Fender Rumble Club

[JakobT]

I've been away from Talkbass for a few years but glad to know the Rumblers are still here. I was wondering if anyone ever found a workaround to make the Rumble XLR output more useful? One of the quirks of the amp is the post master level of the XLR, which is a problem when you want to turn up the amp but not the XLR output. Even the FX send is post Master so can't DI from there. I love the sound of the preamp so some workaround would be great.

There isn’t really a workaround, but on the other hand it isn’t much of a problem, IMHO. I just let the person who runs the FOH know that the XLR out is post-everything at sound check time and make all adjustments then.

If you really need the pre/post option, your only options are the Rumble 800 HD and the Studio 40/Stage 800.

 

[Rbffd]

My Rumble 500 with the humble but versatile Fender P Bass, Looking for a number in the club

 

[Billyears IV]

Hi Rumblers,

A call out please to those who upgraded from V3 500w combos to the newer 800w.
Apart from increased power output and access to numerous tone presets, what else defines the 800w as a worthy upgrade?
Quality of components, speakers, tone etc etc....?

Anyone bought one and been less impressed /not a great deal better than the 500w?

I can't decide if I'll gain that much from the upgrade. My 500w does the job pretty well. Might be some nice tone options, although it might also be 'option overload'. I have some tone pedals and I'm not that crazy about the 500w tone buttons tbh. Extra power could be nice but not crucial.

Anyone's experiences of this upgrade - good, bad, indifferent.....? Be good to hear Rumblers pov

 

[JakobT]

Hi Rumblers,

A call out please to those who upgraded from V3 500w combos to the newer 800w.
Apart from increased power output and access to numerous tone presets, what else defines the 800w as a worthy upgrade?
Quality of components, speakers, tone etc etc....?

Anyone bought one and been less impressed /not a great deal better than the 500w?

I can't decide if I'll gain that much from the upgrade. My 500w does the job pretty well. Might be some nice tone options, although it might also be 'option overload'. I have some tone pedals and I'm not that crazy about the 500w tone buttons tbh. Extra power could be nice but not crucial.

Anyone's experiences of this upgrade - good, bad, indifferent.....? Be good to hear Rumblers pov

The Rumble 500c and the Stage 800 are completely different animals when it comes to the amp section itself, so it’s more a question of a lateral move to a modelling amp, rather than a question of an upgrade (apart from the added power). Other than that, the Stage 800 is identical to the 500c in cabinet and drivers apart from minor cosmetic changes.

 

[G-Dog]

My Rumble 500 with the humble but versatile Fender P Bass, Looking for a number in the club

Aloha, Rb! Welcome to TalkBass in general and to The Club in particular. @Rbffd, you are now member #1293 in the Fender Rumble Club. Welcome and please put your number in your TB Signature for instant recognition as a bassist of distinction. And visit the Rumble Club Wiki page for all kindsa Rumbling info.

Tell us of your bass experience in general and your Rumble journey in particular. We have all kinds here and we welcome you whatever your story. For we all love to ... ...

Rumble On!
.​

 

[Billyears IV]

The Rumble 500c and the Stage 800 are completely different animals when it comes to the amp section itself, so it’s more a question of a lateral move to a modelling amp, rather than a question of an upgrade (apart from the added power). Other than that, the Stage 800 is identical to the 500c in cabinet and drivers apart from minor cosmetic changes.

