Fender Rumble Club

[NoSlapForYou]

I played a Fender Rumble 25 today and was really impressed with the tone and EQ responsiveness. I've always been more of a big tube amp guy, but I might get one for practice purposes. It's insanely good for the $99 price.

On the other hand, maybe it makes more sense to spend a little more and get the Rumble 500 for gigging purposes? There's a used one near me for $400. I'm sure it's a lot louder, but how does it compare tonally? I like that both amps have a headphone jack.

 

[chupacerveza]

RUMBLE 100 vs. RUMBLE 200 SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON

Some context: over the last 2 weeks I've been going back and forth over what would be better for my current and future needs - a Rumble 100 or Rumble 200. I bought the 100 about a month ago and loved it. Perfect tone for my Fender P bass. Lightweight and a great practice amp. But I was always curious if I would need more power if I ever decided to join up with a band. I'm 52 and just started playing again. My previous amp that I had since I was a teen is a Carvin Pro Bass 300 which I gigged with for 20 years. It is loud, great tone, but also 70 lbs.!!!

I did my research and posted on various discussion boards here and decided to return the 100 to GC and get the 200 last weekend. I've had it for a week, but never fell in love with it, like the 100. It sounded too bassy, might be too much power than I would ever use, and heavier than the 100. And was it really worth $200 more?

Today, I bought the 100 again to do a side by side with no one home, so I can crank it up. Here is what I found.

1. The 200 is definitely louder. Keeping all tone controls the same and just adjusting the Gain and Master, with the 100 dialed at 12, the 200 was at 10 for the same volume. With 100 at 2 the 200 was at 12 for same volume.

2. The weight difference is noticeable when you hold them up side by side.

3. Even thought he 200 is larger, the footprint is not that significantly different.

4. As for tone, they both sound great, with the 200 having a little more bottom end. I moved the 200 from the corner where I had been using to another spot in my living room, and the sound just opened up. The boominess was gone and it had a great tone. Turning up the volume past 12 o'clock and this thing gets loud!

5. The 100 can get LOUD. I had it dialed up to 3 o'clock and it had a sweet tone. The Compression started to kick in. I even cranked it full and got no distortion or muddled sound. It handled the volume well.

DECISION TIME (No, I can't keep both).

I plan to play them both through the weekend and then return one. Right now I am leaning to returning the 200. It's larger and heavier than I need and may be too much power for whatever I plan to do. If I was 18 and getting started in a band, this amp would be perfect! Right now I just play by myself and maybe one day hook up with some friends to jam and maybe even be in a band or a duo or trio with some acoustic guitars. I could also use the savings of the $200 more it costs.

The 100 seems like it would be enough. Lightweight and can get loud if I need it to. I also still have my Carvin which I have been trying to sell with no luck. The price for that is down to $115, so I am thinking I may just keep it, rather than sell it for cheap, and if I ever need the power, I have that.

Here are some pics showing the side by side differences.

... and you could always get a second 100 if you (sell the Carvin but) need more volume.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Just saw Gerald Veasley playing with Albert Rivera. He had a Rumble 500 head and an older Fender 410 cab.

The dude is amazing (although he would sound glorious playing through a Radio Shack transistor radio)...

 

[GonePlaid]

GonePlaid how did you Daisy chain them together? Thanks, EatS

!00 FX send >200c FX return.

 

[GonePlaid]

Wondering that myself!

For both of you, I guess it depends on how many different sounds you wanna get. I don't use pedals except my octaver-sometimes. I also don't use o/d. I set up one tone on the amp for the room at the beginning, then make minor adjustments to the tone knob on the bass as needed.

 

[Craig Williams]

Hi all. Just bought a Fender Rumble 100 / 115, first version I think with carpet and disco lights

Everything fine but wouldn't say it has a real punch or a lot of volume. I realise 100w not huge for a bass amp. But I am only in a small lounge room, should be blowing my underpants off lol. Tone is ok but doesn't really have a lot of kick, you can't feel it so to speak. I was hoping to get a thump thump same as you would from a sub woofer.

Tried it with my G&L L2000 and Fender precision. Where is a good place to start as far as EQ settings go? Do you guys cut mids, treble? or everything 12 o'clock? Does anyone use the mid scoop button?

