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Is TC Electronic's RH750 the right choice for me?

Hi all,

this is my first post on this forum, please be nice if what I say does not make sense :-)

Like most of you I play at home, in a rehearsal room, and some gigs around from time to time.
  1. Home: Apogee Jam + iMac + Headphones
  2. Rehearsals: Laney G150 head + Behringer Cab (1200W @ 4 Ohms)
  3. Gigs: MarkBass LittleMark Combo 121 (Output 550W @ 8 Ohms)

What I don't like of this setup is that I don't really manage to get a consistent sound across the three scenarios, and I am looking for ways to uniform my sound. The idea is finding a head I can carry around which I can use to build a consistent sound which I can use in all 3 scenarios.

Why I think RH750 is a good idea:
  • It is light enough to be portable --> Use same head in all 3 situations
  • It offers equalization options which can be stored --> I can adapt it to all
  • It offers headphone output and line-in input --> Can play at home without cab
  • It accommodates active and passive basses --> I have both
  • If offers a built-in tuner --> I always forget mine everywhere
  • I tested the combo version of it, and it sounds great

What I am uncertain about:
  • Can I use RH750 on the Behringer Cab and with the MarkBass cab (bypassing the combo head) or do I need to replace any of the 2? The Watt/Ohm combination is still a bit tricky for me to understand
  • RH750 is a few years old. Is it still a good buy or is it being replaced soon?
  • Is there anything important I am not considering?

I hope this is of general interest even though specific to my needs. But hey, I don't believe I am so far off from the needs of most of you out there.

Thanks!

Miky
 
There is no issue running both cabinets with the RH750. No need to replace any of them.
The amp is still a good amp with plenty of power, and it sounds good.
You should check out some of the other class D light weight amps on the market. There's a lot to choose from, it seems like every amp brand is doing light weight now... But the TC amp is pretty good actually. There was one at a local venue where I was a sound guy a couple of years ago, and there was never a problem with it, other than bassists not plugging the 1/4" fully into the input :) It sounded great.
 
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Some people felt scammed by the RH heads due to their power rating (there is a much weaker power amp in the 750 as the name suggests) and some had problems with the knobs cracking.

I expect them to release something new soon, because the red amps in their product line (i think they're called BH) were replaced some time ago - but i'm no expert!

I liked lots of the ideas behind the RH amps, but the EQ scared me, it felt too complicated. I could dial in an ok sound quite quick, but always felt that there is something missing.
 
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I've been a largely happy RH (450 then 750) user since the 450 first came out.

It's an amp that has powerful and sensitive EQ and was designed with specific tone and response goals. I think separates many users and potential users into distinct groups…and there are folks who like it and legitimately dislike it. People who like it include those who find their sound out of the box and those who find their sound, but only after harnessing the semi-parametric EQ. People who don't like it include those who don't like the sound out of the box and never attempt to get into the EQ capabilities (or don't have success with it) and those who simply don't care for various characteristics of the designed sound.

If you value simplicity in EQ, the amp can be hit-or-miss; you can do basic EQ, but if that doesn't get you there, it's going to be a miss. But it sounds like you're looking to put the time in to set up your sound.

In my use, both the sound and the features keep me coming back. The features are things that might seem simple enough to replace or do without, but I've found that having and getting used to them makes them far less than easy to give up or do without. The tuner is fantastic and simply saying "It has a tuner" doesn't come close to capturing the value and convenience over time.

To your concerns

1. As was already said, strictly speaking, you don't "need" to replace anything, but I'll give you some opinions as to what I'd do and the reasoning. I take it from the (nominal) power handling specs that the Behringer cabinet is a 410? And from that, I'd make the assumption that it stays in the rehearsal space because of size/weight/not being needed for gigs (but rehearsals can get a little loud)?

What I'd consider doing (given the assumptions I'm making about your overall situation) is replacing both the Behringer and Markbass with a lightweight 212 cabinet. Generally, the idea of replacing both goes to your goal of having more consistency across multiple scenarios. The cabinet plays a significant role in the sound you get…using two separate cabinets doesn't provide any more consistency than you already have. That's to say I wouldn't see storing separate presets in the RH750 for two cabinets as being effectively different from using two separate heads with those cabinets (in terms of consistency). I'd look at 212s because, as a general matter, they present good compromises in terms of cost/weight/size/loudness between 410s and (in your case) a 112. You should be able to find options that are a reasonable carry relative to the Markbass and that can handle replacing the 410 for rehearsals.

If I were going forward with a new head to use in these multiple scenarios, I'd see replacing the Markbass as a given (whether letting go of the Behringer or not). To me, it just doesn't make sense to use a combo as a cabinet. I'd want to let someone else use it as a combo and put the value that added into a better cabinet.

2. Announcements come when they come. Nobody here can tell you exactly when the RH750 will be revamped or replaced. But personally, I think it's more likely than not that it will be revised/replaced in the relatively near future. When that happens, the price will be dropped, and they'll blow them out until they're gone. That said, the price and value today is what it is today. If you can't handle or accept the idea or potential reality of buying something today and seeing the price cut in half in a week, a month, 6 months, probably best not to do it. In the marketplace we have, I don't think it makes sense to speculate that a model will go unchanged indefinitely, and we're past 3 years now. There are lots of options…get a newer model.

3. Regarding headphone practice and the idea consistent sound you're looking for, I'd just keep using the existing setup. Again, the cabinet plays a significant role in the sound. I've used heads for headphone practice, and I don't think you'd be gaining anything…it's more cumbersome to set up.

