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New Fender Rumble Stage 800?

Vinnie Boombatz

Vinnie Boombatz

Inactive
May 26, 2010
2,640
5,402
#1
Rumble™ Stage 800Some interesting features, and the "wire" features seem the most usable and versatile for practicing and jamming at home, but still super happy with my Rumble 500. With all the cool new features and increased power, it still doesn't appear to have a true DI out, and instead has two line out (one pre, one post EQ, but my guess is the volume knob still affects both line outs).

Also, the screen is SUPER tiny, and what I've found with most digital modeling amps with presets (at least on 6-string guitar amps) is it sounds nice on paper, but in the end I found that I'm the type that after the quick honeymoon period I really only ever maybe used one preset, and actually preferred to turn the knobs and dial in my own sound myself instead of scrolling through or using presets that aren't even that usable to me, and I can see this even mores with bass, given I usually just use one sound and not the type to use a bunch of effects when playing bass.

The USB out is a great feature though for recording, which would be nice on the Rumble 500, but again, not a game changer since I run my Rumble 500 V3 into an Amp SCR-DI and go DI out of that into my interface.

If I didnt have a Rumble 500 V3 would I get the Rumble 800...there's a good chance I would. These cost the same as the GK 212 combo, but obviously night and day different in features. And I could argue that once I fond those one or two presets I loved, and the versatility in tones and sounds over the GK combo, it might make the Rumble 800 a real winner, even mores than the Rumble 500!

Also see that Fender is offering amp covers for the Rumble series now, which they weren't several months ago last year when I needed one for my Rumble 500, and spent a nice chunk on a custom Tuki cover. The Tuki cover offers much more protection, but the Fender covers are really reasonable and would be just fine for me.

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#3
I'm anxiously waiting to HEAR and read reviews from actual users. Fender, so far, is just "talkin'." That's all and good, but I'm looking for the real goods on these before I even think about pulling the trigger. Plus, I would like Fender to put out some matching cabs (115's, etc.), which I suspect they may do if these start selling well. On paper, it all looks promising.
 
#5
Vinnie Boombatz said:
And as superficial as it sounds, I do prefer the more classic/retro look of the Rumble 500 V3 with the silver grill cloth and silver corners compared to the blacked out Rumble 800, but I get it; they have to look different.
Click to expand...

I actually like the blacked-out look; however, I want any extension cab to aesthetically match. I'm sure many players won't care if they have the mix of the two, but "I" will want my cabinets to match styles. Furthermore, I don't know what the physical dimensions of the new Fender Rumble 800 are, but, from what I remember, the Fender 500 combo fits very nicely (sideways) on the current 115 Rumble cabs. These things are important to certain people: Me!
 
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#7
I'm thinking the new digital interface of the Studio/Stage 800 is promising for those looking for for all-in-one versatility. Ive been playing through the Rumble Studio 40 (mostly thru cans) for the past week. To be honest, I do think some of the models & effects are more useful/appealing than others. That was expected, however. That said, I'm also confident that the the models will continue to improve with more user-input and continued technical advances with the software.
 
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#9
Standalone said:
I like the simplicity and solid good tone from my Rumble 150 head. It seems to me that would be selling point enough for a combo. But I don't have a market research team.
Click to expand...

Because my tone preferences seem to be achieved by using lower volume settings on my basses, I usually need more wattage than most players, i.e., I never play with volume settings (on my basses) at 100%. I've had both the Rumble 200 (preferred tone) and the 500-plus Rumble extension cabs for both. Both were "close" to being enough volume and punch for my tastes, but just not quite enough. I'm sincerely hoping that these new Rumbles will be just that "little bit more" oooomph. But, as I said in my previous post, I will definitely wait to see if they put out style and dimension-matching cabs as well.
 
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#10
I haven't played the 800 yet, but I would definitely try giving it a demo if get the opportunity to see how the feature-sets work for your needs. While the Studio 40 has the same interface/di features as the 800, it definitely has its limits in terms of volume. It isn't a whisper quiet amp, but may not quite make the cut for medium-volume rehearsals with a drummer or live use without strong PA support. I also have yet to try the Studio 40 in a jam/rehearsal environment, but that was just my brief impression playing in my living room. Of course, everyone's needs are a bit unique and different.
 