Using both the basses in passive mode by the way and I am not a bass player normally so sorry for what might be stoopid questions

 

[BBassBassington]

Hi all. Just bought a Fender Rumble 100 / 115, first version I think with carpet and disco lights

Everything fine but wouldn't say it has a real punch or a lot of volume. I realise 100w not huge for a bass amp. But I am only in a small lounge room, should be blowing my underpants off lol. Tone is ok but doesn't really have a lot of kick, you can't feel it so to speak. I was hoping to get a thump thump same as you would from a sub woofer.

View attachment 3734714 Tried it with my G&L L2000 and Fender precision. Where is a good place to start as far as EQ settings go? Do you guys cut mids, treble? or everything 12 o'clock? Does anyone use the mid scoop button?

Using both the basses in passive mode by the way and I am not a bass player normally so sorry for what might be stoopid questions

I'd start with the bass at noon, only boosting it a bit if needed. The low-mid is where your punchiness should be found. Boosting here might make the bass seem louder too as they're frequencies you can hear rather then feel. High-mid is where you'll get your cutting frequencies. So if you want to make your sound more up-front and add an agressive character this is where boosting it is good. Similarly if you want to dull your sound you can cut these frequencies.

Lastly you have treble at noon which is where I leave mine. Typically this is where you find string noise so I don't like to boost it but cutting it means effects, distortion, nuances, and perhaps even your sound all-together can disappear in the mix very easily.

I don't have specific experience with the old V1 100, only the 75. I find them to be dry amps as it is and 15's tend to add dryness to the sound as well. (Though this isn't always the case.) So to a degree you'll have a less exciting sound, for lack of a better word. That's not a bad thing, I find every speaker size brings something to the table it's just something to keep in mind.

Oh! Also just start with the amp at noon and just go from there. Your ears will tell you when they find a tone you like. Then just keep in mind with a band you likely need a lot of extra mids to go with that but on your own you can do whatever. And the mid-scoop switch is for slap, basically. You could use it for anything else but it essentially takes all the fun frequencies away. It works for slap because it's such an aggressive technique and it enhances that, but everything else needs those frequencies.

Embrace the mids! It's a whole different bass world when you bring them forward a bit.

And worst case scenario you could pick up a cheap 10-band EQ pedal and run it right before the amp or in the effects loop (if that amp has one). Theoretically you can make any decent amp make any sound you like so long as you work the proper frequencies, technique, and gear into the equation. So the sound that is bass guitar to you is probably in there somewhere.

 

[G-Dog]

Hi all. Just bought a Fender Rumble 100 / 115, first version I think with carpet and disco lights

Everything fine but wouldn't say it has a real punch or a lot of volume. I realise 100w not huge for a bass amp. But I am only in a small lounge room, should be blowing my underpants off lol. Tone is ok but doesn't really have a lot of kick, you can't feel it so to speak. I was hoping to get a thump thump same as you would from a sub woofer.

View attachment 3734714 Tried it with my G&L L2000 and Fender precision. Where is a good place to start as far as EQ settings go? Do you guys cut mids, treble? or everything 12 o'clock? Does anyone use the mid scoop button?

Using both the basses in passive mode by the way and I am not a bass player normally so sorry for what might be stoopid questions

Craigy, that's a "golden oldie" "blast from the past"! @Craig Williams, you are now member #1196 in the Fender Rumble Club. Congratulations and welcome. Please feel free to checkout the settings listed in the Rumble Club TONE Pool on the Rumble Club Wiki page, linked in my signature. Yours doesn't have the modern voicings of the current Rumbles, like the Vintage, Contour, & Bright, nor a Gain control nor Overdrive. But, you've got the basic EQ of Bass, Low Mid, High Mid, & Treble, and a Mid-Scoop button (like the modern Contour). So, do what you can to try the various TONE Pool settings to find some you like.

Others here may have more suggestions. But, whatever you do, please continue to. . . .

Rumble On!
.​

 

[Craig Williams]

I'd start with the bass at noon, only boosting it a bit if needed. The low-mid is where your punchiness should be found. Boosting here might make the bass seem louder too as they're frequencies you can hear rather then feel. High-mid is where you'll get your cutting frequencies. So if you want to make your sound more up-front and add an agressive character this is where boosting it is good. Similarly if you want to dull your sound you can cut these frequencies.

