one I’m sure players have all the time; can I mix and match and will it sound good?

I have a Rumble 115 cabinet that is used like a jack-of-all-trades. It’s used with my Stage 800 combo, my Orange Terror Bass head, and even my Markbass CMD-101 combo when I want a unique tone and versatility.

So yes, you can safely mix and match, even with different-sized drivers and it works. Some better than others, mind you, but totally doable.

Personally, I’d wait to see if Ampeg is gonna offer Rocket Bass cabs before buying unless you’re in a hurry. The Portaflex cabinets are fine, but very dark sounding and not overly loud, to my ears, and is like to see what Yamaha is going to do in the near future.

Hope this helps.

 

[mickebas]

Personally, I’d wait to see if Ampeg is gonna offer Rocket Bass cabs before buying unless you’re in a hurry. The Portaflex cabinets are fine, but very dark sounding and not overly loud, to my ears, and is like to see what Yamaha is going to do in the near future.

Hope this helps.

Thanks! I
I was mostly thinking in terms of sound quality vs portability since I like the PF50T + 115HE set up as far as sound goes but it’s very heavy. The Rumble 500 on the other hand is a breeze to carry with one hand and sounds ok.
So my thought was if I should go for the RB115 or the 210 and if there’s any comparison as far as sound goes between them.
Or, as a 3rd option, don’t buy any of them since it really wont be an upgrade from what I already have and that I should just face the heavy carrying using the PF50T in the PF115HE and be happy or if the RB115 (or 210) could be what I’m looking for as far as best of two worlds, Ampeg sound & Rumble portability

 

[Slaphound]

Thanks! I
I was mostly thinking in terms of sound quality vs portability since I like the PF50T + 115HE set up as far as sound goes but it’s very heavy. The Rumble 500 on the other hand is a breeze to carry with one hand and sounds ok.
So my thought was if I should go for the RB115 or the 210 and if there’s any comparison as far as sound goes between them.
Or, as a 3rd option, don’t buy any of them since it really wont be an upgrade from what I already have and that I should just face the heavy carrying using the PF50T in the PF115HE and be happy or if the RB115 (or 210) could be what I’m looking for as far as best of two worlds, Ampeg sound & Rumble portability

I don't think you should see the next purchase as needing to be an upgrade. Sometimes you buy things to fill a certain gap that you see or hear. I know nothing about the RB combos. Maybe carry your PF50t and PF cab once and see if you really need that tone when you'r playing in front of an audience. Personally, I'm curious about the ampeg tone so I too am considering an RB combo in the near future. I'm pretty happy with the performance of my Rumble100 at my last gig so I might be inclined to do the RB112 but the 210 for the Power and the 115 for the 115 are also pretty interesting. I'd like to buy them all and then even a BA115 and maybe a PF500 and cab maybe. I really want to know that sound.

 

[mickebas]

I don't think you should see the next purchase as needing to be an upgrade. Sometimes you buy things to fill a certain gap that you see or hear. I know nothing about the RB combos. Maybe carry your PF50t and PF cab once and see if you really need that tone when you'r playing in front of an audience. Personally, I'm curious about the ampeg tone so I too am considering an RB combo in the near future. I'm pretty happy with the performance of my Rumble100 at my last gig so I might be inclined to do the RB112 but the 210 for the Power and the 115 for the 115 are also pretty interesting. I'd like to buy them all and then even a BA115 and maybe a PF500 and cab maybe. I really want to know that sound.

To me, as far as sound goes the PF50T and V4B is the best to my taste that I have come across in my 43 year career. The Rumble 500 is a very good combo solution but of course it doesn’t come close to the PF50T or V4Bs sound. On the other hand with age I start to appreciate portability and light weight.
So if anyone have an opinion on how the new RB 115 & 210 sounds compared to the PF50T combo solution or the Rumble 500 I’d be very happy to know since those might be a good option for my ears and my back.

 

[68Tele-Bass]

Thanks! I
I was mostly thinking in terms of sound quality vs portability since I like the PF50T + 115HE set up as far as sound goes but it’s very heavy. The Rumble 500 on the other hand is a breeze to carry with one hand and sounds ok.
So my thought was if I should go for the RB115 or the 210 and if there’s any comparison as far as sound goes between them.
Or, as a 3rd option, don’t buy any of them since it really wont be an upgrade from what I already have and that I should just face the heavy carrying using the PF50T in the PF115HE and be happy or if the RB115 (or 210) could be what I’m looking for as far as best of two worlds, Ampeg sound & Rumble portability

You have come to the right place!

I went with the RB-115- it met MY needs!

I like the sound of a 15” speaker with bass. I also have a 210 Ampeg 100W cab from my Micro-CL mini stack. I will only need the extension cab rarely, (outdoor block party, town square gig..) if at all!

The 35lb load in/load out of this combo is welcome at my age- here it is this weekend getting a workout with the “Fat Pole” pickups in the Jaguar P/J

Did I mention it looks awesome???

