Fender Rumble LT25, Studio 40 & Stage 800

[G-Dog]

In keeping with Fender Rumble Club tradition, here are a couple pics of me performing with my Fender Rumble Stage 800 and my '78 Fender Precision (still my #1 after all these years).

This is my first time out with the Stage 800. I had to tweak my preset volume levels and the bass settings due to the hollow stage; but, I quickly got it under control.

Here's another one from a club in a little town called La Marque down Galveston way. Even though it was a small venue, it was a great place to play. The crowd was a diverse mix of folks ready to have a good time. The R800 sounded awesome. Lot's of dancers that night.

Overall, I am really loving this amp. It does everything I need. I will likely get a second cab, though, just so I have can tap the full power if I need to.

Hey folks... a post-performance report...
This past week, I posted about some cab comparisons I did using just the studio/tube pre-amp models. The 2x15 D130 cab model cab really caught my ear, and I resolved to try it live.

We played a small-mid venue last night (about 2500 sq. ft. with a nice raised stage and drum riser). We had a good crowd of 50+ who were having fun, and stayed the night. (That's always good. )

I used only 3 presets for the whole show: modified versions of the stock presets Rumble V3 Dirty, Rumble V3 Vintage, and Clean Focus (all three use the Rumble V3 amp model). The first two presets were pretty close to stock, including the default 2x10 Rumble V3 cab model. With the Clean Focus preset, I reduce the mid-high and treble by around 1.0, and engage the 'Vintage' switch; and use the default 4x10 Pro cab model. I run my preset volumes considerably higher than stock (7.0, 7.0, 8.3, respectively), so I have plenty of physical amp head-room.

So... regarding using the 2x15 D130 cab:
I was a bit concerned, because this is the hollow stage that gave me a bit of resonance grief the first time I used the Stage 800. But, instantly, I could tell this was not going to be an issue. The D130Fs just made the amp sound bigger and punchier, with more bottom-end, without it being boomy. It was not at all like boosting the bass or low-mid. It added more "girth" to the sound without adding "woof". I immediately saved it as the cab model on all three presets. The cab sounded great on all three presets, and in everything we played.

Though neither knew I had made a change, the drummer said, "Man, your bass sounds so much better!". The guitarist just nodded toward the amp, and shook his head in approval. That's high praise from him.

So, I am happy. My band mates are happy. The crowd was happy.
All around, a good night!

Hope this helps...

Glad to hear this, Droo. Preset #8 "Clean Focus" has lately pulled me out the rut I was getting into with #9 "Deep Rumble". (Or not, since they're both based on the Rumble V3 amp model! ) I, too, play on a hollow stage in my church gig. But, I also use an amp stand very similar to yours and that cuts the boom for me!

Very good to know that your bandmates are so discerning as to appreciate your Stage tones!
.

 

[Droopy_TX]

Glad to hear this, Droo. Preset #8 "Clean Focus" has lately pulled me out the rut I was getting into with #9 "Deep Rumble". (Or not, since they're both based on the Rumble V3 amp model! ) I, too, play on a hollow stage in my church gig. But, I also use an amp stand very similar to yours and that cuts the boom for me!

Very good to know that your bandmates are so discerning as to appreciate your Stage tones!
.

G, I am not at all surprised at your attraction to #9 "Deep Rumble". It sounds sooo good; but, man, is it deep!!!!
Darkened just a little bit, #8 "Clean Focus" provides a great middle of the road, yet solid, clean tone.

 

[ElectricBass72]

I've been using a Line 6 LowDown 300 Pro with 15" and horn for over a decade. The Line6 LowDown amp is obsolete but it sounds great for recording... and it has plenty of punch for small to medium sized venues. Sounds like the Rumble Stage 800 is a LowDown on steroids! On the Line 6, I have 2 or 3 custom tones I use on recordings and jamming... and those usually are all I need. I rarely use chorus, octave, etc... sometimes overdrive. The amp modeling on the Line 6 is really good... I like the Ampeg simulation the best.

The Rumble Stage 800 sounds like it would be a major upgrade in overall technology, versatility and sound. The bluetooth feature, WIFI and Fender tone app for smart phones all sound very appealing. Plus... 800 watts and only 40 lbs... incredible. Where the heck have I been? Can't believe I'm just now hearing about the Rumble 800.