Lastly you have treble at noon which is where I leave mine. Typically this is where you find string noise so I don't like to boost it but cutting it means effects, distortion, nuances, and perhaps even your sound all-together can disappear in the mix very easily.

I don't have specific experience with the old V1 100, only the 75. I find them to be dry amps as it is and 15's tend to add dryness to the sound as well. (Though this isn't always the case.) So to a degree you'll have a less exciting sound, for lack of a better word. That's not a bad thing, I find every speaker size brings something to the table it's just something to keep in mind.

Oh! Also just start with the amp at noon and just go from there. Your ears will tell you when they find a tone you like. Then just keep in mind with a band you likely need a lot of extra mids to go with that but on your own you can do whatever. And the mid-scoop switch is for slap, basically. You could use it for anything else but it essentially takes all the fun frequencies away. It works for slap because it's such an aggressive technique and it enhances that, but everything else needs those frequencies.

Embrace the mids! It's a whole different bass world when you bring them forward a bit.

And worst case scenario you could pick up a cheap 10-band EQ pedal and run it right before the amp or in the effects loop (if that amp has one). Theoretically you can make any decent amp make any sound you like so long as you work the proper frequencies, technique, and gear into the equation. So the sound that is bass guitar to you is probably in there somewhere.

Oh wow. Thanks for the detailed reply it is so helpful. I was under the impression always cut the mids. Some great stuff there for me to try out. Thanks again so much

 

[Craig Williams]

Craigy, that's a "golden oldie" "blast from the past"! @Craig Williams, you are now member #1196 in the Fender Rumble Club. Congratulations and welcome. Please feel free to checkout the settings listed in the Rumble Club TONE Pool on the Rumble Club Wiki page, linked in my signature. Yours doesn't have the modern voicings of the current Rumbles, like the Vintage, Contour, & Bright, nor a Gain control nor Overdrive. But, you've got the basic EQ of Bass, Low Mid, High Mid, & Treble, and a Mid-Scoop button (like the modern Contour). So, do what you can to try the various TONE Pool settings to find some you like.

Others here may have more suggestions. But, whatever you do, please continue to. . . .

Rumble On!
.​

Craigy! hahahaha. I love you guys lol

 

[Mvf]

Thank you! In answer to your question - yes they do. There’s live music every Thursday.

Thanks, then I know how to plan my next visit to Oslo

 

[BBassBassington]

Oh wow. Thanks for the detailed reply it is so helpful. I was under the impression always cut the mids. Some great stuff there for me to try out. Thanks again so much

No problem. Glad I could help!

 

[bassdeal]

I got home from a show last night and brought my Rumble 40 in and set it on top of my Yorkville Bloc80 (which the R40 replaced) which I have done since rearranging my music area about 2 months ago. In my tiredness, I looked at the Rumble sitting on top of the Bloc80 and thinking of posts by @GonePlaid and others, that is a great setup, compact and the Rumble 40 is at a convenient height for both control access and being able to hear it. I wonder if I could daisy-chain them?

The Bloc80 has its controls on the top like the Rumble 40 so plugging the R40's line out directly into the input of the Bloc80's input would be problematic (although with an 'L' 1/4" it maybe possible) but there are effects loop connections in the back. The effects connections are unbalanced 1/4" while the R40's line out is balanced XLR but I just happen to have transformers which will take care of that issue. So I hooked it up and it worked! Essentially using the Bloc80 as a self-powered speaker cabinet.

There are some issues. The Block80 is much louder than the R40 (80 watts RMS into a 15" speaker) although basically the same size. The R40's tone alone is more articulate than the combined systems. It is going to take some significant effort to EQ it in this setup but the potential is there for a far more powerful but still compact setup.

 

[Bottom Octave]

I got home from a show last night and brought my Rumble 40 in and set it on top of my Yorkville Bloc80 (which the R40 replaced) which I have done since rearranging my music area about 2 months ago. In my tiredness, I looked at the Rumble sitting on top of the Bloc80 and thinking of posts by @GonePlaid and others, that is a great setup, compact and the Rumble 40 is at a convenient height for both control access and being able to hear it. I wonder if I could daisy-chain them?