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#11
We'll see. Line 6 had great modelling (for the time) with their bass specific amps and PODs but the majority lambasted them at every turn.

From experience nothing in the GT guitar amp series has stuck out to me. Did they put more effort into their bass models? I don't know.

I'm reserved with what to think. We'll see though, still too early for a verdict.
 
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#12
BlueSonic said:
I actually like the blacked-out look; however, I want any extension cab to aesthetically match. I'm sure many players won't care if they have the mix of the two, but "I" will want my cabinets to match styles. Furthermore, I don't know what the physical dimensions of the new Fender Rumble 800 are, but, from what I remember, the Fender 500 combo fits very nicely (sideways) on the current 115 Rumble cabs. These things are important to certain people: Me!
Click to expand...
BlueSonic said:
I actually like the blacked-out look; however, I want any extension cab to aesthetically match. I'm sure many players won't care if they have the mix of the two, but "I" will want my cabinets to match styles. Furthermore, I don't know what the physical dimensions of the new Fender Rumble 800 are, but, from what I remember, the Fender 500 combo fits very nicely (sideways) on the current 115 Rumble cabs. These things are important to certain people: Me!
Click to expand...

The Rumble 500 and 800 are the same size.
 
#13
Vinnie Boombatz said:
Rumble™ Stage 800Some interesting features, and the "wire" features seem the most usable and versatile for practicing and jamming at home, but still super happy with my Rumble 500. With all the cool new features and increased power, it still doesn't appear to have a true DI out, and instead has two line out (one pre, one post EQ, but my guess is the volume knob still affects both line outs).

Also, the screen is SUPER tiny, and what I've found with most digital modeling amps with presets (at least on 6-string guitar amps) is it sounds nice on paper, but in the end I found that I'm the type that after the quick honeymoon period I really only ever maybe used one preset, and actually preferred to turn the knobs and dial in my own sound myself instead of scrolling through or using presets that aren't even that usable to me, and I can see this even mores with bass, given I usually just use one sound and not the type to use a bunch of effects when playing bass.

The USB out is a great feature though for recording, which would be nice on the Rumble 500, but again, not a game changer since I run my Rumble 500 V3 into an Amp SCR-DI and go DI out of that into my interface.

If I didnt have a Rumble 500 V3 would I get the Rumble 800...there's a good chance I would. These cost the same as the GK 212 combo, but obviously night and day different in features. And I could argue that once I fond those one or two presets I loved, and the versatility in tones and sounds over the GK combo, it might make the Rumble 800 a real winner, even mores than the Rumble 500!

Also see that Fender is offering amp covers for the Rumble series now, which they weren't several months ago last year when I needed one for my Rumble 500, and spent a nice chunk on a custom Tuki cover. The Tuki cover offers much more protection, but the Fender covers are really reasonable and would be just fine for me.

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Click to expand...

If by "true DI out" you mean unaffected by Master volume, you guessed wrong. The Stage and Studio XLRs are not affected by Master volume.

Read more at the Fender Rumble Club and it's wiki page.
 
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#19
I find the idea interesting but modeling amps are still a tough sell. I could see this amp useful for someone playing a wide variety of styles who would find the different models useful for "authenticity".

My personal experience with modeling for recording and live performance has been mixed. I've never been that convinced that the models sounded like the amps they claim to emulate, although some models just sound good. The Fender Twin model in the Boss BR multitrackers I thought sounded very good for bass...better than the BR bass models which sounded too dull. I find the B15 model in the Zoom B3 useful for turning the Roland Street Cube EX into a usable bass amp.

The fact that Fender are doing this in the budget Rumble line rather than in their "pro" amp line is telling.
 
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#20
Buzz E said:
I know many users of the Mustang GT guitar amps with the same digital effects platform find the functionality fiddly and not too user friendly.
Click to expand...

I have no experience with the Mustang GT but was watching a Pedals and Effects vid on YT yesterday and the guy Nick there says he loves his and has used it a lot. FWIW.
I am curious about the Rumble 800 as I have no amp currently and will eventually need something which is versatile and not too expensive.
 
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