 

[Cardsfan_69]

I've been using a Line 6 LowDown 300 Pro with 15" and horn for over a decade. The Line6 LowDown amp is obsolete but it sounds great for recording... and it has plenty of punch for small to medium sized venues. Sounds like the Rumble Stage 800 is a LowDown on steroids! On the Line 6, I have 2 or 3 custom tones I use on recordings and jamming... and those usually are all I need. I rarely use chorus, octave, etc... sometimes overdrive. The amp modeling on the Line 6 is really good... I like the Ampeg simulation the best.

The Rumble Stage 800 sounds like it would be a major upgrade in overall technology, versatility and sound. The bluetooth feature, WIFI and Fender tone app for smart phones all sound very appealing. Plus... 800 watts and only 40 lbs... incredible. Where the heck have I been? Can't believe I'm just now hearing about the Rumble 800.

Yep.
It's the Bomb-digity!

 

[Droopy_TX]

I've been using a Line 6 LowDown 300 Pro with 15" and horn for over a decade. The Line6 LowDown amp is obsolete but it sounds great for recording... and it has plenty of punch for small to medium sized venues. Sounds like the Rumble Stage 800 is a LowDown on steroids! On the Line 6, I have 2 or 3 custom tones I use on recordings and jamming... and those usually are all I need. I rarely use chorus, octave, etc... sometimes overdrive. The amp modeling on the Line 6 is really good... I like the Ampeg simulation the best.

The Rumble Stage 800 sounds like it would be a major upgrade in overall technology, versatility and sound. The bluetooth feature, WIFI and Fender tone app for smart phones all sound very appealing. Plus... 800 watts and only 40 lbs... incredible. Where the heck have I been? Can't believe I'm just now hearing about the Rumble 800.

I traded in my Line 6 LowDown 150 (combo w/12" speaker) toward my Stage 800 at the beginning of July. The LD150 was a nice little workhorse. I bought it new, and had it for years. Sounded great for the modeling of the time. It was only 10 lbs. heavier than the Stage 800, but the shape of it made it awkward to carry; it seemed much heavier. It was underpowered; but I mainly lined out of it into a P.A. at the time, and just needed something for stage monitoring.

I wanted to replace the LD150 with something that could stand on its own in small- to mid-sized without P.A. support for much more than voice (the simpler, old-school method). I have a P.A. that can provide more substantial sound reinforcement, if needed; so, having a line out level that is unaffected by the signal path is important to me. That narrowed my options to the Rumble 800 models. I have a Fender Bronco 40, and a Line 6 HX Stomp; so, I am a pretty strong proponent of amp/effects modeling. So, the Stage 800 seemed the obvious choice.

Before I bought the Stage 800, I had the chance to play extensively through a Rumble 100, and to use a Rumble 200 as my only amplification in a club performance; so, I knew how great the Rumbles sound. All the others amp models are just icing on the cake. Truth be told, though, I primarily use the Rumble models.

Tomorrow night will be my 5th live performance (and 4th different venue) with Stage 800. The venues we've played so far have each had some significant structural differences; but, it has worked great in all them. Tomorrow's venue is a standard small club setup; so, I know it'll work great.

I am completely happy with my Stage 800. Hope this helps.

P.S. I also use the USB out on the Stage 800 to record to my DAW. Works great.

 

[G-Dog]

I've been using a Line 6 LowDown 300 Pro with 15" and horn for over a decade. The Line6 LowDown amp is obsolete but it sounds great for recording... and it has plenty of punch for small to medium sized venues. ... ...

You used the word "obsolete" but, I do not think it means what you think it means. Merriam-Webster says it's an adjective meaning, ”no longer used, or no longer useful". Yet you write as if you still use it and it's still useful! Therefore, not obsolete!

Some people think my nearly 11-year-old Fender B-DEC 30 bass modeling amp is obsolete just 'cause Fender recently stopped supporting it's software. Bull hockey! I still used it a lot!! Now my protegé proudly uses it whenever he plays bass!

Then, when I got my Fender Rumble Studio 40, the Stage's little brother, I read people were afraid the Stage & Studio would become obsolete in a couple years when the software is no longer supported. Horse bisquits!! If it's useful and used, then it ain't obsolete! @Droopy_TX is your Bronco 40 "obsolete"? Please think before you answer.