Thanks for response. Did you buy an 800? Good to hear from players experience. Can watch demos but not the 'whole picture'. Cheers

 

[ShawnG]

Jakob is correct (as usual) in that there are no “upgraded” components (amplifier section aside) in the Stage 800 vs V3 500c.
I’ve got the Stage 800 and sometimes wonder if I wouldn’t have been better off picking up a 500c for simplicity’s sake. Although the 500c is “limited” to producing a Rumble V3 sound, getting a usable/gig-able “set it and forget it” tone from it would be a much more user-friendly experience.
The Stage is a great amp and makes great sounds. The amp/cab modeling is really impressive and the models sound more like the real thing than you’d expect. The Ampeg SVT sounds (but does not feel, like an SVT 8x10, not much does!) like an Ampeg SVT. The SWR Redhead sounds like a Redhead, you get the idea.
The amp will allow you several usable tones (what they are will depend on your tastes). In addition to the Rumble V3 (Clean Focus is my default practice setting), I really enjoy the Super Bassman, Bassman, SVT and GK models and am surprised at how much I like the vintage Fender TV Front amp model.
Additionally, the Stage includes pretty much one of every pedal/effect you could possibly want, and includes a few pedalboard preamp models (Sansamp, etc.), so in one box, you are getting a really nice 2x10 setup with 400 watts (800 w/ extension cab), multiple usable amp models, a full pedalboard, tuner, direct DI out (pre/post) and a straight USB connection to a computer for recording, etc.
But... and this is a big but, you need to spend a LOT of time with the excellent Fender Tone app to figure all of this out. You “can” plug and play with the Stage/Studio amps, but you’re missing out on 95% of what you “should” be buying it for. The knobs on the amp are not really the input devices you should/need to be working with to dial in the tones available on each model, the knobs the system is designed to work with are those that are on each each head in the Tone app. So if you aren’t going to be happy working with/through the app to fiddle with every input/output device (amp head, preamp, pedal, cab, etc) setup, you’re not going to be happy with the Stage/Studio in the long run. It’s a steep learning curve and to be honest, a somewhat frustrating process.
IMO, for live performance, the way to use the Stage is to work through the process to find two or three tones that are usable for you. Save those into a “set-list” and use the included foot pedal to switch between those two or three tones, as a song or specific instrument requires, during a gig. If you play with it much more than that in a live environment I think you’d pretty much drive your soundman and/or band mates nuts.
In the studio, the world is your oyster with the Stage/Studio as there are an infinite number of options available to you, IF, and that’s a big IF, you are willing to dig deep into Tone app and get comfortable playing with all of the possible configurations/permutations.

 

[G-Dog]

Hi Rumblers,

A call out please to those who upgraded from V3 500w combos to the newer 800w.
Apart from increased power output and access to numerous tone presets, what else defines the 800w as a worthy upgrade?
Quality of components, speakers, tone etc etc....?

Anyone bought one and been less impressed /not a great deal better than the 500w?

I can't decide if I'll gain that much from the upgrade. My 500w does the job pretty well. Might be some nice tone options, although it might also be 'option overload'. I have some tone pedals and I'm not that crazy about the 500w tone buttons tbh. Extra power could be nice but not crucial.

Anyone's experiences of this upgrade - good, bad, indifferent.....? Be good to hear Rumblers pov

IIRC, JakobT simply added a Studio 40 to his other Rumbles, as did I. That way, we have the same modeling amp as the Stage 800, but in a smaller lighter package, that we can run into the input of our bigger Rumbles for more volume, if/when needed. Yes, I feel like my Studio 40 with my R500c gets me close enough to the Stage for my purposes, but with more flexibility. But I do sometimes still lust longingly after the Rumble Stage 800.

Just my perspective.
.

 

[Ted S]

Agree with much of SchawnG's assessment of the 500c and Stage 800. I owned the 500c and soon upgraded to the Stage 800. Initially, I did question myself. The 500c was easy to setup. The 800c forced me to look/work harder, but soon I had my favorite settings with great results. ( Clear focus, Deep Rumble and a hanfull of others) plus a few effects.

Contrary to what SchawnG suggests, I do all my selections on the control panel and do not bother with the Tone app. Pleanty of space to "save" my various settings as I found the setups I felt I would most often use. So, that's how I manage that.

[Also, it's best to turn off bluetooth and wifi when not in use as some folks experienced random problems with those engaged all the time].

Now I am using the footswitch to jump between my favorite settings at rehearsals and gigs. I grew into the Stage and became so dependant on it's features, I also replaced my 40c with a Studio 40 which has all the same controls and same settings. So looking back, I feel I made a very good decision, upgrading to the Stage and Studio.

 

[Billyears IV]

IIRC, JakobT simply added a Studio 40 to his other Rumbles, as did I. That way, we have the same modeling amp as the Stage 800, but in a smaller lighter package, that we can run into the input of our bigger Rumbles for more volume, if/when needed. Yes, I feel like my Studio 40 with my R500c gets me close enough to the Stage for my purposes, but with more flexibility. But I do sometimes still lust longingly after the Rumble Stage 800.

Just my perspective.
.

quite a good idea, something to consider.

Can I ask, what % of the modelling tones do you ACTUALLY use/like??

Whilst its fun to have additional tonal options to consider, I'm wondering if its a bit gimmicky or overload on choices....

 

[Billyears IV]

Jakob is correct (as usual) in that there are no “upgraded” components (amplifier section aside) in the Stage 800 vs V3 500c.
I’ve got the Stage 800 and sometimes wonder if I wouldn’t have been better off picking up a 500c for simplicity’s sake. Although the 500c is “limited” to producing a Rumble V3 sound, getting a usable/gig-able “set it and forget it” tone from it would be a much more user-friendly experience.
The Stage is a great amp and makes great sounds. The amp/cab modeling is really impressive and the models sound more like the real thing than you’d expect. The Ampeg SVT sounds (but does not feel, like an SVT 8x10, not much does!) like an Ampeg SVT. The SWR Redhead sounds like a Redhead, you get the idea.
The amp will allow you several usable tones (what they are will depend on your tastes). In addition to the Rumble V3 I really enjoy the Super Bassman, Bassman, SVT and GK models and am surprised at how much I like the vintage Fender TV Front amp model.
Additionally, the Stage includes pretty much one of every pedal/effect you could possibly want, and includes a few pedalboard preamp models (Sansamp, etc.), so in one box, you are getting a really nice 2x10 setup with 400 watts (800 w/ extension cab), multiple usable amp models, a full pedalboard, tuner, direct DI out (pre/post) and a straight USB connection to a computer for recording, etc.
But... and this is a big but, you need to spend a LOT of time with the excellent Fender Tone app to figure all of this out. You “can” plug and play with the Stage/Studio amps, but you’re missing out on 95% of what you “should” be buying it for. The knobs on the amp are not really the input devices you should/need to be working with to dial in the tones available on each model, the knobs the system is designed to work with are those that are on each each head in the Tone app. So if you aren’t going to be happy working with/through the app to fiddle with every input/output device (amp head, preamp, pedal, cab, etc) setup, you’re not going to be happy with the Stage/Studio in the long run. It’s a steep learning curve and to be honest, a somewhat frustrating process.
IMO, for live performance, the way to use the Stage is to work through the process to find two or three tones that are usable for you. Save those into a “set-list” and use the included foot pedal to switch between those two or three tones, as a song or specific instrument requires, during a gig. If you play with it much more than that in a live environment I think you’d pretty much drive your soundman and/or band mates nuts.
In the studio, the world is your oyster with the Stage/Studio as there are an infinite number of options available to you, IF, and that’s a big IF, you are willing to dig deep into Tone app and get comfortable playing with all of the possible configurations/permutations.

thanks for all that, good useful points noted. I've had a massive learning curve exploring the in depth geek world of using Ableton, these last 2 years. Learnt a hell of a lot about sound shaping, mixing, various instruments etc etc. Do I seek that wide expanse of options/twiddling for (just) bass guitar or do I channel my learning into more synth based composition??.......decisions, decisions....lockdown ponderings.....?!

 

[Billyears IV]

Agree with much of SchawnG's assessment of the 500c and Stage 800. I owned the 500c and soon upgraded to the Stage 800. Initially, I did question myself. The 500c was easy to setup. The 800c forced me to look/work harder, but soon I had my favorite settings with great results. ( Clear focus, Deep Rumble and a hanfull of others) plus a few effects.

