Jeez! No opportunity to whack a cymbal with yer HS. No fun.
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A little late, but I gig the 800HD and two of the 2x10s. I get the full 800w this way and it is much easier to carry two small 35lb cabs than one awkward 70lb 4x10.
Slow at the draw here since I teach and it was the end of the semester.
This seems in-sainly loud to me. I have a Rumble 410v2 (4-ohm) which seems quite efficient and I have played small/small-medium outdoor shows pairing it with a Markbass Little Mark 250 (250w RMS/4-ohm) without PA support. How big is the rehearsal room? I hope you are wearing ear protection!
So true. I am in a semi-acoustic trio (acoustic guitar, cajon, electric (hence semi-acoustic) bass) and we make it a point to be low-volume especially at the start. We have had several venue owners/managers comment after the show how they appreciate the appropriate volume. It is a major selling point, at least in my area.
Left-over bagels and some good cookies would be enough for me (well throw in some good strong British tea).
I am in a similar arrangement with acoustic instead of electric guitar. We do mostly pop with a little classic rock and country.
Great photo!
You stated you use the vintage and bright switches in. How do you have the reset of the EQ? What is your tone setting on your bass? I am still working on my and just did my first show with my R40 (I will post about it once I catch up here). When playing my Jazz bass alone, I like the EQ "flat" (flat frequency-wise, not control-wise, see Wiki for details) with the contour and bright buttons engaged. However for shows, we get a lot of low-end from the cajon (which we stick a mic in the sound hole) so I don't think that would work well in this situation. I generally like to ride on top the "kick" (frequency-wise). On the Jazz, I have both pickups full and tone on 7-8.
I am in a similar arrangement with acoustic instead of electric guitar. We do mostly pop with a little classic rock and country.
Great photo!
You stated you use the vintage and bright switches in. How do you have the reset of the EQ? What is your tone setting on your bass? I am still working on my and just did my first show with my R40 (I will post about it once I catch up here). When playing my Jazz bass alone, I like the EQ "flat" (flat frequency-wise, not control-wise, see Wiki for details) with the contour and bright buttons engaged. However for shows, we get a lot of low-end from the cajon (which we stick a mic in the sound hole) so I don't think that would work well in this situation. I generally like to ride on top the "kick" (frequency-wise). On the Jazz, I have both pickups full and tone on 7-8.
Aack! Yer blindin' me with science! What does it all mean? Oh, but I'll wait for your fully annotated paper to be presented for peer review. I trust that NSF grant was sufficient to defray all your expenses? Good to see our tax dollars at work on a worthy cause.
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View attachment 3629823
Pic from tonight’s gig. Small bakery/cafe. Great turnout, and we were in top form. I enjoyed using both vintage and bright buttons together!
Mmmm, now yer singing my language! Low volume gigs have become my favorite, lately, where my RS40 is plenty. We don't even have a cajon, my bass is almost the entire rhythm section (sometimes a rhythm guitar). No muddle of redundant instruments, as in my big jam groups. Clean!
Thanks for sharing this, alan.
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Yes it’s fantastic. We play lots of places that would never dream of putting a full drumset. Wineries, breweries, etc. we can play a high energy set in places that normally only have acoustic guitar acts.
We actually get a (modest) cash payment, restaurant gift card, free coffee or tea as well. They have beer and wine, but you have to pay for that!
P bass, tone usually 60-100% depending. Last night was 100%. My “usual” is B-9:00; LM, HM & T-12:00. But I’ve been known to boost treble beyond that.
I find bass at 9 is essential, makes the amp cleaner, less boomy and more efficient. On the 100, anyway. I tried the “Rumble Flat” but the mids were too... spanky? Crunchy? Maybe it’s the p bass.
I’m back and forth with the vintage, I’ve come to the conclusion it depends on the room. Sometimes V off sounds anemic. Sometimes V on sounds muddy. I typically don’t use bright, but it just sounded great in that room!
Thanks for the info. I have only used my P-Bass (MIM 1993 stock DR 45-105 flatwounds) with my R40 in the basement at home which is a great sounding room. "Flat" control settings gives me a bit of the upper-mids "woody" sound but only with the D and G strings no mater what note I play (same notes on other strings does not produce this sound) so might be something with my bass (volume does sound balanced between strings however so I don't think it is pick-up height). Tone on my P-Bass usually hangs round 7-8.
- Feb 8, 2005
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- 1,053
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- Endorsing Artist: Bag End - Dean Markley - Thunderfunk
So here’s a question I’ve been pondering, and yeah I searched but couldn’t really find the answer I was looking for.
So, I’m diggin’ the 200c, and I want to get another Rumble to act as both backup, and extension cab if needed via slaving or even just getting a splitter and using different EQs and whatnot.
So, I’m torn between getting another 200c or the 500c. There’s good points to be made with either purchase, but one thing I’ve not seen addressed is this:
Headroom/power aside (yes of course, more is always better) what if any are the tone difference between the 2 amps? I like the tone of the 15” in the 200c, obviously the 500 has the 2x10 configuration and putting aside the power increase, I’m curious about tonal differences. Anybody able to do side-by-side comparisons?
Side note: yes everyone is going to say “Get the 500, it’s way more headroom for not much more money, etc” I get that and on paper makes total sense. I’m just concerned about tone here.
So, I’m diggin’ the 200c, and I want to get another Rumble to act as both backup, and extension cab if needed via slaving or even just getting a splitter and using different EQs and whatnot.
So, I’m torn between getting another 200c or the 500c. There’s good points to be made with either purchase, but one thing I’ve not seen addressed is this:
Headroom/power aside (yes of course, more is always better) what if any are the tone difference between the 2 amps? I like the tone of the 15” in the 200c, obviously the 500 has the 2x10 configuration and putting aside the power increase, I’m curious about tonal differences. Anybody able to do side-by-side comparisons?
Side note: yes everyone is going to say “Get the 500, it’s way more headroom for not much more money, etc” I get that and on paper makes total sense. I’m just concerned about tone here.
I don’t own either, but I spent a while demoing the 2 combos side by side. I went in thinking I’d prefer the 200; I’ve always been an Ampeg 15 guy. But at the end, I preferred the 500. Plenty of bass and booty, but a touch more punch and presence. But the 200 is still great, I’d be happy taking either one to a gig
Congrats! Make sure they include the candy. When my daughter’s Baby Taylor arrived for her birthday, no candy! But the sales rep promptly corrected it and sent her two nice full SW jars.
Y'know, Marky, the more I see similar, or identical, amps connected; the more it seems to make sense to me. Identicals, run at half-or-less volume each, make very good sense as mutual backups in case one is is ever needed, though hopefully not. And fortunately, non-identical Rumble combos and cabs are actually designed to play well together! So, that should make your choice somewhat easier.
And the option of slaving by FX Send from one to FX Return of the other makes single EQing for both so simple. But the other option of FX Send from one to the Input of the other, allowing different EQs, is also available. Take your pick!
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Are you not able to do a side-by-side comparison at the music store where you got a good deal on your R200c? You probably could at a GC.
Do you have an extension cab for your R200c? I've read of acoustic reinforced coupling of identical vertically stacked speakers, though I haven't experienced it myself. I believe non-identical stacking also gives some reinforcement, as with my R500c and Bassman 115 cab.
I was always a fan of 15" bass speakers and thought 10"s required at least 4, if not 8, of them to do bass well. Imagine my surprise on hearing a very strong and punchy low B coming from my first Rumble 210! While others say they hear a difference, I'm not sure I do!! YMMV.
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I'll buck your expectation and say, "Get another R200c." It's the tone you already know and love. And the two of them providing up to 280 watts together is quite substantial. The identical speaker reinforcement mentioned may make it seem much more than that. Plus another cab, or two, of whatever configuration, gives you even more power, up to 400 watts, and more SPL. But, of course, I don't think you could go wrong with the R500c, either.
Let's get ready to fire up our Rumbles!
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The very reason I was a bit worried upon ordering my Rumble 500C was the fact the drivers were only 2x10" so I also ordered an ext 115 cab on the same day...both units were delivered a week later and i am very glad I added the extra ext 15" cab...it really adds to the tone that I am used to...that extra bottom end I need for my 5 string basses. I ran my Peavey 1820 cab for 30+ years and know what 2x10" drivers are like alone without that 18" driver putting out the lower frequencies. In my opinion with the old Peavey rig the 2x10's sounded quite anemic without the 18" supplementing the sound...sooooo I was a bit worried when I ordered the 500 Combo that the 2x10" wouldnt give me a full sound for my 5 string basses and i was right in ordering the extra extension 15" cab..I am convinced the rig sounds full and there is no anemic tone coming from the rig combination of 2x10" + 1x15" cabs. Im very happy with my Rumble setup this way.
Nice variation on the slogan.Y'know, Marky, the more I see similar, or identical, amps connected; the more it seems to make sense to me. Identicals, run at half-or-less volume each, make very good sense as mutual backups in case one is is ever needed, though hopefully not. And fortunately, non-identical Rumble combos and cabs are actually designed to play well together! So, that should make your choice somewhat easier.
And the option of slaving by FX Send from one to FX Return of the other makes single EQing for both so simple. But the other option of FX Send from one to the Input of the other, allowing different EQs, is also available. Take your pick!
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Are you not able to do a side-by-side comparison at the music store where you got a good deal on your R200c? You probably could at a GC.
Do you have an extension cab for your R200c? I've read of acoustic reinforced coupling of identical vertically stacked speakers, though I haven't experienced it myself. I believe non-identical stacking also gives some reinforcement, as with my R500c and Bassman 115 cab.
I was always a fan of 15" bass speakers and thought 10"s required at least 4, if not 8, of them to do bass well. Imagine my surprise on hearing a very strong and punchy low B coming from my first Rumble 210! While others say they hear a difference, I'm not sure I do!! YMMV.
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I'll buck your expectation and say, "Get another R200c." It's the tone you already know and love. And the two of them providing up to 280 watts together is quite substantial. The identical speaker reinforcement mentioned may make it seem much more than that. Plus another cab, or two, of whatever configuration, gives you even more power, up to 400 watts, and more SPL. But, of course, I don't think you could go wrong with the R500c, either.
Let's get ready to fire up our Rumbles!
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I say get another 200c.
I live in Palm Bay, too and there's nowhere you'll play around here that two 15s can't handle.
I had two 15s myself and never even needed the second one. I don't gig heavily though.
First couple of gigs with my Rumble 40. First one was in a fairly large mostly wood room with high ceilings and a larger room almost straight in the distance. Playing with a semi-acoustic trio (acoustic guitar, cajon, electric bass) Here is my Rumble 40 and Jazz bass after the first set.
I started out with the EQ settings reflecting the "flat" settings posted in the Wiki. Playing fairly low volume and no real echo in the room. Generally a very good sounding room. However I did notice the bass dropped off a lot from low Gb and below. Jazz bass generally both pickups full with tone on 7-8. I started creeping the bass up a bit until it got a bit too muddy. I also increase the treble a bit to try to get a little snap to the notes. I tried various other settings with the low/high mids. Near the end of the 2nd set things got a little louder and I discovered just boosting the master volume a little bit really brought the low frequencies out so the bass control was turned down a bit. Anyway by the end of the night I got a reasonable sound but not quite want I wanted. I like to fit in the mix with a full-range sound but not come close to dominating. Anyway I would up with the EQ below.
The next night played as a small restaurant with the same band. Much smaller space than the night before. Played around with the EQ quite a bit but nothing radical. Also tried having the EQ set to "flat" and using the contour and bright switch. This produced too much low-end so I switch off the contour switch but left the bright on for a short time. Sound got too thin so switched that off also. In the end I wound up very close to what I had at the end of the night before (above image).
So the R40 is more than capable for these types of shows. Note my Jazz has fairly low gain humbucking Bartolini pickups. I forget the model. I had them installed when I was having a hum problem in 1994. So the gain at 12 o'clock and the master at 9 o'clock indicates to me there was significant power to spare. However I have not really found the tone I am looking for when playing with a band. I will need to work on it some more. So far I like it and it fills the bill. Looking forward to tweaking it some more.
I started out with the EQ settings reflecting the "flat" settings posted in the Wiki. Playing fairly low volume and no real echo in the room. Generally a very good sounding room. However I did notice the bass dropped off a lot from low Gb and below. Jazz bass generally both pickups full with tone on 7-8. I started creeping the bass up a bit until it got a bit too muddy. I also increase the treble a bit to try to get a little snap to the notes. I tried various other settings with the low/high mids. Near the end of the 2nd set things got a little louder and I discovered just boosting the master volume a little bit really brought the low frequencies out so the bass control was turned down a bit. Anyway by the end of the night I got a reasonable sound but not quite want I wanted. I like to fit in the mix with a full-range sound but not come close to dominating. Anyway I would up with the EQ below.
The next night played as a small restaurant with the same band. Much smaller space than the night before. Played around with the EQ quite a bit but nothing radical. Also tried having the EQ set to "flat" and using the contour and bright switch. This produced too much low-end so I switch off the contour switch but left the bright on for a short time. Sound got too thin so switched that off also. In the end I wound up very close to what I had at the end of the night before (above image).
So the R40 is more than capable for these types of shows. Note my Jazz has fairly low gain humbucking Bartolini pickups. I forget the model. I had them installed when I was having a hum problem in 1994. So the gain at 12 o'clock and the master at 9 o'clock indicates to me there was significant power to spare. However I have not really found the tone I am looking for when playing with a band. I will need to work on it some more. So far I like it and it fills the bill. Looking forward to tweaking it some more.
Interesting chat I joined about speaker cabling..to be more precise..1/8" plug connector on one end of the cable and Speakon connector on the other. Care is needed when connecting using the 1/8" plug into the rear of the 500 Combo head and to make sure power is off on the amp when doing this connection, as the lead has current in it after connecting to the head/combo. I know my 115 ext. cab has a Speakon connector which I use..what about other Fender Rumble ext. cab connectors...are they also Speakon..for example are the 2x10" or 4x10" etc. cabs have Speakon connections on the rear of the cabs? I'm waiting for a reply from agedhorse on my question although another expert Wasnex has answered me. Check out the discussion..link below. It is an important issue so give it a look.
Speaker cable
Speaker cable
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I didnt Jakob..I ordered both the Combo and the 115 ext cab online here in Australia untried from a music supplier in Melbourne, 450 miles away...I had gone by a lot of recommendations here on TB from users so i just jumped in feet first lol..After receiving them I found the 500 on its own is quite capable for my 5 string basses but the ext 115 does add that extra bit of bottom end I am so used to from my Peavey 2x10" 1x18" cab.
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If I were You, i'd start cranking master and lower the gain to match the volume.
I find the dynacomp circuit in the master "stage" very appealing with my r100c, so I almost always have my gain low, and master cranked. Note that I have ana active Yamaha bass, so YMMW.