However, my desire, nay, my impatience, my veritable lust! for the Studio can be said to have "obsoleted" my B-DEC from my life. But that does not make the amp itself obsolete, since it continues to be of use and gets used. You, sir, are merely considering "obsoleting" your LD 300 from your life (perhaps?). That will not necessarily make the amp itself obsolete!

Sorry for the rant. Just an expression that I take [vehement] exception to. Not really trying to talk you out of the Stage 800, quite the contrary, in fact.
.

... ... Sounds like the Rumble Stage 800 is a LowDown on steroids! On the Line 6, I have 2 or 3 custom tones I use on recordings and jamming... and those usually are all I need. I rarely use chorus, octave, etc... sometimes overdrive. The amp modeling on the Line 6 is really good... I like the Ampeg simulation the best.

The Rumble Stage 800 sounds like it would be a major upgrade in overall technology, versatility and sound. The bluetooth feature, WIFI and Fender tone app for smart phones all sound very appealing. Plus... 800 watts and only 40 lbs... incredible. Where the heck have I been? Can't believe I'm just now hearing about the Rumble 800.

Yes, the wifi updates, the Bluetooth streaming and the Tone App controls are fabulous! People that see, and or hear, me doing that are flabbergasted. I admit, I love showing it off.

Uh, ... but, you do realize that, at just 39 lb.s by itself, it's "just" up to 400 watts? Yes, it needs another cab to reach the full 800 watts. Either one, or two, 8 ohm cabs, or a single 4 ohm cab. That's right! It is 2.67 ohm stable driving the combo and another 4 ohms!!! WOW! I've yet to see a photo of it being done, but it's possible. And, I'm sure, someone will do it, possibly soon. I just want a photo of it to add to the Rumble Wiki Page linked in my signature. It can be two of the matching 210 cabs, for a total of 6x10s, that'd be fine. Or it could be a couple of 410s for a total of 10x10s!!! At 800 watts!!! What??? Yes, that's what people will be saying, "WHAT???"

Just now hearing about the Rumble Stage 800? Well, better late than never. Enjoy!
.

 

[ElectricBass72]

You used the word "obsolete" but, I do not think it means what you think it means. Merriam-Webster says it's an adjective meaning, ”no longer used, or no longer useful". Yet you write as if you still use it and it's still useful! Therefore, not obsolete!

Some people think my nearly 11-year-old Fender B-DEC 30 bass modeling amp is obsolete just 'cause Fender recently stopped supporting it's software. Bull hockey! I still used it a lot!! Now my protegé proudly uses it whenever he plays bass!

Then, when I got my Fender Rumble Studio 40, the Stage's little brother, I read people were afraid the Stage & Studio would become obsolete in a couple years when the software is no longer supported. Horse bisquits!! If it's useful and used, then it ain't obsolete! @Droopy_TX is your Bronco 40 "obsolete"? Please think before you answer.

However, my desire, nay, my impatience, my veritable lust! for the Studio can be said to have "obsoleted" my B-DEC from my life. But that does not make the amp itself obsolete, since it continues to be of use and gets used. You, sir, are merely considering "obsoleting" your LD 300 from your life (perhaps?). That will not necessarily make the amp itself obsolete!

Sorry for the rant. Just an expression that I take [vehement] exception to. Not really trying to talk you out of the Stage 800, quite the contrary, in fact.
.



Yes, the wifi updates, the Bluetooth streaming and the Tone App controls are fabulous! People that see, and or hear, me doing that are flabbergasted. I admit, I love showing it off.

Uh, ... but, you do realize that, at just 39 lb.s by itself, it's "just" up to 400 watts? Yes, it needs another cab to reach the full 800 watts. Either one, or two, 8 ohm cabs, or a single 4 ohm cab. That's right! It is 2.67 ohm stable driving the combo and another 4 ohms!!! WOW! I've yet to see a photo of it being done, but it's possible. And, I'm sure, someone will do it, possibly soon. I just want a photo of it to add to the Rumble Wiki Page linked in my signature. It can be two of the matching 210 cabs, for a total of 6x10s, that'd be fine. Or it could be a couple of 410s for a total of 10x10s!!! At 800 watts!!! What??? Yes, that's what people will be saying, "WHAT???"

Just now hearing about the Rumble Stage 800? Well, better late than never. Enjoy!
.

Obsolete was improper. You are right. Outdated may be a better term to use for LowDown amp. Outdated but still very useful. I don't plan to sell the Line 6, if I end up buying the Rumble. We can never have too many amps.

