Fender Rumble 40 Recording Question

[Mannas]

So I just bought a bass and amp this past weekend. I should have listened to the advice of others who suggested the Rumble 40 but I went with the 25 based on budget, space, shared walls with neighbors, etc. I'm here to fall on my sword. After looking further at the differences between the 25 and 40 I think I made the wrong choice. I like the more flexible eq. It doesn't take a lot of space and I really like the XLR out. I'd like to take the tone from the amp and run it out to record. One issue I have is I'm in a townhouse and the neighbors will not enjoy my new found joy as much as I will. Does anyone have any experience with the 40 and know if it's possible to mute the speaker and still use the line out? My assumption is if something is plugged into the headphone jack it will mute the speaker. Will sound still come out of the Line out at that point? My goal is to record silently but still use the tone of the amp.

 

[CallMeAl]

My assumption is if something is plugged into the headphone jack it will mute the speaker.

I’m 99% sure this is correct, I remember reading it somewhere in the rumble club. (Also posting there may speed up your reply time)

If you don’t get a firm answer by tonight I can test it on my 100

 

[garp]

My assumption is if something is plugged into the headphone jack it will mute the speaker.

Your assumption is correct.

from the Rumble 25 owner's manual:

G. PHONES – Plug your stereo headphones (32 ohms minimum impedance) in here. Speaker output from the amplifier is automatically muted when the PHONES jack is in use.

from the Rumble 40 owner's manual:

Q. HEADPHONES – Plus your stereo headphones (32 ohms minimum impedance) in here. Speaker output is automatically disabled.

So yeah, you'd definitely be able to record silently with the Rumble 40's line out jack.

 

[Mannas]

Thank you both! I'm gonna take the 25 back after work and swap it out with the 40 instead. I think it'll be a better move in the long run.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I currently live in a tiny apartment where I can hear my upstairs neighbor more than the side neighbors.
I bought a Rumble 40 and I am shocked at how low I’d it can get, as well as make the dishes in the cabinets vibrate.
It definitely has some good punch to it.

Now....if I can only move further in this life....

 

[Mannas]

I went back tonight and swapped the two. I'm very happy with the decision. It does exactly what I needed in terms of recording. I had a spare 3.5mm adapter and just put that in the headphone jack and ran the direct out to record. Killed the sound to the speaker and let me do what I needed. It sounds great and has plenty of volume when I want to turn it up. It probably has more than I need at this point in all honesty but I think it was the better choice especially long-term.

 

[garp]

I bought a Rumble 40 and I am shocked at how low I’d it can get, as well as make the dishes in the cabinets vibrate.

My very first memory of playing bass was plucking an open E on a Cort J clone through an old Peavey combo at relatively low volume and rattling the window panes in my parents' house!

I went back tonight and swapped the two. I'm very happy with the decision. It does exactly what I needed in terms of recording.

Cool. Glad that you found the right tool for your needs.

 

[CallMeAl]

It sounds great and has plenty of volume when I want to turn it up. It probably has more than I need at this point in all honesty but I think it was the better choice especially long-term.

Glad you like it! I know there are some who rehearse and even gig with the 40. So you should be set for a while. Stop by the Rumble club and share your new toy!

PS how’s the bass working out? You got the Yamaha right?

 

[G-Dog]

I went back tonight and swapped the two. I'm very happy with the decision. It does exactly what I needed in terms of recording. I had a spare 3.5mm adapter and just put that in the headphone jack and ran the direct out to record. Killed the sound to the speaker and let me do what I needed. It sounds great and has plenty of volume when I want to turn it up. It probably has more than I need at this point in all honesty but I think it was the better choice especially long-term.

Yeah, I think you done good, Manny! The 40 is a great, and versatile little amp.

Allow me to echo @alanloomis1980 and also invite you to the Fender Rumble Club, where a shared photo is all you need to join us and sample our collected Rumble settings for all kinds of great tones!
.

 

[Mick Glasgow]

Love the 40! I gig weekly with it in a small bar and sounds great with an upright bass.

 

[RPKimball]

So I just bought a bass and amp this past weekend. I should have listened to the advice of others who suggested the Rumble 40 but I went with the 25 based on budget, space, shared walls with neighbors, etc. I'm here to fall on my sword. After looking further at the differences between the 25 and 40 I think I made the wrong choice. I like the more flexible eq. It doesn't take a lot of space and I really like the XLR out. I'd like to take the tone from the amp and run it out to record. One issue I have is I'm in a townhouse and the neighbors will not enjoy my new found joy as much as I will. Does anyone have any experience with the 40 and know if it's possible to mute the speaker and still use the line out? My assumption is if something is plugged into the headphone jack it will mute the speaker. Will sound still come out of the Line out at that point? My goal is to record silently but still use the tone of the amp.

I may be late to this party but I have a Rumble 40 and almost exclusively use the headphone jack for practice at home. It does mute the speakers. I've yet to record at home using the amp. Good luck.