Contrary to what SchawnG suggests, I do all my selections on the control panel and do not bother with the Tone app. Pleanty of space to "save" my various settings as I found the setups I felt I would most often use. So, that's how I manage that.

[Also, it's best to turn off bluetooth and wifi when not in use as some folks experienced random problems with those engaged all the time].

Now I am using the footswitch to jump between my favorite settings at rehearsals and gigs. I grew into the Stage and became so dependant on it's features, I also replaced my 40c with a Studio 40 which has all the same controls and same settings. So looking back, I feel I made a very good decision, upgrading to the Stage and Studio.

thanks, maybe I'll consider. I'm quite happy with my current stomp effect pedals, but would like some extra tone options - bit of 'grit' / growl, alternative OD, high mids....

 

[JakobT]

Thanks for response. Did you buy an 800? Good to hear from players experience. Can watch demos but not the 'whole picture'. Cheers

No, I actually got the Studio 40, as @G-Dog says, when I (mistakenly) believed my 40 had died on me. I thought it was a good way of dipping my toe in the water on the whole modelling thing, seeing that the preamp section is identical to that of the Stage 800. I use it as my main practice amp, but am nowhere near to utilizing it to its full potential, I must admit.

However, I feel I’ve delved into it sufficiently to hazard an opinion. First of all, they’re definitely awesome amps, but are so ridiculously feature-rich that it takes a lot of time and dedication to get the most out of them. I’ve hardly scratched the surface yet, and have a sneaking feeling that I won’t be going that much deeper any time soon. I’m more of a set-it-and-forget-it kind of guy, and once I’ve dialed in a tone I like, I’m happy. I have some presets for my different basses, but that’s it.

I haven’t played around with effects too much, as I only use effects for live work and occasionally rehearsal, where I use backline a lot of the time anyway, and so it makes sense to avoid onboard effects, and use a pedalboard instead.

For these reasons, I’ve elected to stick with my Rumble 500c and 210 cab, attractive as the Stage 800 is. I’ll hold on to my Studio 40, as it’s a great amp for practice, recording and studio work, and fun to play around with. But the 500c is all I need for gigs, and then some.

 

[dirkhh]

So the studio amps have a USB out to go straight into a DAW - is that post modeling, post all effects? Or at which point is that tapping in? Also, how does one select the pedals? I don't see a gigging bassist pulling out their phone during a song and changing settings in the Fender app
So there must be multiple foot switches or something? How does that work?

 

[Billyears IV]

No, I actually got the Studio 40, as @G-Dog says, when I (mistakenly) believed my 40 had died on me. I thought it was a good way of dipping my toe in the water on the whole modelling thing, seeing that the preamp section is identical to that of the Stage 800. I use it as my main practice amp, but am nowhere near to utilizing it to its full potential, I must admit.

However, I feel I’ve delved into it sufficiently to hazard an opinion. First of all, they’re definitely awesome amps, but are so ridiculously feature-rich that it takes a lot of time and dedication to get the most out of them. I’ve hardly scratched the surface yet, and have a sneaking feeling that I won’t be going that much deeper any time soon. I’m more of a set-it-and-forget-it kind of guy, and once I’ve dialed in a tone I like, I’m happy. I have some presets for my different basses, but that’s it.

I haven’t played around with effects too much, as I only use effects for live work and occasionally rehearsal, where I use backline a lot of the time anyway, and so it makes sense to avoid onboard effects, and use a pedalboard instead.