 

[G-Dog]

Obsolete was improper. You are right. Outdated may be a better term to use for LowDown amp. Outdated but still very useful. I don't plan to sell the Line 6, if I end up buying the Rumble. We can never have too many amps.

There you go! Just a little mock-indignation to spice up the thread. (Sorry for the strong language!) I'm really not that much of a stickler for propriety. Glad you didn't take offense, EB72.

Glad to see another modeling veteran looking at the Stage. If there's any questions you may have about it, just ask. There are some very knowledgeable, and very helpful, people here.
.

 

[ElectricBass72]

No problem. The Line 6 Lowdown amps were brilliant for their time...and sound infinitely better than the Crate and Carvin amps I used in the 90's. If I had a time machine, I would take the Line 6 amp back to 1991...and I would've sounded like a badass bass tonal genius without the use of Ampeg stack or GK setup.

 

[Droopy_TX]

If it's useful and used, then it ain't obsolete! @Droopy_TX is your Bronco 40 "obsolete"?

@G-Dog, my short answer is, no, my Bronco 40 is not obsolete. I still use it for practice, and it's great for playing in small setting, like along with acoustic players. So, it is still both used and useful.

However, I do have to admit that I am also concerned about the Fuse software becoming unsupportable. To be clear, by "unsupportable" I mean not possible to be installed and run, since the software is already classified as unsupported. My Mac is pointing out all the 32-bit apps that won't run in the next OS version; this includes Fuse.

I am not concerned about the Studio 40 / Stage 800 because all of the amp/effects settings and switches, and amp management functions, are available from the LCD front panel on the amp. I will always be able to fully control the Stage 800 regardless of the ongoing status of the Tone app.

The same is not true for the Bronco. Although basic tone controls, patch selection, and some effects are available on the physical amp, deeper settings such as bright/contour switches, bias/sag switches, etc. are not configurable from the amp front itself; nor are effects module and patch management functions available. So, if I lose the ability to run Fuse, without an alternative, I've lost significant amp functionality.

So, I do need to consider my alternatives for running Fuse. Someone developed an Android app for the original Mustang GT called Remuda; but I know of no similar alternatives for the Bronco. If I exhaust my alternatives to deeply edit the Bronco 40, I will likely reset it to factory settings so as to leverage the set of factory preset with which it shipped, and use the basic physical knobs to tweak the preset tones.

Even then, it will be useful and used; hence, not obsolete.

P.S. If I ever felt really strongly about the loss of functionality of the Bronco 40 without Fuse, I would consider a Studio as a replacement without reservation. But what I'm thinking right now is that I should go and get Fuse installed on my virtual installation Windows 10, and keep a point-in-time image of the OS just for configuring my Bronco. So... gotta go!

 

[G-Dog]

.
You make some excellent points about the Fuse software, @Droopy_TX. I never really got into it much with my B-DEC nor my G-DEC. I was too infatuated with the small form factor and whatever I could get out of twiddling the dials and buttons.

Yes, I too feel like the Stage & Studio will be quite a bit more obsolescence resistant without an external program, like Fuse, being required for the creative pursuits. Likewise, your Stage & Studio preset template spreadsheet should also be quite obsolescence resistant, as long there are various spreadsheet programs!
.

 

[ElectricBass72]

You used the word "obsolete" but, I do not think it means what you think it means. Merriam-Webster says it's an adjective meaning, ”no longer used, or no longer useful". Yet you write as if you still use it and it's still useful! Therefore, not obsolete!

Some people think my nearly 11-year-old Fender B-DEC 30 bass modeling amp is obsolete just 'cause Fender recently stopped supporting it's software. Bull hockey! I still used it a lot!! Now my protegé proudly uses it whenever he plays bass!

Then, when I got my Fender Rumble Studio 40, the Stage's little brother, I read people were afraid the Stage & Studio would become obsolete in a couple years when the software is no longer supported. Horse bisquits!! If it's useful and used, then it ain't obsolete! @Droopy_TX is your Bronco 40 "obsolete"? Please think before you answer.

However, my desire, nay, my impatience, my veritable lust! for the Studio can be said to have "obsoleted" my B-DEC from my life. But that does not make the amp itself obsolete, since it continues to be of use and gets used. You, sir, are merely considering "obsoleting" your LD 300 from your life (perhaps?). That will not necessarily make the amp itself obsolete!

