Fender Rumble 100 v3 sounds dull.

[butterfingers1]

I’d be curious to know what effect a HPF pedal might have on the Rumbles.

 

[five7]

I have owned the 40, 100, 200 and 500. The 100 was the worst sounding of the bunch. A horn in it would have helped.

 

[BassBrass]

As my Super Light option, like needing to climb stairs, I use 2 100s and that seems to make an better sound without them working so hard. The 2nd is driven from the send of the first, and eq is a bass cut, boosted upper mid and added high, no contouring. One on top of the other looks neat too. I did have a 40 and it sounded better overall but at lower volume, ok for acoustic music.

 

[kringle77]

Try some extreme eq settings. If you want brighter, try cutting the high mid to let the treble shine more, cut bass or low mid maybe. Cutting will help more than boosting.

 

[DuluthDank]

I also found that the Rumble 40 sounded better than the 100. The 100 lacks so much detail in the mids and makes every bass sound way too similar with how forward the baked in tone is. The 40 still has the rumble sound, just not as bad and more usable. My GK MB112ii sounded so much better with the band when I compared the two, I sold the Rumble 100 without ever plugging it in again.

 

[Ggaa]

I run the bass knob on mine between 9 and 10 o'clock. Elevating it helps a little.

 

[SmokinJoe992]

I played a Rumble 500 for about 3 years. I didn’t hate the tone, but didn’t love it either. A compressor, and a VT pedal in front of it helped tremendously.

 

[Alivefor5]

I bought a clean, used Rumble V3 100 a while back and noticed the same issues that the OP has.

Being a nerdy, DIYer who has modified many bass cabs, I started digging around on Eminence's website (I even own Eminence's own cab design software). I found the Basslite S2012 to be an ideal speaker if one wanted to go that direction. Further digging reveals that the recommended cab volume size and port size for this speaker are so much of a dead ringer for this amp that one would think Fender designed the amp for this speaker.

Since I happened to have one of these speakers in my modest speaker stash I installed it and fixed all the issues that make this amp undesirable. Now there is no mud and much better high end. Added bonus is another pound and a half off of an already light amp.

Since the S2012 only handles 150 watts it is ideal for this 100 watt amp. Downside - list now is $180, street about $145.
The price may deter many but the fix is there if you spend the bux. As usual, my opinion, YMMV, etc.

 

[Mastermold]

I play in a variety trio with pa support, I haves giged the Rumble 500, and now the Rumble 100 and found them both more than satisfactory
Just my $0.02
Duke

I just ordered a Rumble 100 from Sweetwater on sale for very cheap. For $198.98 I figure it’s worth trying out. After watching a few videos I’m hoping it’s okay for a small light amp to take to rehearsals. Convenience is the goal.

 

[InkCow]

I bought a clean, used Rumble V3 100 a while back and noticed the same issues that the OP has.

Being a nerdy, DIYer who has modified many bass cabs, I started digging around on Eminence's website (I even own Eminence's own cab design software). I found the Basslite S2012 to be an ideal speaker if one wanted to go that direction. Further digging reveals that the recommended cab volume size and port size for this speaker are so much of a dead ringer for this amp that one would think Fender designed the amp for this speaker.

Since I happened to have one of these speakers in my modest speaker stash I installed it and fixed all the issues that make this amp undesirable. Now there is no mud and much better high end. Added bonus is another pound and a half off of an already light amp.

Since the S2012 only handles 150 watts it is ideal for this 100 watt amp. Downside - list now is $180, street about $145.
The price may deter many but the fix is there if you spend the bux. As usual, my opinion, YMMV, etc.

If you’re willing to add a little weight to it vs subtract, a Beta 12 should provide about the same effect for quite a bit cheaper. This also means Carvin PS12s should also do the trick, which is intriguing for me, personally, as I have one sitting around here and it suddenly makes this Sweetwater deal a little more tempting.

 

[Robscott]

I like mine but have had some issues with mud in the past. I eventually got a Markbass 112 and it’s in another class. Never had an issue with that one!

But even in an in-store demo of a Rocketbass 112, I could hear it’s inherently cleaner. I also like Ampeg’s 500 hz knob. That would be more similar to the Rumble in price and weight.

You mean a CMD121p? I'm interested in one of those.....

 

[darwin-bass]

Yes OP, rumble 100 is muddy sounding. The 40 is better. I now have the Rocket RB112 and like it more than the Rubble.

