Ampeg Venture VB-210 vs Fender Rumble 210 Cabinet

[rollyolly]

I'm looking for a lightweight, modular setup for my Mesa D800+ head. I had a Subway 215 which was awesome, but just too big to haul around for 98% of my use cases. I want something lightweight versatile cab that I can haul around, then add a second cab down the road if I need more volume. I need something that can put out some big bottom end and be felt.

I know the Fender Rumble cabs get a lot of praise as as great value. The new Ampeg cabs are even lighter, just a little more expensive. Cost isn't really an issue for me with these cabs though.

Any comparisons between these two, or should a just get a Subway 112 since I liked the Subway 215?

 

[Hoochie Coochie Man]

What about two Subway 115s?

You may find that one is more than adequate for a lot of gigs, and dividing up the load-in to two trips when needed is a useful compromise.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Best answer is to try both out and hear them for yourself....but I have a VERY hard time believing you'll be anything but disappointed with those after using the Mesa cab and liking it.

Subway 1x12 or 2x10 would probably fit the bill great. I hear tons of folks just use two 1x12s, and just the single 1x12 for low-volume gigs with great results. Literally what I'd be doing in your shoes

 

[rollyolly]

“....but I have a VERY hard time believing you'll be anything but disappointed with those after using the Mesa cab and liking it.”

So you think I’m setting myself up for disappointment with the ampeg and fender cabs if my standard was already set by the subway?

 

[dfp]

Every Rumble v3 cab or combo I have tried (210, 115, 410, R40) and owned (115, 410, R40) I found inadequate for gigging. Muddy low mids, lacking in real depth. Pretty good sound at practice levels, at home, though. Countless Rumble fans feel otherwise, of course!

Haven’t tried the Venture cabs but there’s a video on YT of a guy A/B’ing the V115 and a Fender Neo Bassman 115 with the same amp and bass and to my ear the V115 sounded decidedly better, more grind in the tone.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

So you think I’m setting myself up for disappointment with the ampeg and fender cabs if my standard was already set by the subway?

In MY opinion...yes, very much so.

Basses can be very subjective, where things like technique, comfort, and multiple variables for tone (strings, pickups, electronics, etc.) can make big changes to the end product coming out of the instrument cable.

Amps/Cabs can be EQ'd and arranged a certain way, but IMO a quality cabinet will set itself apart from lesser cabinets in a way that basses typically cannot. Unless you're really after a "beater" cab to leave at the rehearsal space or lug around to bar jams, I wouldn't jump down that far on the gear tier. That's also not even touching on quality control and product support from Mesa as opposed to the others.

We see a Development Engineer from Mesa who worked on the Subway series posting and answering questions here regularly. I don't really see anyone doing the same for either of the other companies mentioned

 

[Kenny056]

I use my Magellan 800 with a Rumble 210 sometimes. I prefer to use it with my Genz Benz 212, but the smaller footprint of the Rumble is sometimes more suitable. While it certainly doesn't have the volume of the GB, it works well for smaller gigs.

 

[Hoochie Coochie Man]

So you think I’m setting myself up for disappointment with the ampeg and fender cabs if my standard was already set by the subway?

Yes.

 

[shadven]

What about two Subway 115s?

You may find that one is more than adequate for a lot of gigs, and dividing up the load-in to two trips when needed is a useful compromise.

I had the Subway 215, but I sold it and bought two Subway 115. Best right I’ve had since giving up the SVT fridge