Sorry for the rant. Just an expression that I take [vehement] exception to. Not really trying to talk you out of the Stage 800, quite the contrary, in fact.
.



Yes, the wifi updates, the Bluetooth streaming and the Tone App controls are fabulous! People that see, and or hear, me doing that are flabbergasted. I admit, I love showing it off.

Uh, ... but, you do realize that, at just 39 lb.s by itself, it's "just" up to 400 watts? Yes, it needs another cab to reach the full 800 watts. Either one, or two, 8 ohm cabs, or a single 4 ohm cab. That's right! It is 2.67 ohm stable driving the combo and another 4 ohms!!! WOW! I've yet to see a photo of it being done, but it's possible. And, I'm sure, someone will do it, possibly soon. I just want a photo of it to add to the Rumble Wiki Page linked in my signature. It can be two of the matching 210 cabs, for a total of 6x10s, that'd be fine. Or it could be a couple of 410s for a total of 10x10s!!! At 800 watts!!! What??? Yes, that's what people will be saying, "WHAT???"

Just now hearing about the Rumble Stage 800? Well, better late than never. Enjoy!
.

400 watts is plenty without extra cab. If I bought an extra cab...it would be 1x15. I was also looking at an Eden 2x10 combo with 225 watts and without bluetooth, WIFI, etc. I'd rather have the headroom and modern features of the Rumble.

 

[MG64]

Hi there I’ve owned the rumble 150 for about 3 years , awesome amp had no problems with it ,and the rumble stage 800 I’ve had for about 3 months. The 800 just started having blank lcd screen issues so fender is replacing the amp. I love the 800 and have been playing it since I bought it. Now I just have to figure out how to plug the 150 into the 800 so I can enjoy the added sound of the 1x15 coupled with the 2x10s. Any suggestions?

 

[G-Dog]

... ... Now I just have to figure out how to plug the 150 into the 800 so I can enjoy the added sound of the 1x15 coupled with the 2x10s. Any suggestions?

Yes, MG, an instrument cable from the Stage's Left FX Send to the 150's FX Return will get that 1x15 playing the Stage's sweet sounds.
.

 

[MG64]

Thanks G-Dog, I’ll try it out, I’m taking my 800 into the shop today and getting a replacement amp the lcd screen went blank , fingers crossed I don’t have any problems with the new one. While I’m there I’ll get a new cable ,thank you for your reply cheers.

 

[rmc63]

Hey, has anyone been having any difficulties with Bluetooth connectivity lately? I have had the Stage 800 almost a year and the Bluetooth has worked great until very recently.
I updated the IOS to the latest version on my iPhone recently so I am thinking this may be the issue. The Fender tone app freezes on the sync screen, can’t get out of it. I sent Fender a note but haven’t heard back yet.Thanks!

 

[B Dax]

Hey, has anyone been having any difficulties with Bluetooth connectivity lately? I have had the Stage 800 almost a year and the Bluetooth has worked great until very recently.
I updated the IOS to the latest version on my iPhone recently so I am thinking this may be the issue. The Fender tone app freezes on the sync screen, can’t get out of it. I sent Fender a note but haven’t heard back yet.Thanks!

I haven’t used the Tone app lately and I recently updated to iOS 13.1.1 so I went to check it out and same as you it hung up on the sync screen.

So I went and updated iOS again to apply the new 13.1.2 version. I was then able to sync with the Tone app, but it took it a minute to sync up.

Edit: I may have spoke too soon. It connected up once and tried to again later, but now it wants to hang on sync screen again. Huh, we’ll see ....

 

[ricardol]

Yeah, that would make sense. The problem is, The Global EQ is an "OR". Instead of giving a virtual set of global EQ knobs, the global EQ merely allows you to pick one (and only one): Bright Boost, Bright Cut, or Low Cut.

For my last gig, I picked Low Cut. After sound check, my BL said "sounds terrible", just pick one preset and we'll override the EQ knobs for that preset...he proceeded to dial in a swoop pattern.

Fletcher Munson Curve explained by one of the greatest:

 

[Cardsfan_69]

Watched that whole video, man I really could listen to Billy talk bass all day. What a gregarious, encouraging, open communicator. Could you imagine taking private lessons with that guy? That would be awesome.

 

[ricardol]

After some research I believe the Rumble amplifier model designated as Invalid Link Removed (High-gain all-tube boutique guitar amp model re-imagined for bass) should be this one: