Fender Rumble 800 Combo Thread for the NEW 2022 800 Combo

[ValerieK]

I agree. My theory is that the neodymium and ceramic speakers contribute the most to perceived tonal differences. Add the 2x10 ceramic cab to the 800C, and you have the best of both worlds!

Easy to test. Does the DI (on post for the 800) sound the same on each with the same settings? If so, the difference is in the speakers.

 

[John D Harris]

Easy to test. Does the DI (on post for the 800) sound the same on each with the same settings? If so, the difference is in the speakers.

That speaks to the Preamp section, not the power amp section.

Most people probably could not decern a difference between the power amps (if played at the same moderate level using the same preamp settings and the same driver(s), but some people can (out of that minority, even fewer could tell the difference in a live band setting).

But, generally speaking, you are correct.

 

[Lync]

So I used my 800 combo last night. It had been out of action for a bit since a t-nut fell off inside and the handle partly detached. I gig almost every weekend so I was just using my GK amps for a while. I took a speaker out of the Rumble to get the t-nut and reassemble the handle/tighten all screws.

I forgot how good the XLR sounds…I used it straight up post-eq and there is a baked in tone but very pleasant (to me). Huge win for the 800 vs other Rumbles is that the master volume does not affect the XLR.

Plenty loud on stage at about 10:30 master volume. I also used the vintage button since it sounds so sweet.

 

[Lync]

I don't think the R800c is intentionally voiced differently than the R500c. Quite the opposite, I believe the 800s, including the HD head & Stage, were designed to be electronically as much like the original Rumbles 40, 100 200 & 500 as possible. It has been often commented how well the original line "plays well" together, and I'm sure Fender wanted the newer 800s to share in that. But the higher voltage components for 2.67 ohm and 2.0 ohm operation, and of course the Neodymium speakers of the R800c, may have contributed to any perceived voicing difference.

Yeah-good point. I remember when I first got my 800 it sounded clearer overall vs. my former Rumbles. Speakers could be it.