The Bloc80 has its controls on the top like the Rumble 40 so plugging the R40's line out directly into the input of the Bloc80's input would be problematic (although with an 'L' 1/4" it maybe possible) but there are effects loop connections in the back. The effects connections are unbalanced 1/4" while the R40's line out is balanced XLR but I just happen to have transformers which will take care of that issue. So I hooked it up and it worked! Essentially using the Bloc80 as a self-powered speaker cabinet.

There are some issues. The Block80 is much louder than the R40 (80 watts RMS into a 15" speaker) although basically the same size. The R40's tone alone is more articulate than the combined systems. It is going to take some significant effort to EQ it in this setup but the potential is there for a far more powerful but still compact setup.

View attachment 3735554 View attachment 3735553

From the photo, it's hard to see which transformer you've used, although it looks a lot like a Shure A85 (or A95) microphone transformer, which will take about 100 mV (0.1V) at its XLR input before transformer saturation. The maximum output of the Rumble XLR line output is spec'd at +3.75 dBU, or 1.2 volts, which is considerably higher, although it probably doesn't get used much at maximum level, judging from my own experience and from what other Rumble 100 users have posted. Let us know how it works out. Very creative solution! If transformer saturation (overload) ever becomes a concern, the Shure A15BT inline bridging transformer can take much higher levels than the microphone transformers, although you'd also need an XLR to 1/4-inch adapter to use it with the Bloc80 in the same manner as in the photo.

 

[twinfallsbass]

So here is my offering for separating the amp from the speakers and connecting them via a jumper cable. The goal of doing this is to be able to connect a backup amp incase of the combos main amp failing during a gig. It is a Rumble 500 V3 with matching 2x10.

First step, mask off and make my drilling marks. This is the drill bit I used.

Holes drilled

Speakon connectors installed and wired up

Completed and this is how it will look in full stack mode using the onboard amp

This is how it will look in backup amp mode. I made the jumper cable long enough to be able to connect to both extension cab and backup amp on top of combo

How it looks in single cab backup mode

I had an amp pad that I cut out the center to fit over the combos handle. Having it fit over the handle like this helps the pad stay put.

Very please with how this turned out and it was not difficult in the least. I can now gig this setup without the fear of not having a backup solution. It also gives me the freedom to use whatever head I wish with these cabs.

Disclaimer:
NO harm was done to any warranty during this procedure, because this is OUT of warranty, HA!

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

RUMBLE 100 vs. RUMBLE 200 SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON

Some context: over the last 2 weeks I've been going back and forth over what would be better for my current and future needs - a Rumble 100 or Rumble 200. I bought the 100 about a month ago and loved it. Perfect tone for my Fender P bass. Lightweight and a great practice amp. But I was always curious if I would need more power if I ever decided to join up with a band. I'm 52 and just started playing again. My previous amp that I had since I was a teen is a Carvin Pro Bass 300 which I gigged with for 20 years. It is loud, great tone, but also 70 lbs.!!!

I did my research and posted on various discussion boards here and decided to return the 100 to GC and get the 200 last weekend. I've had it for a week, but never fell in love with it, like the 100. It sounded too bassy, might be too much power than I would ever use, and heavier than the 100. And was it really worth $200 more?

Today, I bought the 100 again to do a side by side with no one home, so I can crank it up. Here is what I found.

1. The 200 is definitely louder. Keeping all tone controls the same and just adjusting the Gain and Master, with the 100 dialed at 12, the 200 was at 10 for the same volume. With 100 at 2 the 200 was at 12 for same volume.

2. The weight difference is noticeable when you hold them up side by side.

3. Even thought he 200 is larger, the footprint is not that significantly different.

4. As for tone, they both sound great, with the 200 having a little more bottom end. I moved the 200 from the corner where I had been using to another spot in my living room, and the sound just opened up. The boominess was gone and it had a great tone. Turning up the volume past 12 o'clock and this thing gets loud!

5. The 100 can get LOUD. I had it dialed up to 3 o'clock and it had a sweet tone. The Compression started to kick in. I even cranked it full and got no distortion or muddled sound. It handled the volume well.

DECISION TIME (No, I can't keep both).

I plan to play them both through the weekend and then return one. Right now I am leaning to returning the 200. It's larger and heavier than I need and may be too much power for whatever I plan to do. If I was 18 and getting started in a band, this amp would be perfect! Right now I just play by myself and maybe one day hook up with some friends to jam and maybe even be in a band or a duo or trio with some acoustic guitars. I could also use the savings of the $200 more it costs.

The 100 seems like it would be enough. Lightweight and can get loud if I need it to. I also still have my Carvin which I have been trying to sell with no luck. The price for that is down to $115, so I am thinking I may just keep it, rather than sell it for cheap, and if I ever need the power, I have that.

Here are some pics showing the side by side differences.

Another update. Spent more time today comparing them side by side in a different room in my house. I think I am now leaning towards the 200. It moves some nice air with the low E and D. It gives me more headroom if needed. The 100 sounds great but the extra oomph is appealing. More side by side tomorrow.

 

[JPDsma]

For the 200c, not sure if my comments were ‘clear’ last week.....with mine on stage at about my abdomen level when I walked out front, much stronger on the mids than standing in front of it at floor level, tilted. So, glad you moved it out of the corner, next, put it on top of the 100 and see how that sounds?

 

[leerod054]

I got home from a show last night and brought my Rumble 40 in and set it on top of my Yorkville Bloc80 (which the R40 replaced) which I have done since rearranging my music area about 2 months ago. In my tiredness, I looked at the Rumble sitting on top of the Bloc80 and thinking of posts by @GonePlaid and others, that is a great setup, compact and the Rumble 40 is at a convenient height for both control access and being able to hear it. I wonder if I could daisy-chain them?

The Bloc80 has its controls on the top like the Rumble 40 so plugging the R40's line out directly into the input of the Bloc80's input would be problematic (although with an 'L' 1/4" it maybe possible) but there are effects loop connections in the back. The effects connections are unbalanced 1/4" while the R40's line out is balanced XLR but I just happen to have transformers which will take care of that issue. So I hooked it up and it worked! Essentially using the Bloc80 as a self-powered speaker cabinet.

There are some issues. The Block80 is much louder than the R40 (80 watts RMS into a 15" speaker) although basically the same size. The R40's tone alone is more articulate than the combined systems. It is going to take some significant effort to EQ it in this setup but the potential is there for a far more powerful but still compact setup.

View attachment 3735554 View attachment 3735553

Change that cheap 10" out of the R40. Go to Seismic Audio to their Raw Speakers. Find the Richter 10" eight ohm 400 watt for $59.99. I put one in my R40 and brother what a big difference. If not the Richter look at the Jolt. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Wolfhound32]

Been enjoying all the photos, so it would only be right to repay the good deeds with a photo of my own-- in my practice space:

Fender Rumble 25 that I purchased shortly after the release of the V3s. Stingray Classic in "Retro Burst" from 2011 or so... Hopefully, I'll soon be able to convince my wife that having a Rumble 100 to use at church is a good idea, but for now I go direct. Someday!

The Rumble 25 sounds great for such a small package. Simply leave all the knobs at noon, and adjust the volume commensurate to the time of day/number of people in the house, and rock on!

Anyway, back to practicing~

 

[bassdeal]

From the photo, it's hard to see which transformer you've used, although it looks a lot like a Shure A85 (or A95) microphone transformer, which will take about 100 mV (0.1V) at its XLR input before transformer saturation. The maximum output of the Rumble XLR line output is spec'd at +3.75 dBU, or 1.2 volts, which is considerably higher, although it probably doesn't get used much at maximum level, judging from my own experience and from what other Rumble 100 users have posted. Let us know how it works out. Very creative solution! If transformer saturation (overload) ever becomes a concern, the Shure A15BT inline bridging transformer can take much higher levels than the microphone transformers, although you'd also need an XLR to 1/4-inch adapter to use it with the Bloc80 in the same manner as in the photo.

I actually did not think much about the capability of the transformer and you are correct this is generally for very low current mic-level signals compare to I assume line-level coming out of the Rumble 40 line out. I did not hear any distortion, just the characteristic sound of a Bloc80, lots of lower-mids and loud. I did not really crank it though.

The actual transformer is from Radio Shack (Archer). The rest of the writing is quite warn off. I used these on a Tascam 03 cassette 4-track recorder and my first PA, an Sunn Alpha Four which only had 1/4" unbalanced inputs.