I don't want be a fan-boy like Linnin (sorry, dude), but I have to say I haven't found a gig I can't do with the 500 combo. It's loud enough to fill any bar, and doing shows there's PA support. There are 2 downsides: first, that damned XLR on the back. High impedance is a PITA; it should be a proper DI. The second is that it's so small, it is sometimes hard to hear all the tone because it's so low. But whatev, it's a great amp and worth every penny.
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At least those are apparently two of the only real downsides for the Rumbles. Being a small amp can't really be helped, because it is a small amp. For getting the sound up, in a gigging situation, I wonder if tilting it would help. Some bass amps have that as a built in feature. Or raising it on something like a chair.....or a 1x15 or a 4x10 cabinet
! The DI output seems to be one of its truly weak points because a lot of people have mentioned it. I was just looking at the manual. 3.3k Ohms. Would an inline XLR high to low impedance transformer help? Not sure if they exist. Would the Shure A15BT work? It seems like there must be an adapter available somewhere that could convert it.Here is the manual for the Shure A15BT:
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Not a fan of the tilt. Bass freqs don't do well when they hit the ceiling and then swirl around.At least those are apparently two of the only real downsides for the Rumbles. Being a small amp can't really be helped, because it is a small amp. For getting the sound up, in a gigging situation, I wonder if tilting it would help. Some bass amps have that as a built in feature. Or raising it on something like a chair.....or a 2x10 cabinet
An inline transformer would be fine, but find one with xlrf to xlrm - doesn't exist - because the xlr out in a rumble is just weird.
Definitely! Tilt it back or get it up off the stage. I forget who, but they bought a Rumble 115 cab and even though he doesn't hook it up all the time, he always uses it as a very sexy amp stand for his Rumble 500 combo. I use a slightly modified solo piano bench and an Auralex GRAMMA for my twin Rumble 112 Neo + Rumble 350 stack. That puts a 12 right at crotch height, and that'll rumble your nut-sack for sure!At least those are apparently two of the only real downsides for the Rumbles. Being a small amp can't really be helped, because it is a small amp. For getting the sound up, in a gigging situation, I wonder if tilting it would help. Some bass amps have that as a built in feature. Or raising it on something like a chair.....or a 2x10 cabinet
The XLR line out works just fine. Many have attested to just that. Just use a mic cable straight into the board. Again we have so many posts here, but one Rumbler's soundman raved about the line out. So NO Whining! You bought a fantastic sounding bass amp, if you really need a true soulless .DI. , by all means buy one and suit yourselves.
My search didn't show that. Thank you. You are right. And the 2x10 would be great for the Rumble 500. I need to get more Rumble educated.
As for the DI - Linnen, it's just not standard, meaning it makes the Rumbles seem less pro than they are, and opening them up to undeserved ridicule. And I'll let you know about the whining I hear when the soundman gives me crap about the buzzing he gets in the signal. The other day, I had a 300+ foot run, so I made the guy mic it. But just to please you, I'll use the DI next festival and see where we get.
As You Whine - So Shall You Dine.
I am not a forum director. I'm just like everybody else. A TalkBass member. I have no special powers. I'm not even the Club Founder. I'm just me.
Interesting thread. I have a V2 Rumble 150. I use it at home, the smooth tones of that big 1x15 are awesome. Built like a tank too.
I needed a smaller bass amp for travel in my RV and decided to check out the V3 line. I started listening to the V3 Rumble 25 at GC and could not believe the sounds that little box was making! Even more unbelievable was how light it was and for under $100. I picked it up on the spot. What amazes me is how it sounds when used for electric guitar also! How is that? Thats not supposed be possible.
Very impressive for the price.
-BL
I needed a smaller bass amp for travel in my RV and decided to check out the V3 line. I started listening to the V3 Rumble 25 at GC and could not believe the sounds that little box was making! Even more unbelievable was how light it was and for under $100. I picked it up on the spot. What amazes me is how it sounds when used for electric guitar also! How is that? Thats not supposed be possible.
Very impressive for the price.
-BL
Welcome to the Fender Rumble Club, SolaFide!
You are member #387 
You are sooooooooooo right,
Rumbles Rule! 
OMG! I wish I were! Do you have any idea how much $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ I'd be making?! Fender Hire Me Now!I thought you were Director of Marketing.
That is why I have my ParaDriver. It can take the place of several things in a pinch!
If anyone wanted to know where Scooby-Doo came from. That was the tune. Did Sly made a thin dime off of that? Hell No!