Also, being new to this forum, you're undoubtedly unaware that the RH450/750 have a history of having generated a good bit fairly intense/heated discussion and debate. The fallout has been that there were and continue to be a fairly vocal group of detractors (even now, any post on the subject of the RH is likely to get some of that fallout). Their belief seems to be that the RHs represent an egregiously dishonest marketing ploy.

The basis of this issue was an article on the RH450 by Bass Gear Magazine. If the issue interests you, I believe it's a good idea to find and read that article for yourself to form your own opinion. The Cliff notes from my reading are that the RH heads defy conventional RMS wattage measurement and rating as used by consumers to gauge how loud amps are expected to be (i.e., with this amp, RMS wattage is not a relative gauge of how loud it is). The author concluded that this is not a trick or a rehash but is inventive engineering that delivers on its promises.

Bottom line on that, you've listened to it. It has features that you like. If it sounds good (to you), it is good.
 
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My suggestion is that you get a DI pedal that has a headphone out/aux in. Plug it into the effects return of your amp. I think you would get more or less consistent tone that way.

I have been a TCE fan for having an RH450(loved it) but it broke my heart:crying::rage:. Do an extensive research first before getting the RH750. No amp is perfect. Could be a matter of luck as well. Same goes with other brands.

Hope that helps.:D
 
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If you do buy one, make sure the return policy is solid. If you are looking at a used 750, you'll want to negotiate a trial.

I wanted to like this head, I spent weeks with it, almost exhausting the 30 day return, and finally sent it back. Zzounds return policy was great.

I bought the foot switch to go with it, but that accessory did not work.

One of the few amps that did not sound good with my fEarfuls. The sound was too baked in. The lows were disappointing.

I fell for the pretty pictures. She wasn't all she was cracked up to be.
 
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I've had an RH750 for several years now and am completely happy with it. It's got a great compressor, three memory banks, great tube emulation, a good compressor, built-in tuner, and (despite the flap about its power ratings) it's incredibly loud. The knobs on it do seem fragile and I'm on my second replacement set. The good news is that TC seems to be aware of the issue and whenever I need some TC pops them in the mail. It's also a tad heavier than most micro-heads. Even with those two downsides, I think the amp is great and have no desire for anything else at this point.

Tom
 
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Hi all,

After considering your great feedback, with a special mention for drpepper's extensive time investment on this case, I decided to wait a bit to see whether a new model comes up in the next months. I still really like the amp a lot and want to test it more, but I feel it is at the end of its lifecycle and I might either get the new version or the current one at a much cheaper price soon.

Thanks all again for your passionate feedback!

Miky
 
So, I thought I would kick start this Zombie thread...

I am currently the owner of one screaming Precision Bass from Freedom Custom Guitar Research in Tokyo, Japan with three different amp rigs:

(1) Reeves C225 & Reeves 4x10 sealed cab.

(2) Wayne Jones Audio 2X10Powered Cabs & Trace Elliot GP12SMX Stereo Preamp

(3) TC Electronic RH450 & 2 x RS212

Obviously, not my first amps, but one will be the last amp I will ever need.

After hearing Nick Beggs with Steven Wilson play his Spectors and Chapman Stick in the front row, in front of Nick, I was just blown away by his use of the same TC Electronic rig listed above. So, I found a smashing deal on an emaculate preowned rig (with the super nice footswitch, convenient carry bag and sturdy cabinet covers for $1K). I have become a true believer!

I'm not anal retentive enough to not trust my own ears. The EQ setting straight out of the box was not left up to a guy with a blindfold and a dartboard. TC has been dishing out FANTASTIC sound products long before a good many TB'ers were even thought of! Every single feature on these RH amps is flexible and useful in live and studio applications.

EQ: Having adjustable parametric EQ is the MOST IMPORTANT thing a Bass player can have on an amplifier. The ability to select specific frequencies and boost or even more importantly cut frequencies, is indispensable in low end reproduction.

The compressor on this system is musical...you don't have to fight with it one way or the other. No fuss, no muss!

TC Electronic Tuner on anyone's floorboard? This one is always on and just mute the amp with the "you'll never destroy it without being a total ass hat with your gear" footswitch and it's done.

TubeTone: Gosh why can't ya ever get a hybrid amp with a single 12AX7 to really do much more than sound like it's breaking up? Because ya don't have a tube power section behind it! This design addresses that side of the equation. That's why it sounds so sweet and gives a good useable O.D. tone! (Wurd to anyone wondering "how will I ever use three different custom recallible amp settings?" Clean, Clean BOOST and O.D./Boost...)

Then there is this whole RMS letdown thing...these RH amps are LOUD AS HELL! For all of the "I want to sound like Lemmy with my amp and cigarette pack size cab...wake up...its the number of speakers for stage volume! (SVT/300 watts = 2 x 8x10" cabinets @ 2 ohms) The RH can handle 3 x TC cabs! If I ever found myself thinking; " ya know, these two guys with their 7 string guitars and the Archon and Boogie with Recto cabs are just too much for my rig currently"...then I drop a TC 4x10" in the mix, not run out and buy a bigger amp! If that doesn't work, then I trade up to the RH750...but Nick Beggs has not had to do that yet, either!

Bottom line...for me, the TC Electronic rig stays and I gladly pass the #1 & #2 rigs to other players to enjoy, but I am keeping the most flexible, feature packed, easy to maintain and use and FANTASTIC SOUND amplification system I have personally ever used!

Thank you, TC Electronic for your innovation and mission accomplishment!! Bravo!
 
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Another vote for the "Red Heads!"

I had the RH450 for several years (since it was first released), and the RH750 since. Tried the superb Quilter Bass Block 800 for a couple of years, but missed all the great features of the RH750, including the programmable presets, highly adjustable EQ, multi-band compressor, tubetone and tuner! I never played a venue the RH750 couldn't tame.
 
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