For these reasons, I’ve elected to stick with my Rumble 500c and 210 cab, attractive as the Stage 800 is. I’ll hold on to my Studio 40, as it’s a great amp for practice, recording and studio work, and fun to play around with. But the 500c is all I need for gigs, and then some.

thanks

 

[Boomer777]

thanks

Am extremely thankful to TB'ers who help me "avoid" the 800 - Not because its not a good amp but because of my ADD n GAS-SING episodes. 800 or 500 lasted weeks with me? When the fact of the matter is I rarely touch my amp during a gig or practice save to raise or lower ever so slightly the volume...Everything else I am capable of doing onboard with the bass.....I know my sound and when I dial it in I am like WOW! - To have hunreds of differing modeling tones would only take me away from playing the bass.....Bottomline: Thx guys I am so happy with the 500 n it frees me up to live my life!

 

[Billyears IV]

Am extremely thankful to TB'ers who help me "avoid" the 800 - Not because its not a good amp but because of my ADD n GAS-SING episodes. 800 or 500 lasted weeks with me? When the fact of the matter is I rarely touch my amp during a gig or practice save to raise or lower ever so slightly the volume...Everything else I am capable of doing onboard with the bass.....I know my sound and when I dial it in I am like WOW! - To have hunreds of differing modeling tones would only take me away from playing the bass.....Bottomline: Thx guys I am so happy with the 500 n it frees me up to live my life!

fair enough. Gas episodes come and go. Ive had a few as we've had 3 long lockdowns in UK !

Its a personal thing with all the tone modeling. I suppose I'm also considering it as am updated Rumble, with more power and looks. But as JakobT says the 800 has same cab & drivers

 

[G-Dog]

... ... Can I ask, what % of the modelling tones do you ACTUALLY use/like??

Whilst its fun to have additional tonal options to consider, I'm wondering if its a bit gimmicky or overload on choices....

Me, personally, at this point in our unfortunate shared history, actually use only about 10% of the stock modeling tones and have not dug as deeply into tweaking even those as much as I believe (and hope) I would under normal gigging & jamming conditions. I've also downloaded precious few of the Tone Community posted presets for consideration, but do use their Acoustic and Acoustisonic presets a bit.

I prefer to use my tablet for the Tone App instead of my phone 'cause it's a bit easier for these ol' eyes to see. But, that's really just for tone tweaking at home, which I find fascinating. Not that the menu is so complicated as to require much tweaking. It's not, at all. It's very quick and easy to get lots of great tones. It's just that there are so many options I want to explore and the deeper menu parts allow that without being intrusive. But at my previous gigs & jams, though, I occasionally used the footswitch for quick preset selection, but more often just used the selector knob for that.

I, for one, am not into separate pedals. But, I consider that the Stage & Studio offer countless great quality pedals all built-in for the extra price of just a single pedal, or possibly two. But, if you feel your tweaking & exploring tolerance is somewhat more limited, then maybe the Stage or Studio isn't your thing. But, you never really know 'til you try.
.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

I like the idea of buying a Studio 40 and reinforcing it through my 200 or PA! OR HEADPHONES! LOL!

 

[GonePlaid]

Me, personally, at this point in our unfortunate shared history, actually use only about 10% of the stock modeling tones and have not dug as deeply into tweaking even those as much as I believe (and hope) I would under normal gigging & jamming conditions. I've also downloaded precious few of the Tone Community posted presets for consideration, but do use their Acoustic and Acoustisonic presets a bit.

I prefer to use my tablet for the Tone App instead of my phone 'cause it's a bit easier for these ol' eyes to see. But, that's really just for tone tweaking at home, which I find fascinating. Not that the menu is so complicated as to require much tweaking. It's not, at all. It's very quick and easy to get lots of great tones. It's just that there are so many options I want to explore and the deeper menu parts allow that without being intrusive. But at my previous gigs & jams, though, I occasionally used the footswitch for quick preset selection, but more often just used the selector knob for that.

I, for one, am not into separate pedals. But, I consider that the Stage & Studio offer countless great quality pedals all built-in for the extra price of just a single pedal, or possibly two. But, if you feel your tweaking & exploring tolerance is somewhat more limited, then maybe the Stage or Studio isn't your thing. But, you never really know 'til you try.
.

Hmm. Do they(Studio/Stage)have a setting that'll duplicate this but louder?