 

[Hounddog409]

I am wondering if I am alone in the opinion that the Fender Rumble 100 sounds dull or as some describe "pillowy". I have tried adjusting the EQ to no real satisfaction with my Precision basses with no effects or pedals. I am not at all looking to hear a harsh tone, just a satisfying clean tone. Boosting the mids a little seems to sound harsh. I do very controlled gigs with a jazz group so a lot of volume is not necessary.
I own and have used the Rumble 40, (same preamp) and I do get a satisfactory tone and response from it. I also have a Traynor SB115 and the tone and EQ consistently satisfies even with setting at or near flat. (That one is wonderful BTW)
I am constantly disappointed when I bring the Rumble 100 to the gig. Any thoughts or suggestions out there?

Dont look at me. I hate the Rumble. Couldnt sell mine fast enough.

I have a Ampeg Rocket 112 now that is awesome. I use this for smaller gigs. Also a Hartke TX300 and 2 2x10 Hartke cabs that is my curent live rig.

Had used a Mesa D800 for a few years with 2 1x15 cabs. Loved that.

 

[nonohmic]

Yes. Owned one for a couple if years. No matter how hard I tried it sounded like there was a heavy blanket thrown over it.

 

[5StringBlues]

I have found that I must prefer the rumple heads going through a mark base or other similarly voiced cabinets than the fender cabinets.

 

[ToddB1963]

I am wondering if I am alone in the opinion that the Fender Rumble 100 sounds dull or as some describe "pillowy". I have tried adjusting the EQ to no real satisfaction with my Precision basses with no effects or pedals. I am not at all looking to hear a harsh tone, just a satisfying clean tone. Boosting the mids a little seems to sound harsh. I do very controlled gigs with a jazz group so a lot of volume is not necessary.
I own and have used the Rumble 40, (same preamp) and I do get a satisfactory tone and response from it. I also have a Traynor SB115 and the tone and EQ consistently satisfies even with setting at or near flat. (That one is wonderful BTW)
I am constantly disappointed when I bring the Rumble 100 to the gig. Any thoughts or suggestions out there?

Bassliner50, you're not alone in your opinion my friend.

A while back, I spent an evening playing my CS '59 P through a Rumble 100 at a jam session.

Now I'm one of those guys who can usually get a good sound out of any amp within about ten seconds, but that Rumble 100? Let's just say I couldn't make it sound good, no matter what. Perhaps it was the room, or just me (it certainly wasn't the bass), I don't know, but it seemed like I spent a good portion of the evening toggling back and forth between most of (what sounded like) the following settings:

• "wet woollen blanket"
• "woollen blanket"
• "wet hessian sack"
• "hessian sack"
• "wet paper bag"
• "paper bag"
• "soft plastic bag"
• "crinkly plastic bag"
• "papa's got a brand new bag"

For the majority of the jam I think I ended up somewhere between "woollen blanket" and "wet hessian sack", though had we played some James Brown, I'd have dialled in "Papa's got a brand new bag" without thinking twice

Disclaimer: this post is for humorous effect only. In no way shape or form is it intended to besmirch the good name of the FMIC or the good people of this forum who have chosen the Fender Rumble 100 and are happy with their purchase.

 

[BobDeRosa]

Take a pic of your settings when it sounds "pillowy." I can probably give you a pretty good idea about how to fix it. Also, give me an example of the kind of sound you like and I'll help you achieve it on the Rumble 100.

 

[CallMeAl]

You mean a CMD121p? I'm interested in one of those.....

That’s the one! I just love it. Tons of headroom and clarity in a mix, compact and easy to load. Perfect balance of warmth and clean, easy to EQ. Highly recommended! I had the extension for a while but found I rarely needed it. (Moderate volume blues trio, always PA support.) but with the extra 112 it was a beast of a rig!

 

[Little Rock]

I also bought a Rumble 100 v3 a few years ago, but ended up selling due to the issues described. However, recently, after reading about the mods threads i bought a used one for half price and replaced the original speaker with an Eminence Basslite. I also added some dumping material in it and it is now my favorite combo.
Just for reference, i also own a Traynor (12") and a GK (15").

 

[theduke1]

I just ordered a Rumble 100 from Sweetwater on sale for very cheap. For $198.98 I figure it’s worth trying out. After watching a few videos I’m hoping it’s okay for a small light amp to take to rehearsals. Convenience is the goal.

It will serve you well, I believe!
Duke