 

[68Tele-Bass]

As an update to the above- I worked out the RB-115 without sound restrictions yesterday snd today-

I ran the Jaguar P/J though the rig in an escalating fashion- familiar preamp/DI settings as below:

WOW!!! The Artec “Fat Pole” P pickup is awesome!!!! This rig took everything tossed at it and sounded great! SGT circuit was run between 9:00 and 12:00. Adds that Ampeg Sag to the party- and that creamy SVT thing.- Some have not taken to the SGT. To my ears it does a better job than the “Scrambler”..perhaps it’s that 15” Eminence speaker as well

The Fat Pole J with the extension cab added and volume at 12:00 to 1:00 was AMAZING!!! Warm, thick lows from the 15, and articulate pleasing high end from the 210 cab!!

I TOTALLY made the right choice for me with the Rocket Bass RB-115. I am really liking this combo more every time I play it!!!

C-Note

 

[mickebas]

Alright, thank you! Seems like a good idea getting a RB115. I usually prefer the more vintage sound of a 15’ speaker and since I already own the 210 Rumble 500 it’s a logical choice.

 

[68Tele-Bass]

Alright, thank you! Seems like a good idea getting a RB115. I usually prefer the more vintage sound of a 15’ speaker and since I already own the 210 Rumble 500 it’s a logical choice.

That sounds like the best of both- you could master/powered slave them together using the send/receive jack.

 

[Yahboy]

Thanks! I
I was mostly thinking in terms of sound quality vs portability since I like the PF50T + 115HE set up as far as sound goes but it’s very heavy. The Rumble 500 on the other hand is a breeze to carry with one hand and sounds ok.
So my thought was if I should go for the RB115 or the 210 and if there’s any comparison as far as sound goes between them.
Or, as a 3rd option, don’t buy any of them since it really wont be an upgrade from what I already have and that I should just face the heavy carrying using the PF50T in the PF115HE and be happy or if the RB115 (or 210) could be what I’m looking for as far as best of two worlds, Ampeg sound & Rumble portability

Maybe you can submit your idea to Ampeg site which accept bassist idea and suggestions.....

A 500 watts RB head + RB 150 cab.
......... and wait

 

[Brent Cain NZ]

Hey all. I have been following this thread with much interest as these combos are in the odd music shop here in NZ now. Looking forward to giving one a try asap. I really like the idea of the one with the 15 in it but just wonder if it is a little underpowered. Still you can't pass judgement on something you have not tried. Our trio is as busy as three not so young guys want to be here in NZ so first chance I get I will head down to the local store for a demo. Thanks for all the input. It is always fascinating. Take care you all.

 

[JimmyM]

Hey all. I have been following this thread with much interest as these combos are in the odd music shop here in NZ now. Looking forward to giving one a try asap. I really like the idea of the one with the 15 in it but just wonder if it is a little underpowered. Still you can't pass judgement on something you have not tried. Our trio is as busy as three not so young guys want to be here in NZ so first chance I get I will head down to the local store for a demo. Thanks for all the input. It is always fascinating. Take care you all.

For me, 100w into a 115 was gross overkill on the majority of my gigs, but that's me.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Hey all. I have been following this thread with much interest as these combos are in the odd music shop here in NZ now. Looking forward to giving one a try asap. I really like the idea of the one with the 15 in it but just wonder if it is a little underpowered. Still you can't pass judgement on something you have not tried. Our trio is as busy as three not so young guys want to be here in NZ so first chance I get I will head down to the local store for a demo. Thanks for all the input. It is always fascinating. Take care you all.

BC NZ, great to meet ya from all the way "down" there! It's a personal thing really and only you know best how you'll be using it. JimmyM makes a great point as he's a good example of a player who gets a lot out of the power he's used over the years. The guy can, and has, taken out a 20-watt Ampeg combo and played gigs!

You're going to have to decide just how much volume you want to produce in your trio. A well set-up 100-watt combo with a big 15" speaker can do wonders, plus it has a really decent DI out if you have a PA system to hook up to. The RB-210 would get you a little more volume, but it'll be different with the two tens vs. the fifteen. Definitely put both on your audition list if they're available. Also, don't forget, you can hook up an extension cabinet with either combo and that'll go farther getting you the volume you may want than anything.

Please keep us posted on what you try out and thoughts on what you hear. Good hunting!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

To me, as far as sound goes the PF50T and V4B is the best to my taste that I have come across in my 43 year career. The Rumble 500 is a very good combo solution but of course it doesn’t come close to the PF50T or V4Bs sound. On the other hand with age I start to appreciate portability and light weight.
So if anyone have an opinion on how the new RB 115 & 210 sounds compared to the PF50T combo solution or the Rumble 500 I’d be very happy to know since those might be a good option for my ears and my back.

They sound like an ampeg bro. Will it be the same as your all tube heads, no. Will it be similar, yes. I've had plenty of ampeg heads and cabs. Portaflex 210 and a V4b being two of them. It sounds like an ampeg bro. They really did do a good job with these combos.

It will sound much closer to your rig now, than your Rumble will. My personal opinion, a heck of a lot better.

 

[iagtrplyr]

They sound like an ampeg bro. Will it be the same as your all tube heads, no. Will it be similar, yes. I've had plenty of ampeg heads and cabs. Portaflex 210 and a V4b being two of them. It sounds like an ampeg bro. They really did do a good job with these combos.

It will sound much closer to your rig now, than your Rumble will. My personal opinion, a heck of a lot better.

‘Tis true. Believe those of who know!

 

[lowendrv]

For me, 100w into a 115 was gross overkill on the majority of my gigs, but that's me.

If my PF 50 T isn't loud enough for a gig , I need to find a new gig .